This Italian-born gelato outfit feels fancy in all the right ways. but still keeps things pretty laid-back. Everything is made daily in small batches and chilled under sleek, lidded pozzetti so the texture stays ridiculously silky. Expect dense, glossy scoops with big flavour: velvety gelatos, Sicilian granitas and fruity sorbets that stay bright and zingy, not icy. Staff are quick with pairing tips and often convince you to try something you’d never think you’d love (but, of course, you absolutely do…). It’s classic technique with a bit of swagger; perfect when you want a scoop that tastes like someone really cared. Multiple locations; rivareno.com.au

As the crowds attest, no stroll along Enmore Road is complete without a stop here for the signature dondurma, the Turkish ice cream with a wonderfully stretchy, chewy texture – thanks to the inclusion of salep (orchid root flour) and mastic gum. Pair a scoop with one of Hakiki’s crisp, honeyed, perfectly moreish baklava, and you’ll quickly understand why locals end up lingering here long after their ice cream has disappeared. Late-night hours make it a natural stop after gigs at the nearby Enmore Theatre or dinner, and the warm, unhurried service and weekend party atmosphere adds to the characteristic Enmore charm. Shop 1/63/71 Enmore Rd, Newtown; hakiki.com.au

Sydney’s best-known gelato juggernaut still knows how to have fun. The cabinets brim with playful weekly specials alongside a sharp roster of classics that includes pistachio, salted caramel/white choc and mango sorbet, all built on custom bases rather than generic pastes. Serious fans make the pilgrimage to ‘Messinaville’ in Marrickville – HQ to its production kitchen, a restaurant, a bakery and semi-chaotic-but-beloved regular car-park pop-ups. Expect colourful flavours, cheeky branding and absurdly well-designed cakes. Some shops buzz late into the night and there’s always something new to lure you back: festival collaborations, limited runs and a genuine commitment to craft behind the jokes. Multiple locations; gelatomessina.com

Zippy, natural, Italian-leaning flavours are the reason queues form outside this small artisan favourite. The Newtown original paved the way, slinging gelato and sorbet made daily with seasonal fruit, carefully sourced nuts and quality milk, resulting in bright, uncluttered flavours that let ingredients shine. Bondi and the newly opened Darlinghurst store deliver the same philosophy – expect fruit scoops that taste startlingly real, pistachio with genuine depth, and a short menu that changes with the weather rather than trends. The mood is understated and warm, more neighbourhood gelateria than flashy dessert bar, but each spoonful speaks of serious craft and a ‘less is more’ ethos. Also, keep an eye out for the ‘MapoBus’ at a park or event near you. Multiple locations; maponewtown.com

This family-run outfit has become a quiet favourite for Bexley locals craving beautifully made gelato. The flavourboard mixes dependable gelato classics with seasonal specials and bright and fruity sorbets, all made on site. The space has a friendly, come-as-you-are energy; families wander in after dinner, while locals grab take-home tubs to stash in the freezer. The service is warm and patient, with generous samples and solid advice for flavour-curious newcomers. It’s a suburban dessert oasis that proves you don’t need a flashy postcode to deliver memorable, high-quality scoops. Celebrating? Dolcino’s gelato cakes are the perfect show-stopper for any party. 438 Forest Rd, Bexley; dolcino.au

This multi-award-winning gelateria on bustling Enmore Road keeps crowds coming thanks to a cabinet full of expertly balanced flavours, thoughtful dairy-free options and a coffee program that’s as exciting as it is caffeinating. Many know the ‘affogato’ flavour from its world-title glory days, but the range is broad, seasonal and consistently delicious – think zingy citrus sorbets, rich nut-forward ice creams and clever coffee blends. The mood is relaxed and neighbourly, and tables spill onto the footpath so you can linger over a scoop or two while people-watching between gigs down the road. It’s a local haunt with global cred (and a soon-to-open store at the new Sydney Fish Market), where the queues are absolutely warranted. 181 Enmore Rd, Enmore; cowandthemoon.com.au

Jersey milk gelato and old-school round, steel pozzetti tubs set the tone for creamy, restrained flavours that favour balance over fireworks. Classic pistachio, banana and a cult-worthy Jersey milk fior di latte scoop lead the charge, joined by occasional seasonal experiments that never feel gimmicky. The shop has the charm of a neighbourhood corner store, complete with consistently friendly service. A smart dessert wine and affogato offering lets adults linger, while thoughtful vegan sorbets mean everyone is catered for. It’s the kind of place you drop into for a scoop and leave discussing which flavour you’re getting next time. And the time after that. 195 Regent St, Redfern; cicconeandsons.com.au

Chatswood isn’t short on dessert, but this little spot still manages to stand out. Run with serious Italian know-how, Gelateria Gondola keeps things focused, offering a small selection showcasing seasonal fruit and silky, carefully balanced flavours. Italian hazelnut, fior di latte and berry sorbets are reliable favourites, but it’s specials like roast pumpkin with biscotti that see regulars get most rewarded. The shop is small and unfussy, which somehow makes it feel more legit – like the kind of place you might stumble across in the back streets of Florence. Grab a cone for the train, wander the plaza or swing by after dinner; this is a neighbourhood gem that always delivers craftsmanship without the fuss. 2/77 Archer St, Chatswood; gelateriagondola.com.au

Big energy meets big flavour at this Tel Aviv–born favourite, where the cabinets run long and the decision-making is half the fun. You’ll find everything from creamy classics and chunky chocolate creations to fruit-driven vegan scoops, all backed by a famously generous tasting culture. Each store borrows a little from its neighbourhood – Bondi feels salty and sun-kissed, Barangaroo draws a slick city crowd and Cronulla hums with families wandering in from the esplanade – but the through-line is friendly service and consistently delicious gelato. With a mountain of flavours and plenty of toppings, it’s the perfect place to bring friends, to argue about favourites and to inevitably come back for more. anita-gelato.com

Rose-shaped scoops are the headline act here, but there’s plenty of substance beneath the Instagrammable presentation. Operated by Thai-born artisans, the Skyview Plaza store delivers silky gelato with flavour profiles that often nod in the direction of Southeast Asia: think Thai milk tea, black sesame, matcha and tropical fruit pairings. Texture is consistently smooth and pleasingly elastic, and flavours never veer into the overly sweet. Seating is limited, but its convenient location makes it an easy pit-stop between city errands. A small cabinet keeps the focus tight, so every flavour gets attention. Shop 13 Skyview Plaza, 537-551 George St, Sydney; instagram.com/icreamygelato