So much more than a frozen treat, the best ice creams in NSW combine award-winning dairy with farm fresh produce. And the proof is in the cone, from Spilt Milk Bar’s Peel Valley Milk to the Central Coast’s Mr Goaty Gelato, where flavours are inspired by the flowers and fruits grown in the founders’ garden. Here are the state’s best ice cream shops, as crowned in the delicious. 100.
Churned fresh each day, the rotating list of unique flavours here is inspired by the seasons (think combos such as burrata and plum jam). “Cow to cone” is the catchphrase – the traditional base recipe uses just local Peel Valley Milk plus cream and sugar. It’s no wonder this humble gelato shop is a favourite among top chefs – including Matt Moran. Spilt Milk Bar was voted the best ice cream in NSW in the delicious. 100. Orange and North Tamworth; spiltmilkbar.com.
This terrazzo-laden dessert den in Byron Bay is where Italian traditions collide with fresh local produce, serving creations proudly free from additives or colouring. Classic flavours such as hazelnut nocciola sit alongside gelato of a distinctly more Northern Rivers tone: Sticky Chai, or vegan Golden Milk, which marries turmeric with organic almond milk and nut butter. Shop 8/8 Fletcher St, Byron Bay; frankiesgelato.com
Fruit. Sugar. Water. That’s all there is to Mapo’s sorbets. The purity of seasonal fruit is captured in airy gelato; milk- based variants harness ingredients such as Pepe Saya Butter. This preservative-free treat melts quickly, so eat up. Owner Matteo Pochintesta’s architect training shows in stylistically pared-back shopfronts – with gelato freshly churned, daily, in full view. Newtown and Bondi Beach; maponewtown.com
Bellingen in Northern NSW is known for its all-natural lifestyle, so it’s no surprise to see this same ethos applied at its most famous gelato shop. Opened by Robert Sebes in 2006, Bellingen Gelato whips up some of the state’s tastiest gelato using fresh, seasonal ingredients grown in the region. The strawberries and cream is so good, we recommend a double scoop. 103 Hyde St, Bellingen; bellingengelato.com.au.
As the acronym goes, this Central Coast-based gelataria is one of the Greatest Of All Time. While goat milk isn’t an ingredient any more (it’s now the bovine kind), the scoops are creamier and more luscious than ever. Flavours are inspired by the flowers and fruits that grow in founders’ Dan and Julia’s garden. Chase down the vintage truck at local markets and events. mrgoatygelato.com.au.
