There’s nothing quite like indulging in a scoop of ice cream on a scorching summer day—it's pure bliss! As the temperatures soar, many of us find ourselves gravitating toward our favorite ice cream, gelato, or frozen custard shops for that refreshing treat. Whether you’re a fan of cups or cones, creamy textures or fruity sorbets, Canberra boasts an impressive array of delightful options.
Let's dive into the world of frozen delights with a fun twist: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Here are some standout spots that we can’t help but rave about!
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard – Locations: Erindale, Belconnen & Franklin
One of Canberra’s beloved establishments, Goodberry’s has been a go-to for icy treats since 1998. Their extensive menu includes sundaes, shakes, and cones, but for true delight, you must try their Concrete. You get to choose your preferred frozen custard base, which is then expertly blended with a variety of mix-ins or select from their signature flavor combinations (trust us, the Nutty Professor is a crowd-pleaser!). With three locations scattered across the city, it’s no wonder locals flock to Goodberry’s for a delicious escape from the heat.
Gelato Messina – Locations: Braddon & Kingston
Come rain or shine, Gelato Messina consistently draws a crowd, often with lines forming even on the chilliest Canberra evenings. This popular Sydney franchise has made a name for itself in Canberra with an exciting range of unique flavor pairings alongside classic favorites. If you’re adventurous, you might want to try the Dirty Matcha-Mi-Su (a matcha tiramisu), or if you prefer something simple, their strawberries and cream is divine. Beyond gelato, they also offer exquisite cakes and handmade chocolates, though I rarely resist the temptation of a waffle cone filled with two scoops of whatever catches my eye.
Stripey Sundae – Location: Nicholls
This homegrown gem takes pride in crafting small-batch ice creams using fresh, local ingredients. They cater to various dietary needs with a plethora of vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. What makes Stripey Sundae particularly special is their ever-changing lineup of flavors, which often features creative twists on classic desserts—ever tried jam doughnut ice cream? Recently, they even introduced a bold maple-glazed ham flavor for the festive season, catching many off guard, yet piquing curiosity! Plus, you can hire their mobile ice-cream cart for your events, offering a selection of flavors that can include fruits grown in local backyards. Now that’s a truly fresh experience!
Florence Gelato – Location: Capital Food Market
Named after owner Matteo Sassi’s hometown, Florence Gelato brings authentic Italian craftsmanship to Belconnen. With Matteo’s extensive background as a pastry chef, every flavor is carefully crafted to perfection. For example, instead of a standard blueberry sorbet, you might savor a blueberry and lemon myrtle combination, or indulge in salted caramel paired with popcorn. My personal favorite is The CBR, which cleverly symbolizes Canberra through its ingredients. Wattle seed represents the city’s iconic wattle trees, while macadamia nuts pay tribute to those who move to Canberra from afar. Gooey raspberry captures everything beautiful about the place, and crunchy caramelized honey brittle adds a playful nod to some of the less favorable aspects—think politics and roadworks! This signature flavor is now a permanent fixture on their menu.
Spilt Milk Gelato Bar – Location: Dickson
Originally established in Orange, NSW, Spilt Milk has become a local favorite in Dickson. Under new management, this gelato bar offers a rotating selection of seasonal flavors, but I can’t resist their pistachio—crafted from real nuts ground into a paste right in-house, the taste is unmatched. They even provide delivery services to the inner north, making it nearly impossible to leave dinner in Dickson or a pool visit without stopping by for a treat!
While these are some of the top contenders in our ice cream journey, there are still numerous other local spots worth mentioning. Keep an eye out for Mellabella Gelato from Bungendore at various events and festivals, or grab a tub of Future Swirl, a delightful vegan ice cream brand available at local supermarkets. Bubu Ice Cream & Dessert in Dickson serves intriguing Asian-inspired flavors (who's brave enough for durian ice cream?), and many swear by Via Dolce for a scoop at Garema Place. Let’s not forget Wildflour Cafe, where ice cream is creatively served in croissants!
Clearly, Canberrans have a deep love for ice cream! What’s your go-to flavor or favorite spot? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
