Sydney’s Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Spots 2024
This one’s for all of our dairy-free friends!
Whether you’re looking for the best old-school, hand-made, or artisan ice cream in town, we’ve got you covered this Summer. Sydney’s amazing range of ice creameries, gelatarias and good ‘ol ice cream trucks gave us a lot to think about, but after a few (tasty) brainstorming sessions, we’ve narrowed the list down to 6 of our faves!
Here’s the scoop on our favourite dairy free ice cream around Sydney.
1. Green Gourmet
538 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards.
Based in St Leonards, Green Gourmet is a true hidden gem for it’s dairy-free and 100% plant-based ice creams. This family owned restaurant runs an extensive menu featuring vegan Chinese dishes and desserts to end the night on a sweet note. Ever heard of tofu ice cream? Yup, truly unique and pairs well with either their gluten-free cones, vegan cakes, or banana fritters. The tofu ice cream is a must try, along with black sesame, French vanilla and Earl Grey and fig.
2. Mapo
123 King St, Newtown
64-66 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach
Mapo is the new kid on the block that is all about using the freshest natural ingredients in their gelato, with a strong focus on sustainability.
An architect-tuned gelato maker – Matteo Pochintesta, combines industrial elements of plywood and steel, which gives Mapo its sleek and contemporary feel. The carefully handcrafted gelato is stored in silver-lidded pozzetti, a traditional Italian method of storage ensures they are kept fresh at precise temperature throughout the day.
The gelato is made from raw and organic ingredients with no added artificial colours and flavourings, with signature favourites including pistachio, apricot, smoked pineapple, coconut and more.
3. Rivareno
Multiple locations.
Rivareno has one commitment: to offer the best possible gelato to Sydney. The Authentic Italian gelato chain does it the Sicilian way, by storing gelato in ‘pozzetti’ (lidded stainless steel containers) keeping the precious cargo at the right temperature and sealing its freshness. By focusing on pure, natural, and high quality ingredients, the amazing texture and flavour of the gelato is achieved using 65% or more of the freshest fruits (the fruit sorbets are 100% gluten-free and vegan).
Flavours range from tart passion fruit, creamy pistachio, to a dark and luscious chocolate sorbet.
4. Anita Gelato
Multiple locations
Anita’s world- famous boutique ice creamery had modest beginnings in her small kitchen, almost 20 years ago. Whipping up treats for friends and neighbours, she soon became well known for the addictive jams she mixed into the ice cream. The venture soon turned into a successful international chain with branches in Australia, New York and Thailand.
Anita’s ice creams are 100% hand-made and boast over 150 different flavours, with options ranging from fruit, frozen yogurts to tangy sorbets and soy based ice creams.
Try refreshingly cool combinations from watermelon and mint, to Campari and grapefruit – the perfect Summer treat.
5. Gelatissimo
Multiple locations
Say hello to a refreshing summer treat with the award winning gelato maker – Gelatissimo!
Ever since opening its first store in the heart of Sydney in 2002, word of mouth spread and it wasn’t long before people were lining up to sample the gelato. The artisan gelato maker churns 100% dairy and vegan friendly sorbets, whipped in house daily, with no artificial colours and flavours.
We love their fruit based options including sunkissed coconut, Kensington mango and strawberry.
6. Cow and the Moon
181 Enmore Rd, Enmore
Located a few minutes from Newtown station, Cow and the Moon might be one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Owner John Crowl worked in Italy for several years before opening the coffee and gelato bar with his family, even taking home the title for best gelato in the world during the Gelato World Tour in 2014.
Churning 26 unique flavours made fresh daily, John focuses on using high quality ingredients to create the unique taste and texture that Cow and the Moon is known for. A wide selection of sorbets are 100% dairy-free, vegan, and surprisingly creamy.