Where to find the best ice cream in Melbourne

Brand new to Hardware Lane, the first CBD store for Piccolina will not disappoint. Walk up the bluestone to the pastel-toned, Italian-style Gelateria and you almost feel like you're in Europe. Our pick? Pistachio gelato, stacked with whipped cream and doused in Nutella swirl.  And yes, there's a free flowing Nutella tap.

An old-school Chinese restaurant treat gets new life at Phat. Creamy scoops of vanilla ice cream are deep-fried in batter for a crisp coating. Topped with sweet indulgences like caramel sauce, popcorn and marshmallows, this is not for the faint of heart. Find them on weekends at Queen Victoria Market.

Pidapipo combines an Italian’s love of the ‘icy arts’ with a fondness for local ingredients. Handmade daily, the rotating selection of flavours are testament to their dessert obsession. Favourites include pistachio, blood orange and vanilla bean with honeycomb. Find them on Lygon Street in Carlton or Degraves Street (psst, this is where the Nutella tap lives) in the city.

Okinawan influence, sea salt and OTT toppings. That’s what makes Aqua S so unique. Swing by their QV location and you could score big with specials like the layered honey cake sundae. Or keep it ‘simple’ with red velvet, matcha and cheesecake. Did we mention you can order any cone draped in a ring of fairy floss?

Who doesn’t need a treat right now? Gelateria on the docks have cold comfort in 52 different delicious homemade flavours. Gluten and dairy-free options are very much on the menu. Foodie faves include vegan dark chocolate and rich licorice.

Take a break from your shopping at Queen Victoria Market and pop into Geloso Gelateria. They make gelato in-house from recipes passed down three generations. Treat yourself to regulars like hazelnut and cherry ripe, or try your luck and hope the jam donut special is on the menu.