Status: living the ‘cream, 365 days a year.
Status: living the ‘cream, 365 days a year.
Ah, ice cream, you dreamy, heaven-sent creation, you. A treat that transcends all ages, there’s no denying it is one of – if not *the* – most iconic summer foods going. And here on the GC, our (usually) balmy climate is more suited than most to indulge in (several) scoops of creamy, churned ice cream or gelato goodness any old time we please…
Which is just as well, with all of the fabulous Gelaterias and frozen dessert purveyors gracing our city. It’s a near full-time job trying to keep tabs on them all… and, side note – new dream profession unlocked.
Let’s dig in (y’know, with one of those adorably tiny, and mildly impractical ice cream spoons) to some of the best spots to cool off with a cup, cone, or even a fully-loaded sundae –stacked, sprinkled and swirled within an inch of its life. Who’s hungry?!
Rosé Gelateria
Artisanal gelato slinger, Rosé Gelateria dons its telltale blush accents across two lush GC locations – Tedder Ave and Sanctuary Cove – which in itself, is a pretty decent clue as to the boujee, boutique style approach at these pretty-in-pink creameries. Besides a delicious assortment of crafted ice creams, they pour some fantastic coffee, including an affogato that’ll knock your socks and/or crocks off (hopefully not ‘and’, though). The signature Rose flavour, which comes sprinkled in petals, is a treat for the peepers and the palette. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier gelato fix on the Coast!
Where: Shop 39a, Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove and Shop 6/19-21 Tedder Ave, Main Beach
Shiro Gelato & Snack
The concept of a friendly neighbourhood noshery specialising in snacks is one we can wholeheartedly get behind, and Shiro Gelato & Snack has your cravings covered with a Japanese take on all things to nibble, slurp, and lick. If it’s the lickable variety you’ve got your heart set on, house-made gelato flavours like Black Sesame, Matcha White Chocolate, Miso Caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and Lemon flavour are all a common sight here. Take it to the next level and make it a Mochi-wrapped gelato scoop –served perfectly encased in the gelatinous Japanese dessert.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
Gelato Messina
We’ve been living the ‘cream’ ever since Gelato Messina returned to our shores, now slinging their famed flavours out of Surfers’ slick new Paradise Centre precinct. The Messina name is one known for taking this gelato business seriously… everything from the dulce de leche to the gelato base – and even the chocolate – is made from scratch, down to their very own dairy farm to keep them plied with the creamiest jersey milk. There’s a reason that their… *checks notes* – literally every flavour – is what ice-cream dreams are made of.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2A Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Yo-Chi
With a line that stretches around the corner on the ‘reg (like, every single weekend) – locals have been going wild for Yo-Chi’s signature tangy and tantalising fro-yo goodness since the cult fave first swanned onto our scene in 2022. Now the proud owners of two GC locations in Broadbeach and Surfers, punters can get their probiotic fix in the most delicious of ways with a signature, soft serve style frozen yoghurt selection available on tap. The core range of year-round flavours are complemented by seasonal cameos, the majority of which are 98-percent fat-free.. and 100-percent mouth-watering.
Where: 11/3240 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise and 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Gelato Shop
Cup, cone, or even sundaes – no matter your preferred method of consumption, Broadbeach’s The Gelato Shop has got you covered when it comes to all things chilled, sweet and creamy. The legendairy lineup of award-winning flavours includes the likes of Chunky Chocolate Cheesecake and Snickers gelato, a slew of fruit-based sorbets and decadent vegan options like Coffee Crunch or Peanut Butter. For an all-out indulgence, there’s locally made Warm Cookies & Gelato, Waffles and an array of fully stacked Sundaes.
Where: Shop 8 Aria building, Cnr Surf Parade & Albert Ave, Broadbeach
La Macelleria
A spot that’s a stickler for tradition, La Macelleria is kitted out with all the best Italian gelato-making gear. You can watch on as the crew whips up their artisanal, chilled confections daily… *drooling intensifies*. Wrap your lips around stalwart flavours like Bacio and Salted Caramel, gelato shakes and out-of-this-world affogato – for those who prefer their desserts to come with a kick. One taste, and your love for this place will be un-cone-ditional.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
The Oxley 1823 Sub Station
Not only has the team at The Oxley brought us a gorg new Nobby Beach hangout spot, but they’re also keeping us cool with delicious gelato at the Sub Station. Along with juices and milkshakes that will def bring the boys to the yard, they’re dishing delicious gelato. Word to the wise, we highly recommend clocking early and ducking in for the $3 Happy Hour scoops. Surely the boss will understand.
Where: The Oxley, 2217 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Burleigh Gelato
Picture the scene: you find yourself in the southern end of town (wandering off of one of those world-class beaches, no doubt), when you’re hit with a hankering – not quite hunger – but you could most definitely eat. The answer is Burleigh Gelato! Now with a second location in Palm Beach, the array of flavours is enough to earn the affection of even the frostiest-at-heart. The cookie-inspired creations, such as M&M Cookie Dough gelato or Biscoff gelato are alone enough to get dessert fans swooning. They’re also handily available on major home delivery apps and open late — perfect for those late-night sugar cravings.
Where: 9 Connor Street, Burleigh Heads and 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
Scoop Gelati
Here’s the scoop… if you’re in and around Burleigh and find yourself in the mood for gelato, sorbet or ice-cream shakes – do not pass go – head directly to Scoop Gelati. The hand-crafted, small-batch recipes include refreshing revelations like ANZAC Biscuit, Banana Honeycomb and Apple Crumble, all made fresh on-site. Got an ice cream connoisseur in your life? Their frozen cakes are a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds – perfect for every occasion, or ‘just because’ works too.
Where: 23 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Tango Gelato
Palm Beach’s turquoise sensation, Tango Gelato, serves up sweet scoops daily out of its Pavilions Shopping Centre location. The icy creations include inventive combos like Ginger & Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Cookies & Cream and Blackberry Sorbet – so if you think you’ve ‘been there, licked that’ when it comes to ice cream flavours, we’d suggest you pay them a visit to have your mind blown immediately. They also offer delivery, so if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, you can always opt to have the the ‘mind blown’ come to you (in your jim-jams, obvi).
Where: Pavilions Shopping Centre, 1102 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Ottimo
What do you have if you take yourself a devoted Italian and then send him to study a diploma from the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy? You have Davide, the owner of Ottimo, of course! Promising superior gelato and coffee – rest assured, whatever flavour you settle on taking from this premium iced-goods purveyor is going to be the goods — it’s all made fresh and on-site daily, after all. Stroll in after an afternoon on the beach and let him and his friendly staff scoop you happy. And their signature ‘Sicily’ flavour, made with Mandarin Custard with Pistachio and Almond Caramel, sure does just that.
Where: Shop 18/52 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Tamborine Mountain Gelato Co
Serving only the most authentic Italian gelato – the rainforest-studded surrounds of Tamborine’s mountainside community are the only reminder that you are, in fact, not strolling the streets of Sicily whilst sampling your delicious scoop of choice. At Tamborine Gelato, the iced goods are served old school – hidden behind the lids of a traditional Pozzetti gelato cabinet in the name of freshness. Seasonal, house-made flavours are rejigged every couple of days, with the chance to catch creamy creations like Mint Stracciatella, Banana Custard or Lemon Myrtle and Honey. They recently teamed up with Franquette to bring us ‘The Gelaffin’… a freshly baked cruffin loaded with small-batch gelato – aka the most glorious ice cream sandwich you’ve ever laid eyes upon. Officially our new favourite franken-food obsession for summer.
Where: 4/15-17 Main Street, Tamborine Mountain
Words by Kellie Leader.
Gelato lovers, stay cool and listen up coz you’re about to live the ‘cream. The Gold Coast just got served – soft served, with a brand spanking new gelateria so good you’ll love it un-cone-ditionally.
Markeri Street in Mermaid is a whole lot sweeter after La Macelleria opened its doors and we could srsly ‘waffle’ on about this legenDAIRY place all day long.
Founded by dynamic duo and gelato buffs Steve and Carolyn OShea, their passion for their craft is palatable, we mean, palpable.
Delivering pure sensory bliss, they whip up their artisanal gelato daily using top-notch Italian gear right before your eyes.
To keep their gelato primo, it is stored the OG way, in a sleek Pozzetti.
This is widely regarded as the best way to preserve gelato, and anything that sounds like a fancy set of wheels is a-okay with us.
Firm believers that quality is determined by your taste buds, not your peepers, the authentic, fresh taste is the ‘cream’ of the crop.
Brought to life aesthetically by Carolyn and Jackson Emblem from Queensland Coast Constructions, walking into La Macelleria is like stepping into a Gelateria straight outta Bologna.
The intricate terrazzo benchtop, a work of art in itself, oozes elegance and style.
If you’re a fan of outdoor eating and duh, we’re Gold Coasters, there are four tables with comfy seating inviting you to chillax in the sunshine.
Or, if funky stools inside with the air-con blasting is more your cup of gelato shake (which they also serve), you ‘cone’ do that too!
Our vote goes to their signature flavours bacio and pistachio, which we prefer to eat like Reese – Witherspoon (bum bum tss).
The gelato shakes mentioned are also shout-out worthy, and their pure Italian espresso is a ‘cream come true’ for those in need of a caffeine kick.
Plus, if you’re feeling a bit DIY with your gelato, their upcoming workshops will teach the theoretical principles with practical exercises on machines in their unique Laboratorio Del Gelato. Cool!
With 23 years in the industry owning and running Italian restaurants, Steve certainly knows how his shiz about the biz.
And when it comes to location, Steve and Carolyn did their due diligence securing digs that place them firmly in the ‘cream team’ of GC hospitality power players.
The area boasts a bustling environment, making it the perfect melting pot for locals and visitors alike.
They’re all about community, excited to immerse themselves in the local scene, create new jobs, and support nearby clubs and schools through sponsorship activities.
Now BrisVegas peeps may recognise the La Macelleria name and rightly so, with two mates (both named Mateo) first bringing the concept to life with stores in Tenerife, West End, and Woolloongabba.
Lucky for us, the OShea’s decided to bring “‘the Mateos’” brainchild to our ‘hood, with plans to expand La Macelleria’s footprint in other GC burbs.
So let’s all say a big cone-gratulations to La Macelleria Mermaid Waters, which has us all chanting “you scream, I scream, we all scream GELATO”.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
When: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Website: lamacelleriagelateria.com
Instagram: @lamacelleriagelateria
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Images by Belinda Symons.
Shiro Gelato & Snack is Southport’s new HQ of sweet and savoury Japanese small bites (and licks) you Japaneed to be acquainted with, like now, arigatou gozaimasu.
Perched just a hop skip and a yum from the G’s Southport tram stop, the conveniently positioned new venue is a #snaccident waiting to happen for lucky passersby. For owner Kei Okamoto, a well-placed location was the main priority when selecting the new spot for Shiro Gelato & Snack. His former experience dishing up street food style Japanese eats at markets, combined with head chef Shodai Kawakami’s ten-year culinary expertise is the ultimate matcha made in heaven.
The two-legged fuzzy ball mascot featured throughout the shop’s signage is your subliminal sign to leg it on in to discover the array of treats that await. The interior fit out was handled by the Shiro crew (what can’t they do), with a simply-appointed and welcoming space framed by classic crisp-white subway tiles – while the seductive glow of those house-made gelatos glisten from the cabinet beyond. The intimate, corridor style space offers limited casual seating to lick, sip and savour until the #hanger safely subsides.
For those not familiar with Japanese fare, you might be wondering just want you can expect from the Shiro Gelato & Snack menu. Think authentic light Japanese bites worthy of quashing the most serious of snack attacks (though, with a couple of Onirigi’s under the belt, you may still feel a lot like rolling on out of there).
The aforementioned savoury specialty Onigiri, is a popular Japanese rice ball lunch and snack dish, as tasty as it is convenient to nom on-the-go. The Shiro offering includes six signature flavours such as a classic salmon and takana, made with Japanese leafy green mustard pickles and spices promising a slightly spicy and tangy flavour. Though we also like the sound of the Negi Miso – Shallots, miso, citrus chilli paste a shal–lot.
For sweet tooths, curb your cravings by sinking your teeth into the beloved jelly-like, traditional Japanese sweet treat that is Warabi Mochi.
Though we’ll never miss an opportunity to gush about gelato (umm hello, we live for this), and the Shiro Gelato & Snack selection of Japanese flavours does not disappoint. Japanese eats enthusiasts will be soy into the Kinako – a roasted soybean flour flavour most commonly compared to peanut butter. Joined by yet more mouth watering contenders such as Black sesame, Matcha white chocolate, miso caramel, and the vegan friendly Yuzu and lemon flavour.
Can’t decide which sweet treat you’re in the mood for? Same. Might we suggest a thinly Mochi-wrapped (and/or topped!) gelato scoop for the ultimate best of both worlds action.
There’s no doubt lucky northern locals will bento-ver backwards to get their Shiro Gelato & Snack fix, while for everyone else this little Southport side quest is a tasty snackrifice well worth taking.
Where: 50 Nerang St, Southport
When: 11:30am–10pm daily
Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Mathilde Bouby.
Forget Nutella fellow dessert lovers, Biscoff is where it’s at. Hailing from Belgium way back in the 1930s this delicious caramel spiced biscuit is a warm hug for your tastebuds. With the invention of the spreadable version, this classic is having its viral moment in the sun – because the only thing better than a mouth-watering bickie moment is being able to slather it on *gestures vaguely* whatever the heck you please.
We’ve lined up all the best Gold Coast haunts to go get your Bisc-on. So whether you’re a super-fan, an all-round dessert enthusiast or you’re ready to find out what all the fuss is about (no judgement, but it’s about time!) – we’ve done all the leg work so you can bi-scoff-ing these sweet treats down in no time.
Mr Treat
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies to get the tastebuds tingling. We’re starting strong with a cookie-ception creation of epic proportions, but just make sure you’re sitting down first because the Blame It On Cookie dreamt up by Mr Treat features cookie dough stuffed with biscoff and white chocolate chips.
Where: At Oh My, Waffle, 6/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
Yo-Chi
Swirling Southern Gold-Coasters into a frenzy, fro-yo fans will already be well acquainted with Yo-Chi for (soft) serving up their sweet treat fixes, and resulting brain freezes – #worthit. As mega Yo-Chi fans we hope (& pray) the warmed Biscoff topping NEVER comes off the ever-rotating options of sweet toppings.
Where: 89 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Cheeky Waffles
If this were Dolly mag, our teen-selves would definitely be giggling madly while poring over this next entry in that highly-coveted sealed section. If it’s orgasmically good desserts you’re after, Cheeky Waffles is here to fill that (genitalia shaped dessert) hole in your life. Yup, you read that right – select your vessel of choice – willy be having a waffle weiner or a lady garden? Because why just reserve the fun just for hen’s nights, we ask?!
We can’t go past the Biscoff-inspired topping that sounds so good it should no longer be considered G rated: waffle dipped in Caramilk chocolate with a crumbled biscoff topping & gold powder. If it’s #literalfoodporn you’re after, do yourself a favour and head to Cheeky Waffles for happy endings all round.
Where: 3189 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
Milkman’s Cookies
If you thought we were done talking about boxes, well – not quite. Because thanks to Milkman’s Cookies, you can literally nab yourself a box of Biscoff infused cookie goodness by the dozen for those sugar cravings that just won’t quit. Their Biscoff White Choc creation features the Milkman’s signature cookie dough with white chocolate chips and a stuffed Biscoff cookie butter centre. Did we mention it’s topped with extra biscoff and a lotus biscuit? #i’llbestuffed
Where: Bundall HOTA markets every Sunday
Sens Coffee QSV
First, there came the cronut – then – the croffle (the lovechild of a croissant x waffle, for the uninitiated), and THEN? Sens Coffee QSV went and dreamt up the Lotus Biscoff Croffle #withallthetrimmings. A croffle, loaded with lotus biscuit, almond crumble, crème Chantilly and chocolate ice cream. We can only assume you’re still here, and not immediately #OMW to get yourself one because the thought of this heavenly creation has sent you into a daze.
Where: 129 Queen Street, Southport
Milky Lane
Hello? It’s the dessert of our dreams calling. If the sound of a Caramilk & Biscoff Cookie Dough Skillet doesn’t already have you drooling, let us elaborate. It’s served topped with Caramilk chips, crushed Lotus biscuit, vanilla ice cream and icing sugar (for good measure). I guess this is one call we will actually answer (#U up?)
Where: 1/38 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Burleigh Gelato Co.
If you can’t cone-tain your love of gelato, we’ve got the scoop on one mash-up you don’t want to miss. Burleigh Gelato Co. is serving up gooey, chocolate brownie loaded with Biscoff paste and topped with a Biscoff biscuit. But you should probably add a side of the signature Biscoff gelato, just to be extra sure the craving is definitely satisfied.
Where: 9 Connor St, Burleigh or 3/10 Palm Beach Ave, Palm Beach
Parkway Robina
#ICYMI Parkway Robina is dishing up Biscoff Hot Choc and with the ‘cooler’ (inverted commas because #GC) months ahead, it’s the perfect time for southern Gold Coasters to sip into Parkway for a delectably drinkable dessert that will remind you of a cozy hug from Nanna. (But if anyone asks, her cookies will always be the GOAT)
Where: 16B/361 Robina Pkwy, Robina
Paddock Bakery
Have we saved the best for last? All we can say is donut sleep on this – three words: Biscoff. Cheesecake. Doughnut. (We’ll let you be the judge.) What started as a special, was soon welcomed as a Paddock staple. A semi-sourdough doughnut dipped in a Caramel glaze, filled with a Biscoff Cheesecake filling, sprinkled with cookie crumb & a Biscoff bikkie (for dipping, obvs). We’ll take two #prettypleasewithabiscoffontop
Where: 20 Hibiscus Haven, Miami
Words by Kellie Leader.
