Un-cone-ditional love guaranteed.
Un-cone-ditional love guaranteed.
For a quicker visit and to grab something a tad naughty, you were hard-pressed. Until now, that is. New kid on the block Rosé Gelateria brings you all the delicious gelato, plus much more to make afternoons or mornings spent at Sanctuary Cove even more satisfying.
The shop itself is a pastel-infused piece of art. Period. Even if you walk by and don’t feel the necessity to pop in, it’s still sure to turn heads. Cute hanging ball lights will mean checking out the selection of gelato from the wrap-around counter is a breeze, whilst booth-style seating gives you an adequate opportunity to rest your feet and savour whatever tasty goodness you might have chosen.
Having only been open for a week, the shop was thrown into the busiest week of the year for Sanctuary Cove with their annual boat show. With over 50,000 people coming through over the two days, we’re told the scooping never ceased. Now, with that behind them and balmy winter days ahead, they look forward to a slower pace and welcoming all of you lovely people when you decide to drop by.
Now, gelato-wise, these guys are casting their net far and wide by having two different suppliers: Delizia Brisbane and Everest Melbourne. Not content with just anything, the team carefully considered their options and made sure they have the very best flavours for their customers to enjoy offering crowd favourites Cookies & Cream, Mint Choc Fudge, Vanilla Bean which sit perfectly next to more exotic flavours such as Italian Pistachio, Fig & Marscapone, Vienna Coffee or Raspberry Choc — not to mention the taste tingling water-based sorbets like Lemon, Mango or Raspberry for those who like to keep things plant-based. You can rest assured whatever you get scooped here has been rigorously taste-tested!
Suppose you’re not up for anything frozen. In that case, delicious pastries and the prettiest rainbow assortment of macaroons (there’s even a popcorn flavoured one!) — from the maestros at Mark Daniels in Robina — are the perfect accompaniment to coffee. Beans are sourced from local coffee roaster Supreme in Yatala, and as well as being poured the standard way, you can also have your coffee over ice cream — afternoon affogatos are a thing, didn’t you know?
Once your tastebuds have been spoilt rotten, there’s a small selection of homewares and products for you to have a look at and then most likely take home. Organic teas from Mayde in Byron Bay and Mr Consistent cocktail mixers make the ideal gift for somebody special or if you feel the need to indulge yourself, be our guest!
There’s little doubt Rosé Gelateria is going to go down a storm here at Sanctuary Cove. By complementing nearby venues such as tapas and drinks sensation Destino, the pre-and post-dinner/lunch game has undoubtedly gone up a notch.
If you are stopping by, why not come a little earlier and stay a little while longer?
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Shop/39A Masthead Way, Hope Island
Hours: 7 days: 8am – 9pm
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
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?!
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 iced coffee with vanilla bean gelato and vanilla syrup that’ll knock your socks and/or crocks off (hopefully not ‘and’, though). The signature Rose flavour, which comes sprinkled with 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
As the name suggests, Italia Moto Pizza & Gelato isn’t just about serving incredible Italian savouries; it’s also about serving scoopfuls of creamy gelato. Take it in a cup, in a cone, or take it home! Take it plain, or take it with ‘tune-ups.’ AKA, indulgent sauces and crunchy toppings like M&M’s, Oreos and sprinkles. And don’t even get us started on their affogatos– did someone say heaven?
Where: 104 Helensvale Rd, Helensvale
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 Matcha Pistachio, Double Rich Mango and Choco Banana 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
We’ve been living the ‘cream’ ever since Gelato Messina returned to our shores, and they’ve been slinging their famed flavours out of Surfers’ slick Paradise Centre precinct ever since. 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
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: 97 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Not only do they serve a slice worth doughing over, but scoops of gelato. Melt-in-your-mouth (it won’t last long enough to melt in your cone) authentic Italiana gelati. Savour it plain and simple with a one or two-scoop cone, or take it on a freshly baked Sicilian brioche bun or a pizza?! What could be better? We’ll tell ya! It’s their Rumming dessert pizza, made with zuppa inglese gelato (rum/custard), white chocolate glaze, and chocolate dust. Mamma mia, che buono!
Where: East Tower The Phoenician Building, Shop 10/104 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Started from Roma, now they’re here! Thanks, Drake. But yes, My Gelato did come all the way from Rome, Italy, to bring us, mere mortals, authentic gelato made with the freshest ingredients – all resulting in flavours that are both classic and innovative. Think Raffaello (just like the Ferrero balls) and Paciugo made with caramelised hazelnut and Nutella. Or, how does Latte Di Rosa (Rose Milk) or Honecomb sound? Pretty darn good if you ask us.
Where: 12w/1 Oracle Bvd, Broadbeach
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 Pistacio, gelato shakes and out-of-this-world cup sundaes – for those who love their desserts layered with pure indulgence. One taste, and your love for this place will be un-cone-ditional.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
Every scoop of Gelato Gemelli’s creamy creations is made from scratch with imported equipment straight from Bologna, the heartland of gelato-making. No shortcuts, no pre-mixes – just proper Italian gelato crafted with love and precision. The signature scoop? The Pisellino – a heavenly blend of pistachio cream and white chocolate that’s worth melting for. Cones or cups aren’t your only choice here; you can also have your fave flavour served in their famous brioche gelato sandwich. Just stop – we may pass out from sheer excitement.
Where: 2/2217 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach ‘The Oxley’
A true family-run gelateria, Al Bacio Gelato Naturale is headed by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Rebecca Heininger, alongside their daughter, Jaime. Since opening in late 2025, they’ve been serving scoops of authentic, 100% natural Italian gelato to Burleigh locals (and visitors), and we cannot be more thankful. The signature Al Bacio, meaning “as good as a kiss” in Italian, is a rich chocolate-hazelnut scoop made with homemade hazelnut paste from Piemonte, Italy. Then, for those who like to gulp down their gelato, you can order your favourite flavour in thick shake form. Can we get a hell yeah?
Where: 7/1840 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads
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, Caramel Biscotto 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 taste buds – perfect for every occasion, or ‘just because’ works too.
Where: 23 James Street, Burleigh Heads
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! Don’t let the name fool you; they are not exclusive to Burleigh – they’re also in Palm Beach. Let us tell you, 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 or Biscoff gelato, are enough on their own 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
Palm Beach’s turquoise sensation, Tango Gelato, serves up sweet scoops daily out of its Pavilions Shopping Centre location (also in Kingscliff if you’re ever stranded across the border). 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 ‘mind blown’ come to you (in your jim-jams, obvi).
Where: 1102 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach and Unit 4/78–80 Marine Parade, Kingscliff
Elly’s is about one thing: really good gelato. Full stop. The kind you plan your beach day around. The kind that turns “just one scoop” into “okay, maybe two.” The storefront will charm your pants off, while flavours like Salted Caramel and Kinder Surprise deliver creamy comfort with every lick. If you prefer something a little more classic, the Peppermint Chocolate Chip and Bubblegum (yes, bubblegum, and yes, it slaps) are absolute crowd pleasers.
Where: 778 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Bringing Kiwi-style real fruit ice cream to Tugun, Chilly Bin (aka, an esky) is famous for its soft-serve-meets-smoothie hybrid made with frozen fruit blended on the spot with silky ice cream. First, you pick an ice-cream flavour for your base. Next, you choose your fruity flair. Finally, you add house-made cacao maple choc chips for that delicious crunch, and you’ve got yourself summer in a cup, or waffle cone. Consider us sold!
Where: 478 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
What do you get if you take a devoted Italian and send them to study for a diploma at the Gelato University of Carpigiani in Italy? You get 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
There is a multitude of tasty reasons to stop by Luna’s Deli – but their desserts are number one on that list. Alongside buttery in-house pastries, they serve small-batch gelato, best enjoyed on a fresh-baked choc chip cookie topped with chocolate sauce– that’s our professional recommendation. However, each scoop is just as good on its own, whether in a cup or a cone, and one scoop is never enough.
Where: Shop 7/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
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 Tiramisu, Choc Mint Cookie and Honey and Rhubarb.
Where: Shop 4/15–17 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
Sanctuary Cove houses the newest bar on the block, Destino.
Italian and Greek cuisine is the benchmark for sharing food with people who mean the most to you. It’s fair to say probably half the Gold Coast had some sort of love affair with Hellenika when it was open here, and yes, when it closed its Nobby Beach doors and relocated to Brisbane, we all died a little bit inside.
Sanctuary Cove has long been flying under the culinary radar for most of us, mostly for it being a little out of the way. But as exciting new venues start to eye up the area and change the hospitality landscape, a trip up north could reward you well.
Destino is the handiwork of Craig and Lisa Chilvers a couple with a confessed adoration for anything Mediterranean. After not nearly enough holidays spent in Spain, Italy and the Greek Islands, the pair envisaged an eating space where you can relax and sample some amazing drinks and food (before then buying the very same tablewares you ate with and taking them home with you).
Ever been to a restaurant and fallen in love with their glasses/cutlery/plates so much so you wished you could have taken them home with you? Well, at Destino, you can. All of the furnishings, fixtures, glassware, cutlery – amongst other homewares, are available for you to buy and take home with you.
The tapas bar come homewares store is an absolute feast for the eyes. The fit-out is a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean and Moroccan influenced features, textures and materials. Outdoor seating and low-down tables will ensure one drink may indeed turn into a few. And if we can’t make it to Europe for a while yet, an afternoon at Destino might just satiate your fix for overseas travel.
The food offering is fairly modest as there is no kitchen to speak of as such, don’t be perturbed as there’s more than enough for you to graze on and experience some great-tasting dips, breads, marinated olives and imported cheeses. This is the kind of food that will take you through an afternoon before eventually then moving on to your dinner reservation — or not!
Campos coffee will be served from first thing in the morning, and will take you all the way to cocktails from noon. A small but well-rounded drinks list has you covered with classic cocktails and a couple of house variations such as the Mykonos Mule (vodka, lemon juice, fresh lime, lemongrass syrup, lemonade and ginger beer). Wines focus on Spain, France, Italy and Greece, with some stellar examples of some European classics as well as Australian drops which you simply can’t go past.
The venue aims to incorporate its several guises into one light-filled, tranquil space where everyone can unwind. And quite frankly — we can’t argue.
Where: Masthead Way, Sanctuary Cove
Hours: 6 days, 8.30 am – late (closed Tuesdays)
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
