The inside scoop: the best places to grab an ice cream for $7 or less across Melbourne's eastern suburbs

In the midst of a hot summer, there is no better sweet treat than a scoop or two of ice cream. We at the Eastern Melburnian ventured out to some the best local ice cream spots in the eastern suburbs that you simply have to try.

Viva Gelateria in Burwood East

A simple but delightful Italian desert bar located in Burwood One Shopping Centre, Viva Gelateria didn’t just have great ice-cream but also had a wide selection of deserts, especially with their cheesecake selection. With their ice cream, they had the usual classics, but I went for a unique flavour not too common — Black Vanilla. This flavour was a great take on the classic vanilla flavour as it was complemented beautifully with rich earthy notes of chocolate.

Located at Shop G49/ 172-210 Burwood Highway, Burwood East

Just a Little Bit Gelateria and Panini Bar in Knoxfield

Just a Little Bit Gelateria and Panini Bar is a great lunch spot as they offer a wide selection of Italian panini sandwiches meaning you can grab a sandwich and treat yourself to a scoop for dessert! This place had a particularly great selection of biscuit and nut flavours so if you're someone who prefers something richer and sweeter, this is the place for you. After receiving a recommendation from one of the staff member, I tried the Biscoff which did not disappoint. The cinnamon flavour of the Biscoff really came through and offered a distinct sweet taste to the other biscuit and chocolate flavours.

Located at 1591 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield

Scoop Ice Cream and Churros in Blackburn South

With a wide selection of more than 30 flavours, one is spoilt for choice from this eatery when choosing the best scoop to go along with their warm churros. However, you cannot look past their assortment of fruit sorbets which are made with the freshest fruit available. This time, I got two scoops, opting for pineapple and lime sorbet. The zesty tastes of both of these flavours really came through and provided just the satisfaction I needed when dealing with a hot summers’ day.

Located at 116 Canterbury Road, Blackburn South

Mastika: Ice Cream Jungle of Colour in Ringwood North

A cute, local store just off Warrandyte Road, Mastika is a bit more understated, but the ice cream is still just as good. They have some of their own special flavours such as the unique Mastika flavour, a taste defined by powerful floral and nutty tastes. I went for the Oreo flavour which was everything you want a chocolate biscuit scoop to be: rich and creamy with the presence of the ever-popular biscuit particularly pronounced.

Located at Shop 3/170-172 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North and Shop 8/3-5 Hewish Road, Croydon