Top ice cream parlours in Cape Town

The inside scoop on the venues keeping Cape Town cool

After a hard day’s tanning at the beach or a mountain hike, what better way to reward yourself than with a refreshing ice cream? Find this perfect accompaniment to a South African summer’s day at one of these chilling haunts. 

1.  Sinnful Ice Cream Emporium
For a sinful experience, choose outrageously tasty flavours from this Cape Town favourite. Enjoy on the beach in stylish Camps Bay, or after a surf on Muizenberg Beach. This popular ice cream parlour brings new meaning to the term gourmet ice cream with its curious blend of flavours; try the ‘Heavenly Hash, a blend of marshmallow, chocolate chips, fudge and vanilla ice cream.
Shop 5 | The Promenade Centre | Victoria Road | Camps Bay | +27 (0)21 438 3541

2.  Haagen Dazs
The famous Haagen Dazs melt-in-the-mouth texture is created by whipping a small amount of air into fresh cream. This technique ensures the signature creaminess of their desserts. Sure, there are 24 dreamy flavours to choose from, but we've got a sweet tooth for Belgian Chocolate.
Shop no. 129 | Lower Level | Victoria Wharf | +27 (0)21 421 0744

3.  Gelato Mania
If you can’t afford the calories; head to Green Point for a delectable, guilt-free treat. They cater for a multitude of requirements, including kosher, Halaal, hormone and preservative free milk in over 30 delicious flavours. Try the coconut with fresh fruit, served in a waffle cone.  
65 Main Road | Green Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 439 2074

4. The Venezia Ice Cream Parlour
This is an ice cream spot for the hedonists. Think of indulgent cones such as; English Toffee, creamy peanut butter, and deep chocolate. Whatever flavour you decide on you won’t be disappointed by this Sea Point institution.
92 Main Road | Sea Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 930 2952

5.  Lecca il Gelato
If your icy craving is for real Italian gelato, then look no further than this Stellenbosch gem. Think natural, authentic ingredients, including fresh local fruit as well as exotic ingredients such as, cocoa beans from Brazil, and hazelnuts from Piemonte.
15 Church Street | Stellenbosch | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 872 9062  

6.  Marcel’s
If you’re partial to cold sensations that take the taste-buds by storm, but you also like to be healthy visit South Africa’s original frozen yoghurt store. Marcel’s was established in 1989 and now has 12 outlets. Indulge in the classics like English Toffee, or try the exciting new flavours, Lemony Cheesecake and Rich Espresso.
Lower level| Victoria and Alfred Waterfront| Cape Town | +27 (0)21425 2633

7.  Bombolina Gelateria and Restaurant
For traditional, artisan ice cream, look no further than Milnerton’s Bombolina. This classic store is said to use gelato making methods that date back hundreds of years. Plus, unlike some other ice cream producers, Bombolina makes each flavour individually.
Unit 11 | Central Park | Platinum Crescent | Marconi Beam | Milnerton | Cape Town

8.  The Café in the Garden
Take ten minutes out of your day to sit on a bench and enjoy the natural surroundings of The Company Gardens, while enjoying a very reasonably priced treat. The Café in the Garden offers a single scoop of Aylesbury ice cream for R6.50 and a double-decker for R10.00.
The Café in the Garden | The Company Gardens | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 423 2919

9.  Ice Cream Ninjas
If you consider yourself brave enough, enter the realm of the ninja, and enjoy exciting new flavours that are sure to kick your taste buds into overdrive. Try the black cherry ice cream, served with pistachios and white Belgian chocolate sauce, or an invigorating bubblegum ice cream with popping candy. They also offer exciting promotions, including ‘ching chong cha chuesdays’, where you can challenge staff members to a game of rock, paper, scissors. If you win, you’ll get 10% chopped off the price of your ice cream. 
Shop 71 | Tyger Valley Shopping Centre | 102 Edward Street | Cape Town | +27 (0) 082 851 9557

10. Ice Café
For sumptuous ice cream in a vintage setting, head to Ice Café, in laid-back Kalk Bay. Here you can try delicious flavours, including blueberry and cream, rum and raisin or ginger and cinnamon.
Main Road | Kalk Bay | +27 (0)21 788 4816

11.  The Creamery
If you value ethical and sustainable production, you will love the exciting products offered by The Creamery. Situated in Mowbray, this is no ordinary ice cream producer; local ingredients are sourced to create delicious treats such as, jasmine blossom, fig leaf or basil ice cream. You can purchase their tasty array of products either from The Creamery HQ or from Neighbourgoods Market at the Biscuit Mill on Saturdays.
Unit 22A | corner of Weymouth and Wyecroft Road | Mowbray | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 447 7690 

12.  Myög Frozen Yoghurt
Kloof Street just got cooler; find delectable frozen yoghurt at its latest addition, Myög. Choose between rich chocolate and our favourite vanilla flavoured yoghurt, or create your own with a wide array of toppings, including chopped fruit, Mini Smarties or Oreo Cookies. Pop in for a manicure or facial at the Ways of Wellness spa next door.
103 Kloof Street | Cape Town           

Tanning at the beach can be an arduous task beneath the intense, Cape Town sun. If you don’t want to disrupt valuable bronzing time, simply look up to the vendors that appear like desert cacti, calling phrases like: ‘a lolly to make you jolly’. Try the frozen granadilla or indulge in decadent chocolate covered, coconut ice-cream. Sound appealing? Tanning relief is right at your fingertips for as little as R10.                     

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