The Best Ice Cream in Toronto

No.1

Shop• Ossington

Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery

“Don't miss the London Fog ice cream sandwich; the subtle tea notes perfectly complement the chewy cookie.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery is a staple of the Ossington strip, born from the creative partnership of siblings Rosanne and Arthur Pezzelli. Building on the reputation of their earlier venture, Bakerbots, they brought their signature artisanal approach to this compact, white-tiled shop. It is entirely focused on the craft of the ice cream sandwich, where the quality of the house-made cookies is just as vital as the ice cream itself. The vibe is perpetually buzzing, often with a line spilling out onto the sidewalk, reflecting its status as a quintessential Toronto dessert destination. The interior is minimal and functional, designed for quick service rather than lingering, which keeps the energy high and the focus squarely on the rotating, inventive menu. For a first-timer, the move is to build your own custom ice cream sandwich. Pick two cookies—the Everything cookie is a reliable favourite for its mix of textures—and pair them with one of their more adventurous scoops, like the London Fog or Burnt Toffee. If you want to skip the sandwich, their Hong Kong-style egg waffle cones are a fantastic, freshly made alternative. Expect to pay a premium for the quality, and be prepared for a wait, especially on warm summer evenings. The best strategy is to visit during off-peak hours or in the cooler months to avoid the longest queues. Keep in mind that this is a strictly takeout operation, so plan to enjoy your treat while strolling through the neighbourhood.

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No.2

Shop• Roncesvalles

Ed's Real Scoop

“The Maple Bacon Crunch is a surprisingly delightful salty-sweet experience, with real chunks of crispy bacon.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded by Ed Francis, a former tech pioneer who turned his retirement into a quest for the perfect scoop, Ed’s Real Scoop has become a staple of the Toronto dessert scene. The Roncesvalles location, housed in a former hardware store, maintains the brand's signature unpretentious, neighbourhood-focused vibe. It is a straightforward, no-frills parlour where the focus is entirely on the small-batch, high-quality production happening right on-site. You can often spot the churning room in the back, a testament to their commitment to making everything fresh. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for grabbing a cone after a walk through nearby High Park or while strolling the bustling Roncesvalles strip. For a first-timer, the Burnt Marshmallow is non-negotiable; it is their signature flavour for a reason, capturing that distinct, smoky-sweet campfire essence perfectly. If you prefer something richer, the Tanzanian Dark Chocolate gelato is consistently excellent, and their fruit sorbets are surprisingly intense and refreshing. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and while there is no need for reservations, be prepared for a line on warm summer evenings. It is a classic spot for a milkshake or a sundae, but honestly, a simple scoop in a waffle cone is the best way to appreciate the texture. They are open daily, making it an easy, reliable stop whenever the craving hits.

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No.3

Shop• Yorkville

Summer's Ice Cream

“Their Toronto Pothole flavour, a mix of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, is a playful nod to the city and a must-try for a rich, textured treat.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 1984 by Len and Helka Tokey, Summer’s Ice Cream is a quintessential Yorkville institution that has anchored the neighbourhood for decades. Originally starting on Cumberland Street, this family-run business is now helmed by their son, Ron, who continues the tradition of crafting high-quality, homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt on-site. The shop maintains a charming, nostalgic parlour vibe that feels worlds away from the surrounding high-end boutiques. It is the kind of place where generations of locals have formed memories, often queuing up the stairs on warm evenings just to get a scoop of their signature, dense, and flavourful creations. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, making it a reliable spot to escape the bustle of Bloor-Yorkville. For a first-timer, you absolutely must order a scoop in one of their freshly made waffle cones—the scent alone is enough to draw you in from the street. If you are feeling adventurous, try the 'Toronto Pothole,' a playful, chunky mix that is a local favourite. Their fruit-based flavours, often made with seasonal Ontario produce, are consistently excellent. Prices are standard for the area, and while it can get busy, the line moves quickly. It is a casual, walk-in spot, so do not worry about reservations. Visit during the late afternoon or early evening for the best people-watching on Yorkville Avenue, and keep in mind that they offer plenty of dairy-free and vegan options, including Dole Whip, ensuring no one is left out of the treat.

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No.4

Shop• Queen West

Nadège Ice Cream Shop

“Elevate your cone by adding a cluster of their mini macarons for an extra touch of Parisian elegance and crunch.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Located at the flagship Queen West boutique, this ice cream counter is the frozen extension of Nadège Nourian’s renowned French patisserie. Since opening in 2009, Nadège has become a staple of Toronto’s dessert scene, and this specific spot brings that same meticulous French technique to their ice cream and sorbet. The vibe is bright, modern, and unmistakably Parisian, fitting perfectly into the trendy Queen West neighbourhood. It is not just a standard scoop shop; it is a laboratory for flavour where they take their signature cake profiles—like the famous Marie Antoinette or La Mancha—and translate them into rich, velvety frozen desserts. The real draw here is how they masterfully incorporate their iconic macarons into the mix, offering a texture contrast that you simply won't find at your average neighbourhood parlour. For a first-timer, you have to try the flavours inspired by their signature cakes, as they capture the essence of the patisserie in a single cup or cone. The sorbets are intensely fruit-forward and refreshing, while the ice creams, built on a rich crème anglaise base, are decadently smooth. Prices are reflective of the premium ingredients and artisanal process, so expect to pay a bit more than your typical street-side scoop. It is the perfect spot for a post-dinner treat or a quick pick-me-up while walking to nearby Trinity Bellwoods Park. There are no reservations needed for the ice cream counter, and while it can get busy on warm summer evenings, the line moves efficiently. Keep in mind that the space has recently evolved to include a bistro concept in the back, but the ice cream remains a standalone highlight for a quick, high-quality indulgence.

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No.5

Shop• Leslieville

Honey's Ice Cream

“Even if you're not vegan, the Peanut Butter Saltine flavour offers an addictive balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy that's truly unique.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Honey’s Ice Cream has become a staple for plant-based indulgence in Toronto, and their Leslieville outpost brings that same magic to the east end. Founded by Ashley Wittig, who is well-known in the city’s vegan scene for her work with Bunner’s Bake Shop, Honey’s was born out of a desire for a truly premium, dairy-free experience that doesn't compromise on texture or creativity. Named after the owner’s dog, the shop feels like a neighborhood fixture—welcoming, unpretentious, and focused entirely on the craft. They swap traditional dairy for a rich, house-made cashew and coconut cream base, which gives their scoops a decadent, velvety mouthfeel that often surprises even the most devoted dairy lovers. The vibe is bright and focused on the product, making it a perfect stop after a stroll through the nearby shops on Queen East. For a first-timer, the Peanut Butter Saltine is non-negotiable; it’s a masterclass in balancing salty and sweet, with a satisfying crunch that elevates the creamy base. If you’re feeling adventurous, keep an eye on their rotating monthly features, which often lean into inventive, comforting territory—think seasonal pies or nostalgic treats reimagined. They also offer excellent ice cream sandwiches made with their house-baked cookies and gluten-free oat waffle cones that are worth the upgrade. Prices are on the premium side, reflecting the high-quality, in-house ingredients, but the generous portions make it feel like a fair treat. It’s a casual, grab-and-go spot, so don't expect a sit-down parlour experience. Check their hours before heading over, as they are closed early in the week, and definitely grab a pint to-go if you find a flavour you love.

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No.6

Shop• Bloordale Village

Ruru Baked

“The 'Hong Kong Milk Tea' flavour is a revelation, perfectly capturing the aromatic and creamy essence of the classic beverage.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded by pastry chef Luanne Ronquillo, Ruru Baked evolved from a high-demand online pre-order business into a cornerstone of the Bloordale Village community. The shop is defined by its uncompromising approach to French-style custard ice cream, which relies on egg yolks rather than stabilizers for an incredibly dense, velvety mouthfeel. The vibe is unpretentious and focused entirely on the craft; the space features bar seating where you can watch the team work in the industrial-sized kitchen, emphasizing the small-batch, in-house production. Unlike traditional parlours with glass display cases, the ice cream is kept hidden behind the counter, which helps keep the focus on the rotating daily menu of creative, often nostalgia-driven flavours that frequently draw long, patient lineups. For a first-timer, the sticky toffee cake is non-negotiable—it is arguably the best in the city and pairs perfectly with a scoop of classic vanilla bean. The flavour menu rotates constantly, so keep an eye on their website for the daily list. Expect to pay premium prices for the quality, but the portions are generous. There are no reservations, and the shop is best visited during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds. Keep in mind that they offer both dairy and vegan options, and their baked goods, like the Hawaiian butter mochi, are just as worth ordering as the ice cream itself.

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No.7

Cafe• Queen West

Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe

“Indulge in the Bacio gelato; its rich hazelnut and chocolate combination is a true taste of Italy.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo Paolo Di Lallo and Denise Pisani, Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe is a love letter to their Italian roots. Paolo, hailing from Abruzzo, and Denise, from Sicily, combined their expertise to bring authentic, artisan gelato to the bustling Queen West strip. The name itself—a Sicilian expression of awe—perfectly captures the reaction most locals have upon their first taste. The atmosphere is bright, welcoming, and unapologetically Italian, often filled with the chatter of regulars and the aroma of fresh espresso. It is a staple of the neighbourhood, serving as a reliable spot for a quick afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night treat, with the blue-and-white aesthetic providing a refreshing, airy escape from the city streets. For a first-timer, the Sicilian Pistachio is non-negotiable; it is rich, earthy, and miles ahead of the generic versions found elsewhere. If you prefer something lighter, their rotating selection of vegan fruit sorbets is consistently vibrant and refreshing. Pair your scoop with a cannoli, hand-filled to order with your choice of ricotta, custard, or pistachio cream, and wash it down with a proper Lavazza or Moak espresso. Prices are standard for high-quality, small-batch gelato in Toronto. While the shop can get busy on warm evenings, the line moves efficiently. It is best visited on a weekday afternoon if you want to snag a seat, though it remains a perfect grab-and-go destination regardless of the season.

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No.8

Shop• North York

Gelato North

“Seek out their award-winning Yuzu Cheesecake gelato for a bright, tangy, and creamy experience that's truly memorable.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on Yonge Street in the heart of North York, Gelato North is the result of a cross-cultural partnership between an Italian-Canadian owner and her South Korean husband. This shop is a refreshing departure from standard ice cream parlours, blending traditional Italian gelato-making techniques with creative, East-meets-West flavour profiles. The atmosphere is unpretentious and focused entirely on the craft, with a production process that prioritizes high-quality ingredients like imported Italian pistachio and hazelnut pastes, alongside Japanese matcha and black sesame. It is a true local operation where the gelato is made fresh in-house, resulting in a dense, silky texture that stands out in a city often crowded with mass-produced alternatives. For a first-timer, the signature Yuzu Cheesecake is a must-order, having earned recognition on the international stage for its balanced, bright acidity. If you prefer something richer, their take on Dubai chocolate—featuring pistachio gelato, crunchy kataifi, and chocolate—is consistently popular. The menu rotates daily, so it is worth checking their Instagram or website before heading over to see what is currently in the display case. Prices are reasonable for the quality, and they offer convenient pre-packed pints if you want to stock up. It is a casual, walk-in spot, so no reservations are needed; just be prepared for the occasional line on warm evenings.

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