Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery

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.