Best ice cream London: 20 places home to the tastiest scoops

It doesn’t take much to signal summer in London. As long as the sunshine is out, it barely has to reach 20 degrees in the capital before Brits deem it appropriate to slap on sunglasses and flip flops. But we’re not complaining, because as soon as the weather decides to play ball, you can guarantee we’ll be heading to one of London’s best ice cream shops.

Now, London’s best ice cream parlours sell a huge range of wonderful (and sometimes weird) ice cream flavours. From classic favourites like vanilla, chocolate and pistachio, to the vibrant ‘ube’ flavoured ice cream at Mamason’s, London's ice cream parlours really do push the limits when it comes to what you can achieve with cream and sugar. And if you prefer your ice cream drenched in chocolate sauce, carved into the shape of a rose or sandwiched between two giant cookies, you can find all that and more in the list, too.

The next time you’re craving everyone’s favourite ice-cold dessert, consider this list. It’s been carefully curated by a team of ice cream lovers who scour the streets every year in search of the most scrumptious scoops.

Looking for the best gelato in London? Or where to find the quirkiest ice cream flavours in the capital? We've pulled out a few key highlights from our list, so you can quickly scan the intro if you want, and run straight to your choice of ice cream shop without a second to lose. Ready to scroll all things ice cream? Whatever sort of scoop, sandwich or soft serve calls your name, we've got it all (and more) down below. 

Mamason’s Dirty Ice Cream, Chinatown, Westfields and Kentish Town

Why: You’ve heard of dirty fries, but allow us to introduce you to ‘dirty’ ice cream. This Filipino ice cream parlour is inspired by the street food snacks found in Manila, which means you’ll encounter some pretty unusual ice cream flavours here - think the signature ‘ube’ flavour made with a native purple yam or coconut with activated charcoal served in a black cone.
Where: 32 Newport Court, WC2H 7PQ; Ariel Way, W12 7GF; 91 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NY
Find out more: Mamason's Dirty Ice Cream

Amorino, Soho

Why: Forget buying us flowers, we just want a bouquet of ice cream instead. Amorino is known for topping its cones with layers of ice cream that are shaped to look like petals, resulting in a gorgeous flower-esque ice cream. At Amorino, fruity flavours abound, so tuck into the likes of organic lemon, Amarena (cream and black cherries) and lime and basil, and there’s the option to enjoy your scoops on a waffle or crepe too. 
Where: 41 Old Compton Street, W1D 6HF
Find out more: Amorino

The Dreamery, Islington

Why: Having spotted a gap in the market – namely ice cream paired with natural wine – the team behind The Dreamery decided to open a bar dedicated to both, slap bang in the middle of De Beauvoir Town. This quirky ice cream parlour lets you indulge your inner child with whacky flavours like ricotta and blueberry, or white chocolate, matcha and poppy seed, all while sipping on your favourite Pet Nat.
Where: 20a Halliford Street, N1 3HD
Find out more: The Dreamery

Matter at Hand, Bloomsbury

Why: Matter at Hand took the crown for the quirkiest ice cream flavours in London, concocting bizarre scoops like pine nut and rosemary, roasted pearl barley, and cucumber at its shop in Bloomsbury. This artisan ice cream maker only uses high-quality, all-natural ingredients to make its distinctive flavours, and while it doesn’t have a dedicated ice cream shop right now, you can order it online, or find it stocked at delis and grocers across London.
Where: 75 Kenton Street, WC1N 1NN
Find out more: Check stockists on their website

Happy Endings, Various locations

Why: Happy Endings is one of our favourite ice cream brands ever! It was started in 2014 by Aussie-born pastry chef Terri Mercieca with the aim of re-creating the joy she felt when eating ice cream as a child. Her creations are embedded in nostalgia, from milk ice cream sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies, to malted milk parfait between oaty biscuits. The brand launches cool collaborations and exclusive flavours all the time, so keep your eyes peeled for those. Order online, or find them at multiple stockists and restaurants across London - Burger & Beyond, Tonkotsu, Yard Sale Pizza and Patty & Bun to name a few. 
Where: Various locations
Find out more: Check stockists on their website

Bilmonte, Soho

Why: Looking for the best gelato in London? Bilmonte is certainly up there. Purists will love this place for its classic flavours – double pistachio, hazelnut and extra dark salted chocolate are some of our favourites – while those who prefer their ice cream to have an extra extravagant edge can order giant brioche buns (Bun-Brioscia) filled with gelato.
Where: 30 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LW
Find out more: Bilmonte

Bake Street, Clapton

Why: Brunch spot Bake Street usually makes headlines for its epic fried chicken buns and creme brulee cookies, but we’ll leave those two for a different time (and guide!). Today, we’re banging on about its soft serve ice cream. You can order the sweet stuff in as single flavours or a combo, and these guys love to get creative. Flavours have included purple lychee, butterscotch delight, guava and blueberry, and roasted banana with cinnamon.
Where: 58 Evering Road, N16 7SR
Find out more: Bake Street

Romeo & Giulietta Artisan Gelateria, Stoke Newington

Why: Headed to Stokey on a hot day? Join the queue for Romeo & Giulietta, an authentic gelato spot serving flavours like pistachio ripple, tiramisu, coconut noir and ricotta and figs. We love the commitment to Italian flavours here. Plus, loads of its flavours are vegan! Check out the watermelon sorbet for a refreshing dairy-free summer treat.
Where: 137 Albion Road, N16 9JU
Find out more: Gelateria Romeo & Giulietta

Udderlicious, Covent Garden, Islington and Crouch End

Why: With three branches in the capital, Udderlicious churns out an ever-changing range of classic and contemporary ice cream flavours in Covent Garden, Crouch End and Islington. Alongside tried-and-trusted options, you'll find malt and crushed Maltesers, dragonfruit and banana, and birthday cake to whet your appetite. Don't miss its 'Flavour of the month', which rotates every 30 days and is different at each site!
Where: 24 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LN; 187 Upper Street, N1 1RQ; 17 Topsfield Parade, N8 8PP
Find out more: Udderlicious

Melt, Notting Hill

Why: Luxury chocolatier Melt knows a thing or two about desserts, predominantly the cocoa variety. But that doesn't mean they don't whip up some pretty excellent ice creams too. As well as classic ice cream offerings, you'll also find these speciality treats, which see high-quality, Jersey ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of chocolate and sporting a fruity look. These eye-catching desserts come in strawberry, pistachio or passion fruit flavours. 
Where: 59 Ledbury Roadd, W11 2AA
Find out more: Melt

Cocomelt, Soho

Why: This maximalist dessert shop serves up the works with its selection of vibrant options from the famous sushi crepes to the cups packed full of strawberries and molten chocolate. Its summer menu, however, is all about soft serve - think soft serve matcha affogato, waffle ice cream sandwiches and a strawberry cup sundae. There’s classic soft serve too with plenty of toppings, from Biscoff, brownie bites, and berries, with milk, white, and dark chocolate drizzles on offer too.
Where: 132 Wardour Street, W1F 8ZW
Find out more: Cocomelt

Snowflake, Various locations

Why: You can find Snowflake Gelato's pretty pink ice cream parlours at six locations across London, from Soho to Stratford and South Kensington. It makes all its gelato from organic Somerset Jersey milk, and only adds natural ingredients, like fresh British fruit and roasted pistachios sourced from Sicily. Flavours include creme brulee, date and honey, peanut butter, Oreo and sea salted caramel. Or, opt for one of their 'baskets' which sees gelato, sauces and toppings served in a bowl-shaped wafer.
Where: Various locations
Find out more: Snowflake

Gelupo, Soho

Why: One of London’s most high-profile ice cream shops, Gelupo was founded in 2010 by Victor Hugo and chef Jacob Kenedy, who also runs neighbouring Italian restaurant Bocca di Lupo. Ice cream is churned fresh every day here and only natural flavours are added – think ricotta and sour cherry, blood orange, and bacio (milk chocolate with hazelnut). Be sure to check out the deli while you're there too, so you can bag some Italian cooking staples.
Where: 7 Archer Street, W1D 7AU
Find out more: Gelupo

Pierre Marcolini, Marylebone

Why: This master chocolatier has taken the world by storm with its praline chocolates, truffles, and towering stacks of macarons. Head down to Pierre Marcolini’s Marylebone store, or the boutique counter in Selfridges, for a rather unique summer treat. The thing that makes this ice cream different from others you might have tried is the ‘Turbine Technology’ which creates a one-of-a-kind texture that’s soft, creamy, and light as air. Find a variety of ever-changing flavours, including classics like chocolate, raspberry sorbet or the limited-edition Black Sesame option.
Where: 37 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QE
Find out more: Pierre Marcolini

Nardulli, Clapham

Why: Eschewing gimmicks and out-there flavours, Nardulli is a truly classic gelataria and a popular one at that, with queues often snaking out the door on Clapham’s sunnier days. It’s the perfect pit stop before an afternoon spent relaxing on the Common, while flavours to try include rum and raisin made with Cuban rum, black cherry, and a fig variety that uses fresh figs sourced from Southern Italy.  
Where: 29 The Pavement, SW4 0JE
Find out more: Nardulli

Gelataria 3BIS, Borough and Notting Hill

Why: Found trading at either Borough Market or Portobello Road, this ice cream parlour might have a tongue-twister of a name (the postcode of the first ice cream factory in Italy apparently), but its ice cream is delightfully uncomplicated. 3BIS is a little on the expensive side, but it’s worth it for this level of quality and flavour. Don’t miss their gelato crepes either.
Where: 4 Park Street, SE1 9AB; 178 Portobello Road, W11 2EB
Find out more: Gelateria 3BIS

Gelateria Danieli, Richmond

Why: This small, but perfectly formed shop in Richmond is something of a childhood dream, specialising in both authentic Italian gelato and high-quality chocolate. There are a whole myriad of flavours to choose from too, ranging from the traditional likes of strawberry and rum and raisin to more contemporary options such as Bakewell tart, elderflower and honey and Champagne truffle.
Where: 16 Brewers Lane, TW9 1HH
Find out more: Gelateria Danieli

Gelatorino, Covent Garden

Why: The ice cream at this cutesy cafe is about as authentically Italian as you can get without booking a flight to Rome. The gelato is made daily in machines imported from Italy and served via a spatula, because it is so creamy and smooth that there is no need to use a scoop. Flavours are just as old-school as the methods used to make the stuff, with options to try including pistachio, dark chocolate and Amarena cherry.
Where: 2 Russell Street, WC2B 5JD
Find out more: Gelatorino

La Gelatiera, Covent Garden, Southbank and Stratford

Why: Now boasting three locations across the capital, La Gelatiera has rightfully won legions of fans over the years thanks to its wide range of ice creams. The menus change often, but there is always an intriguing array of flavours on rotation, with top orders including the likes of Calabrian liquorice and Porcini chocolate cream. 
Where: 27 New Row, WC2N 4LA; Barge House Street, SE1 9PH; 1 Park Walk, East Village, E20 1DH
Find out more: La Gelatiera

Oddono’s, Various locations

Why: Alongside this Kensington shop, Oddono's actually boasts seven outposts across the capital, including Hampstead, Wimbledon and Chiswick to name but a few, making it something of a staple among the well-heeled of South West London. Flavours are simple, yet effective, which means you might find yourself tucking into the likes of coconut, strawberry or mango.
Where: Various locations
Find out more: Oddono's

If you’re enjoying ice cream, that must mean it’s sunny outside (at least, we hope). Read through our pick of the best al fresco dining spaces in London, from hidden courtyards to beautiful rooftops.