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Top 11 Ice Cream Stores in Johannesburg
Nothing beats the summer heat like a scoop of ice cream. Here in Johannesburg, where temperatures can reach up to 99°F, a refreshing treat like ice cream is a welcome break from the scorching heat of the sun and a fantastic dessert item for your sweet tooth.
Fortunately, the city has some terrific ice cream spots that you can check out. Get to know these amazing dessert shops below!
1. Forest Gelato
Address: 60 Tyrone, Parkview / 44 Stanley in Braamfontein Werf
Distance from JO: Depends on which location
Website: https://www.forestgelato.co.za/
Contact Number: 087 808 0438
Operating Hours: (Tyrone) Open 11-6 Tues-Fri, 9-6 Sat, 9-4 Sun, and Closed Mon; (Stanley) Open 10-5 every day
We recently visited Forest Gelato and were impressed by the delightful variety of flavors available. Each batch is curated with the highest quality ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious experience with every scoop.
Additionally, the efficiency of their service was commendable. The staff was quick to assist and provided detailed descriptions of the unique flavors like Fresh Dragonfruit and Hazelnut and Frangelico.
Moreover, Forest Gelato offers an array of vegan options, including Cream Vegan Belgian Chocolate and Creamy Vegan Coconut and Lime. These options cater to diverse dietary preferences, making it an inclusive spot for everyone.
Furthermore, the shop’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable containers and cutlery. This eco-friendly approach adds to the overall positive experience.
Also, the affordability of their gelato is remarkable, given the premium ingredients used. Each visit feels like a worthwhile investment in high-quality, natural deliciousness without artificial additives.
In terms of facilities, the shop provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The seating area is well-maintained, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a sweet treat with friends or family.
Transitioning to the flavors, we found the Fresh Strawberry with a Splash of Balsamic and the Fresh Plum with a Splash of Kirsch particularly refreshing. These seasonal selections highlight Forest Gelato’s dedication to honoring the rhythm of nature.
Our experience at Forest Gelato was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of exquisite flavors, efficient service, and a commitment to sustainability sets this gelato shop apart.
| Pro Tip: They specialize in seasonal gelato & sorbet so be sure to try them on your first visit. To maximize your Forest Gelato experience, try visiting during the seasonal flavor changes for the freshest and most unique options. Pairing a classic like Madagascan Vanilla with a seasonal fruit gelato creates a delightful contrast. |
2. Baglios at Montecasino
Address: 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Distance from JO: 38 minutes
Website: https://bagliosmontecasino.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 81 739 0715
Operating Hours
- Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Baglios at Montecasino isn’t your ordinary ice cream shop but more of a sit-down cafe that offers top-notch ice cream! They have a ton of ice cream flavours to choose from, and our favourites include their classics such as chocolate, mocha, and strawberry.
Aside from their ice cream, they also have other treats that you may want to try out. These include waffles, hot and cold coffees, hot chocolate drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, and granitas (flavoured drinks made with crushed ice).
| Pro Tip: You can ask the wait staff regarding the type of cone or container you want to use and the customised toppings you prefer for your ice cream. Our favourites include their waffle, dark chocolate, and wafer toppings! |
3. Summa Sundae Bar
Address: 50 Bath Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Summa-Sundae-Bar-100070864008685/
Contact Number: 071 158 4916
Operating Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Summa Sundae Bar doesn’t just have ice cream; it also has various food items to make your mouth water plus merchandise that you can avail of as a souvenir! This gourmet sundae bar serves some tantalising-looking sundaes plus other sweets like waffles.
If you’re in the mood for something savoury, you can order their bagels with veggie and ham filling. Our favourite food item here, though, is the waffle sundae split—similar to the banana split but instead uses sweet waffles, sundae, and sugar!
| Pro Tip: While their classic vanilla sundaes are a must-try, we also recommend that you check out their combo flavours! These include their vanilla-choco, mint-choco, and creamy mango-choco flavours. |
4. Maverick and Jane
Address: 181 Oxford Service Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Website: https://maverickandjane.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 61 702 0842
Operating Hours
- Monday to Friday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Your sweet tooth will thank you if you visit this amazing sweets shop in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Maverick and Jane, though, doesn’t just offer regular ice cream, as they have healthier vegan options for those who want to go low-fat.
In addition, their ice cream flavours are worth checking out. Try their more unique ones like bubble gum, dark cookies and cream, and pecan ice cream.
They also have salty and sweet popcorn flavours!
| Pro Tip: Aside from actual servings of popcorn and gelatos, Maverick and Jane also has its Popcorn Softies series composed of gelato made using their special popcorn. We recommend their famous Caramel and Hazelnut Rocher! |
5. Pete’s Super Natural Ice Cream
Address: 201 Berkeley Square, Main Street, Johannesburg, South Africa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetesNatural
Contact Number: +27 83 429 7969
Operating Hours
- Open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday
Pete’s Super Natural Ice Cream will give you an amazing sugar rush thanks to its fabulous array of products. This shop isn’t kidding when it says that it’s all-natural; yoghurts are lovingly prepared using genuine ingredients such as caramel and salt!
They also include other sweet and authentic toppings such as fudge, popcorn, chocolate chips, and marshmallows among others. This dessert spot also offers seasonal flavours such as pomegranate-flavoured ice cream that you shouldn’t miss.
| Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy Pete’s Super Natural Ice Cream products on the go, then we recommend checking out their frozen yoghurt with blueberries. These come in plastic cups that you can take home and enjoy any time you like! |
6. Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream
Address: The Zone Mall, 117 Oxford Service Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
Website: https://paulshomemade.com/
Contact Number: +27 81 703 5558
Operating Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 AM
We never really expected ice cream to be stylish, but here we have Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream with their amazing themed ice creams and their collab products. They also sell other sweets (ice cream cakes and chocolates) that will make your taste buds sing!
While they offer classic flavours such as chocolate and vanilla, they gain customers’ attention through their uniquely flavoured (and sometimes themed) ice creams. Try their Rainbow Candyfloss or Ice Cream Christmas Tree and you’ll know why they’re special!
| Pro Tip: We recommend that you check out their social media site to check for specific collab products. Some of these include partnerships with chocolate brands, which makes their offerings even more enticing! |
7. Moody Cow Gelato & Coffee Co.
Address: Clearwater Mall, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort, 1735, South Africa
Distance from JO: 31 minutes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoodyCowza/
Contact Number: +27 10 593 2740
Operating Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
If you need to boost your mood a bit, then a combo of waffles and ice cream might be what you’re looking for!
Moody Cow Gelato & Coffee Co. offers these amazing pairings—from regular waffles, waffle tacos, and bubble waffles topped with ice cream goodness!
You can try out their Classic Rectangular Waffle series such as their Chocolate Challenge and Banacoco Treat (ZAR 65) if you want something traditional. If you want something new though, check out their CaraMELLOW Bubble Waffle with some fudge!
| Pro Tip: You can also experience something unique here with their newly introduced Eskimo Pie series. If you’re adventurous, try their Ninja Nut (ZAR 50), which combines peanut gelato with some wasabi (spicy!) flavoured peanuts. |
8. Gelato La Cremosa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacremosadainfern/
Contact Number: +27 10 493 8636
Operating Hours
- Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Gelato La Cremosa is a fantastic dessert spot in Johannesburg that offers fantastic gelato and so much more! With classic flavours to choose from such as chocolate, strawberry, and mocha, you can satisfy your ice cream cravings in a jiffy.
If you’re really into them and can’t get enough of it, you can order their 1.5-litre tub of ice cream for just ZAR 350! There’s more for you to try out from their dessert menu like their heavenly banana split, fantastic tiramisu, and sweet affogato!
| Pro Tip: Vegan dieters can also enjoy some of the sweet treats offered by Gelato La Cremosa. Ask their staff if they have any vegan-friendly and dairy-free options that you can check out such as their strawberry sorbet. |
9. The Knickerbocker Ice Cream Company
From sandynagell
Address: 21 Joyce Street, Randhart Ext1, Alberton, Alberton, South Africa
Distance from JO: 21 minutes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knickerbockericecream/
Contact Number: +27 84 508 3817
Operating Hours
- Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Just a few minutes away from Johannesburg, the Knickerbocker Ice Cream Company is a great dessert spot that you need to try out if you want that classic ice cream truck experience. Aside from their ice cream sorbet, they also have double-thick milkshakes!
Their classic (chocolate and vanilla) and unique flavours of ice cream (e.g. pistachio) can be purchased in single scoops (ZAR 30) or double scoops (ZAR 50). However, to up the sweetness level, you can pair these with their freshly baked waffles with syrup!
| Pro Tip: If you have an upcoming event, you can order custom-made ice cream cakes to suit that occasion. You can call or send them an email ([email protected]) in advance to place your custom orders. |
10. Häagen-Dazs
Address: Sandton City Shopping Center, Shop B7, Banking Mall Level Gauteng, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Website: https://www.haagen-dazs-sa.co.za/
Contact Number: +27 11 883 7393
Operating Hours
- Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Häagen-Dazs is an ice cream brand known the world over and for good reason. Aside from its great-tasting ice cream, it’s popular for offering unique combos and treats centred around ice creams, sundaes, and sorbets.
One of the most popular ones here in Johannesburg is the set ice cream meal served with different flavours and a chocolate dip. You can also opt to order ice cream served with a side of waffles (with syrup) and your fruit of choice such as strawberries.
| Pro Tip: One of Häagen-Dazs’ best-sellers is its strawberry cheesecake ice cream. If you want to increase the sweetness level of this dessert, you can ask their wait staff to drizzle a little more syrup over your plate. |
11. Gelatitalia
Address: 208 Beyers Naudé Dr, Risidale, Randburg, 2195, South Africa
Distance from JO: 27 minutes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Gelat-Italia-100057141472739/
Contact Number: +27 11 446 2665
Operating Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN
- Closed on Sunday
Gelatitalia is not your typical ice cream shop. While you can order ice cream cakes and gelato in slices or scoops, this dessert shop specialises in offering its customers either bulk orders (e.g. ice cream tubs) or personalised ice cream cakes.
Some of the designs we saw on their social media are wild. From princess Barbie ice cream cakes to Cookie Monster gelato fondants—you describe it, and they’ll create it!
Our favourite ice cream cake is their rectangular one with a dedication message!
| Pro Tip: Aside from their ice cream cakes and ice cream tubs, you can also order their bite-sized Italian kisses (chocolate ice cream-coated nuggets). Two of our favourites here include their Bianco and Capo Italian kisses! |
