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.

We've also included a dedicated section to where to find the best gelato in London. This Italian version of ice cream is, perhaps, the most superior of all, being slightly lighter than the classic cream-heavy style and with a softer, velvety texture. And London really does serve some top gelato, from the traditionalists at Oddono’s to more boujie offerings at Gelataria 3BIS and La Gelateria.

With so much choice in the capital, we have divided our pick of the best ice cream London has to offer into themed sections, so all you have to do is click on the sub-headings below to skip to your preferred category. Then, after that is sorted, simply head on down to your chosen spot, order some ice cream and melt those troubles away.

Best ice cream in London

Whether you're on the hunt for a refreshing treat to keep cool in the summer heat, or just fancy trying the most talked-about ice cream spots in town, we've rounded up the best ice cream shops in the capital that really are worth the queues. 

The Ice Cream Project, Belgravia

What: Food and fashion have been famous partners for a long time. Back for its third year of ice cream fun, The Ice Cream Project is fashion designer Anya Hindmarch’s annual ice cream pop-up, which brings weird and whacky flavour combinations to the capital. You can order by the scoop or tub, with flavours including Bird’s Custard, Heinz Baked Beans, Sarson’s Vinegar and McVitie’s Penguin. Take note: the pop-up is open until 18 August so hurry down before it closes! 
Where: 11 Pont Street, SW1X 9EH

Melt, Notting Hill

What: 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
Book now: Melt

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

What: 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
Book now: Mamason's Dirty Ice Cream

Milk Train Café, Covent Garden

Why: Taking pimping up your ice cream to brand new heights, Milk Train café is an ice cream lover’s (and Insta fanatic’s) paradise. Here, cones are filled with matcha soft serve ice cream, before being topped with the likes of colourful sprinkles, cookies or chocolate chips. What happens next is Milk Train’s piece de resistance – the team will weave a circle of pastel-coloured candy floss around your cone, making it pretty as a picture.
Where: 12 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PH
Book now: Milk Train Cafe

Soft Serve Society, Shoreditch

Why: Known for its over-the-top creations, Soft Serve Society has reinvented ice cream for the social media generation. Vanilla, matcha green tea and charcoal coconut are the three base flavours, but your ice cream can be topped with all manner of items, including waffles, crushed Oreos and honeycomb. We like their soft serve sundae cups, with flavours like Applesolutely (vanilla ice cream, oat crumble, apple stew and cinnamon sauce) and Oh Snap! (vanilla ice cream affogato, salted caramel sauce, salted caramel bits and gingerbread crumbs).
Where: 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6GY
Book now: Soft Serve Society 

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
Book now: Amorino

Ruby Violet, King’s Cross

Why: With its bright pink neon signage and powerful blue walls, Ruby Violet is delightfully kitsch and fun for all of the family. All the classic flavours can be found here and in many forms too; cocktails, ice cream sandwiches and epic desserts. For an extra £6, you can even make it an affogato instead, with a shot of espresso poured over the top. 
Where: 3 Wharf Road, N1C 4BZ
Book now: Ruby Violet

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.  
Where: 24 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LN; 187 Upper Street, N1 1RQ; 17 Topsfield Parade, N8 8PP
Book now: Udderlicious

Best gelato in London

There really is nothing like proper gelato. Smooth, creamy and somehow light but rich at the same time, it's the perfect summer treat for when warmer weather hits. Find the best places to grab a scoop of gelato in London. 

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
Book now: 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
Book now: Gelupo

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
Book now: Nardulli

Gelataria 3BIS, Borough and Notting Hill

What: 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
Book now: Gelateria 3BIS

Gelateria Danieli, Richmond

What: 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
Book now: Gelateria Danieli

Gelatorino, Covent Garden

What: 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
Book now: Gelatorino

La Gelatiera, Covent Garden, Southbank and Stratford

What: 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
Book now: La Gelatiera

Oddono’s, Various locations

What: 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
Book now: Oddono's

The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason, Mayfair

Why: Perfect for both children and big kids, this colourful space on the first floor of Fortnum’s foodie emporium is a haven for all things sweet and sugary. Unsurprisingly, this is a bit of a tourist hotspot, but we think it’s worth battling the crowds to try out Fortnum’s range of shakes, sundaes and floats. As for the flavours, you can expect to find the classic likes of raspberry ripple, mint chocolate chip and pistachio at The Parlour.
Where: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
Book now: The Parlour

Best ice cream sandwiches in London

What could be better than ice cream, you ask? Ice cream sandwiched between two chewy cookies, of course. Or wafers. Or biscuits. Or a deep fried bao bun... Our favourite ice cream sandwiches in London definitely don't play by the rules, but they're all certifiably delicious.

Chin Chin Labs, Camden

Why: You've probably already seen Chin Chin Lab's cool and whacky creations on Instagram, from bizarre flavours to crazy colours and a decent dose of experimentation thrown in for good measure (it is a 'lab', after all). You can pimp your ice cream with your choice of flavour, toppings and sauces, or opt for something off the ice cream sandwiches list - our personal favourite. The menu varies at each site, but examples include a Brownie Cookie Sandwich, Peanut Caramel Chewy Cookie Sandwich, and a Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Bar. 
Where: 49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF 
Book now: Chin Chin

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
Book now: Check stockists on their website

BAO, Soho 

Why: Not strictly an ice cream shop, but still worth a special shout out, there is one particular cool and creamy dessert in London that will change the way you view ice cream forever. BAO in Soho only offers one sweet option on its menu, and it’s this: a fried Horlicks ice cream bao bun. It’s simultaneously hot and cold, with a crispy fried doughnut-like bun housing a single ball of malty Horlicks ice cream. It’s awesome and needs to be eaten to be understood.  
Where: 53 Lexington Street, W1F 9AS 
Book now: BAO Soho

If you’re enjoying ice cream, that must mean it’s sunny outside (at least, we hope). On that note, it might be an idea to read through our top pick of the best al fresco dining spaces in London.