With a diverse and multicultural population, Toronto has awesome places to eat and drink. But if there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s ice cream. There’s no shortage of scoop shops in the city, and the rich, creamy dessert can be found any time of the year – no matter how cold it is.
From funky flavors to decadent classics, every shop has its own sweet specialties, from Avocado at Bang Bang to Black Sesame Salted Duck Egg at Wong’s. Here are 10 of our favorites:
1. Sweet Jesus
Sweet Jesus has spread like wildfire across the city and beyond. Known for their colorful, Instagram-worthy cones, the shop goes over-the-top, with a rea candle in the Birthday Cake cone, and layers of cotton candy in the Krusty the Cone. There are also other sweet treats, such as milkshakes, cakes and hot chocolate. Sweet Jesus has locations across Ontario, but the original location is in the Entertainment District.
2. Bang Bang Ice Cream
It’s no surprise Bang Bang Ice Cream has lines down the block on warmer days. From ice cream sandwiches on house-made cookies to scoops inside Hong Kong egg waffles, there are endless options. Flavors include Banana Pudding and Mojito (vegan). Visit during off hours to avoid the extensive lines.
3. iHalo Krunch
iHalo Krunch is known for its activated charcoal soft serve and cones, and they’re 100 percent worth the hype. Staple flavors are Ube, Charcoal (coconut), Matcha and Vanilla Bean, but limited-edition flavors pop up every now and then. Grab a cone and enjoy your treat next door at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
4. Ed’s Real Scoop
Ed’s Real Scoop is a hotspot for ice cream, with locations across several neighborhoods. Real, quality ingredients are used to create handmade ice creams in each of their stores. You can find all kinds of sweet treats at Ed’s, including both ice cream and gelato, all made with Ontario milk. Try the Burnt Marshmallow ice cream – you can thank us later!
5. Dutch Dreams
Dutch Dreams is an eclectic, Dutch-inspired ice cream parlor just north of downtown. The family-owned spot has passed down the secret family recipe for generations, and there are many different flavors, including Fresh Banana and Pina Colada. All flavors are kosher, and there is also frozen yogurt, sundaes, shakes and Dutch confections. In summer, enjoy your sweet treat on the fun patio.
6. Wong’s Ice Cream
Looking for something unique? Wong’s is the spot to visit for fun Asian-themed flavors. There are delicious flavors such as Pineapple Passionfruit, Boozy Egg Tart, and White Rabbit (a popular Asian candy). There are also vegan and gluten-free options. Check them out in East Chinatown.
7. Greg’s Ice Cream
Greg’s has been Toronto’s first premium and natural homemade ice cream shop since 1981. It was one of the first in the city to create flavors outside the norm, such as Roasted Marshmallow and Cardamom. Greg's has created more than 200 flavors over the years, but there are usually only 16 flavors available at a time. It's all made using local dairy and fruit ingredients at their Distillery District location. Cash only.
8. Kekou Gelato House
Kekou is a homey gelato parlor and teahouse serving Asian-inspired gelato, bubble tea and drinks. The gelato is made with whole ingredients and no fillers, and there are vegan options as well. Hong Kong Milk Tea and Vietnamese Coffee are both standout flavors. Located in Queen West with new renovations, it’s a great spot for the entire family.
9. Summer’s Ice Cream
Summer’s Ice Cream has been in Toronto since the 1980's, but ice cream has been a family tradition since the late 1930s. Find homemade ice cream, fro-yo, smoothies and fruit juices at this adorable Yorkville gem. From Blueberry Dream to Coconut Cream, you're going to want to get multiple scoops. Plus, they source some of their fruits for their ice creams from local Ontario farms.
10. Fugo Desserts
Originally exclusively an ice cream shop, Fugo Desserts now offers mini donuts and coffee, inspired by international flavors. From the specialty ice cream cones (S'mores on S'mores, anyone?) to their extensive donut selection (we're talking Crème Brûlée and Rosewater Pistachio), Fugo is your spot for all things dessert.
Toronto is a sweet spot for all things ice cream and desserts, and you should definitely scope out a scoop with a few of these places on your next visit.
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