The Best Places for Delicious Ice Cream in Cape Town

Cape Town does many things exceptionally well. Dramatic scenery, outstanding food, and a lifestyle that encourages you to slow down and truly enjoy where you are. One of the simplest and most joyful ways to do that is with ice cream. Whether you are wandering through the city on a warm afternoon or finishing a long beach walk, Cape Town’s ice cream scene is genuinely world-class.

Think carefully made gelato, inventive flavour combinations, and ingredients sourced from local farms. If you are visiting from overseas, or even if you live here, these are the ice cream spots that are well worth seeking out.

In this blog we cover…

• Moro Gelato - Traditional Italian gelato made slowly by hand using time-honoured methods and seasonal ingredients.
• The Creamery - Much-loved local ice cream with frequently changing flavours made from locally sourced ingredients.
• Unframed - Artful modern ice cream with unexpected flavour pairings and a minimalist aesthetic.
• Ice Dream - Classic Italian gelato that has been serving Cape Town locals for decades.
• Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream - Fun small batch ice cream with vegan and sugar-free options for everyone.
• Serendipity Creamery - Bold flavours with Cape Town heritage influences and inclusive dietary options.
• The Dairy Den - Colourful soft serve ice cream, doughnuts, and indulgent milkshakes near the ocean.

Moro Gelato

If you appreciate tradition done properly, Moro Gelato is a must-visit. Founded by Stefano Moro, who grew up in Liguria watching his nonna make gelato, this is about as close to northern Italy as you can get without boarding a plane.

Moro’s gelato is made by hand from scratch using natural seasonal ingredients. They use traditional pozzetti, which are sunken counters that protect the gelato from air, light, and temperature changes. You cannot see the gelato piled high behind glass, but that is intentional. It preserves quality and flavour.

Flavours range from pistachio and bacio di dama to halva, caramel cookie crumble, and milk tart, alongside fresh sorbets made with seasonal fruits such as mango or pomegranate. Every gelato is served with a chocolate-dipped wafer and pairs beautifully with coffee as a classic affogato. You will find Moro in the city centre, Sea Point, and Green Point.

📍85 Regent Road, Sea Point
📍Portside Centre Main Road, Green Point
📍165 Long St, Cape Town City Centre

Image: @morogelato on Instagram

The Creamery

The Creamery has been a firm favourite among Cape Town ice cream lovers for years, and for good reason. Everything is made from scratch using natural ingredients sourced from local family farms, chosen carefully for both flavour and sustainability.

Flavours change often, guided by seasonality and creativity, so each visit feels different. Past favourites have included jasmine blossom, blackberry cheesecake, malva pudding, koeksister, and black sesame. Scoops can be enjoyed on crisp waffles, warm cookies, or as part of a classic sundae or banana split. The flavour of the month is highly anticipated and frequently discussed among locals.

There are several branches across Cape Town, but the Mouille Point café stands out, especially if you enjoy an ocean view with your scoop.

📍2 Park Rd, Mouille Point

Image: @thecreamerysa on Instagram

Unframed

Unframed is where ice cream meets modern art. Created by French-trained ice cream maker Yann Rey, this contemporary parlour focuses on small batch production and refined flavour combinations that gently push boundaries.

Expect flavours such as burnt white chocolate, chocolate tahini, turmeric latte, jasmine rice and lemongrass, or double carrot cake. The menu changes daily depending on inspiration, season, and supply, with dairy, vegan, and sorbet options available. The tasting flight allows you to sample five flavours of your choice, paired with thoughtful toppings like cardamom dark chocolate sauce or raw date caramel.

The Woodstock Quarter location feels like a minimalist gallery, with additional stores on Kloof Street and at selected markets and wine farms. 

📍187 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock

Image: @lifeunframed on Instagram

Ice Dream

For a true taste of classic Italian gelato, Ice Dream in Hout Bay is a local institution. Established in 1993 by Italian siblings Liana and Luigi, this family-run gelateria has been serving traditional gelato for nearly thirty years.

All gelato and sorbet is made on site using fresh ingredients, with no preservatives, colourants, or artificial flavourings. Standout flavours include hazelnut, rum and raisin, tiramisu, mascarpone, pistachio, and an exceptional vanilla made with Zanzibar vanilla pods. Sorbets such as lemon, sour cherry, and pink grapefruit are equally memorable. Occasional special flavours appear throughout the year, rewarding loyal visitors with something new.

📍 35 Main Rd, Hout Bay

Image: @icedream_gelateria on Instagram

Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream

Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream is playful, welcoming, and rooted in community. Founder Kristen Buttress makes Philadelphia-style ice cream, using milk, cream, and sugar rather than a custard base, resulting in a lighter texture.

Flavours change monthly and include favourites such as choc chip cookie dough, salted caramel, coconut fudge, and roasted cherry dark chocolate. Vegan and sugar-free options are always available, making it a reliable choice for groups with different preferences.  Ice cream cakes, waffles, and the feeling that everyone is genuinely welcome.

The pet-friendly Noordhoek Farm Village shop is especially popular with families, with additional locations in Constantia, Newlands, Stellenbosch, and Constantia Uitsig wine estate.

📍Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Ln, Goedehoop Estate

Image: @kristenskickassicecream on Instagram

Serendipity Creamery

Located in Belvedere Square, Serendipity Creamery is a slightly off-the-radar gem with a loyal following. Their flavours strike a balance between comfort and creativity, with options such as salted caramel, Ferrero Rocher, brownie, baklava, and signature smores.

They are also known for celebrating Cape Town’s culinary heritage, including the city’s first boeber-flavoured ice cream inspired by the traditional Cape Malay dessert. An immune-boosting option made with ginger, turmeric, and honey is also available. A wide range of halaal, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free options are available.  

📍 Belvedere Square, Corner Keurboom & Belvedere Roads, Claremont

Image: @serendipitycreamery_cpt on Instagram

The Dairy Den

The Dairy Den is bright, cheerful, and unapologetically indulgent. Founded in 2017, this soft serve and doughnut bar has become a firm favourite for both locals and visitors.

Classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry soft serve is swirled into Oreo or candyfloss cones, alongside colourful multi-flavour creations. Add freshly made doughnuts and thick milkshakes, and it is easy to see why there is often a queue.

Branches can be found in Kenilworth and Willowbridge, with plant-based soft serve now available. 

📍Food Court Kenilworth Centre c/o Chichester, Doncaster Rd, Kenilworth
📍 Shop G54A, Willowbridge Shopping Centre, Carl Cronje Dr, Bellville

Image: @thedairyden on Instagram

Final Scoop

Cape Town’s ice cream scene reflects the city itself. Creative, diverse, and deeply focused on quality. Whether you prefer traditional Italian gelato, inventive flavour combinations, or nostalgic soft serve by the sea, there is something here for everyone.

If you are planning a visit and would like a comfortable and well-located base from which to explore, Nox Cape Town offers a curated collection of luxury holiday rentals across the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods. It is an ideal way to experience Cape Town at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ice cream place in Cape Town?

It depends on your taste. Moro Gelato is ideal for traditional Italian gelato, while Unframed suits more adventurous palates.

Are there vegan or dairy-free ice cream options in Cape Town?

Yes. Many parlours, including Unframed, Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream, Serendipity Creamery, and The Dairy Den offer vegan or dairy-free options.

Which ice cream shops use locally sourced ingredients?

The Creamery, Moro Gelato, Kristen’s Kick Ass Ice Cream, and Serendipity Creamery all prioritise local and seasonal sourcing.

Where can I find authentic Italian gelato in Cape Town?

Moro Gelato and Ice Dream are the best places for traditional Italian-style gelato.

Is Cape Town a good destination for food-focused travel?

Absolutely. Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the world’s most exciting food destinations, offering everything from fine dining to exceptional artisanal ice cream.