There’s nothing like a scoop (or five) of cold and creamy goodness to celebrate summer in the capital city. Of course, there’s more to the art of ice-cream enjoyment than simply cooling down on a hot summer’s day: it’s a form of self-expression. Cup or cone? With sauce, or sommer net so? We went hunting for the best gelato this side of the N1 and found something for every taste.

Updated on 28 January 2022

WhiskAway (Waterkloof)

All the taste and all the texture without any artificial ingredients – welcome to the crème de la crème of the ice-cream world: WhiskAway. This Waterkloof-based shop offers sit-down, take-home or walk-around ice-cream or sorbet options. The owner, a chef, fell in love with gelato while working in Europe where she first experienced good ice cream. She decided to use her craft to bring the best ice cream to the capital city and that is how WhiskAway was started in 2011. Ice-cream cakes and frozen waffles are also available. They serve both the public and commercial clients. This is top-notch ice cream for the gourmand palate. Your options also include vegan-friendly and sugar-free varieties. Visit the Scoopshop at the Waterkloof Heights Centre on Club Road to find the most alluring flavours or shop online to bring their delectable treats home.

Aroma Gelato and Waffle Lounge (Brooklyn)

The word gelato isn’t used gratuitously here: it’s all about using top-class ingredients to create a superb product that would be equally at home on the streets of Rome. Chocaholics will love unusual flavours like Ferrero Rocher, Lunch Bar and Nutella, while the salted caramel is set to become a firm new favourite. When the temperature reaches the mid-30s, nothing hits the spot like a cool sorbet. Try the blood orange, grapefruit or mango for some refreshing goodness sans the cream factor. Oh, and the waffles are scrumptious too.

 

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Haägen-Dazs (Brooklyn)

Olympic runner Don Kardong once wrote: “Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.” Ain’t that the truth. Ice-cream brand Haägen-Dazs has been saving the world from the dark forces for close to six decades, elevating the humble scoop to super-power status. Evergreen favourites are salted caramel and the best dulce de leche gelato outside of Argentina.

 

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Old Town Italy (Menlyn)

The gelato bar at Old Town Italy is a thing of joy and beauty. Since opening its doors in 2016, this Italian restaurant and food emporium has delighted many an ice-cream fan with sublime and surprising flavours like mandarin, watermelon, gingerbread biscuit and Amarena cherry. If you’re unlikely to get your ice-cream fix in Italy anytime soon, this is the next best thing.

 

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Royal Danish (Colbyn)

Royal Danish is the spot to get your artisanal ice-cream fix in the greater 012 area. Where other gelaterias have come and gone, Royal Danish has been around since the 90s. The classic vanilla and chocolate options are simply exquisite, while royal pecan and Copenhagen are two must-try signature flavours that have stood the test of time. For something unusually delectable, ask for a scoop of fig jam gelato. They also have vegan options – including chocolate, espresso and vanilla – made from a base of coconut cream. Royal Danish is open until late in the evening, which makes it the perfect spot for an ice-cream date.

KinGelato (Hatfield)

KinGelato has become a major player in providing their joyful scoops to restaurants all over Gauteng. Suppliers are able to supply one, two or three scoops in bowls or sugar cones or larger quantities of 500ml or 1L tubs. KinGelato works with a specialist Italian gelato confectioner to develop their flavours and to expand their range. They will even cater your next event with all the flavours that your heart desires served from a custom stand on-site.

Did we miss your favourite spot in Jozi churning out ice-cream or gelato of incredible quality? Let us know in the comments section below!