5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Johannesburg (2026)

Swirl Smashed and Rolled Ice Cream operates out of Melrose Arch and describes its base as roughly 95% real dairy with no eggs, artificial flavorants, or powders, mixed to order with mix-and-match toppings on a cold plate. Beyond the retail counter, the business also runs mobile catering and ice cream hire for events, including weddings, and reviewers mention both the storefront and off-site catering experiences.

Milky Lane has been serving South Africa since 1958, and this Carlton Centre branch runs the brand's full menu of soft-serve ice cream, waffles, sundaes, and milkshakes downtown. The chain's site describes soft serve as the base behind every item on the menu, with flavor and topping combinations built around that same core, plus takeaway tubs in flavors like Bar-One and Black Forest.

Crumbs And Cream in Illovo positions itself around the ice cream sandwich, pairing freshly baked cookies with hand-crafted gelato, including dairy and vegan options. Its site describes a philosophy built on quality ingredients and service, and it also runs a swing chair and kid-friendly seating area that several reviewers mention as a draw for families.

Gatti Ice Cream has operated in South Africa since 1964, according to its own site, and this Mayfair location sells the brand's retail lineup of ice cream, lollies, and dessert products directly. The brand markets itself on family recipes and consistency across generations, and reviewers describe a straightforward, efficient retail experience rather than a sit-down dessert cafe.

Baglios Como's Bedfordview branch is part of a small but expanding chain of Italian-style gelato shops, with reviewers mentioning a newer sister location opening at Bedford Centre. The shop focuses specifically on gelato and sorbet, with pistachio called out by name across several reviews as the flavor to try, alongside a rotating seasonal lineup.