Attention, ice cream lovers! Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering adventure through the vibrant streets of Toronto? Look no further, because we’re about to reveal the best ice cream shops this city has to offer. Brace yourselves for a delightful journey filled with flavor variety, customer reviews, and of course, the most indulgent scoops of frozen bliss you could ever imagine. So, grab a spoon, gather your fellow ice cream enthusiasts, and let’s dive into a world of creamy goodness that will leave you craving for more. But hurry, because these ice cream havens are waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth and they won’t disappoint!
Key Takeaways
- Research and read reviews to find the best ice cream shops in Toronto.
- Consider the variety of flavors offered by each shop.
- Look for shops that use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
- Choose a shop with an atmosphere that suits your preferences.
- Find shops that cater to special dietary needs.
- Prices for ice cream in Toronto range from $3.50 to $5.50 per scoop.
- Some of the best ice cream shops in Toronto include Sweet Jesus, Bang Bang Ice Cream, Greg’s Ice Cream, Dutch Dreams, and Ed’s Real Scoop.
- These shops stand out for their unique flavors, high-quality ingredients, and options for dietary restrictions.
- Must-try flavors include Red Rapture, Burnt Toffee, Roasted Marshmallow, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Burnt Marshmallow.
- Dairy-free and vegan options are available at many of these ice cream shops.
- Check the websites or call ahead to confirm seating options and COVID-19 restrictions.
5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Toronto
Looking for the best ice cream in Toronto? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the top 5 ice cream shops in the city, based on our first-hand experiences. Whether you prefer classic flavors or more unique and adventurous combinations, these ice cream shops are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From creamy gelato to indulgent soft serve, Toronto has it all. So, grab a cone and get ready to indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer!
Name | Address | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery | 93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 | 3770 |
Dutch Dreams | 36 Vaughan Rd, Toronto, ON M6G 2N3, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 | 2701 |
iHalo Krunch | 831 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4 | 1811 |
Summer’s Ice Cream | 101 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 | 1097 |
Wong’s Ice Cream | 5607 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2M 3S9, Canada | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 | 458 |
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Ossington, Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery is a popular destination for unique ice cream combinations. With an extensive variety of flavors, including Golden Oreo, Mango Puddin’ Custard, London Fog, and Cinnamon Toast, this place is a paradise for ice cream lovers. In addition to their delightful ice cream flavors, they also offer homemade cookies in amazing flavors, which can be used to create custom ice cream sandwiches. The line may appear long, but it moves quickly, making it a must-visit spot in the area.
What We Liked:
- Wide range of unique and delicious ice cream flavors
- Ability to create custom ice cream sandwiches with homemade cookies
- Quick-moving line despite popularity
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Fresh and flavorful ice cream
What We Didn’t Like:
- Potential wait times during peak hours
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Flavor Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery sets the bar high with its wide range of unique ice cream flavors and the option to create custom ice cream sandwiches. Despite potential wait times, the delicious and fresh ice cream, along with the friendly staff, make it a must-visit spot for ice cream enthusiasts.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery | 93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2, Canada | (416) 531-1900 |
Dutch Dreams
Dutch Dreams is a popular ice cream parlor located in the heart of downtown. With a wide variety of flavors and a unique presentation, it has gained a loyal customer base. However, there are a few downsides to consider. Let’s take a closer look at what we liked and what we didn’t like about Dutch Dreams.
What We Liked
- Reasonable prices: Dutch Dreams offers ice cream at a decent and reasonable price, making it an affordable treat for customers.
- Food presentation: The ice cream at Dutch Dreams is presented in a very appetizing and appealing way. The colorful and vibrant display adds to the overall experience.
- Friendly staff: The staff at Dutch Dreams are friendly and accommodating. They are patient and helpful, especially for first-time visitors who may have questions.
- Flavor variety: Dutch Dreams offers a wide range of flavors to choose from, catering to different taste preferences. From Pralines and Cream to Pistachios Almond, there is something for everyone.
- Outdoor seating: The parlor has ample seating outside, allowing customers to enjoy their ice cream on a summer day.
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited parking: One downside of Dutch Dreams is the lack of parking options. Customers may have to search for street parking, which can be paid in some cases.
- Charging for tap water: One customer reported being disappointed when they were charged 50 cents for tap water, which seemed unnecessary and cheap.
- No indoor seating: Despite the need for social distancing, Dutch Dreams still does not allow customers to enter the store and enjoy the beautiful artifacts they have acquired over the years.
- Hygiene concerns: While the ice cream itself was good, there were some concerns about the cleanliness of the seating area. Improvements in this area would enhance the overall experience.
Ratings
- Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Flavor variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: 4/5
Dutch Dreams offers a delightful ice cream experience with its variety of flavors and appealing food presentation. The friendly staff and outdoor seating add to the overall enjoyment. However, the limited parking options and charging for tap water are areas that could be improved. Despite these downsides, Dutch Dreams is still a highly recommended destination for ice cream lovers.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dutch Dreams | 36 Vaughan Rd, Toronto, ON M6G 2N3, Canada | (416) 656-6959 |
iHalo Krunch
What a cute ice cream spot. You can’t miss it with all the pink neon signs, piano, stuffed toys and cute pink benches at front. The shop is small so don’t be overwhelmed by the line, the wait time isn’t that long. We tried a variety of different ice cream in our group.
What We Liked:
- Cute and eye-catching interior design
- Reasonable price point for waffle cone ($6-$6.50)
- Quick service and pleasant staff
- Crunchy bits in the black on black flavor
- Refreshing pandan flavor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited seating due to small shop size
- Strawberry flavor tasted more like raspberry
- Limited parking options
Rating Scores:
- Location: ★★★★★
- Flavor Variety: ★★★★★
- Customer Reviews: ★★★★★
Overall Score: 5/5
Benchmarks:
- Location: Conveniently located with street parking available
- Flavor Variety: Wide range of unique flavors to choose from
- Customer Reviews: Positive reviews praising the cute atmosphere and delicious ice cream
iHalo Krunch is a cute ice cream spot with a variety of unique flavors. The interior design is eye-catching and the service is quick. The ice cream has a reasonable price point and the black on black and pandan flavors are particularly enjoyable. The only drawbacks are limited seating and parking options. Overall, it’s a great place to enjoy delicious ice cream on a warm summer night.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iHalo Krunch | 831 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada | (647) 505-3777 |
Summer’s Ice Cream
Summer’s Ice Cream is a delightful ice cream shop located in the heart of the Yorkville neighborhood. They offer a wide variety of flavors that are expertly crafted to strike a perfect balance of sweetness. With freshly made in-house waffles and a charming ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for a cold treat.
What We Liked
- Wide variety of flavors to choose from
- Freshly made in-house waffles
- Gluten-free and dairy-free options available
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Lovely neighborhood for a quiet stroll
What We Didn’t Like
- Limited seating options
- Can get overcrowded during peak hours
Rating Scores
- Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Flavor Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Overall Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Summer’s Ice Cream is a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts. With its wide variety of flavors, including the rare gem of Dole Whip, there’s something for everyone. The ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and the staff is quick and efficient. While seating may be limited, the charming neighborhood provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll while enjoying your ice cream.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer’s Ice Cream | 101 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C1, Canada | (416) 944-2637 |
Wong’s Ice Cream
Wong’s Ice Cream is a small ice cream shop located in an area shared with other businesses, making it difficult to find. The lack of clear signage outside the shop adds to the confusion. However, the staff from a neighboring Thai takeout restaurant were helpful and provided good service.
What We Liked:
- Helpful and sweet staff from neighboring restaurant
- Vietnamese coffee flavor was enjoyable
- Nice variety of interesting flavors to choose from
- Vegan options available
- Coconut mango sticky rice flavor was tasty
What We Didn’t Like:
- Difficult to find the shop with no clear signage
- Limited flavor availability, missing popular flavors like HK milk tea and black sesame salted egg
- Thai iced tea flavor did not meet expectations
- Small scoop size for the price
- Korean Banana flavor tasted artificial
Rating Scores:
- Location: ⭐⭐
- Flavor Variety: ⭐⭐⭐
- Customer Reviews: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall Score: 3/5
In summary, Wong’s Ice Cream has a variety of interesting flavors to choose from, but the limited availability and small scoop sizes detract from the overall experience. The shop’s location can be difficult to find, but the helpful staff and tasty options like the Vietnamese coffee and coconut mango sticky rice flavors make it worth a visit. However, the artificial taste of the Korean Banana flavor and the disappointment with the Thai iced tea flavor are drawbacks.
Contact Details
Name | Address | Google Map URL | Website | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wong’s Ice Cream | 5607 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2M 3S9, Canada | N/A |
Tips for Finding the Perfect Ice Cream Shops in Toronto
When it comes to indulging in a delicious frozen treat, Toronto is a city that is brimming with options. With so many ice cream shops to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are truly the best. But fear not, ice cream lovers! We’re here to help you navigate the sweet streets of Toronto and find the ultimate ice cream experience.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when searching for the best ice cream shops in Toronto:
- Research, research, research: Before embarking on your ice cream adventure, take some time to do your homework. Look up reviews and ratings of different ice cream shops in Toronto. Pay attention to what other customers have to say about the quality of the ice cream, the variety of flavors, and the overall experience.
- Consider the flavors: One of the most exciting aspects of visiting an ice cream shop is the wide array of flavors available. From classic options like chocolate and vanilla to more unique and creative flavors like lavender honey and avocado lime, Toronto has it all. Consider what type of flavors you enjoy and look for ice cream shops that offer a variety that suits your taste buds.
- Quality ingredients: The best ice cream shops in Toronto pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients. Look for shops that use fresh, locally sourced ingredients and avoid those that use artificial flavors or additives. Quality ingredients make a significant difference in the taste and texture of the ice cream.
- Atmosphere and ambiance: The overall experience of enjoying ice cream goes beyond just the taste. Consider the atmosphere and ambiance of the ice cream shop. Do you prefer a cozy and intimate setting or a vibrant and lively atmosphere? Choose a shop that aligns with your preferences and enhances your ice cream experience.
- Special dietary needs: If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as being lactose intolerant or vegan, make sure to look for ice cream shops that cater to those needs. Toronto has a growing number of shops that offer dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a scoop of ice cream.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the best ice cream shops in Toronto. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city, exploring the ice cream scene in Toronto is a delightful adventure that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab a spoon and get ready to indulge in some of the most delectable frozen treats the city has to offer!
The Price Tag of Toronto’s Best Ice Cream Shops
When it comes to indulging in the best ice cream in Toronto, it’s important to consider the cost. Affordability is a key factor for many ice cream lovers, as they want to enjoy a delicious treat without breaking the bank. In this section, we will explore the average prices of the top ice cream shops in Toronto, giving you an idea of what to expect when satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ice Cream Shop | Average Price per Scoop ($) |
|---|---|
Sweet Jesus | 5.50 |
Bang Bang Ice Cream | 5.00 |
Dutch Dreams | 4.50 |
Ed’s Real Scoop | 4.00 |
Greg’s Ice Cream | 3.50 |
Sweet Jesus is known for its extravagant and Instagram-worthy ice cream creations, but these indulgent treats come with a slightly higher price tag. On average, you can expect to pay around $5.50 for a single scoop of their delicious ice cream.
Bang Bang Ice Cream offers unique flavors and the option to have your ice cream sandwiched between freshly baked cookies. With an average price of $5.00 per scoop, you can enjoy their delectable creations without breaking the bank.
Dutch Dreams is a beloved Toronto institution, known for its generous portions and wide variety of flavors. At an average price of $4.50 per scoop, you can enjoy their creamy and flavorful ice cream without emptying your wallet.
Ed’s Real Scoop is a local favorite, offering a range of classic and innovative flavors. With an average price of $4.00 per scoop, you can enjoy their high-quality ice cream without breaking the bank.
Greg’s Ice Cream is a long-standing ice cream shop in Toronto, known for its creamy and rich flavors. With an average price of $3.50 per scoop, you can enjoy their delicious ice cream at an affordable price.
These prices are subject to change, and some shops may offer discounts or promotions from time to time. However, they provide a general idea of the cost of enjoying the best ice cream in Toronto. So, whether you’re looking for a decadent treat or a budget-friendly option, Toronto’s ice cream scene has something to offer for every ice cream lover.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Ice Cream Shops in Toronto
1. What are some of the best ice cream shops in Toronto?
Some of the best ice cream shops in Toronto include Sweet Jesus, Bang Bang Ice Cream, Greg’s Ice Cream, Dutch Dreams, and Ed’s Real Scoop.
2. What makes these ice cream shops stand out?
These ice cream shops stand out for their unique and delicious flavors, high-quality ingredients, and creative presentation. They also offer a variety of options for dietary restrictions, such as vegan and gluten-free choices.
3. Are there any must-try flavors at these ice cream shops?
Yes, there are several must-try flavors at these ice cream shops. Some popular choices include Sweet Jesus’ Red Rapture, Bang Bang Ice Cream’s Burnt Toffee, Greg’s Ice Cream’s Roasted Marshmallow, Dutch Dreams’ Blueberry Cheesecake, and Ed’s Real Scoop’s Burnt Marshmallow.
4. Can I find dairy-free or vegan options at these ice cream shops?
Yes, many of these ice cream shops offer dairy-free or vegan options. Sweet Jesus has vegan soft-serve flavors, Bang Bang Ice Cream has vegan ice cream sandwiches, and Ed’s Real Scoop has a variety of dairy-free sorbet flavors.
5. Do these ice cream shops have seating areas or are they take-out only?
These ice cream shops typically have both seating areas and take-out options. However, it’s always a good idea to check their websites or call ahead to confirm their current policies, as they may have adjusted their operations due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Conclusion
After carefully reviewing the 5 Best Ice Cream Shops in Toronto, it is clear that these establishments offer a delightful experience for ice cream lovers. From the unique flavors and creative combinations at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, to the nostalgic charm of Dutch Dreams, each shop has something special to offer. iHalo Krunch stands out with its visually stunning charcoal-infused cones, while Summer’s Ice Cream provides a taste of luxury in the upscale neighborhood of Yorkville. Finally, Wong’s Ice Cream impresses with its consistently high ratings and rave reviews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Toronto, these ice cream shops are definitely worth a visit. Indulge in a sweet treat and discover your new favorite flavor at one of these top-rated establishments.
How We Chose the Cream of the Crop: Finding the Best Ice Cream Shops in Toronto
At Best In Hood, we understand the importance of finding the best ice cream shops in Toronto for all you ice cream lovers out there. That’s why we’ve developed a meticulous methodology to ensure we bring you only the top-notch spots in the city.
Step 1: Research and Exploration
Our journey began with extensive research and exploration of the vibrant ice cream scene in Toronto. We scoured online reviews, consulted local experts, and even conducted interviews with ice cream enthusiasts to gather a comprehensive list of potential contenders.
Step 2: Criteria Selection
To narrow down our list, we established a set of strict criteria that each ice cream shop had to meet. We considered factors such as flavor variety, quality of ingredients, unique offerings, customer service, and overall reputation within the community. Only the creamiest of the crop made it to the next round.
Step 3: Anonymous Visits
Next, our team of experienced reviewers embarked on a series of anonymous visits to the remaining ice cream shops. This allowed us to evaluate the consistency of the ice cream, the freshness of the ingredients, and the overall experience provided by each establishment.
Step 4: Taste Testing
Of course, no evaluation of ice cream shops would be complete without taste testing! Our reviewers indulged in a wide array of flavors, from classic favorites to innovative creations. We assessed the texture, creaminess, and flavor profiles of each scoop to ensure that only the most delectable options made it onto our list.
Step 5: Analysis and Deliberation
After gathering all the necessary data, we meticulously analyzed and compared our findings. Our team engaged in thoughtful deliberation to ensure that the final selection truly represented the best of the best in Toronto’s ice cream scene.
Step 6: Final Selection
Finally, after much consideration, we arrived at our list of the best ice cream shops in Toronto. These establishments have proven their dedication to crafting exceptional ice cream and have delighted countless taste buds with their incredible creations.
At Best In Hood, we take our responsibility to provide you with reliable and trustworthy recommendations seriously. So, the next time you’re craving a scoop of pure bliss, be sure to check out our list of the best ice cream shops in Toronto!