Enjoy the taste of summer with a visit to one of Edinburgh's ice cream shops.
It’s delicious all year round, but on a warm summer’s day nothing hits the spot quite like an ice cream.
Tub or cone, one scoop or two – whatever kind of ice cream or gelato fan you are, soak up the taste of summer from one of these Edinburgh ice cream shops.
Alandas Gelato
Using only the best locally sourced ingredients
Family-run Alandas Gelato on Forrest Road make their gelato and sorbets fresh every day using cream and milk from a local dairy in East Lothian.
All their delicious flavours are made using a traditional gelato recipe – stop by for a tub of Amarena cherry, peach cobbler or chocolate fudge brownie.
Sweet Paradice Desserts
Desserts for the family
Not only do Sweet Paradice Desserts have 25+ flavours of ice cream to choose from, but you can also upgrade by adding brownie bites, mini pancakes, waffle sticks or mini donuts to your ice cream treat.
If your sweet tooth still needs satisfied, there’s also churros, cakes, cheesecakes, sundaes, waffles, crepes and pancakes and milkshakes available.
Crolla’s Gelateria
Their long history
Crolla’s Gelateria has been satisfying Scotland’s love of traditional Italian ice cream since 1895.
With over 80 delicious flavours to choose from, you may need to make repeat visits to their shop, on Leith’s Shore.
S. Luca Dairy Ice Cream
Classic favourites as well as new flavours
Whether you visit their café on Morningside Road or Musselburgh’s High Street, at S. Luca Dairy Ice Cream you’ll be treated to a range of exquisite ice cream flavours.
Choose from classics like raspberry ripple or strawberry, or try one of their creative flavours like New York lime cheesecake or white chocolate fudge brownie.
Gladstone’s Land
Taking inspiration from the ice cream shops that were seen on the Royal Mile centuries ago
One of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings, Gladstone’s Land has a rich trading history, from bakers and boarding-house keepers to spirit dealers and shoemakers.
Take a tour of the building before enjoying a visit to their ice cream parlour and coffee shop where you can choose from a selection of ice cream flavours, sundaes, cakes and hot drinks. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
Mary’s Milk Bar
Flavours which change daily
Located in the Grassmarket is the popular Mary’s Milk Bar. On a warm summer’s day, it’s not uncommon to see a long queue of people waiting outside this small retro ice cream parlour, but once you’ve tasted one of their cones, you’ll understand why.
While you can still get the classics here, if you fancy being a bit more adventurous they also serve exciting flavours such as elderflower with lemon curd, and walnut and figs.
Moo Pie Gelato
Their ice cream cookie sandwiches
Whether you like your ice cream in a cup, a cone or as a cookie sandwich (we recommend the latter!), Moo Pie Gelato on St Mary’s Street have you covered.
Made in-house using the best local ingredients, they have a range of changing flavours, such as coconut and cardamom, vanilla cheesecake and carrot cake.
Considerit
Handmade plant-based sweet treats
Offering a completely plant-based menu, Considerit sell a range of ice cream, as well as donuts and artisan chocolates.
Located close to The Meadows, be sure to stop by on a summer’s day for a cone to enjoy while soaking up the sun in the park.
The Little Parlour
Their huge range of flavours
If you’re in South Queensferry, just 20 mins by train from Edinburgh, don’t miss a visit to The Little Parlour.
Go traditional with mint choc chip or try something a wee bit different (and uniquely Scottish) with creamy tablet or Iron Bru. And, of course, don’t forget the finishing touch – they have 20+ toppings to complete your cone, from toasted marshmallows to novelty handmade meringues.
LouLou’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop
Award-winning ice cream
Another South Queensferry treat is LouLou’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop.
Offering both sit in and takeaway, take your pick from freshly made milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, hot cookie dough and other sweet delights. Gluten free cones and a selection of vegan ices are also available.
Over Langshow Farmhouse Ice Cream
Their quirky police box location
You’ll find Over Langshaw Farmhouse Ice Cream selling their tasty ice cream and fruity seasonal sorbets from a former Police box in The Grassmarket.
If you need a coffee hit, they also serve Affogatos – your choice of ice cream with a shot of espresso.
Oscar’s Gelato
Gelato made from scratch, using locally source ingredients
With over 30 flavours, ranging from Biscoff to bubble-gum, there’s something for everyone at Oscar’s Gelato in Portobello.
All of their gelato is made in small batches freshly each day, using whole milk and double cream for a wonderful creamy texture that simply melts in the mouth.
Guide to food and drink in Edinburgh
From afternoon tea to fine dining, Edinburgh is full of mouth-watering places to eat.
