Discovering purveyors of the finest ice cream parlours in Johannesburg is a hands-down mouthwatering challenge. From the creamy, artisanal textures to the vibrant, locally sourced flavours, each scoop is a mouthful of indulgence. Here is a roundup of the best spots to explore gelato havens that are fit for any dessert aficionado.
Gelato Mania
The team at Gelato Mania in Rosebank relies on classic techniques to churn their scoops in-house with the highest quality ingredients. There are 32 flavours on offer in classic gelato, sorbets, vegan options, sugar-free options and full-cream milk offerings. Their attention to detail spans to the sugar cones too, baking each batch freshly at the store as well as their Belgian waffles and pancakes on the menu. There are also some adventurous vegan options and some of the best seasonal sorbets.
Where: Gelato Mania at The Firs, Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
When: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am to 11pm; Sunday, 9am to 10pm; Public holidays, 10am to 11pm
Find out more about Johannesburg’s newest gelato parlour!
SOBAE
SOBAE founded by Mbongeni Masondo and Thula Ndema, offers a refreshingly thoughtful approach to frozen treats, crafting small-batch sorbets that are as principled as they are flavourful. Made simply from water, ice, perfectly ripe fruit and significantly less sugar than most, each sorbet is entirely dairy-free and free from additives or preservatives. The focus is firmly on purity, balance and natural sweetness.
Unusual, seasonal flavour combinations draw on fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, resulting in sorbets that feel inventive yet beautifully restrained. Every batch is made by hand, with ingredients personally sourced from informal vendors at the moment of peak ripeness — often just before produce would otherwise be discarded. Reducing food waste is central to the brand’s ethos.
The experience is intimate and community-driven, with SOBAE popping up at Victoria Yards on the first Sunday of every month.
When: Please contact to enquire
Where: 16 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
Website: sobae.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 078 313 7538
Baglios
It’s all about heritage and sticking to all round flavourful desserts for those hot summer days. The brand was formed in the 1970s, when recipes were handed down from generation to generation.
The Barbaglia family are South African-Italian entrepreneurs who created the Baglios brand in a way that connects with customers and ensures a truly indulgent experience, across a variety of flavours of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yoghurt and granita, including caramel and coffee sorbet and more.
When: Daily, from 9am to 11pm
Where: 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Sandton, Johannesburg
Website: baglios.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 061 522 0884
Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream
Few of Johannesburg’s best ice cream shops are as popular as Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream, which you can now find at 12 spots dotted throughout the city. It’s the perfect place to grab a scoop or two when it’s scorching, with founder Paul Ballen taking pride in his artisanal ice cream using fresh, seasonal fruit and good quality cream. If you want to live out all your chocolate fantasies, there’s a wide range of options to choose from as well as limited-edition flavours.
When: Daily, from 9am till late
Where: Various venues in Bedford Centre in Bedfordview, Cresta Shopping Centre in Randburg, 26 4th Ave in Parkhurst, The Neighbourhood Centre in Linksfield, Delta Central in Blairgowrie, Fourways Mall in Fourways, Morningside Shopping Centre in Sandton, The Marc in Sandton, Harvest Place in Kempton Park, The Glen in Oakdene, Nicolway in Bryanston, Mall of Africa in Midrand, The Zone @Rosebank
Website: paulshomemade.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 011 485 0104
Pantry by Marble
Pantry by Marble brings the craft and creativity of Marble’s renowned culinary expertise into the world of ice cream. The ice cream here is thoughtfully curated to balance indulgence with refinement. Each flavour is crafted in-house, combining premium ingredients, seasonal produce and innovative techniques to create textures that are silky, creamy and intensely satisfying.
When: Jan Smuts – Oped daily, 24 hours. Hazelwood – Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 10pm. Friday and Saturday, 7am to midnight
Where: Pantry Jan Smuts – 170 Jan Smuts Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg. Pantry Hazelwood – 5 Hazelwood Rd, Hazelwood, Pretoria
Website: pantry.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 594 5404
I Scream Ice-Cream
I Scream Ice-Cream brings a playful burst of sweetness to Emerald Resort and Casino, offering a colourful escape for dessert lovers of all ages. This vibrant spot specialises in crowd-pleasing treats, from bubble and stick waffles piled high with toppings to silky soft serve, indulgent ice-cream sandwiches and nostalgic mini doughnuts. The gelato is rich and creamy, designed to be mixed, matched and customised, while the milkshakes lean unapologetically decadent.
The interiors mirror the menu’s sense of fun, with a bright, casual design that invites families, groups of friends, and post-adventure snackers to linger.
When: Various times
Where: Emerald Resort & Casino, 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark
Crumbs & Cream
Crumbs & Cream offers ice cream lovers a range of Halaal-friendly ice cream sandwiches, assembled with their choice of Italian gelato and deliciously chewy homemade cookies. The gelato flavours are constantly changing and can include chocolate, vanilla and choc mint, or even Turkish delight and banana fudge.
Customers can also add a spread to their ice cream cookies or take home their own DIY cookie sandwich kits, perfect for parties and home entertaining.
There are various options available, such as specially made birthday cakes and ice cream cakes. There is also a refreshing vegan sorbet. Banting-friendly churro and chocolate brownie cookies are also available.
When: Daily, from 11am to 11pm
Where: Illovo Junction, cnr Oxford Road & Corlett Drive, Illovo Junction, Johannesburg
Website: crumbsandcream.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 081 343 2761
Forest Gelato
The team at Forest Gelato is all about making gelato and sorbet from scratch using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available. Both carnies and vegans can delight in fruit gelato and sorbets that are seasonal, with some of the herbs from their own garden, and a fresh take on interesting ingredients.
No artificial additives, preservatives or colourants are used when making their ice cream, and the parlour follows an eco-conscious approach to packaging with containers and cutlery that are biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable.
When: 44 Stanley – daily from 10am to 5pm | Parkview – Monday to Friday, from 11am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 6pm, Sunday, 9am to 4pm
Where: 44 Stanley – 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg | Parkview – The Village Shopping Centre, 60 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg
Website: forestgelato.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 087 808 0438
Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream
Häagen-Dazs is a globally renowned brand that has been making ice cream like no other since 1960. Every Häagen-Dazs ice cream starts with 100% real cream and milk, blended with carefully selected ingredients, to create a unique velvety texture and unforgettable taste.
Every mouthful is an absorbing, intensely pleasurable experience. Customers have the opportunity to indulge in various flavours, including salted caramel, strawberry and chocolate.
When: Daily, from 9am to 9pm
Where: Sandton City, Shop B7, Banking Mall Level, Sandton, Johannesburg | Mall of Africa, Cnr Lone Creek & Magwa Cres, Waterfall City
Website: haagen-dazs-sa.co.za | Tel: 011 883 7393
Moody Cow
Moody Cow is a gelato and coffee shop and one of Joburg’s best eateries that prides itself on following the traditional method of creating handmade gelato by blending local and Italian ingredients. It has a variety of delicious bubble waffles, gelato and waffle cones that make the customer want more.
When: Mon – Thurs & Sun 8am to 9pm | Fri & Sat 8am to 10pm
Where: Clearwater Mall, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Strubens Valley, Roodepoort
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 593 2740
La Cremosa
La Cremosa is an Italian gelato brand born in Rome and growing in South Africa. Founded by 3 friends – David, Sandro and Mauro – they decided to bring it to South Africa with the goal of making the best artisan ice cream around.
Customers have a variety of gelato to choose from, including strawberry sorbet or even pistachio-flavoured gelato. Indulge in the taste of fresh, seasonal and ripe fruit used in the sorbets or the richest flavour of pistachio or hazelnut, roasted and ground on a daily basis to give a true experience of an Italian gelateria.
Customers can also book a slot for a first-hand experience of how gelato is made from scratch on Saturdays and Sundays.
When: Mon – Thurs 10am to 8pm | Sat & Sun 10am to 10pm
Where: Shop 12, Melrose Arch, The High Str, Melrose, Johannesburg | Dainfern Square, Cnr of William Nicol Drive &, Broadacres Dr, Fourways, Johannesburg
Website: gelatolacremosa.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 493 8636
Fab! Cafe & Gelato
Fab! Cafe & Gelato take centre stage on 7th Avenue, serving beautiful Italian homemade artisan gelato made on site.
The gelato is made with fresh full cream milk, no preservatives, and no artificial colouring. Customers can also have freshly roasted coffee, scrummy Belgian waffles, simple yet delicious breakfasts and light lunches with their ice creams.
When: Mon – Sat 7am to 5pm| Sundays 8am to 5pm
Where: 71 7th St, Linden, Randburg
Website: fabgelato.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 469 5757
The Crepe Van
A refreshingly nostalgic twist to the dessert shops of old, The Crepe Van is a soulful creperie on Eagles Landing. Harkening back to more classic 50s gelaterias, it’s a very simple menu with freshly flipped crepes, waffles, and sundaes drizzled with a range of toppings to choose from such as chocolate and Nutella. There’s also a small range of savoury crepes available for order.
When: Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 5:30pm | Saturday, 8:30am to 4pm | Sunday, from 9am to 3pm
Where: Eagles Landing Shopping Centre, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg
Website: thecrepevan.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 076 725 4034
Maverick and Jane
Renowned for its gourmet popcorn, Maverick and Jane also introduced gelato as its new chapter in 2020. Customers can indulge in authentic Italian gelato made traditionally with seasonal and wholesome ingredients.
Exciting flavours to try out include chocolate and hazelnut, lemon meringue, pecan and pretzels, cheesecake, china fruit and orange sorbet.
With outlets in Rosebank and Mall of Africa, customers can experience a range of flavours that constantly change according to season and theme as well as the owners’ love of experimenting with various tastes and textures. Maverick and Jane offers dairy gelato as well as vegan and lactose-intolerant options.
When: Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to 7pm | Friday, from 9am to 9pm | Saturday, from 9am to 10pm
Where: The Zone @ Rosebank – 177 Oxford Road, The Zone at Rosebank, Johannesburg | Mall of Africa – Magwa Cres, Midrand
Website: maverickandjane.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 061 702 0842
Milky Lane
Milky Lane is mostly cherished for bringing unapologetic indulgence to ice cream and waffles for generations of sweet-toothed fans. Known for its towering soft-serve creations, colourful toppings and generously loaded waffles, this cult favourite leans firmly into fun, excess and nostalgia. From classic cones to over-the-top sundaes and chocolate-drizzled waffles, every order is designed to be playful, satisfying and proudly indulgent.
When: Various times
Where: Branches in Johannesburg and Pretoria
Website: milkylane.co.za | Email: [email protected]
Wedgewood Emporium
When you visit Wedgewood nougat’s Parkhurst Emporium, you enter a realm of sensory confectionery delights at one of South Africa’s leading luxury nougat makers. Here you can try a delectable honey nougat ice cream made in small batches, as well as try some of the brand’s newest nougat flavours. The space comes with a beautifully painted 180-degree floral ceiling.
When: Daily, from 9am to 6pm
Where: Shop 35 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, Johannesburg
Website: wedgewoodnougat.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 010 006 6148
AJ Whisks
This joint’s quite popular in the Joburg sweet treat scene, and you’ve probably seen their trending videos on Tik Tok and Instagram for pumping out some of he city’s finest desserts. While the spot isnt a formal ice cream parlour, their Ferrero Rocher Dream deserves a special mention in this guide for tying together delectable soft serve, swirls of Nutella, and Ferrero Rocher bombs. Grab your mates to keep you company, or a really good book, and get in line.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm | Friday & Saturday, 9am to 9pm
Where: Melrose Arch, Crescent Dr, Melrose, Johannesburg
Instagram: @ajwhisks
Swirl Smashed&Rolled Ice Cream
Swirl Smashed & Rolled Ice Cream at Melrose Arch has built its reputation on freshness, theatre and uncompromising quality. Since 2017, Swirl has remained devoted to a meticulously perfected recipe, producing ice cream made within hours and frozen within seconds before it reaches the plate. The result is a remarkably light, creamy texture, crafted without eggs, gelatine, stabilisers, preservatives or powders, and boasting an impressive 95% real dairy content.
What truly sets Swirl apart is its interactive, made-to-order process. Guests watch as ingredients are smashed, mixed and rolled by skilled staff, transforming each order into a personalised work of edible art.
When: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Where: Melrose Arch, 43 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose, Johannesburg
Website: swirlicecream.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 330 5702
Melt Gelato and Coffee
Tucked inside The Verge in Dowerglen, Melt is a vibrant destination for gelato lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This charming spot brings a touch of Italian soul by blending traditional gelato-making techniques with playful, modern flair. Each scoop is handcrafted using real ingredients, resulting in flavours that are rich, colourful and full of character. From classic favourites to inventive seasonal creations, every serving is made with care — and a cheeky wink.
The interiors are bright, welcoming and relaxed, offering a space to linger with friends, enjoy a moment of indulgence, or watch your gelato being prepared with flair. Beyond gelato, Melt serves expertly brewed coffee, from velvety flat whites to bold espressos.
When: Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 9pm. Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 10pm
Where: The Verge Shopping Centre, 100 Linksfield Rd, Edenvale, Johannesburg
Website: melt-gelato.co.za | Tel: 011 827 8606
Gelatissimo
Gelatissimo has earned a loyal following in Johannesburg for its commitment to authentic, kosher-certified gelato that balances tradition with indulgence. Crafted using time-honoured Italian methods, the ice cream is rich, smooth and intensely flavoured, with a range that spans classic favourites and contemporary creations. Every scoop is made with quality ingredients and careful attention to texture, resulting in gelato that feels both comforting and refined.
When: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Saturday
Where: 53 Ridge Rd, Glenhazel, Johannesburg
Website: gelatissimo.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 061 082 1842
