Brews & Bites
Johannesburg’s Best Ice Cream Parlours Locals Keep Going Back To
A city that takes dessert seriously
Johannesburg does not just eat ice cream when the sun is out. It celebrates it. From post-mall scoops to late-night waffle runs and Instagram-driven dessert pilgrimages, ice cream has quietly become part of the city’s lifestyle rhythm. What makes Joburg special is the mix. Italian heritage brands sit comfortably next to experimental gelato labs and viral dessert counters that have taken over TikTok feeds.
This guide pulls together the ice cream parlours locals return to again and again. Some are long-standing favourites. Others are newer names that have earned cult status fast. All of them are verified, open, and serving right now.
Gelato with craft at its core
Gelato Mania
Tucked into Rosebank, Gelato Mania feels more like a working kitchen than a dessert shop. This was Johannesburg’s first dedicated gelato laboratory, and it shows. Everything is made on-site, including sugar cones, waffles, and pancakes. With more than 30 rotating flavours that include vegan, sugar-free, and full-cream options, it is a place where precision meets indulgence.
A legacy built on dairy and devotion
Baglios
Baglios carries a story that stretches back to the 1970s. Founded by the Barbaglia family, the brand blends South African warmth with Italian dessert tradition. Locals love it for its dependable classics, from rich ice cream to granita and sorbet. On a hot Montecasino afternoon, this spot feels like a ritual.
The scoop most Joburgers grew up with
Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream
With more than a dozen locations across the city, Paul’s is almost impossible to miss. Founded by Paul Ballen, the brand has become a household name thanks to seasonal fruit flavours, chocolate-heavy creations, and limited-edition experiments. It is often the first ice cream memory for many Joburg kids and still a go-to for adults.
Waffles, gelato, and street-style energy
Summa Sundae Bar
Summa brings dessert culture and fashion together. Known for gourmet gelato, Belgian waffles, and cruffles, the Rosebank and Parkwood branches stay buzzing well into the evening. The brand’s streetwear and pint takeaways have made it especially popular with younger crowds.
Cookies, ice cream, and build your own joy
Crumbs & Cream
Crumbs & Cream focuses on ice cream sandwiches made with Italian gelato and freshly baked cookies. Everything is Halal-friendly, and the flavours change often. From DIY kits to ice cream cakes, this Illovo spot is a favourite for birthdays and weekend treats.
Where sustainability meets flavour
Forest Gelato
Forest Gelato has earned serious respect among food lovers. Made from scratch using seasonal ingredients and herbs from their own garden, the gelato and sorbet are free from artificial additives. Their eco-conscious packaging adds another reason locals keep coming back.
A global luxury favourite in Joburg malls
Häagen-Dazs
Häagen-Dazs needs little introduction. Made with real cream and milk, the brand’s Sandton City and Mall of Africa stores offer the same smooth textures and classic flavours that made it famous worldwide.
Gelato, coffee, and mall comfort
Moody Cow
Moody Cow blends local and Italian ingredients using traditional gelato methods. Based in Clearwater Mall, it has become a favourite for shoppers who want something indulgent with their coffee or bubble waffle.
Italian roots with a hands-on twist
La Cremosa
Born in Rome and brought to South Africa by three friends, La Cremosa focuses on authenticity. Pistachios and hazelnuts are roasted and ground daily, and weekend visitors can even book sessions to see how gelato is made from scratch.
Linden’s all-day gelato stop
Fab Cafe & Gelato
On 7th Street in Linden, Fab Cafe & Gelato serves Italian-style gelato made on-site with no preservatives or artificial colouring. It is as much a neighbourhood cafe as it is a dessert destination.
Retro crepes and old-school charm
The Crepe Van
The Crepe Van leans into nostalgia. Think freshly flipped crepes, waffles, and sundaes with simple toppings. Located at Eagles Landing, it feels refreshingly unfussy in a world of over-the-top desserts.
Popcorn legends turned gelato makers
Maverick and Jane
Known first for gourmet popcorn, Maverick and Jane introduced gelato in 2020. Their flavours change with the seasons and range from dairy-rich classics to vegan sorbets. The Rosebank and Mall of Africa stores are especially popular on weekends.
Nougat reimagined as ice cream
Wedgewood Emporium
At Wedgewood’s Parkhurst Emporium, the standout is South Africa’s first nougat ice cream. The experience goes beyond taste, with a beautifully painted floral ceiling and a full range of luxury confectionery.
The dessert spot breaking the internet
AJ Whisks
AJ Whisks may not be a traditional ice cream parlour, but it earns its place thanks to social media fame and queues that rarely seem to end. Their Ferrero Rocher Dream, a towering soft serve creation layered with Nutella and chocolate, has become a viral Johannesburg dessert moment.
Why Joburg’s ice cream scene keeps growing
Ice cream in Johannesburg is no longer just about cooling down. It is about experience, storytelling, and community. Whether it is a family recipe passed down generations or a dessert designed for TikTok, these spots reflect how the city eats now. Fast, expressive, indulgent, and always ready for the next scoop.
Also read: The Royale Craighall: A Colourful Cocktail Spot Made for Long Lunches and Late Nights
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Source: What’s On In Joburg
Featured Image: Andy’s East Coast Kitchen
