4th Avenue Roasters’ ice cream and gelato is made fresh in-house at their Parkhurst cafe and served with a smile. Using imported Italian gelato powder, each scoop is distinctly rich, silky, and full of flavour. Pair their showstopping Black Vanilla ice cream with a perfectly brewed flat white for the ultimate sweet-and-bitter treat.

2. Baglios

Baglios is a Johannesburg-born Italian gelateria, carrying on recipes handed down through the Barbaglia family since the 1970s. Made fresh on-site every day, their egg-free gelato, sorbets, and frozen yoghurts are creamy yet light, beautifully presented, and made with only the highest-quality ingredients. Every scoop delivers a taste of Italian indulgence, reflecting Baglios’ heritage of artisanal passion and uncompromising quality. Baglios can be found all over Joburg, including Montecasino, Bedford Centre, and Morningside. 

3. Fab & Co

Fab & Co in Parkhurst is the place where "fabulous people meet to eat", and it also makes fabulous gelato and sorbet. They’re all about experimenting with funky flavours like malva pudding and custard, gorgonzola and caramelised fig, and New York cheesecake, but our favourites happen to be their simple pink grapefruit and blood orange sorbets. If they’re on display, make sure you get a scoop.

4. Forest Gelato

Forest Gelato at 44 Stanley  and The Village Shopping Centre in Parkview is all about seasonal flavours, environmental consciousness, and ensuring their products are free from artificial additives and preservatives. And their gelato is sublime! They gravitate towards more ‘adult’ flavours like orange and Szechuan pepper, and fresh plum and kirsch, but our favourites are the vegan Belgian chocolate gelato and the creamy vegan coconut and lime, both insanely rich and unbelievably good.

5. Gelatissimo

At Gelatissimo , Italian Chani Lavine has set out to create an authentic Italian gelateria in the heart of Glenhazel . There’s a big emphasis on only using the very best ingredients infused with love and joy. It’s also Kosher. The tiramisu and white chocolate flavours are pretty fabulous, and their homemade crisp Belgian waffles add to their appeal.

6. Gelato Mania

Gelato Mania , the Cape Town-based brand that exploded across the Western Cape over the last few years, has brought their sensational artisanal gelato to The Firs in Rosebank . They’re firm believers in quality ingredients and only the freshest full-cream milk (they go through 360 kg of Belgian chocolate per week to make their chocolate gelato). Those watching their calories will delight in knowing that Gelato Mania has chocolate and hazelnut ‘lite’ gelato made using low-fat milk and sweetened with stevia, as well as a vegan option made with soya milk.

7. La Cremosa

La Cremosa does it the Roman way: there are no flashy displays of gelato dripping in toppings; it’s hidden in containers within the counter to ensure the gelato is at its freshest and best. They use 100% natural ingredients, no syrups and no flavourings. Our favourites are the Nutella and pistachio, along with their double delicious caramel and chocolate gelato. La Cremosa also does mighty fine homemade cannolis and makes all their sugar cones in-store. You’ll find them in Dainfern   Square and Melrose Arch .

8. Le Parc by tashas

Le Parc by tashas is a little Parisian oasis at  Hyde Park Corner  that makes its own gourmet ice cream, all laid out in the most gorgeous display, making it virtually impossible to pass by their venue without sneaking a peek. There are always six different flavours on offer as well as one special flavour of the week; these include Pistachio, Ferrero Rocher, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Pink Bubblegum. You can also go all out with toppings from their audacious selection of caramel popcorn, brandy snaps, 100s and 1000s, chocolate pearls, and flaked almonds.

9. Pappas on The Square