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As the South African sun begins to sizzle and the festive season kicks into high gear, there is no better excuse to indulge in something deliciously cold and creamy. While the Mother City is world-renowned for its fine dining and vineyards, the local obsession with artisanal, homemade treats is where the real magic happens for those with a sweet tooth.
If you are currently dreaming of unforgettable Cape Town holidays, you will be delighted to know that the city’s culinary scene is the perfect partner to its stunning coastlines. To truly make the most of your stay, it helps to plan your journey with a travel expert who understands that a long, hot day on the beach is best ended with a chin-dripping cone in hand. Whether you are coming off the sands of Clifton or exploring the rocky shores of Kalk Bay, we have compiled a list of the best ice cream shops in Cape Town to tickle your tastebuds and cool you down.
1. The Creamery
If you see a line snaking out the door and down the pavement in Cape Town, chances are you have found a branch of The Creamery. This spot has achieved near-cult status among locals, and for good reason. Their philosophy is simple: honest, natural ice cream made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms.
Because they rely on what is in season, the menu changes often, making every visit a bit of a surprise. However, their staple Sea Salt Caramel is a permanent fixture and an absolute must-try. It strikes that elusive, perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a depth of flavor that feels like a hug for your palate.
Recommendation: Grab a scoop of the Sea Salt Caramel on a crispy, warm waffle. If you are near their Mouille Point branch, take your cone for a stroll along the promenade as the sun sets over the Atlantic.
2. Sinnfull Ice Cream Emporium
The story of Sinnfull began back in 2002 in Camps Bay, but today you will find this gem tucked away in Hout Bay. Located along Harbour Road, just behind the famous Snoekies, it is the perfect pitstop after a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak or a boat trip to see the seals at Duiker Island.
Sinnfull is unapologetically rich and adventurous with its flavor profiles. It is the kind of place where “just one scoop” quickly turns into two or three. The texture here is incredibly dense and creamy, perfect for those who take their dessert seriously.
Recommendation: For something exotic, the Pistachio and Saffron is a fragrant masterpiece, while the Poppy Seed White Chocolate offers a unique textural delight. If you are a self-confessed chocoholic, do not leave without trying the Aero flavor—a light, bubbly, and airy take on the classic chocolate bar that melts instantly in your mouth.
3. The Ice Cafe
Kalk Bay is arguably one of the most character-filled neighborhoods in Cape Town. It is a quirky seaside village teeming with antique shops, bohemian boutiques, and tidal pools. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the main road, you will find The Ice Cafe, an unpretentious, hole-in-the-wall parlor.
This small, family-run business uses recipes that have been passed down through generations, and they guard their secrets closely. What isn’t a secret, however, is the quality. They use all-natural ingredients and are environmentally conscious, using recycled plastics for their serving ware. It is a humble spot that lets the flavors do the talking.
Recommendation: After a swim in the Dalebrook Tidal Pool, side-step the tourists and head here for their Apricot Sorbet. It is tangy, vibrant, and arguably the most refreshing thing you can eat on a hot summer afternoon.
4. Crumbs and Cream
If you believe that a balanced diet means a cookie in each hand, Crumbs and Cream is your spiritual home. Located in the prime hustle of Sea Point, this ice cream hot spot was born from a Rhodes University graduate’s obsession with all things sweet.
The concept here moves beyond the traditional cone. Instead, picture silky, soft gelato squashed between two freshly baked cookies. The cookies are the perfect consistency—slightly soft in the middle but crunchy enough on the edges to hold the sandwich together. It is messy, it is fun, and it is absolutely delicious.
Recommendation: This is not the place to hold back. Go for the classic Cookie Dough ice cream sandwiched between two Choc Chip cookies. It’s a nostalgia trip that tastes like the best version of your childhood.
5. Unframed Ice Cream
Cape Town has a thriving vegan community, and Unframed Ice Cream is leading the charge in ensuring that plant-based eaters don’t miss out on the joy of a good scoop. Self-titled as a hub of ice cream “artistry,” Unframed creates flavors that are complex, smooth, and often surprising.
While they do offer dairy options, their nut-based and coconut milk creations are the real stars. They have mastered the texture of vegan ice cream, eliminating the icy crunch often found in dairy-free alternatives and replacing it with a velvety smoothness that rivals traditional cream.
Recommendation: If you have just finished a heavy meal at one of the trendy eateries on Kloof Street, order the Grapefruit Sorbet. It is zingy, soft, and acts as a brilliant palate cleanser.
The Final Scoop
Cape Town is a city that demands to be explored outdoors, from its mountain trails to its white sandy beaches. But the heat of the African summer is real, and knowing exactly where to find the best frozen treats can save your holiday.
Whether you are a vegan looking for a guilt-free treat, a chocolate lover seeking decadence, or a beach bum needing a fruity cooldown, there is an ice cream shop in Cape Town ready to serve you. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and make sure your itinerary includes at least one of these artisanal gems.