Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Ottawa

Ottawa's ice cream scene runs deep — from artisan gelaterias that have been scooping since the 1980s to newer small-batch creameries pushing creative flavours. Whether you want classic Italian gelato, Asian-inspired scoops, or rolled ice cream made in front of you, there's a shop for it.

Most shops are seasonal or reduce their hours in winter, so summer is prime time. Here are the best places to get a cone in the capital.

Gelato

Stella Luna Gelato Cafe

1103 Bank Street, Old Ottawa South

Ottawa's most awarded gelato shop. Owner Tammy Giuliani trained in Italy as a master gelato maker, and the results speak for themselves — Stella Luna won Best Gelato in Canada and Top 3 in the Americas at the Gelato World Tour (Chicago, 2016), plus the International Journalist's Choice Award at the World Tour Finals in Italy (2017).

The pistachio is legendary — regulars call ahead to make sure it's in stock. Other favourites include Salted Caramel, Chocolate Chillies, and Madagascar Vanilla. Stella Luna is also a full cafe serving panini, soups, waffles, and crepes.

Open year-round.

Piccolo Grande Artisan Gelateria

55 Murray Street, ByWard Market

One of Ottawa's longest-running gelaterias, serving authentic Italian gelato since 1987. Piccolo Grande offers over 50 flavours made with imported Italian ingredients. Pistachio, hazelnut, black currant, and passion fruit are perennial favourites. The affogato (espresso poured over gelato) is excellent.

Located in a charming stone building in the heart of the Market. Seasonal — closes for winter.

Mantovani 1946

87 Murray Street, ByWard Market

A Neapolitan gelato cafe with roots going back to 1946 in Naples, Italy. Ingredients are imported directly from Italy. The signature flavour is Kingdom of the Two Sicilies — a blend of pistachio, chocolate, and orange. Rosewater and hazelnut are also standouts.

In winter, Mantovani shifts to pastries, cornetti (Italian croissants), and Neapolitan espresso. Open year-round.

Amore Gelato

71 William Street, ByWard Market

Handmade fresh every morning on-site. Flavours range from mango and lychee to classic pistachio and hazelnut. A solid choice for a stroll through the Market on a summer evening.

Farinella

492 Rochester Street, Little Italy · 806 March Road, Kanata

Run by an Italian brother-and-sister team who trained in Italy. Known primarily for their metre-long pizzas, but the gelato is authentic and well worth a stop. The Rochester Street location is the main year-round spot.

Ice Cream

Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen

1130 Wellington Street West, Hintonburg

Small-batch artisan ice cream made from scratch with locally sourced Ontario dairy. Owner Liz Mok started at the Ottawa Farmers' Market in 2015 and built a following with creative Asian-inspired flavours like Hong Kong Milk Tea, White Rabbit, and Black Sesame. Ginger Vanilla Bean is a mainstay; other flavours rotate monthly.

The housemade bubble waffle cones (available Wednesdays) are a draw on their own. Moo Shu is also a Living Wage certified employer.

Open year-round (closed Tuesdays).

The Merry Dairy

102 Fairmont Avenue, Hintonburg

An Ottawa institution since starting as a retro food truck in 2012. The Merry Dairy serves small-batch premium ice cream, Midwest-style frozen custard, and Jersey-style soft serve custard in a nut-free facility.

Rotating creative flavours include Trash Panda (vanilla with raspberry and malted fudge), Lemon Lavender, Honeycomb, and Earl Grey. Also makes popsicles (Merry Pops), shakes, and ice cream sandwiches. Tubs are available at local retailers for take-home.

Open year-round except January. Winter hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–6 PM.

Haven's Creamery

755 Bank Street, The Glebe

A newer addition to Ottawa's ice cream scene, quickly gaining a loyal following. Handcrafted small-batch ice cream without preservatives. Distinctive flavours like Baklava, London Fog, and Cereal Milk (corn flakes-infused base). Hand-made waffle cones, plus sorbets and vegan options.

Open year-round.

Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream

1626 Stittsville Main Street, Stittsville · 71 George Street, ByWard Market · and 5 other locations

An Ottawa classic since 1982 — over 40 years of scooping. Made with Ontario farm-fresh milk and cream. Over 60 flavours including Black Cherry, Chocolate Orange Sunshine, and Strawberriana. Dairy-free and sugar-free options available. Also found at TD Place and the Ottawa Titans stadium.

La Cigale

14 Scott Street, Old Chelsea, QC (20 min from downtown)

Worth the short drive to Chelsea. La Cigale rotates through 70+ carefully curated flavours across the season, with 24 available at any given time. Standouts include Key Lime Pie, Raspberry White Chocolate, Chocolate Guinness (a limited Father's Day special), and Ginger Snap & Chai. Vegan and dairy-free options available.

In winter, the shop switches to hand-rolled doughnuts and fritters. Charming garden seating surrounded by flowers in summer.

Carp Custom Creamery

3763 Carp Road, Carp (30 min from downtown)

A day-trip-worthy destination in the village of Carp. Small-batch artisan ice cream made on-site with local ingredients. 16 flavours daily with 40+ options for take-home tubs. Favourites include Lemon Lavender, Salted Caramel Brownie, Chocolate Ginger, and Double Vanilla Coconut. Gluten-free and vegan options.

The Beachconers Microcreamery

273 Britannia Road, Britannia

Everything is made from scratch — including the brownies and cookies that go into the ice cream. Usually 12 rotating flavours at a time, with inventive options like Chocolate Marmalade, Cold Brew Coffee, Rhubarb Crumble, and Pumpkin Spice. The vegan peanut butter (made from cashews) is a standout.

Located near Britannia Beach and the Ottawa River bike path — a natural stop on a summer ride. Also a coffeehouse with baked goods.

Chris's Ice Cream

5510 Canotek Road, Unit 4, Gloucester

Dense, rich "super premium" American-style ice cream made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. A worthwhile detour if you're in the east end.

Something Different

Happy Rolls

1195 Wellington Street West, Hintonburg

Rolled ice cream made fresh in front of you on a cold plate. Flavours include Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa, Banana Pudding, Cookies and Cream, and Maple Pecan. All made with fresh ingredients, no preservatives. Also serves mini pancakes and chocolate strawberry cups.

Open late on Fridays (until midnight) — a solid dessert stop after dinner on Wellington.

La Crémière

1200 St-Laurent Boulevard

A soft serve specialist with a wider variety of dip flavours than most places — well beyond the standard chocolate dip. Also offers frozen yogurt and deep-fried ice cream.

Tips

Most shops are seasonal or adjust hours in winter. Peak season is May through September. Stella Luna, Moo Shu, Haven's Creamery, and Mantovani 1946 are your best year-round bets.

The ByWard Market has the highest concentration of gelato and ice cream shops. You could easily hit Piccolo Grande, Mantovani, and Amore Gelato in a single walk.

For a day trip, combine Carp Custom Creamery with the Carp Farmers' Market (Saturdays, May–October), or head to La Cigale in Chelsea after a hike in Gatineau Park.

Expect to pay $5–8 for a single scoop at most artisan shops. Prices have risen in recent years due to ingredient costs, but portions are generally generous.

See also: Farmers' markets in Ottawa → · Best picnic spots → · Things to do with kids →