Discover 11 Must-Visit Ice Cream Parlors in Ottawa

Ottawa's vibrant culinary scene isn't just about savory delights; it also boasts an incredible array of ice cream parlors that promise to satisfy any sweet craving. Whether you're a local seeking a new favorite spot or a visitor looking for the best places to eat in Ottawa, this guide to the city's top ice cream destinations will lead you to delicious, frosty treats. From artisanal gelato to classic soft serve and unique rolled ice cream creations, these establishments offer delicious dishes and memorable experiences that you cannot miss. Below is a list of notable places, from prominent addresses to special services, ensuring your next sweet escapade in Ottawa is simply delightful.

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1. Moo Shu Ice Cream

Where Asian-inspired flavors meet artisanal ice cream perfection.

Moo Shu Ice Cream is celebrated for its truly unique and creative ice cream flavors that push the boundaries of traditional frozen treats. Many customers rave about the Hong Kong Milk Tea and Vietnamese Coffee flavors, noting their authentic and top-tier taste. Visitors consistently praise the incredible smoothness and richness of the ice cream, highlighting its refreshing and distinctly creative profile. For those with dietary considerations, Moo Shu stands out with its array of delicious non-dairy ice cream options, ensuring everyone can find a delightful scoop. The spacious new location also adds to the enjoyable experience, making it a beloved spot among ice cream parlors in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.7 (1956 google maps)
  • Address: 1130 Wellington St. W Unit 1, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Z3.
  • Phone: +1 613-565-1524
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Hong Kong Milk Tea, Vietnamese Coffee, Calico Chocolate, Blueberry Amaretto, Lime Leaf, Matcha Pocky, Durian Ice Cream, White Rabbit Ice Cream. They also offer ice cream sandwiches and bubble waffles.

Image Moo Shu Ice Cream ice cream parlors in Ottawa

Read more: 16 Must-Visit Dessert Shops in Ottawa for Every Sweet Tooth

2. Farinella Rochester

Indulge in authentic Italian gelato alongside Ottawa's favorite metre-long pizzas.

While Farinella Rochester is renowned for its exceptional Roman-style pizzas, a delightful secret is their equally impressive gelato. Many patrons consider their gelato to be among the best they've ever had, with the hazelnut flavor often singled out for its amazing taste and creamy texture. The selection of gelatos is diverse and boasts top quality, making it a perfect dessert after enjoying their thin-crust, crispy-edged pizzas. The friendly staff and pleasant patio further enhance the experience, ensuring that Farinella Rochester is a must-visit for both incredible pizza and delicious gelato in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.7 (1007 google maps)
  • Address: 492 Rochester St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4L8.
  • Phone: +1 613-422-6462
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Assortment of gelatos (e.g., hazelnut, dark chocolate, caramel lotus), various Roman-style pizzas by the slice or metre.

Image Farinella Rochester ice cream parlors in Ottawa

3. Farinella Kanata

Experience the same perfect Italian pizza and fantastic gelato in Kanata.

Farinella Kanata brings the same high standard of deliciousness found at its Rochester counterpart to the west end of Ottawa. This spot is consistently praised for its fantastic gelato, with flavors like espresso standing out as exceptional. Customers appreciate the high quality and authentic taste of their gelato, making it a worthwhile treat despite the slightly higher price point. Coupled with their renowned Roman-style pizzas that feature fresh ingredients and perfect thin crusts, Farinella Kanata is a superb choice for a satisfying meal and a delightful sweet finish, solidifying its place among the great dessert spots in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.7 (283 google maps)
  • Address: 806 March Rd Unit #1, Kanata, ON K2K 0G1.
  • Phone: +1 613-592-7775
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Wide variety of delicious gelatos (e.g., espresso), Roman-style pizzas with fresh ingredients, calzones.

Image Farinella Kanata ice cream parlors in Ottawa

4. The Merry Dairy

Ottawa's charming spot for homemade, allergy-friendly ice cream delights.

The Merry Dairy is a beloved local gem, celebrated for its homemade ice cream, inviting retro shop, and commitment to inclusivity. Patrons consistently rave about the amazing flavors and smooth texture, often noting that it’s one of the best ice cream parlors in Ottawa. A significant highlight is their dedication to offering delicious dairy-free and gluten-free options, with careful protocols to prevent cross-contamination, making it a safe haven for those with allergies. Beyond the scoops, they offer delightful milkshakes, sandwiches, and custom-ordered ice cream cakes for special occasions, all served by sweet and friendly staff in a vibrant, summer-ready atmosphere.

  • Rating: 4.8 (1691 google maps)
  • Address: 102 Fairmont Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1X6.
  • Phone: +1 613-680-3144
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Artisanal ice cream with unique and classic flavors (e.g., salted caramel, cookies and cream, strawberry, chocolate, gingerbread cone, rum raisin), dairy-free and gluten-free options, milkshakes, ice cream cakes.

Image The Merry Dairy ice cream parlors in Ottawa

5. Mantovani 1946

An elegant taste of Italy with Ottawa’s finest authentic gelato and espresso.

Mantovani 1946 offers an authentic Italian experience right in Ottawa, known for its superb gelato, coffee, and pastries. Customers consistently rate it as having some of the best gelato in Canada, particularly praising flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, rose water, and the unique Kingdom of 2 Sicilies. The gelato is described as thick, creamy, and intensely flavorful, with many dairy-free sorbet options also available. The elegant, minimal interior provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a high-quality dessert. While a bit pricey, the exceptional quality and fantastic flavors make it well worth the visit for a truly sophisticated ice cream experience.

  • Rating: 4.6 (937 google maps)
  • Address: 87 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5K3.
  • Phone: +1 613-422-4255
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Extensive gelato flavors (e.g., pistachio, hazelnut, rose water, Kingdom of 2 Sicilies, espresso, Pompeii, dark chocolate), sorbet options, Italian coffee, pastries.

Image Mantovani 1946 ice cream parlors in Ottawa

6. Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream

A long-standing Ottawa staple offering classic ice cream in the heart of the market.

Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream has been a fixture in Ottawa for decades, serving up classic ice cream and other treats. Its prime location, nestled in the vibrant market environment, makes it a convenient stop for a sweet treat on a sunny day. Patrons have enjoyed the chocolate and vanilla soft serve mix, finding it delicious and refreshing. While some feedback suggests varied experiences regarding pricing or consistency, the shop remains a nostalgic spot for many, offering a quick and friendly service for those seeking traditional ice cream options.

  • Rating: 3.4 (137 google maps)
  • Address: 71 George St, Ottawa, ON K1N 1K1.
  • Phone: +1 613-720-7707
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Soft serve ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, twist), sundaes, hot dogs, french fries, slushies.

Image Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream ice cream parlors in Ottawa

7. Roll'd Up - Dessert Lounge

Witness the magic of rolled ice cream and delight in unique dessert creations.

Roll'd Up - Dessert Lounge offers a captivating experience, making delicious rolled ice cream right before your eyes. Customers are fascinated by the process of chopping, blending, and rolling, turning fresh ingredients into smooth, creamy ice cream. Flavors like strawberry cheesecake and KitKat are highly praised for their authenticity and freshness, made with real fruits and candies. This dessert lounge also offers delightful cakes, like their rich red velvet, and vegan options such as Biscoff. It's a spacious, inviting spot with friendly staff, perfect for a unique and incredibly delicious dessert outing in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 4.5 (263 google maps)
  • Address: 900 Exhibition Way Unit no. 108, Ottawa, ON K1S 5J3.
  • Phone: +1 613-668-9253
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Rolled ice cream (e.g., pistachio, strawberry cheesecake, KitKat, Ferrero Rocher, Oreo, Skors, Tiramisu, Biscoff (vegan), Vanilla Baklava Delight, brownie with caramel), various cakes, cappuccino.

Image Roll'd Up - Dessert Lounge ice cream parlors in Ottawa

8. The Beachconers Microcreamery

Homemade ice cream and good vibes steps from Britannia Beach.

The Beachconers Microcreamery is a delightful hidden gem near Britannia Beach, offering fantastic homemade ice cream. This spot is a perfect re-charge point after a walk or bike ride along the Ottawa River pathway, providing great summer vibes and a cozy atmosphere. Customers love the wide assortment of unique and classic flavors, including dairy-free options that change regularly, ensuring there's always something new to try. The staff are frequently commended for their friendly and helpful service, offering samples and great suggestions. It’s an ideal destination for delicious, handcrafted ice cream and a pleasant outdoor experience.

  • Rating: 4.7 (108 google maps)
  • Address: 273 Britannia Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 5X3.
  • Phone: None
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Homemade ice cream with wide assortment of flavors (e.g., maple, London Fog, Eggcelent, Pinky Fluffy Unicorn, Vanilla Brownie, OMG PB and pieces, chocolate crunch, orange pineapple), vegan choices, baked goods, coffee drinks, waffles.

Image The Beachconers Microcreamery ice cream parlors in Ottawa

9. Brett's Ice Cream

Kanata's cherished spot for creamy soft serve with endless flavor bursts.

Brett's Ice Cream stands out as the go-to place for soft serve in Ottawa's west end, offering an impressive array of flavor bursts and toppings. This quaint parlor, despite being take-away only, provides a charming outdoor seating area with picnic tables and shade, creating a perfect family-friendly experience. Customers rave about the creamy, well-balanced soft serve that isn't overly sweet, and the exciting flavour combinations like Black Cherry Razzle and Cotton Candy Swirl. The staff are consistently described as super friendly and quick, providing excellent service and making every visit a delightful treat. It's truly a hidden gem for ice cream lovers in Kanata.

  • Rating: 4.6 (467 google maps)
  • Address: 1001 Beaverbrook Rd, Kanata, ON K2K 1L2.
  • Phone: +1 613-900-2768
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Soft serve ice cream with various swirl-in flavors and toppings, Razzles (like blizzards) (e.g., Smarties, Skor, Black Cherry), slushie floats, milkshakes, coffee drinks, pupcups for dogs.

Image Brett's Ice Cream ice cream parlors in Ottawa

10. Chris's Ice Cream

Handcrafted ice cream with intense, unique flavors that delight every palate.

Chris's Ice Cream is a standout for its exceptional artisanal ice cream, made from scratch with incredible attention to detail. Customers are consistently amazed by the intensity and richness of the flavors, noting how well Chris infuses unique textures and tastes into each creation. Favorites include Moon Mist, Toasted Coconut, Ferrero Rocher, and Coffee Coffee Crisp, all praised for being beyond delicious. The convenient smaller sizes allow you to sample a variety of delightful kinds, and the presence of vegan/dairy-free options and even healthy treats for pups adds to its appeal. This spot is a must-try for any ice cream enthusiast in Ottawa looking for truly high-quality and distinctive flavors.

  • Rating: 5.0 (87 google maps)
  • Address: 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 4, Ottawa, ON K1J 9J3.
  • Phone: None
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Artisan ice cream with a wide variety of flavors (e.g., Moon Mist, Salted Caramel, Crispy Crunch, Toasted Coconut, Ferrero Rocher, Coffee Coffee Crisp, Butterfinger, Chocolate Brownie, Lemon Sorbet, Raspberry Sorbet, Lime Ice), vegan/dairy-free options, healthy treats for pups.

Image Chris's Ice Cream ice cream parlors in Ottawa

11. Marble Slab Creamery

Your custom ice cream dream, made fresh and mixed on a marble slab.

Marble Slab Creamery offers a unique and interactive ice cream experience, where your chosen ice cream flavors and mix-ins are blended fresh on a frozen marble slab. This customization process allows for endless delicious combinations, ensuring every visit yields a personalized treat. Many customers commend the quality of the ice cream itself and appreciate the friendly and courteous staff who make the experience enjoyable. While variety might sometimes differ by location, the core appeal of fresh, custom-mixed ice cream remains a strong draw for those seeking a delightful and unique dessert in Ottawa.

  • Rating: 3.5 (259 google maps)
  • Address: 773 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 2H5.
  • Phone: +1 613-421-6690
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Custom-mixed ice cream with various flavors (e.g., Rocky Road, Salted Caramel, Coconut, Watermelon, Praline) and mix-ins (chocolate chips, candies, cookies, brownies, cookie dough). Ice cream cakes also available.

Image Marble Slab Creamery ice cream parlors in Ottawa

Whether you are looking for an adventurous new flavor, a classic comforting scoop, or a unique dessert experience, the ice cream parlors in Ottawa listed above will meet your needs well. From artisanal creations to beloved local institutions, each spot offers something special to delight your taste buds. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!