The ritual of getting ice cream in the summer never loses its novelty. No matter your age, when the temperature rises, frozen treats are a must. Toronto has much to offer those in search of their next one. From hand-crafted ice cream sandwiches to sundaes-in-colourful cones to pints layered with toppings, there’s an ice cream experience you’ll want to try in the city this summer in Toronto.
Here are the best new ice cream places to check out in Toronto and the GTA.
Ernie’s Ice Box
Founder Julia Haist started selling her scratch-made ice cream sandwiches at Underpass Park Farmers Market back in Spring 2021, but opened her first storefront at Jane and Anette this year on July 1st. She was sold out on the first day. Rotating flavours that your inner child will love, like s’mores, birthday cake, black forest, PB&J are announced regularly over on their Instagram.
- Location(s): 403 Jane Street, Toronto
- Store Hours: Thursday to Friday 3-8 p.m.; Saturday 1-8 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m. (or until they sell out)
- Click here for the full menu.
Happy Sundae
If you’re in the mood for a treat for the eyes and the tastebuds, Happy Sundae has what you need. This new dessert boutique from Angela Phung of aka.THESTORE has become known for its ‘dessert masterpieces’ in colourful waffle cones (think: lavender, red velvet, orange creamsicle) which are featured on their Instagram with manicures to match. Soft serve ice cream is made in-house daily at the Toronto location, and non-dairy options and gluten-free options are also available.
- Location(s): 85 Portland Street, Toronto
- Store Hours: Monday to Friday, 1-10 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 1-11 p.m.
- Menu is not available online.
Daigyo
For a limited time, Daigyo Cafe is making two authentic Japanese-style ice cream offerings available nightly after 6 p.m. Try their Hatsuki Signature Matcha & Shizuki Dragon Fruit Yuzu, named after two-night animals in Japanese folklore. The nightly dessert series, called ‘Stories After Dark, Monogatari,’ kicked off July 1st, and will only be on until September. Sate your evening sweet craving here while you can.
- Location(s): 4909 Yonge Street, North York
- Store Hours: Friday to Monday, 12-10 p.m.;. Tuesday to Thursday, 12-9 p.m. (ice cream offerings available after 6 p.m. Monday – Sunday until September)
- Click here for the full menu.
Daiquiri Drive
For a taste of the tropics, head to this unassuming new Queen St. storefront and grab a traditional Bahamian ‘soft serve’ daiquiri in a watermelon or pineapple bowl. Flavours like mango colada, pineapple float, mango, or Bahamian sunset, come in watermelon or pineapple bowls, complete with a cocktail umbrella and candy garnishes. Daiquiris are all non-alcoholic, and vegan options are available.
- Location(s): 1535 Queen Street West, Toronto
- Store Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 12-9 p.m.
- Menu not available online
Rex’s Premium Ice Cream
Rex’s quickly gained a cult following for their small-batch-made ice cream pints in flavours inspired by founder Abdul Ali’s upbringing. Their signature Caramel Lotus comes layered with caramel sauce and lotus biscoff cookies, and other flavours Somali Chai, Mombasa Mango, and blueberry pancake capture tastes you definitely won’t find anywhere else. Flavours are announced on Instagram every Saturday at 1 p.m. and are available while supplies last. Set your alarm.
- Location(s): 302 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto
- Store Hours: Taking orders every Saturday at 1 p.m., pick-ups at their location Thursday to Saturday 1-8 p.m. (order through their website)
Creamery X
Vegans are in no way limited for choice at this east-end pint & scoop shop. Here, hand-made frozen custard and vegan ice cream scoops, bars, and squares come in unique flavours like Dark & Stormy, Portuguese Custard Tart, and Sesame Peanut Butter. Everything including add-ins is handmade in small batches.
- Location(s): 124 Jarvis Street, Toronto
- Store Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1-7 p.m.
- Click here for the full menu
Honey’s Ice Cream
Bunner’s Bakeshop founder Ashley Wittig has moved onto a new mission: perfecting her own plant-based ice cream. Honey’s scoops 12 rotating flavours daily at the shop including peanut butter cup, creme egg, earl grey, and more. Come get a scoop and stock up on bars, pints or pies, all made from a cashew-and-coconut cream base and other food sensitivity-friendly add-ins.
- Location(s): 1448 Dundas Street West, Toronto
- Store Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 12-9 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 12-10 p.m.
- Click here for the full menu
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