You absolutely must try these 11 recommendations this spring and summer. Berlin has a wealth and variety of ice cream parlours and shops to offer, which will keep you coming back for more throughout the warmer months. Whether you’re vegan or a fussy ice cream cone connoisseur, there’s something for everyone. Pop into your favourite local ice cream parlour again or try out some unusual ice cream trends. With the help of our social media community, we’ve tracked down the best ice cream in Berlin for you.
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Top 1: Vegan ice cream in Berlin – sustainable refreshment
Most ice cream parlours now have a few vegan flavours in their range. With our recommendations, however, you’ll enjoy uncompromisingly vegan ice cream. All flavours here are made without animal products. Our highlights: vegan spaghetti ice cream, vegan ice cream sandwich and vegan banana ice cream with chocolate-caramel sauce.
Top 2: Ice cream makers – the complete package for those with a sweet tooth
In a craft ice cream parlour, products are handmade by specialist experts. When this principle meets delicious ice cream, indulgence is guaranteed. Craft ice cream parlours usually stand out because, alongside their ice cream specialities, they also offer fine chocolates, divine pastries and elaborate cakes. A great idea for a visit with the whole family, as there’s something for everyone.
Top 3: Unusual flavours – an ice-cold explosion of taste
Do flavours like cucumber-lemon-mint, chocolate-ginger, chocolate-coffee-sherry or caipirinha make your mouth water? Then you’ll love the following ice cream parlours. With their selection, these Berlin originals reflect the capital’s love of experimentation. The flavours dance in your mouth like a colourful party. If your companion is less keen on experimenting, however, there are also delicious classics on offer here.
Top 4: The classic ice cream parlour – childhood memories included
For that retro feel, we recommend classic ice cream parlours that have been delighting customers with their ice cream for decades. Here you’ll find the typical ice cream parlour atmosphere: red-and-white striped awnings and mouth-watering pictures of generous ice cream sundaes above the counter. But of course, even the classics move with the times and now have vegan varieties on display, so everyone’s happy.
Top 5: Your favourite ice cream to take away or enjoy at home
These Berlin ice cream parlours have become so successful that you can not only enjoy their products on the spot , but also take them home, to your hotel or holiday flat in pre-packaged tubs. The companies prioritise sustainability and ensure resource-efficient production, natural ingredients and sustainable packaging materials. You can find them in several branches across Berlin.
Top 6: The colourful ice cream parlour in the neighbourhood – a popular summer hangout
Every Berlin neighbourhood loves its ice cream parlour. This is where the whole neighbourhood meets in summer. The selection leaves nothing to be desired: you’ll find classics like chocolate, strawberry and stracciatella, as well as vegan sorbets or the odd unusual flavour. The best thing is to sit and linger whilst life in the neighbourhood goes on all around you. Or you can grab a little refreshment to go on your way home from a sightseeing tour.
Top 7: More is more – trendy ice cream with extras and toppings
These recommendations let you customise your ice cream according to the principle of “more is more”. At Delabuu, you can put together your own selection of ingredients and toppings, which are incorporated into the ice cream rolls in the Thai style. You can enjoy traditional Japanese ice cream at "Tenzan Lab." Here, large blocks of ice cream are shaved directly for you using a special machine and topped with flavours such as matcha or mango. Mochis or marshmallows can be added on top as desired.
Top 8: Italian ice cream – Dolce Vita in Berlin
Perhaps you’re longing for Italy or have just returned from holiday – but don’t worry, you can treat yourself to a little bit of Dolce Vita in Berlin too, in the form of creamy Italian gelato. And what is the hallmark of an Italian ice cream parlour, apart from unbeatably delicious ice cream? That’s right, unbeatably good coffee.
Top 9: Crunchy fun – when the waffle steals the show from the ice cream
For many ice cream fans, nothing beats a crisp, fresh waffle. You’ll find the best waffles at these ice cream parlours: Aldemir Eis – one of the old-timers among Berlin’s ice cream parlours. Among other things, the secret to its success lies in the homemade ice cream waffles with their golden-yellow honeycomb texture, which simply beg to be bitten into. And Sweet2Go – here too, you can see the craftsmanship in the ice cream cones, as they are freshly baked every day.
Top 10: Trendy and eye-catching – handmade ice lollies
Ice lollies, often marketed under the English term ‘popsicles’, sweeten up your summer with vibrant colours and stunning flavours. The popsicles are handmade and come in a range of flavours, from fruity and fresh to creamy and chocolatey. Several Berlin-based producers have recognised the trend and are making these cheerful ice lollies. Sustainability is a top priority for all of them.
- Gimme Gelato
- Two more popsicle makers from Berlin and Brandenburg: Paletas and California Pops, available at many kiosks, cafés and other shops
Top 11: Soft-serve ice cream – floating on a soft cloud
Creamy, soft clouds of soft-serve ice cream will remind you of the funfairs and beach holidays of your childhood. Plain or topped with the distinctive red or chocolate-brown glaze, soft-serve ice cream is perfection in every form. Let the silky texture melt on your tongue. At Softinis on Alexanderplatz, you can enjoy this classic in various variations: with sprinkles, brittle, delicious sauces or colourful marshmallows.
