The Best Ice-cream in Edinburgh
I'm writing this just as Edinburgh is experiencing a rare heat wave. The temperature has crept up to a balmy 25°c and it's warm for locals!
Edinburgh is blessed with many ice-cream and gelato places and I wanted to write about some of my favourite ones.
It should be said that ice-cream can be enjoyed all year round and in Scotland it is eaten even in the depths of a rainy, cold winter.
As with any of my blog posts, I have visited these locations and wholeheartedly recommend them. The majority of these locations are within the city centre area and the majority of them are local businesses.
31 N.West Circus Place, Edinburgh
Situated in the charming neighborhood of Stockbridge, Joelato Gelato serve fresh gelato made from scratch.
What I like about them is that they serve gelato with ingredients that are locally sourced and in season. They have an ever changing menu and I would personally recommend their salted honeycomb if it's on their menu. You can check their weekly specials over on their social media.
Note that there is very little seating and it is designed for takeaway, however just around the corner there is a shaded area with seating where the weekly Stockbridge market takes place.
Their Stockbridge shop is open from Tuesday to Sunday, however you can purchase their delights from Bonnie & Wild food court in the St.James Centre daily.
Edinburgh Street Food, Omni Centre
Found inside the trendy Edinburgh Street Food market at the Omni centre is Soft Core.
Their ice-cream is simply local fresh milk and cream from Bonaly Dairy (just a few miles south of Edinburgh).
They serve handmade fresh ice-cream and NYC style soft cookies. Whether you're looking for a classic ice-cream in a cone or a more indulgent sundae, Soft Core have you covered. My personal favourite is their soft serve miso and caramel.
Their social media will keep you up to date on their latest creations.
Lawnmarket, Royal Mile
Located inside the National Trust for Scotland Property Gladstone's Land you'll find a very nice ice-cream parlour on the ground floor.
This historic building dates back to the 1500’s and to tie the rich history and the ice-cream together they cmhave created an ice-cream parlour for you to sit and enjoy.
My favourite flavour from their selection is the Isle of Skye sea salt and caramel, however there are a range of seasonal flavours. You can also try a very Scottish inspired ice-cream - Acranachan ice cream sundae with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sorbet, fresh raspberries and toasted oats.
They has been inspired by the ice cream shops that were prevalent on the Lawnmarket in the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the public houses and dairies that operated out of the property. You can also enjoy an afternoon afogatto if you're after a caffiene boost.
Gladstone's Land is open daily 9am -7pm.
St. Mary's Street, Edinburgh
Located just off of the Royal Mile is Moo Pie. They serve small batch artisanal gelato and soft serve from a petite sized establishment. Again, this place is designed for takeaway.
What I like about them is they serve very unique flavours and combinations that are very creative.
Unusual flavours such as flat white & cardamom shortbread, carrot cake and the very popular coco pops are a hit. Their menu is seasonal, so even in the cold winter months you'll find something warming to enjoy (think a cosy plum crumble gelato).
They also serve cookie ice-cream sandwiches and hot chocolates if you wish to push the boat out.
Forrest Road, Edinburgh
Located next to the main gates of the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard is Alandas Gelato. They use local East Lothian milk in their gelato and have an extensive range to choose from. If you want to go all out, you can fill your ice cream cone with luxurious melted chocolate that they have quite literally on tap.
I can personally recommend their summer passion fruit swirl with a fudge stick on top.
Alandas also have a sister shop in the seaside town of North Berwick.
19 Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Found under the imposing shadow of Edinburgh Castle on the Grassmarket is arguably one of Edinburgh’s most popular ice cream place.
As seen on “Somebody Feed Phil” well known TV show, Mary hand makes the gelato and chocolate every day. Therefore, each day the flavours are different and in season. I would check their social media to see the daily offerings. I remember trying their tea and biscuit flavour and thought it worked well.
You can also try some ice cream spaghetti - A scoop of your choice ice cream, a mound of milk ice cream ‘spaghetti’, amarena cherry ‘meatballs’, toasted honey breadcrumbs, grated black pepper white chocolate ‘parmesan’ and a goodly pinch of rosemary salt.
Note that they do have limited seats, and talking about their seating and bar area stools are made from 100% recycled milk bottles and their colourful tops.
If you are visiting on a sunny day, you may have to wait in line but trust me it is worth the wait.
