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World Ice Cream Day is the one holiday where calories are universally forgiven—and in Johannesburg, the scoop scene is anything but ordinary. From hand-churned classics to wild, creamy inventions, Joburg’s ice cream makers are churning joy by the cone.

Whether you’re in it for nostalgic flavours, vegan indulgence, or just an excuse to eat dessert first, Joburg is overflowing with scoop-worthy spots. For World Ice Cream Day, we’ve tracked down the city’s best frozen gems so you can celebrate every lick.

Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream

Forget your childhood tub of vanilla—Paul’s Homemade Ice Cream is where memory meets mastery. Their scoop cafés around the city offer ever-changing, wildly creative flavours that balance indulgence with artisanal flair. A must-try for this year’s celebration is Mom’s Brownie Batter—a decadent blend of dulce de leche swirls and fudgy brownie bites that somehow tastes like childhood and luxury all at once. It’s rich, chewy, and absolutely worth the queue. Scoop availability may vary, so check their website for café locations and flavour drops: paulshomemade.com

Gelato La Cremosa

Tucked into the heart of Joburg’s artisanal food scene, Gelato La Cremosa serves scoops that taste like a Roman holiday. With velvety textures and bold flavour pairings, this spot keeps things authentically Italian, right down to the aesthetic. Every visit here feels like a love letter to gelato, and their Instagram feed offers a glimpse into their gorgeously crafted treats: Gelato La Cremosa on Instagram

Häagen-Dazs

There’s a reason Häagen-Dazs is globally adored—it’s not just ice cream; it’s a legacy. Since 1960, they’ve delivered silky, slow-melting flavours made with premium ingredients that honour founder Reuben Mattus’ philosophy: indulgence should be real and rewarding. Whether you’re loyal to their creamy Vanilla or ready to get adventurous with a Caramel Cone Crunch, their Johannesburg locations serve a scoop that feels like an event. Find your nearest indulgence at haagen-dazs-sa.co.za

Crumbs & Cream

If you believe dessert should come with options, Crumbs & Cream is your dream come true. Their combo of oven-warm cookies and artisan gelato makes for the most satisfying sandwich in town. With both dairy and vegan options available, their scoops are inclusive and irresistibly fun. Go classic with vanilla bean or go rogue with unicorn-coloured surprises—it’s all made fresh and served with flair. Discover their full flavour experience at crumbsandcream.co.za

Gelato Mania Rosebank

Since 2006, Gelato Mania has been turning tradition into taste in the most heartwarming way. As a family-run gelateria, they’re rooted in Italian recipes and hospitality, serving each cup and cone with joy. Their Rosebank shop is a flavour carnival, from tangy tropical sorbets to rich tiramisu swirls. Every scoop is a memory in the making—truly “memories you can taste.” Explore their offerings here: gelatomania.co.za

Forest Gelato

If you’re searching for something pure, seasonal, and slightly wild, Forest Gelato is your spot. Everything here is made from scratch using only the freshest natural ingredients, including herbs they grow themselves. Their sorbets are a celebration of the seasons, while their commitment to sustainability makes every bite feel better. With no artificial anything and eco-friendly packaging, this is guilt-free indulgence at its finest. Learn more about their earthy elegance at forestgelato.co.za

Lindt Boutique

Lindt has long been famous for putting out some of the highest-quality, most decadent chocolate in the world. Did you know they’re in on the soft serve game, too? Visit your nearest Lindt boutique in Joburg to secure a rich, velvety serving of soft serve that went to private school.

Wedgewood Emporium

If you’re a nougat fan, you know Wedgewood makes some of the best. Unsurprisingly, their nougat ice cream is an otherworldly experience. Treat yourself to an ooey-gooey scoop (or two!), oozing with honey, caramelised nuts, and all your favourite nougat fillings. It’s happiness in a cone, and you deserve it.

Pantry By Marble

Pantry in Rosebank is open 24/7, so when that ice cream craving hits, you know where to run. It’s smooth, perfectly creamy, and available in various unique flavours. Swirl it up to get a mix, and add your favourite toppings. You really can’t go wrong here.

World Ice Cream Day in Johannesburg isn’t just about sweet treats—it’s about craftsmanship, creativity, and celebrating the small joys. Whether you’re team gelato, team vegan, a soft serve loyalist, or ride-or-die for brownie batter, Joburg’s scoop scene is more than ready to serve up the chill. So grab your spoon, bring your curiosity, and go where the city’s coolest cravings are found.