Dining
The 5 Best Ice Cream in London
Proper gelato, churned-to-order scoops and cult soft serve: where to find the best ice cream in London.
In short: our top picks are Gelupo, Chin Chin Ice Cream and Ruby Violet. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
On a warm London day, the right ice cream is the best thing money can buy. The city does it brilliantly, from proper Italian gelato to churned-to-order scoops and cult soft serve worth crossing town for. These are the best ice cream spots in London, for a treat on the move or a destination in itself.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gelupo | Soho | ££ |
| Chin Chin Ice Cream | Camden | ££ |
| Ruby Violet | King's Cross | ££ |
| La Grotta Ices | ££ | |
| Udderlicious | Islington | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Gelupo
Why we pick itBob Bob Ricard's gelateria opposite its restaurant; the fresh mint stracciatella is the order.
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Chin Chin Ice Cream
Why we pick itLiquid-nitrogen ice cream churned to order before your eyes; theatrical and genuinely delicious.
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Ruby Violet
Why we pick itSmall-batch ice cream and sundaes made on site; whimsical flavours and a pretty parlour.
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La Grotta Ices
Why we pick itSeasonal Italian-style ices from a Maltby Street favourite; intense, natural flavours, weekends only.
-
Udderlicious
Why we pick itA friendly Upper Street parlour with inventive flavours and vegan options; a local institution.
Before you book
The best places make small batches and sell out, so go earlier on hot days. Ask for a taste before you commit; the good spots are happy to oblige. And seek out the specialists over the chains; a single perfect scoop beats a tub of the ordinary.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Gelupo is our editor's choice: Bob Bob Ricard's gelateria opposite its restaurant; the fresh mint stracciatella is the order. Gelupo, Chin Chin Ice Cream and Ruby Violet lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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