Categories > Guides and Tips
The 10 Best Ice Cream Spots in Glasgow
Fancy a scoop of something sweet while you explore the heart of Scotland? Well, you’re in luck because Glasgow is quite literally the ‘cream of the crop’ when it comes to ice cream parlours!
With a vast range of flavours, from the classics to the wild and wacky, there’s a chilly treat waiting in our city guaranteed to tickle your taste buds. So read on, fellow sweet tooth explorers – it’s time to dive cone-first into the ice cream scene of Glasgow.
Minted Ice Cream
Website: https://www.heavenlydesserts.co.uk/stores/glasgow%2C-silverburn
Address: 262 Byres Rd, Hillhead, Glasgow G12 8SH, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Minted is a pioneer in offering something for everyone. They’ve got an inclusive menu featuring a rich array of flavours ranging from the classics to the more adventurous like vanilla, cinnamon biscuit, and cookie dough straciatella.
Plus, they’re a dairy-sensitive individual’s dream, offering lactose-free and vegan options that don’t skimp on taste, with their vegan dark chocolate sea salt being a crowd favourite.
Moreover, this place ups the game with smoothies, shakes, and a particularly sinful hot fudge sundae that’s worth every calorie.
Pro tip: If you can, try going during mid-week afternoons to skip the rush. Also, keep an eye on their social feeds for fun flavour updates and surprise discount days!
Heavenly Desserts Silverburn
Website: https://www.heavenlydesserts.co.uk/stores/glasgow%2C-silverburn
Address: Unit F1, Silverburn, Barrhead Rd, Glasgow G53 6AG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 280 9099
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Heavenly Desserts is the place where ice cream dreams come true, offering a variety of ice cream flavours from classic to creative ones. Beyond ice creams, they also offer pancakes, waffles, brewed and iced coffee, wines and teas.
Equally impressive is their range of dietary-friendly selections boasting a separate vegan menu. Some of their crowd favourites are mango sorbet, Madagascan vanilla, Belgian chocolate and passion fruit sorbet.
Oh, let’s not forget their muddy mess—a mix of chocolate and strawberry ice cream, waffles, and lashings of cream and sauce—which is among the best sellers.
Pro tip: Parking can be a bit gnarly on weekends, so you might want to consider public transport. Also, they offer a loyalty card that gives you a free dessert after your 10th visit!
Nowita Ice Cream
Website: http://www.nowita.co.uk/
Address: 51 Hyndland St, Partick, Glasgow G11 5QF, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: $-$$
Nowita’s menu is both nostalgic-inducing and daring. Their ice cream is notoriously rich, boasting a variety of flavours from the classic to the outright exotic; think Madagascar vanilla bean or swirls of pistachio.
Beyond that, their vegan options don’t play second fiddle; they’re some of the best in the city, especially their vegan pistachio. They also offer ice cream cakes and affogato—yes, that is a dreamy scoop of ice cream melting in a shot of hot espresso!
Pro tip: It’s not the roomiest place, so takeout might be your best option during peak times. Plus, do ask about their flavour of the week; it’s always a delightful surprise!
Colpi
Website: http://www.purecolpi.co.uk/
Address: 38 Main St, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 6BU, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 956 2040
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Colpi on Main Street is a legendary establishment, with more than 100 years under its belt. With a nod to their Italian heritage, Colpi impresses with traditional flavours like stracciatella and amarena cherry.
As far as dietary adaptations go, their fruit sorbets are vegan-friendly and delicious! Beyond their scoops, Colpi serves up a hot fudge sundae and banana split.
But if you want to mix things up, you can aim for their Affogato al Caffè, a homemade vanilla gelato drowned in a hot espresso shot.
Pro tip: Parking is relatively simple around Colpi, although it gets busier during peak hours. Also, check out their online store for surprise discounts and flavour updates!
Shake N Scoops
Website: https://www.facebook.com/shakenscoops/
Address: St Enoch Centre, 55 St Enoch Sq, Glasgow G1 4BW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 7460 078287
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $-$$
Shake N Scoops offers a tremendous selection of ice cream flavours, which top with options like nuts, lotus crumbs, mallows and home baked brownie bites.
Plus, they have non-dairy and no-sugar options, so everyone in your squad gets their ice cream fix. And because it’s not just about the scoops, this spot also serves gelato shakes, dairy-free shakes and freak shakes.
Pro tip: They offer dog-friendly ice cream here, so you can also buy some for your furry friend.
Also, it’s located in a busy shopping centre, so expect a big crowd, especially over the weekend, try to scoop up some mid-week treats; it’s often less crowded then!
Ginesi’s Artisan Gelato
Website: https://m.facebook.com/Ginesisicecream1/
Address: Queen’s Park, 455 Victoria Rd, Govanhill, Glasgow G42 8RW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 423 2409
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Every batch of Ginesi’s gelato is churned fresh, with options for health-conscious and indulgent eaters alike. I’m talking about their selection of vegan and gluten-free options that lose none of the traditional gelato’s allure.
Some of their tasty and crowd-favourite gelato flavours are mint stracciatella, rum raisin and whiskey biscuit. They’re also famous for their gelato cakes, pavlovas, and affogatos, combining the rich flavours of their gelato with the robust tones of espresso.
Pro tip: Ginesi’s is a hotspot, especially on warm days, so patience is a virtue here. Also, they occasionally feature “secret menu” items for those in the know, so don’t hesitate to ask what’s special when you visit.
Crolla Ice Cream Co Ltd
Website: http://www.crollaicecream.co.uk/
Address: 48 Jessie St, Polmadie, Glasgow G42 0PG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 423 1161
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 3 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 11:45 AM
Cost: $-$$
Crolla Ice Cream Co. Ltd. is a family-run business that has been churning out happiness since time immemorial—well, since the early 20th century anyway. Crowds keep rolling in for their deliciously creamy and perfectly sweet Italian-style gelato.
They have a wide range of flavours to choose from, including the classics like chocolate, strawberry, Nutella or vanilla, to the more unique ones like Irn-Bru sorbet and Scottish tablet.
They also have a sundae selection, with Tutti Frutti and Bubblegum Bonanza being the best-sellers.
Pro tip: Parking can be a little tricky around Jessie St. We recommend public transport or car-sharing for sheer convenience.
Newlands Cafe
Website: http://newlandscafe.co.uk/
Address: 262 Kilmarnock Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G43 2XS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 649 7222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Newlands Cafe’s line-up of homemade ice cream carries a stamp of authenticity and freshness. What amps up the game here is their flavour palette—Italian vanilla, highland toffee and banoffee are just a few examples.
Of course, they also serve classic favourites for those wanting a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Not to forget, their sundaes and milkshakes are just as drool-worthy—the Totally Minted Sundae and After 8’ Shake come highly recommended!
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on their weekly specials and seasonal offerings. Also, they have an ample parking lot nearby, so you won’t have to refrain from big orders due to carrying issues.
La Gelatessa – Gelato & Coffee
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/La-Gelatessa-100087272064202/
Address: 38 Nithsdale Rd, Glasgow G41 2AN, United Kingdom
Contact details: N/A
Operating hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: $-$$
La Gelatessa’s ice cream is a ticket to cloud nine with a blend of Italian and local flavours. With a rotating variety of flavours, including classic, seasonal, and unique twists like raspberry ripple, and even a popcorn flavour, the choice is ample.
They cheerfully fulfil specific dietary requirements with gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring no one has to miss out on the frozen joy. Besides gelato, their espresso promises a caffeine hit that perfectly balances the sweet indulgence.
Pro tip: Many regulars swear by the affogato—a divine marriage of their sublime gelato and robust espresso. As for parking, there’s plenty available on the surrounding streets; just make sure to check for any restrictions!
Valentini’s
Media credit: foreveryoursbetty
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ValentinisCafe/
Address: 190 Fenwick Rd, Giffnock, Glasgow G46 6UE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 638 7539
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Valentini’s is a family-run business that’s been pleasing locals with Italian-style ice cream since 1912. With a wide array of flavours from traditional vanilla to exotic amarena cherry or kinder bueno, choosing becomes a delightful dilemma.
This place embraces all customers with its notable vegan and gluten-free choices. Superstars from this range are the raspberry sorbet and dairy-free vanilla.
Plus, for non-ice cream delights, you can have their smoothies that are a refreshing change or one of their best-selling cakes.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their loyalty scheme—a great way to earn some rewards for your ice cream loyalty. And if you’re driving, there’s a handy pay-and-display car park on Fenwick Rd., just a stone’s throw away from Valentini’s.
