Best Ice Cream Shops in Belfast

Fusco Ice Cream is a family-owned and operated Italian water ice and ice cream shop with a history spanning over 65 years. Founded in 1957, the business is deeply rooted in tradition, prioritizing authentic, all-natural ingredients and a commitment to quality that has earned it a loyal following in Wilmington, Delaware. They specialize in traditional Italian water ice, homemade soft serve, and homemade ice cream, avoiding artificial ingredients. The shop’s longevity is a testament to the consistent quality and dedication to its original water ice recipe. It’s described as a neighborhood institution, serving a diverse clientele and emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and a traditional experience. They offer a variety of flavors including water ice (lemon, cherry, seasonal), ice cream (vanilla, mint chocolate chip, cookies & cream, espresso, strawberry, chocolate), and soft serve (vanilla with a lactose-free option).

Mauds Ice Creams Ormeau is a highly acclaimed ice cream parlour established in 1979 and expanded to a company-owned flagship store in 2020. It’s known for its commitment to quality, artistic presentation, and winning numerous awards, including a triple star at the Great Taste Awards 2023 for its Pistachio Ice Cream. The Ormeau Road location is designed as an exemplar for the brand, showcasing Mauds’ dedication to excellence. Reviews highlight the friendly staff, delicious ice cream, and a wide variety of flavors, including excellent vegan options. While some customers have noted issues with portion sizes at other locations, the Ormeau Road store consistently receives positive feedback regarding generous portions and overall quality. The shop has a rich history, evolving from a small grocer's shop to a province-wide favorite, with milestones including expansions, a new factory, and numerous awards.

WJ Desano is a long-standing, family-owned ice cream parlour in east Belfast with a history dating back to 1938 and famously favored by George Best. It’s a beloved local institution known for its traditional Italian ice cream and unique ‘slider’ treat. Reviews consistently praise its quality and value, highlighting its enduring popularity and nostalgic appeal. While some reviews mention a limited flavor selection and occasional wait times, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the shop’s consistent quality and family-friendly atmosphere. Despite a few negative comments about limited opening hours, the shop remains a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike.

Mauds Ice Creams Cregagh Road is a well-established ice cream shop with a rich history dating back to 1982. Reviews consistently highlight a mixed experience, with some praising the delicious ice cream, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere, particularly mentioning the popularity of flavors like ‘Poor Bear.’ However, several reviews express concerns about inconsistent service, with some customers reporting rudeness and long wait times. The shop itself has recently undergone a refurbishment, creating a more pleasant environment. While the company is known for its extensive range of flavors and awards, including the iconic ‘Poor Bear,’ there are some complaints about the price and the lack of vegan options. Overall, Mauds Cregagh Road offers a traditional ice cream experience with a loyal customer base, but improvements in service consistency are needed to fully satisfy all visitors.

Morellis Belmont Road is a family-owned ice cream shop in Belfast, Northern Ireland, that has recently undergone a management change in November 2020, resulting in positive customer feedback regarding improved service and a wider selection. It specializes in a diverse range of frozen treats, including award-winning ice cream, soft serve, bubble waffles, panini’s and toasties, teas, coffee, and frozen yogurts. Customers consistently praise the friendly staff, delicious ice cream, and enjoyable atmosphere, noting the extensive flavor selection – the biggest in Belfast! The shop is known for its funky decor, brightly coloured furniture, and collages of old family photos. It’s also described as child-friendly with ample seating and available for booking events.

Al Gelato is a popular ice cream chain with multiple locations in Belfast. Reviews consistently praise its delicious homemade gelato and friendly staff. Customers appreciate the variety of flavors, including unique options like honeycomb and vegan Oreo. Some reviewers note that the shop has a cozy atmosphere and is a great spot for a treat. However, a few comments mention limited seating and occasional inconsistencies in service. Al Gelato is committed to offering vegan options, which change throughout the year, and has been praised for its commitment to quality and customer service.

Andrea’s Milkshake Bar in Belfast is a local favorite specializing in milkshakes and slushies. Reviews consistently praise the quality and value of their milkshakes and slushies, describing them as a great treat. The business appears to be popular and focuses on visual appeal through its social media presence, particularly on Instagram. While the website and reviews highlight the core offerings, detailed information about the menu and specific flavors is limited. The shop’s name suggests a personal touch, potentially indicating a family-run operation.

The Creamery is a unique collection of establishments, each offering a distinct experience centered around quality food, drink, and community. The Kennett Square location is a historic milk-plant reimagined as a community gathering space, celebrating local authenticity and hosting events. The Green Bay location is a popular brunch spot with a ‘made from scratch’ menu and European-style coffee. The Marysville location is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with a professional bakery, offering a wide variety of homemade desserts and coffee. Finally, The Creamery District in San Antonio is a collection of diverse dining and entertainment venues, including Créme, Costa Pacifica, Amelia, Lunatique, and Easy Baby. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the ice cream, milkshakes, and desserts, with many noting the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Some reviews mention a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a variety of toppings. However, some reviews also note occasional issues with service or cleanliness, and a few mention a higher price point compared to other ice cream shops. Overall, The Creamery seems to be a popular destination for families and those seeking a unique and enjoyable treat.

Fuscos is a family-owned ice cream shop with a rich history dating back to 1957, specializing in authentic Italian water ice. They’ve maintained a commitment to quality and tradition for over 65 years, using fresh-squeezed lemons and pure cane sugar in their recipes. The business has evolved over time, expanding its offerings to include homemade soft serve and ice cream while retaining its core values of natural ingredients and integrity. Originally a small shack in a storeside alley, it became a beloved neighborhood fixture in Little Italy, serving a diverse clientele from babies to politicians. Customers consistently praise its authentic Italian water ice and the use of natural ingredients. Recent additions include homemade soft serve and ice cream, continuing the tradition of quality and family values. It’s considered Wilmington’s favorite homegrown refreshment. The shop prides itself on using only fresh fruit, real ingredients, and avoiding artificial additives.

Nugelato is a historic ice cream shop in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with nearly a century of tradition in gelato making. It’s known for its innovative ‘Nuggy’ products, like the Nuggy Pot, and its unique hot chocolate tap imported directly from Italy. Reviews consistently praise the friendly staff, clean environment, and delicious flavors, ranging from classic to creative. Some customers have expressed concerns about service inconsistencies, particularly regarding toppings, while others highlight the exceptional quality and unique experience. The shop prides itself on using local ingredients and upholding traditional Italian gelato methods. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a delightful treat and a taste of Italian heritage.

Fuscos Ice Cream Parlour is a well-regarded, family-run ice cream shop in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a strong local following. Reviews consistently praise the delicious ice cream, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a "must-visit" and a "family favorite." The shop emphasizes a nostalgic and traditional ice cream experience, utilizing high-quality ingredients and classic techniques. Their Instagram and Facebook presence highlight seasonal specials and community engagement, suggesting a focus on aesthetics and customer interaction. While details about the shop's history and accessibility are limited, it appears to be a beloved local institution.

Barnams Cafe, World of Ice Cream is a well-established ice cream parlor on Lisburn Road in Belfast, Northern Ireland, operating for over 25 years. It offers a vast selection of ice cream flavors (over 50), sundaes, crepes, waffles, paninis, soups, and a variety of beverages. Customer reviews consistently praise the extensive flavor choices and nostalgic atmosphere. However, the parlor is often very busy, particularly with families, requiring patience. Recent renovations aim to enhance the customer experience. The cafe has a long history of serving the Belfast community and is a private limited company registered in 2012. Limited information is available about the cafe from website content.

Rossi’s Ice Cream is a historic ice cream manufacturer and retailer with a legacy dating back to 1932, founded by Pietro Rossi. The business has weathered significant challenges, including wartime restrictions and family hardship, and has consistently innovated, from pioneering black ice cream in 2016 to introducing personalized tubs in 2012. Recent developments include a relocation to a larger factory in 2017 and plans to expand into coffee and baked goods. Reviews often highlight the quality of the ice cream, particularly the traditional vanilla, and its long-standing reputation. However, some reviews mention small portions and occasional issues with service, such as long queues and perceived rudeness from staff. Despite these occasional criticisms, Rossi’s remains a beloved local institution with a strong connection to its heritage. The website details the company’s history, production methods, and product range, emphasizing its commitment to traditional recipes and food safety.

Nugelato® Icecream Boutique is dedicated to providing an indulgent gelato and chocolate experience, specializing in handmade gelato crafted using traditional Italian methods. They pride themselves on sourcing high-quality ingredients, including local produce, to create a distinctly local flavor profile. The business is known for its innovative approach to ice cream development, consistently introducing new and exciting flavors and products. Nugelato® is particularly recognized for its unique offerings: Hot Chocolate Tap: They boast the first hot chocolate tap in Northern Ireland, continuously flowing with Nuggy’s famous chocolate sauce throughout the day. Nuggy Pot®: A signature product. Nuggy Burrito®: Another innovative product. Nuggy Pop®: A further example of their creative product range. The business has a rich history spanning nearly a century, with the business established with a deep passion for gelato making. They are incredibly proud of their longstanding tradition and heritage. The business is committed to producing the best gelato in Ireland and the United Kingdom, utilizing the finest local ingredients and meticulously transferring the goodness into each unique flavor. They emphasize a passion for gelato and a dedication to quality. Nugelato® expresses gratitude to its loyal customers, acknowledging that their success is built upon the support of the community. They actively listen to customer preferences and strive to develop products that meet and exceed expectations.

Cream Curls NI is a rapidly expanding rolled ice cream business with a growing presence across Northern Ireland and the UK. They offer a diverse menu beyond just rolled ice cream, including desserts, milkshakes, and hot food items like crepes, waffles, burgers, and waffle pizzas. The company is currently focused on expanding its franchise opportunities. While praised for its unique rolled ice cream experience and expanding locations, some customers have reported issues with slow service, incorrect orders, and hygiene concerns. Reviews highlight both the enjoyable experience of creating customized ice cream and the frustrating experiences with order fulfillment and staff attentiveness. The website confirms a wide range of menu items and a strong focus on expansion through franchising.

AL Gelato is an Italian restaurant specializing in gelato and offering a diverse menu including sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and desserts. They operate multiple locations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Chicago, Illinois. Known for its homemade gelato and sorbet, with a rotating selection of flavors, AL Gelato consistently receives praise for its friendly and attentive service. The restaurant is family-run and offers a welcoming atmosphere. A standout item is the ‘monster’ meatball sandwich, consistently receiving rave reviews, alongside other favorites like the apple pie. AL Gelato distinguishes itself with unique gelato and sorbet flavors, moving beyond traditional options, and offers takeaway options. Several reviews mention generous portions and a charming, quaint atmosphere, particularly at the Botanic Avenue location.