Yes, it’s summertime again and Budapestians have already begun flocking to the many and varied ice cream shops around the city.
There’s nothing like a smooth, refreshing ice cream on a hot day – or, as a matter of fact, on pretty much any day. Here is your latest scoop on some of the best ice cream and gelato parlors Budapest has to offer.
Artigiana Gelati
This authentic Italian gelato place offers 27 different flavors, some even lactose-free, and also some vegan options. Tucked away in Buda, this shop also has creamy, hand crafted flavors made with fresh seasonal fruits; their pear and lemon ice cream is irresistible. Artigiana has a few tables, but there’s an even better spot to enjoy your gelato: just across the street at the large green park of Városmajor.
Address: Csaba utca 8, Buda, District 12
Daubner Cukrászda
One of Budapest’s favorite spots for locals, Daubner offers home-made ice cream prepared daily, from old family recipes. The dozen or so flavors available are smooth and refreshing treats anytime of the day. Try the creamy almond, the strawberry yoghurt, the chestnut-puree or the apricot and you’ll understand why, despite its location outside the city center, there are often queues stretching all the way to the street.
Address: Szépvölgyi út 50, Buda, District 2
Fragola
The specialty of this charming Italian ice cream parlor is its creamy gelato. Flavors range from classically smooth chocolate and pistachio (always a local favorite), to more unusual tastes such as ginger, gorgonzola and chianti (!). Refreshing fruit ice creams come in a variety of flavors like grapefruit, mulberry and strawberry (‘fragola’ in Italian). Home-made with all-natural ingredients, without any artificial sweeteners or colors, Fragola is a must try. There are three locations in the city:
- Nagymező utca 7, Pest, District 6
- Csévi út 7
- Károly körút 3
Gelarto Rosa
This quaint little gelato place gets its name from the shape of each scoop: a rose. Delicious hand-made Italian ice cream is produced fresh on the premises every morning. The flavors are innovative: lemon basil, white chocolate and jasmine, strawberry-elderberry, and even chocolate chili (can’t wait to try that one!). Lactose and gluten free options are also available. Gelarto Rosa has a prime location near the Basilica, so it makes for a perfect rest-stop when touring the city.
Address: Szent István tér 3 – near the Basilica
Gerbeaud
Come summer, one of Budapest’s greatest coffee houses entices tourists and locals alike with the sweet smell of fresh-baked waffle cones. Gerbeaud’s home-made cones are crispy and tasty, and their ice cream is made fresh daily using only the best ingredients, like Valrhona cocoa, Ceylon cinnamon and Bourbon vanilla. Their classic flavors include dark chocolate and creamy walnut. If you have time, enjoy an ice cream sundae on the patio. They also have Strawnilla and Esterhazy cake.
Address: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, Pest
Pomo D’Oro
Owned by renowned Italian restaurateur Gianni, the recipes in this well-known gelateria are created by gelato maestro Davide, known for his delicious patisserie. Pomo D’Oro rolls out classic flavors like hazelnut, strawberry, vanilla, yoghurt, caramel, coffee, lemon and more. The ice creams here are smooth and creamy, just like a proper Italian gelato should be. Portions are generous.
Address: Arany János utca 12, Pest
