Yay, it’s officially summer! Hot weather calls for glorious ice cream to beat this summer heat. Now don’t get me wrong and I’m not going to deny, we eat ice cream in the winter too, but it just makes it so much more enjoyable indulging in something sweet and cold when it’s hot out. Below, in no particular order, are some of the best places here in Ottawa where you can go and find yourself some delish cold treats.
I’ve included the store hours here, however it is best to check the hours online as each places opening and closing time can change depending on the day and season.
- $ – below average
- $$ – average
- $$$ – above average
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The Beachconers – 273 Britannia Rd.
Located in Brittania Village west of Ottawa. This microcreamery is a family-owned ice cream shop and makes their ice cream in small batches. This isn’t your ordinary ice cream shop with typical ice cream flavors. They have sweet and savory flavors like Strawberry Basil, Peach Cardamom, Toasted Cornflakes, Vanilla S’mores, Vegan Chocolate, Rich Chocolate, Cold Brew Coffee and so much more! Keep in mind their flavors change a lot which is nice. You don’t know what to expect other than you know it’ll be a good ice cream guaranteed! Another thing to love about this place is they use locally made ingredients. Talk about sustainability! The price point is average $$ and is open until 9:00 PM during the summer season. Free street parking available – yesss!
2. Sweet Jesus – 97 Clarence St
Located in downtown Ottawa near the popular Byward Market surrounded by restaurants and pubs. This is a great spot to cool down after a long walk around the area. “Sweet Jesus was created from the popular phrase that people use as an expression of enjoyment, surprise or disbelief.” This sweet shop not only sells ice cream, they make some pretty good shakes and frappes as well. They have flavors like Hell Nutella, Bangin’ Brownie, Krusty The Cone which comes with cotton candy pieces. I know right?! Street paid parking is available, free after regular business hours and on Sundays. Store hours: 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Sunday closes at 10:00 PM. Price Point $$
3. Sundae School – 131B Beechwood Avenue
Located in Vanier area next to Bridgehead coffee, this place isn’t called ‘School’ for no reason, they have a fun menu such as POP QUIZ – vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, popcorn, Skor and CHALK–OLATE BOARD, a mixture of chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, Oreo, Skor. Just reading the menu is already mouth-watering! This is definitely a must-try this summer! Lactose intolerant? Don’t worry they got your back! This place opens pretty late in the day 3:00 – 9:00 PM during the week and 1:00-10:00 PM on weekends. Parking: free parking but a small lot. Price point: $$
4. Chocolats Favoris – 180 Vanguard Dr
This place is famous for their dippings that are made with real chocolate and are available in different super gooey flavors! Salted caramel, Cotton Candy, Tanzania 75% (for dark chocolate lovers), and S’mores are just some of their popular dippings. This place is definitely a must-try if you’re an ice cream lover. Their master chocolatiers have taken things to the next level developing a wild and decadent recipe for each dipping. I love that they sell their ice cream in different sizes. Talk about expansion – Chocolats Favoris is more than just an ice cream shop, they also sell cooking products, chocolate bars, chocolate fondue that comes in a customizable tin can. Gift one to your BFF, add a photo of you two on the packaging and boom your BFF will love you even more and say “This is why you’re my BFF.”. Free parking is available. Price: $$. Hours: 10:00 – 11:00 PM daily. Another location: 455 Boulevard de la Gappe, Gatineau.
5. Quelque Chose Pâtisserie – 70 George St
Quelque Chose Pâtisserie specializes in French macarons. Now they’re keeping up with the trend, serving ‘Made for Instagram’ or ‘Instagram Worthy’ soft ice cream treat at their Byward location only. They have 7 decadent flavors: Salted Caramel, S’mores, Cotton Candy, Cookies n’ Cream, Brownie, Vanilla, and Maple. Each flavor comes with a macaron and other toppings. Toppings depend on what kind of ice cream you get. Each costs $7.50 which is a little pricey but keep in mind that you’re also buying yourself a macaron which costs about $2.50-3.50 ea. Street paid parking is available. Free parking after regular business hours and Sundays. Hours: 10:00 – 8:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, closes at 9:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Sundays.
6. Stella Luna – 1130 Wellington St W
Awarded Best Gelato in Canada and Top 3 Gelato Shops in The Americas at the Gelato World Tour (Chicago, 2016), has been rated Top 5 Desserts in Ontario and is listed on Urban Spoon as “Canada’s Best 100 Places to Eat.” Their products are prepared on site, from scratch, every day without any artificial color or flavor. Now that’s something most of us can appreciate. Stella Luna also carries baked goods like gelato cake (say whaaaaa?!), crepes, sandwiches and more. Street parking is available. Price point: $$. Another location: 1103 Bank St (paid street parking). Closes at 10:00 PM daily.
7. Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen – 477 Bank St
Scratch-made cones and small-batch ice cream made with pure Ontario dairy and uses pure dark chocolate. Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen offer creative flavors like Black Sesame, Lime Leaf with Fresh Mint, Vegan Chocolate and more! If you’re in the mood for something different than the usual ice cream cone, try their bubble waffles with a good number of options like black sesame, earl grey, cheese and cheese & shallots! Paid street parking available. Some parking spots are free during weekends. Hours: closed on Tuesdays, hours vary during the week.
My name is Monica - a mama of two, foodie, part-time Photographer and an eCommerce enthusiast. I have always enjoyed cooking, eating out and trying out different types of cuisine. I feel right at home when I'm enjoying a great meal with family and friends whether it's dining in or out. Here is where I get to share all my food recipes that are easy to make and only made with simple ingredients. Some of my favourites consist of: running, freshly washed bedsheets, a superb ramen, coffee, sunshine, and cuddles with my babies.
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xx,
Monica
