The Best Ice-Cream Spots to Try in Cape Town 2026

Lead photo credit: Ice Dream via Facebook

What screams summertime bliss in the Mother City more than a deliciously decadent, uniquely flavoured or simply melt-against-your-tongue refreshing ice-cream? Honestly? Very little!

And because we will definitely all scream for ice-cream, this post is the ideal guide on where to find the best Cape Town ice-cream spots to try in 2026.

(Note: While gelato, sorbet and ice-cream cannot really be compared (we love them each individually), we’re still including all three types because people’s definition of “ice-cream” is different. And, as long as it tastes great, we’re fine with that.)

Ice Dream (Hout Bay)

Photo credit: Ice Dream via Facebook

We’re loud and proud about this local favourite. Especially as it’s been a long-established Cape Town winner since its opening in 1993.

With more than 30 years of experience and dedicated customer service, you know this family-run Italian gelateria is a special place to head for your sweet treat in the summer heat.

Nonna Liana proudly and steadfastly started this business in the early 90s and today her son, Fabrizio, continues that legacy. That’s why, to some, he’s known locally as “the ice-cream man”.

As the oldest, self-proclaimed most authentic Italian gelateria in Cape Town, Ice Dream assures its customers of one thing: great quality gelato.

Best of all, it's made using the same time-honoured recipe, complete with love, fresh ingredients and incredible flavours, like pistachio, hazelnut, stracciatella and coffee to name a few. Although, if you prefer, they also offer sorbet and it’s divine too!

Photo credit: Ice Dream via Facebook

Why Try It?

Because who doesn’t love authentic Italian gelato near the sea? No wonder local Hout Bay residents and tourists keep coming back for more.

Best for Which Type of DK Villas Guests:

Anyone, really but it’s particularly ideal for a family outing after a day at the beach or time spent together at the Bay Harbour Market.

Paired with a relaxing stay in our spacious Harbour View apartment, it’s hard to go wrong with this pick. Especially when your stay includes self-catering accommodation for up to six guests (including children), the finest appliances, beautiful views, 24/7 security and complimentary, safe parking.

Website/socials: www.facebook.com/IceDreamHoutBay

Location: 1 Homeleigh Centre, Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town

The Creamery (Various Locations across Cape Town)

Photo credit: The Creamery via Facebook

No ice-cream post would be complete without a mention of one of Cape Town’s dessert darlings: The Creamery.

While its Newlands branch is truly iconic as the OG store where all the creamy deliciousness began, The Creamery can now be savoured across Cape Town at Palmyra Junction, Durbanville’s Village Square and Mouille Point (and, it goes without saying, the long-standing Newlands branch).

What makes The Creamery so great? Well, aside from the fact that they are one of the Mother City’s premium artisanal ice-cream brands, it doesn’t hurt that they produce handmade ice-cream using locally sourced, fresh ingredients, have adorably decked out shops, offer top quality coffee and waffles (perfect for enjoying with your ice-cream) and of course, you can purchase take-home tubs to devour in the comfort of your home.

Photo credit: The Creamery via Facebook

Or, if you’re staying with DK Villas, in the comfort of one of our three self-catering apartments in Hout Bay. (Mouille Point isn’t too far a drive from us but pack a little ice or cooler bag to be safe!)

Why Try It?

Because it’s one of the highest rated, most accessible ice-cream businesses in Cape Town, offers incredible, creative and seasonal flavours (like malva pudding, jasmine blossom and more) and lastly, because it has some incredible toppings to complement your sinfully good sweet treat.

Best for Which Type of DK Villas Guests:

Photo credit: The Creamery via Facebook (via @bellamaso)

Again, everyone will surely love it but we think it’s perfect for groups of sunshine lovers who enjoy a post-beach treat while staying with us.

Take a coastal drive from scenic Hout Bay to Mouille Point and treat yourself to The Creamery’s goodness after a Prom picnic or seaside stroll.

Then, head home to our elegant self-catering apartment, The Boardwalk, for a cosy stay that’s ideal for maximum four guests, including children.

Our Boardwalk apartment also boasts impeccable views, luxury appliances and amenities, 24/7 security and free, secure parking.

Website/socials: www.facebook.com/thecreamerysa

Location(s): Various branches across Cape Town.

Other Incredible Spots in Cape Town to Try:

Moro Gelato:

Moro has various branches across Cape Town, serving traditionally made Italian gelato. It’s a Cape Town favourite for good reason and well-loved not just for its amazing taste and authenticity but for the quality service and beautiful shops/carts associated with this special brand.

Moro is ideal for solo travellers or couples staying at our Riverview apartment, as it’s the best way to spend an evening: savouring a sunset walk with a sweet treat before heading back to enjoy a beautiful stay at our Hout Bay gem.

Like our other accommodation offerings, it has state-of-the-art appliances, gorgeous views, secure parking and 24/7 security for peace of mind. But it is only suitable for maximum two guests, so it is ideal for couples or even just a solo/business traveller.

Thirteen Ice-Cream & Sorbet (formerly Sorbetiere):

Since 2013, this small-batch artisan ice-cream dream team has been creating creamy magic.

However, when they turned 13 on 13 March 2025, they felt a rebrand of sorts was on the cards and now, as part of their lucky new beginning, they have re-established themselves as Thirteen.

To add to that, this Woodstock-based ice-cream and sorbet business has a maximum of 13 flavours at any given time, though flavours are seasonal and changeable in nature!

While a few things have been freshened up, one thing is thankfully still very much the same: their creative, joyful sorbets and ice-creams, which Chef Beran and her team create.

Thirteen is ideal for any DK Villas guest but especially those with an experimental or artistic nature. Pair your stay in any of our three stylish apartments with a visit to Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill, local galleries in the Woodstock area and, it goes without saying, a tasty artisanal scoop (or two) at Thirteen.

For more information or to book a soothing seaside stay in Hout Bay with DK Villas, please contact us directly or visit our full website: www.dkvillas.co.za.