The sun has finally decided to make an appearance, making it the perfect time to discover the best ice cream Brussels has to offer.
Whether you prefer a cone or a pot, fancy a smooth, creamy dessert or a refreshing, tangy sorbet, these places have something for everyone. Find our favourites below.
Glacier Bargello
Located on the picturesque Place de la Liberté between Parc Royal and Botanique, Bargello are masters at providing that Italian summer holiday feeling with their artisan ice cream.
Credit: Bargello
On the sunniest of days, the queue for this little eatery can often seem endless, but it's worth the wait. Try their signature flavour 'Bargello' (a mascarpone-based gelato with a drop of espresso coffee) and its delicious chocolate sorbet.
Place de la Liberté 5, 1000 Brussels. Find more information here.
Gelateria Giotto
This artisan gelato shop is the new kid on the block, having only opened its doors in April, but is sure to rapidly become a favourite among locals. Giotto introduces new and bold flavours every week, from lychee to Hibiscus Prosecco – a good excuse to visit this parlour more than once in a blue moon (i.e. when the sun comes out in Brussels).
Credit: Gelateria Giotto
Giotto prides itself on excellent ingredients – think pistachios from Sicily, hazelnuts from Piemonte or vanilla from Madagascar – and doesn't use artificial flavouring, food colouring or hydrogenated fats. The best part: an edible cookie spoon for zero waste and maximum pleasure.
Rue Washington 152, 1050 Ixelles. Find more information here.
Pepe's Glacier
This Brussels ice cream shop is so good that it made it into the Italian Gelato Festival World Master's top 100 ice cream manufacturers in the world last year – one of the most prestigious ice cream competitions in the world. The owners strongly oppose using preservatives, colourings, artificial flavours and palm oil in their ice cream.
Credit: Pepe's Glacier
If this wasn't already reason enough, Pepe's Glacier is worth a visit for its Iranian pistachio ice cream and the mouth-watering cinnamon caramel and nut combination.
Find more information and all of Pepe's locations here.
Gaston
Whenever the sun comes out in Brussels, ice cream lovers congregate in front of Gaston's quaint locations in Stockel and near Place Sainte-Catherine (another is soon due to open in Sablon).
Credit: Gaston
This Brussels ice cream parlour makes most of his products from scratch and adapts its flavours to the seasons, ensuring its products are always of the finest quality. Make sure to try the signature Gaston flavour (Madagascan vanilla with homemade caramel and caramelised pecans).
Quai aux Briques 86, 1000 Brussels. Find more information here.
Related News
Capoue
Offering one of the widest ranges of flavours in Brussels, this artisanal ice cream maker both upholds tradition and dares to experiment with bold, innovative flavours.
Credit: Capoue
With several locations across the city, Capoue is bringing two new flavours to its parlours this summer: 'lemon meringue pie' and 'chocolate brownies', with eight 'ephemeral flavours' for the more daring foodies. If ice cream alone is not enough to whet your appetite, try one of Capoue's indulgent gourmet cups, with toppings such as brownies and caramelised apples.
Find more information and all of Capoue's 13 locations here.
Maison Dandoy
While this legendary tea room made a name for itself for its unbeatable speculoos and other biscuits that have won the hearts of tourists and locals alike, its ice creams are also a definite crowd pleaser.
Credit: Maison Dandoy
All of Maison Dandoy's ice creams are packed with a punch, but as Brussels' oldest biscuiterie the speculoos ice cream is a must-try, made with the chain's very own spicy, crunchy treats.
Available in Maison Dandoy's 11 stores. Find more information here.
