Ottawa's ice cream and gelato scene has grown well beyond the classic summer scoop shop, with small-batch creameries, Italian-trained gelato makers, and neighbourhood staples spread from the ByWard Market to Kanata and Britannia Village. This list was put together by checking each business's own website or social page against public reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, and Yelp to confirm they are real, currently operating spots serving the Ottawa area.
1. Stella Luna Gelato Café
Area: Old Ottawa South (1103 Bank St) · Rating: 4.6 on Google (2,112 reviews) · Since: 2011
Stella Luna is the name most Ottawans reach for first when asked where to find real gelato. Founder and Master Gelato Chef Tammy Giuliani trained in Bologna, and the café won Best Gelato in Canada and placed in the Top 3 in the Americas at the 2016 Gelato World Tour in Chicago. Reviewers consistently point to the quality and generous portions, and it doubles as a full brunch and coffee spot, which suits people who want a sit-down stop rather than a quick cone.
2. Moo Shu Ice Cream & Kitchen
Area: Wellington Street West (1130 Wellington St W) · Rating: 4.3 on Tripadvisor ·
Moo Shu makes small-batch ice cream from scratch with pure Ontario dairy, and it's known for creative, Asian-inspired flavours like Hong Kong milk tea and black sesame alongside vegan and gluten-free options including homemade waffle cones. Reviews are mixed on price and portion size, but the flavour originality comes up again and again, making it a good pick for people who want something they can't get anywhere else in the city.
3. The Merry Dairy
Area: Hintonburg (102 Fairmont Ave) · Rating: 4.7 on Tripadvisor · Since: 2012
The Merry Dairy started as an ice cream truck in 2012 before opening its Hintonburg storefront, and it now serves three styles: midwestern-style frozen custard, hard-scoop premium ice cream, and Jersey-style soft serve, plus shakes and ice cream sandwiches. It's nut-free across the board, and reviewers describe the texture as rich without being heavy. Expect a line in summer since it's one of the most popular stops on this list.
4. Lois 'N' Frima's Ice Cream
Area: ByWard Market (71 George St) · Rating: 4.5 on Google · Since: 1984
A ByWard Market fixture since 1984, Lois 'N' Frima's serves a wide rotation of hard and soft ice cream flavours to a steady mix of locals and tourists. Reviewers praise the generous scoop sizes and staff willing to accommodate special requests, though some recent reviews mention inconsistent upkeep of the outdoor seating area. It suits anyone doing the Market circuit who wants a classic, no-frills cone.
5. Amore Gelato
Area: ByWard Market (71 William St) · Rating: 4.5 on Google ·
Amore Gelato sits in the heart of the Market and makes its gelato and sorbet on site using traditional Italian recipes. Reviewers highlight the wide flavour selection and welcoming staff, though a few note the pricing runs on the higher side. It's a solid option for anyone already wandering the Market strip in the evening, since it stays open past 10pm most nights.
6. Mantovani 1946
Area: ByWard Market (87 Murray St) · Rating: 4.6 on Google (882 reviews) ·
Mantovani 1946 traces its roots to the Mantovani family's gelato business in Naples, Italy, and still sources ingredients from Italy using traditional methods. It's ranked among the top dessert spots in Ottawa on Tripadvisor, with reviewers calling out the gelato, espresso, and pastries together as a package worth the visit. Good for anyone who wants an espresso-bar experience alongside their scoop rather than a walk-up window.
7. Haven's Creamery
Area: The Glebe (755 Bank St) · Rating: 4.5 ·
Haven's Creamery makes handcrafted, small-batch ice cream curated by a Red Seal chef, and it's often described by reviewers as an underrated stop compared to its Bank Street neighbours. Customers point to the rich, authentic flavours and consistently friendly, professional staff. It fits well for Glebe residents who want a quality option without heading downtown.
8. Brett's Ice Cream
Area: Kanata (1001 Beaverbrook Rd) · Rating: 4.6 on Google · Since: 2013
Brett's is a small, independent shop in old Kanata serving both soft serve and hard-scoop ice cream, plus sundaes, milkshakes, and floats. Reviewers call out the friendly service and affordable prices in particular. It's the pick for west-end and Kanata families who don't want to drive downtown for a decent cone.
9. Roll'd Up
Area: ByWard Market and Lansdowne ·
Roll'd Up brought rolled ice cream to Ottawa, with its original York Street location in the Market and a second spot at Lansdowne. Reviewers describe it as one of the more fun, photogenic dessert stops in the city, with several calling out the cheesecake flavour specifically. It suits anyone looking for something more novelty and shareable than a straight scoop.
10. Beachconers Microcreamery
Area: Britannia Village, near Westboro (273 Britannia Rd) · Rating: 4.4 on Tripadvisor (37 reviews) ·
Beachconers operates out of the same space as Britannia Coffeehouse, a short walk from Britannia Beach, and makes small-batch ice cream with creative flavours like blueberry lavender alongside vegan options. Reviewers describe the outdoor seating under umbrellas as a nice bonus after a beach walk. It's a good detour for anyone already headed to Britannia Beach or Mud Lake in the summer.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public sources: each business's own website or social page, and customer reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, and Yelp. It is not a paid placement, and none of the businesses listed are affiliated with ottown. No business was visited or tested by ottown staff for this piece; all details reflect what is publicly documented online. Last reviewed August 2026.
