Compare the Scoop – Quick Summary
Ice Cream Spot | Signature Flavor | Best For | Vegan Options |
|---|---|---|---|
Dutch Dreams | Roasted Marshmallow | Decorated cones, classic quality | |
Summer’s Ice Cream | Lemon Coconut Sorbet | Dairy-free lovers, sundaes | |
Ed’s Real Scoop | Burnt Marshmallow | Beach days, affogato combos | |
Scooped by Demetres | Rocky Road | Dessert Fans, bold flavours | Limited |
Wong’s Ice Cream | Wasabi Honey | Small batch, cultural flavours |
A 2025 Local Guide for Dessert Lovers Across the City
Toronto summers were made for two things: walks by the lake and ice cream. Whether you’re downtown near the Eaton Centre or exploring a quiet neighbourhood like The Beaches, there’s always a scoop worth chasing. We’ve rounded up some of best ice cream in Toronto — places that locals swear by and tourists remember. If you’re celebrating a birthday in Toronto, these are the kind of ice cream places that turn a good day into a great one. We’ve rounded up some of Toronto’s most-loved ice cream spots—places that locals swear by and tourists remember.
Here’s your go-to guide to the best ice cream in Toronto, 2025 edition.
Dutch Dreams – The Queen of Creamy
Where: Vaughan Road & St. Clair
What locals love: Over-the-top cones, classic European recipes, family-run charm
Dutch Dreams has become a rite of passage for anyone who loves ice cream with flair. Each cone is a celebration—decorated with fruit, cookies, or even cotton candy. But beyond the Instagram-worthy creations, the quality is serious. Their ice cream is made fresh daily with real milk, cream, and egg yolks—no stabilizers, no shortcuts.
Try this: Roasted marshmallow or mango coconut
Best for: Date nights, family outings, serious scoop fans
Summer’s Ice Cream – Small Batch & Big Variety
Where: Yorkville
What locals love: Vegan and dairy-free options, classic feel, family-owned since the 80s
Right off Cumberland Street, Summer’s is a hidden gem tucked into one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Their sorbets, gelatos, and signature scoops are all made in-house. If you’re lactose-free or vegan, this spot should be your first stop.
Try this: Lemon coconut sorbet or their custom sundaes
Best for: Vegan friends, post-shopping treat, every kind of eater
Ed’s Real Scoop – East End Favourite
Where: Beaches, Leslieville, and Roncesvalles
What locals love: Homemade in-house, rich textures, ice cream + espresso combo
East-end Torontonians will point you to Ed’s Real Scoop without hesitation. Every scoop is made on-site using fresh ingredients, and it shows. Whether you’re grabbing a cone for the beach or pairing it with a hot latte at their café counter, Ed’s has the feel of a true neighbourhood hangout.
Try this: Burnt marshmallow, London fog, or the affogato
Best for: Beach days, casual dates, morning coffee meets ice cream
Scooped by Demetres – Dessert Reimagined
Where: Various locations downtown
What locals love: Bold flavours, generous portions, dessert artistry
Demetres isn’t just about ice cream—it’s dessert theatre. The “Scooped” collection focuses on premium flavours and indulgent toppings. Whether you’re after a sweet re-creation of Rocky Road or a fruity sorbet, their team is ready to customize your cone.
Try this: Rocky Road, Peach Bellini Sorbet
Best for: Serious sweet cravings, indulgent dessert lovers
Wong’s Ice Cream – Small Batches, Big Personality
Where: Gerrard East
What locals love: Asian-inspired flavours, artisanal batches, local ingredients
Wong’s Ice Cream feels like a story you’re lucky to stumble upon. Their small-batch process uses cream and milk from nearby Ontario farms. Their flavours often borrow from Asian culinary traditions—think black sesame, wasabi honey, or toasted rice.
Try this: Hong Kong milk tea or wasabi honey
Best for: Flavour adventurers, east-end locals, cultural foodies
Ready to Taste Toronto?
The next time you’re in the city, skip the big chains. Go local, grab a cone, and explore a new corner of Toronto one scoop at a time. Whether you’re showing your kids their first cotton candy swirl or treating yourself after dinner, these ice cream shops are proof that some of the city’s best experiences come with sprinkles.
