If you’re planning a trip to London — or live there and simply have a serious sweet tooth — you’re in luck. The city’s ice-cream scene has blossomed into something remarkable: from authentic Italian gelato to mind-bending liquid-nitrogen creations, and seasonal specials that even locals line up for. Here are 10 of the best ice cream parlours in London right now, based on taste, creativity, reputation, quality of ingredients, and recent reviews (2025).
Gelupo is one of those places where the first bite instantly tells you why it’s so loved. Located in the heart of Soho, they make fresh Italian-style gelato with a super-silky texture.
Why people love it:
Flavours feel authentic and balanced — not overly sweet
Popular picks: Ricotta & sour cherry, pistachio, blood orange sorbet
The shop is small but always lively, which adds to the vibe
- Website: Visit Gelupo at: gelupo.com
- If you want “true gelato,” this is your safest bet in London.
2. Ice Cream Union (Sloane Square & Bermondsey)
Ice Cream Union has been quietly supplying ice cream to top restaurants for years, and now their own shops are gaining huge attention. Their ice cream focuses on clean flavours and top-tier ingredients.
Why it stands out:
Very smooth texture, rich but not heavy
Flavours feel natural — no artificial aftertaste
Unique options like Madagascar vanilla, Colombian chocolate, roasted pistachio
- Website: Check them out at: icecreamunion.com
- If you appreciate quality over novelty, this is a place you’ll go back to.
3. Chin Chin Labs (Camden & Soho)
If you like something fun and different, Chin Chin Labs is perfect. They freeze the ice cream using liquid nitrogen, which gives it an incredibly smooth and creamy texture.
Why people go here:
The “ice cream lab” experience is cool to watch
Famous for Burnt Butter Caramel
Great toppings like torched marshmallow
- Website: Explore their menu at: chinchinlabs.com
- It’s a great stop for foodies or anyone who wants a dessert that’s a bit theatrical.
4. Venchi (Multiple Locations)
Venchi is an Italian chocolate and gelato brand with several London branches. They’re known for rich flavours, especially anything involving chocolate or nuts.
Good reasons to visit:
High-quality ingredients, authentic Italian style
The Pistachio and Hazelnut flavours are customer favourites
They also sell chocolate, so the shop smells amazing
- Website: Visit Venchi: uk.venchi.com
- If you love chocolate-heavy gelato, this is one of the best spots.
5. Udderlicious (Covent Garden & Islington)
Udderlicious is fun, colourful, and great for families. They make their ice cream fresh every day in the shop, and their flavours often change.
What makes it special:
Monthly “flavour of the month” voted by customers
Nice mix of classic and creative flavours
Friendly staff and a cosy neighbourhood feel
- Website: See more at: udderlicious.co.uk
- It’s the kind of place you randomly walk into and end up loving.
6. Amorino (Multiple Locations)
Amorino is famous for its beautiful rose-shaped gelato cones — and the presentation alone attracts a lot of people. But beyond the looks, their gelato is rich, smooth and made with high-quality ingredients.
Why people love it:
You can add unlimited flavours to one cone
Their sorbets are naturally fruity and refreshing
Popular picks: Salted Butter Caramel, Stracciatella, Mango Sorbet
- Website: amorino.com
- A great choice if you want both pretty and delicious gelato.
7. La Gelateria (Covent Garden & Farringdon)
La Gelateria focuses on small-batch gelato with bold and unusual flavour combinations. They often use seasonal ingredients and develop creative recipes you won’t find anywhere else.
Why it stands out:
Very creamy texture with natural ingredients
Interesting flavours like Himalayan Salted Caramel, Basil & Chili, Medjool Date
Award-winning gelato chef
- Perfect for people who love trying new or unusual flavours.
8. Badiani Gelato (Chelsea, Notting Hill & more)
Badiani is an Italian gelato brand that has been around since the 1930s. Their London shops are clean, bright, and focused on authentic, premium gelato.
What people like:
Their signature Buontalenti flavour is incredibly creamy
High-quality ingredients imported from Italy
Plenty of locations around London
- Website: badiani1932.com
- If you want classic Italian gelato done perfectly, Badiani is a must-try.
9. Milk Train (Covent Garden)
Milk Train is known for its Instagram-famous cotton-candy ice cream cones. It’s fun, visually impressive, and perfect for kids or anyone who likes novelty desserts.
Why it’s popular:
Unique “cloud” ice cream wrapped in candy floss
Soft-serve options with fun toppings
A very photogenic dessert spot
- Great for social media content and playful dessert experiences.
10. Gelatorino (Covent Garden)
Gelatorino is a small, cozy gelato shop that focuses on authentic Italian craftsmanship. Everything is made in-house using traditional methods with slow churning for maximum creaminess.
Why customers love it:
Dense and creamy gelato with strong flavours
Amazing pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate options
Friendly atmosphere and local neighbourhood vibe
- Website: gelatorino.com
- A perfect place if you want quality over hype.
Final Thoughts
London’s ice-cream scene has grown so much over the years that choosing just one “best” shop feels almost impossible. Each place has its own personality — some focus on authentic Italian gelato, some experiment with bold flavours, and others create desserts that are simply fun and Instagram-worthy.
If you’re exploring London in 2025, try a few from this list instead of sticking to one. You’ll quickly notice how different each shop’s style is, from rich, creamy textures to refreshing fruit sorbets and creative, over-the-top cones. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these ice-cream spots are perfect for warm days, weekend outings, or even a quick sweet treat after dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best ice cream shop in London for 2025?
It depends on your preference. For authentic Italian gelato, Gelupo and Badiani are top choices. For creativity and unique experiences, Chin Chin Labs and Milk Train are great. For rich chocolate-based gelato, Venchi is excellent.
2. Which shop has the most unique or Instagram-friendly ice cream?
Milk Train is known for its cotton-candy cloud cones, while Chin Chin Labs offers theatrical liquid nitrogen ice cream. Both are extremely photogenic and popular on social media.
3. Are there vegan or dairy-free ice cream options in London?
Yes. Many shops on this list — including Snowflake, Gelupo, and Ice Cream Union — offer vegan gelato or sorbets made from fresh fruit. Some places even have fully dairy-free menus.
4. Which ice cream shop is best for families with kids?
Udderlicious and Ruby Violet are great for families because of their friendly atmosphere, fun flavours, and comfortable seating. Milk Train is also a hit with kids thanks to its colourful, playful presentation.
5. What is the price range for ice cream in London?
Expect to pay between £4 and £7 for a standard scoop or cone, depending on the shop and location. Specialty creations or “loaded” cones (like at Milk Train) may cost a bit more.
