The top ice cream spots in Hong Kong

Whether it's scorching hot or chilling cold, ice cream is a year-round delight in Hong Kong.

The top ice cream spots in Hong Kong
Source: Unsplash/Kenta Kikuchi

Whether it's scorching hot or chilling cold, ice cream is a year-round delight in Hong Kong. The city is home to plenty of ice cream spots, from traditional gelaterias with authentic Italian gelato to innovative parlors featuring whimsical flavors. Dessert enthusiasts will love exploring the delightful ice cream places at every corner of the city, so read on for our list of the top eight ice cream hangouts.

Gelato-go

Embark on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Hong Kong as Gelato-Go brings a taste of Italy to the heart of the city. With a commitment to daily freshness and a dedication to quality, Gelato-Go artfully crafts each batch of gelato using imported Italian pistachios and the rich indulgence of Valrhona chocolate. The result? An authentic Italian experience that transcends the ordinary. But aside from being a gelato haven; Gelato-Go also has an oasis of refreshing sorbet flavors.

You can enjoy one scoop for HK$55 or treat yourself to more with two scoops for HK$85 and three scoops for HK$95. Don't miss Gelato-go's popular Neapolitan coffee, pastries and cakes to pair with your scoop.

Quick Facts

  • Where – 174 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 9 - 11 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 9 a.m. - midnight
  • Price –$$
  • Phone – +852 2383 9118
  • Menu
  • Website

Venchi

Venchi in Hong Kong is a go-to for chocolate lovers. It all started with its founder, Silviano Venchi, a 20-year-old from Turin, in 1878. Venchi loved chocolate so much that he invested in his own bronze cauldrons and began experimenting with chocolate concepts. Aside from their Nougatine, a sweet with Piedmont hazelnuts, chopped, caramelized and coated in extra-dark chocolate, Venchi is a great spot to check out for authentic Italian gelato. From rich chocolate to classic vanilla and adventurous fruit sorbets, each scoop is perfect whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop 1055, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
  • When – Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Price –$$
  • Phone – +852 2818 3108
  • Menu
  • Website

Happy Cow

For dairy-free frozen desserts, Happy Cow has been a local gem since 2013. Specializing in plant-based treats, Happy Cow's low glycemic products are free from dairy, egg, soy and gluten and are low in cholesterol. Choose from flavors like Golden Pillow Durian, Pineapple Coconut and Banana Caramel, all crafted with coconut cream and natural ingredients. Happy Cow's vegan and halal-certified frozen desserts are sure to offer something for everyone. Plus, it’s all made in the city!

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop 040, Basement 1, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 1 - 10 p.m. 
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2252 7773
  • Menu
  • Website

Via Tokyo

Matcha lovers, unite! Via Tokyo is the go-to spot for traditional Japanese soft serves, desserts, and coffee. Enjoy matcha soft-serve ice cream and indulgent matcha parfaits. Explore flavors like black sesame and Hokkaido milk, and don't miss Via Tokyo's mystery special (HK$60). You'll also want to check out their seasonal tea-based offerings, including the popular Omotesando tea set.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Shop 1A-1B, G/F, Leishun Court, 106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 1 - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $
  • Phone – +852 2895 1116
  • Menu

Twist and Buckle 

The creation of two best friends with roots in South America, Twist and Buckle brings the perfect combo of churros and ice cream with their churro sundaes. The churros are crispy outside and soft inside and come in options like plain, glazed or cinnamon-dusted. Choose from an arrangement of complementary sauces like Nutella, chocolate, salted caramel and dulce de leche. Bring some friends and take advantage of Churro Hour until 6 p.m. for a buy-two-get-one-free deal.

Quick Facts

  • Where – 29 - 31 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – Monday to Thursday, Sunday, noon - 10:30 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, noon - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 6508 2674
  • Menu
  • Website

Sweet House Cha Cha

Green tea lovers head to Sweet House Cha Cha in Hong Kong for rich matcha treats. Some favorites include their matcha soft cream waffle cups (HK$55), Kyoto Uji matcha soft cream (HK$40) and matcha anmitsu soft cream parfaits (HK$55). Not a matcha fan? You can enjoy other flavors instead like strawberry, cream puff and Hokkaido milk soft cream (prices vary).

Quick Facts

  • Where – City Super, 3/F, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 
  • When – Monday to Thursday, 1 - 10 p.m.; Friday, 1 - 11 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, noon - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2375 8222
  • Menu
  • Website

Gelato Messina

From the land of Down Under to Hong Kong, the famed Australian gelato maestro has graced the shores of the city. Born in Sydney in 2002, Messina has become a global sensation, celebrated for its artisanal gelato crafted with precision and passion. Now, with a presence here, Messina continues to captivate the city's dessert enthusiasts with its irresistibly silky texture and an array of flavors that redefine the gelato experience.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this ice cream brand with a choice of 35 gelato flavors, from classic Chocolate Fondant to adventurous options like Gianduia and Hokey Pokey, made with their in-house Messina honey and chocolate-covered honeycomb. Don't miss the locally-inspired Hong Kong-exclusive flavors, including French Toast and Black Sesame Tong Yuen. Led by Head Chef Donato Toce, the team makes everything from scratch and raw ingredients for the most authentic Italian gelato.

Quick Facts

  • Where – Times Square Basement 1, Causeway Bay
  • When – Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
  • Price - $$
  • Menu
  • Website 

Owl’s Choux & Gelato

Can't choose between pastry or ice cream? At Owl's Choux & Gelato, you can combine the best of both worlds. This Michelin-recommended dessert shop offers creamy gelatos in delicate choux puffed pastry. Try flavors like red velvet, Praline Noir and popcorn and rocks, which are all priced at HK$60. The combination of the crispiness of the pastry and the cooling, sweet sensation from the ice cream inside is perfect for any sweet tooth.

Quick Facts

  • Where – G/F, Shop H, Lyton building, 32 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  • When – Tuesday to Sunday, 3:30 - 7 p.m.; Closed on Monday 
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 6199 5176
  • Menu
  • Website

Dood Bottega Gelateria

Once a hidden gem in Wan Chai, Dood Bottega Gelateria now is now in K11 Musea, delighting the crowd with its artisanal gelato featuring a variety of flavors. Founder Jackson's genuine passion for crafting exceptional gelato is evident in the use of only the freshest ingredients. Don't miss out on the crowd favorite – the signature pistachio gelato.

Quick facts

  • Where – Unit 23, B201, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
  • When – Monday - Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Price – $$ 
  • Phone – +852 9699 6624
  • Menu
  • Website