In early August, I biked across the city in search of the best — and most affordable — ice cream cones in Toronto. My criteria? A delicious scoop (or cup) that cost around $5, give or take.
That journey led me to tiger tail in East York, rainbow sherbet in the Junction Triangle, and perfect soft serve in Parkdale. But it turns out our readers had a lot to say — and even more to recommend.
More than 75 comments flooded in, with people calling out their own go-to ice cream spots across Toronto. Some suggested wildly creative flavours. Others argued price isn’t everything. A few simply couldn’t believe the places we left out.
Here are some of the best reader-recommended ice cream shops — in their own words.
Delight Chocolate — The Junction
How can your guy have missed Delight Chocolate (3040 Dundas St.)? Unsurpassed, artisanal, made on site. Good luck choosing between the dairy varieties (made with organic local milk) and sublime dairy-free. Not excessively sweet; fabulous flavours with local fruit; sugar cones made in house, etc. Oh, and check out their chocolate too. (I have no conflict of interest here; am just a long-time fan.) — Tamara
Bonanza Food & Gift — East York
Bonanza (87 Cedarvale Ave.) has passion fruit soft serve. Definitely worth a try!
For in-house traditional ice cream, Summer’s Ice Cream in Yorkdale. For more affordable options, anywhere serving Shaws or Kawartha Dairy. Off to get a scoop now! — Heather
Kawartha Dairy — Danforth
I live for the Kawartha Dairy (888 Danforth Ave.) that opened last summer. The scoops are huge. Pro tip: order the ‘huge’ for just over $7 and you’ll almost be ashamed at the size of your cone. They’ll give you an extra bowl for free so you can split it. Bonus, you get to pick three different flavours. Even the baby size is enormous. — Nicole
Kawartha Dairy. 888 Danforth. — Craig
Enniskillen Dairy Oshawa, Bowmanville or Enniskillen. Salty Carmel truffle (Kawartha Dairy ice cream). Huge portions and great price — Mark
XO Gelato — Midtown
Toronto has so many good local ice cream and gelato spots, so I’m not sure the (Wendy’s Frosty) should make the list. I enjoy a good scoop or two a few times a week during our hotter summers and look for independent locations for a cool treat. One of my favourites is on Mount Pleasant called XO Gelato (647 Mt Pleasant Rd.) — James
Bang Bang (93A Ossington Ave.) or sister spot Bakerbots (1242 Bloor St. W.). Futura Granita + Gelato (964 St Clair Ave W.). XO Gelato. — Brenda
Ed’s Real Scoop — Multiple locations
Ed’s Real Scoop in Leslieville (920 Queen St. E.), The Beaches (2224 Queen St. E.) and Roncesvalles (189 Roncesvalles Ave.). Someone here mentioned their Burnt Marshmallow. My favourite is the Tanzanian Chocolate — the most chocolatey taste I’ve ever had. — Will
I’m surprised not to see Ed’s or Tom’s on here. — Christina
Brett’s Ice Cream — Scarborough, Upper Beaches
Brett’s Ice Cream (3148 Kingston Rd; 1007 Kingston Rd.). Not cheap but generous servings with tried and true tasty flavours, a variety of different cones and toppings but also some unique offerings like blueberry and lavender. — Frances
Super Unique — Midtown
Highly recommend visiting Super Unique (2085 Yonge St.), a Persian grocery store on Yonge St. north of Eglinton, and sampling their saffron pistachio soft-serve ice cream. — Soraya
Dutch Dreams — St. Clair West
You forgot Dutch Dreams at 36 Vaughan Rd, just south of St. Clair. It’s over the top! — Oliver
I second that. Dutch Dreams is a must. All home made ice cream they make just up the street close to a Buddhist school. The store is on Vaughan Rd just below St. Clair. Also make their own waffle cones. Family business 40 plus years. — Steven
Here’s a vote for Dutch Dreams. Needing to make our annual summer trek to it. — Richard
My son and I have been travelling across the west end trying scoops from different shops and ranking them based on an established set of criteria. We’ve had 16 places on our list and have completed 12, so far we love Moon Milk and Dutch Dreams the best! — Emily
Not the most affordable but the best ice cream in the city, Dutch Dreams near Bathurst and St Clair. Who wants the most affordable if you’re looking for a treat? — Jennifer
Good Behaviour — Multiple locations
I’m partial to their S’mores, Bourbon Butter Pecan and HK Milk Tea flavours. (342 Westmoreland Ave. N.; 1324 Gerard St. E.; 335 Queen St. W.) — Josh
Soma — Multiple locations
For a couple dollars more try Soma (The Distillery, 32 Tank House Lane; 443 King St. W.; 77 Brock Ave.). Their chocolate is divine and local peach and strawberry are the most intense flavours I have ever had. — Brian
Moss Park Espresso — Moss Park
Moss Park Espresso. (185 Queen St. E.) Go. — John
The Swag Sisters’ Toy Store — Little India
“Swag Sisters (1511 Gerrard St. E.), a toy shop at Coxwell and Gerrard has a solid selection of flavours at a terrific price.” — Nick
These responses have been condensed and edited for clarity.
