BackIce cream has a history spanning thousands of years, appearing in various forms since the 2nd Century B.C. Historical references mention “fruit ices” and desserts made from mountain snow packed with honey, enjoyed by figures like King Solomon, Julius Caesar, and Charles I. Ice cream became available to the public in 1660 and has since evolved into a beloved treat worldwide, offered in thousands of flavor combinations. To find the best ice cream parlor near me, explore local spots offering unique and delicious options.
1. Cold Stone Creamery
We start our list with a brand that’s been in Dubai for over 30 years - Cold Stone Creamery. Their solid reputation is built on their enthusiastic staff who are known to volley scoops of ice cream from one end of the store to the other, all whilst belting out songs. As well as ice cream, their menu has cakes and shakes and their flavorsome concoctions are available in various sizes, cones and scoops.
All of their ice cream is made fresh on site daily and their vast range of flavours can be finished with a selection of 20 toppings including sprinkles, peanut butter cups and fruit. If you’re not in the mood to choose, just take one of their signature creations - we highly recommend Mud Pie Mojo. If you mix and match flavours, they will be skillfully blended on their cold granite stone.
Cold Stone has 23 branches across the UAE, we think the Atlantis outlet is the best - its fantastic team more than make up for its small size. You can also order online and via delivery platforms so there’s no reason not to get your ice cream fix.
2. House of Pops
House of Pops came to life, offering pops made to delight your tastebuds, satisfy your cravings, all while being kind to your body. They’re 100% natural plant-based pops, from actual fruit, rich in fiber, and solely made from clean label ingredients you can find at home! Just like you, we love our environment, and our packaging is entirely plastic free!
They have 20 flavours, including 4 keto-friendly options - all of their pops are vegan and allergen-free (but please ask for an ingredient list to be sure, if you have specific dietary requirements). You can order directly on their website, via delivery platforms or you can purchase in-person at their various cart locations. They are invested in community activities, parties and festivals and offer catering options from a cart, bike or fridge - the perfect way to cool off and hydrate.
3. Baskin Robbins
When you think of ice cream, Baskin-Robbins® is the brand that immediately comes to mind. As of today, there are more than 850 BR stores in the region making us the largest Quick Service Restaurant brand in the region. With our high-quality ice cream, specialty-frozen desserts, beverages and an incredible recipe library of more than 1300 flavors, it is little wonder that we are absolutely the most preferred ice cream destination in the region.
Speaking of flavors, they certainly think outside the box - as well as the ones you’d expect they’ve also offered some that are certainly unique - ‘Dill Pickle’ was marketed specifically to pregnant women! To go with their vast numbers of flavours and stores, they also hold some world records, including the Guiness record for ‘largest cup of ice cream’ which weighed in at 8,865lbs - you might need a couple of friends to help you finish it!
If you’re in the mood for some classic Baskin Robbins deliciousness, it’s not hard to get your hands on - as well as their stores you can order online, via delivery platforms or grab a tub from your local supermarket. Enjoy!
4. Gelato Divino
Although gelato looks a lot like ice cream, and the translation from Italian means ice cream, we are assured that they are definitively not the same thing. Originally a small family-owned company based in the North West of Italy, Gelato Divino was taken over by a private investment group and brought to the UAE in 2009. Since then, they have expanded around the Middle East and into the UK.
Gelato Divino has been set up and grown so rapidly over the past few years, Mr. Abdulla, Mr. Al Siddiqui and Mr. Al Reyahi decided to become Gelato Divino franchisees to diversify their business portfolio in Qatar by introducing Gelato Divino to the market in Doha. We hope you all enjoy our fresh heavenly delights as much as we do. Don’t forget that you can always purchase take away gelato from all our outlets in 500g or 1kg custom made gelato containers to bring the amazing Gelato Divino experience home to your family and friends who will no doubt be delighted!
5. Projeto Acai
If ice cream and gelato aren’t your thing (we don’t judge) then consider Acai. Predominantly from Brazil, the small purple berries are harvested from a specific type of Palm tree and blended into a puree, usually with banana and served cold, topped with granola, nuts or fruits.
Projeto Acai is driven by the dream of “sharing the magical taste and nutritional benefits of Acai” with all of Dubai and they have a strong focus on local, organic produce (where possible) - Their granola and peanut butter is made in-house. Their 6 permanent locations in the UAE were decorated by Dubai-based Brazilian-born artist Tarsila Schubert and have a cool, jungle jazz vibe which you can recreate at home with their Spotify playlist.
They aren’t just about Acai however - their menu has a great selection of sandwiches, poke bowls and salads to ensure even the savoury lovers are satisfied. We highly recommend the ‘classico’ acai bowl for first timers, choose from one of three different sizes. Their entire menu is available to order online.
6. Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs is an American ice cream brand, established by Reuben and Rose Mattus in The Bronx, New York, in 1960. Starting with only three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and coffee, the company opened its first retail store in Brooklyn, New York, on November 15, 1976. The company operates worldwide and also produces ice cream bars, ice cream cakes, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and gelato.
Haagen-Dazs has been in production since 1960 and its founder was notorious for attention to detail - it took him 6 years to be satisfied with their strawberry ice cream recipe. With that level of dedication, it’s no wonder celebrities line up to endorse it. The brand now offers 22 classic ice cream and sorbet flavours, all of which are available in their 8 UAE outlets, complemented by a select range of toppings.
Whether you’re a cone or cup, crazy flavour or classic vanilla, there is sure to be something in this list that you’ll love. Outlets for these brands are spread across Dubai so you’re never far from your next fix - if you want to make sure you’re particularly close to one, please contact our Private Client Advisors who can show you a selection of the best properties nearby.
