The Best Ice Cream Shops in Buenos Aires

Cadore is a renowned ice cream shop that has been enchanting the taste buds of Buenos Aires since 1957. Located in the vibrant theatre district, this family-operated gem has deep Italian roots, thanks to the Olivotti family, who migrated from the scenic Cadore region in Italy. Their dedication to preserving traditional recipes ensures that each scoop reflects their rich heritage and passion for quality.

What truly distinguishes Cadore is its remarkable selection of flavours. The dulce de leche stands out as a quintessential choice, boasting a creamy texture infused with caramelised milk that embodies the heart of Argentinian desserts. Another exceptional offering is the sambayón, a blend of egg yolks and sweet wine, delivering a luxurious mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. For those seeking something unique, the pistachio flavour shines with its natural nuttiness, while the hibiscus option provides a refreshing, floral note that’s perfect for a hot day.

The inviting atmosphere at Cadore complements its offerings, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a treat. The talented gelato makers pour their heart into each batch, crafting a diverse range of textures and flavours that elevate the ice cream experience. Whether you choose to enjoy a classic cone or a lavish sundae adorned with rich toppings, Cadore promises an unforgettable indulgence in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Lucciano’s is a celebrated family-owned gelato shop, established to cater to the refined tastes of artisan ice cream lovers in Argentina. Drawing inspiration from Italy, the founders travelled to learn from expert gelato makers and brought back advanced manufacturing techniques. By blending top-quality local ingredients with premium Italian flavours and Belgian chocolate, Lucciano’s has become synonymous with exceptional gelato.

The shop is known for its unique flavours, including King Bianco, a delightful hazelnut gelato with chocolate swirls, and Mascarpone & Berries, featuring fresh Patagonian berries. Lucciano’s also offers innovative products, such as ice pops, which have gained popularity since their launch in 2011. 

With a commitment to quality, the gelato is crafted using fresh ingredients, ensuring a superior taste. The shop also caters to various dietary needs, providing gluten-free and plant-based options. Lucciano‘s invites everyone to enjoy their artisanal creations, making it a must-visit destination for gelato enthusiasts.

Rapanui is a distinguished ice cream shop that proudly carries on the chocolate-making traditions of Patagonia. Over the years, it has transformed into one of Buenos Aires’ most celebrated heladerías, renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative flavours. Drawing upon a rich Italian heritage, Rapanui crafts its ice cream with a passion that reflects its history.

A flavour you absolutely must try is goat milk caramel. This unique offering blends the creamy richness of goat’s milk with luscious caramel, creating a delightful balance that will tantalise your taste buds. Rapanui’s menu is filled with other standout flavours as well, including the beloved dulce de leche, refreshing lemon pie, and indulgent pistachio. Don’t miss out on their tiramisu, Nui-cciola (a delectable hazelnut option), and the intense chocolate (dark chocolate) that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving.

In addition to ice cream, Rapanui features the delightful Franui, a chocolate-covered raspberry treat that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer. Handpicked raspberries are coated in two layers of rich chocolate, resulting in a treat that’s both gluten-free and Kosher-certified. This innovative creation highlights Rapanui’s commitment to quality and natural ingredients, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

With multiple locations across Buenos Aires, Bariloche, and Córdoba, Rapanui is easily accessible for anyone looking to indulge in these sweet delights. Whether you choose to enjoy your ice cream in the shop or order for delivery, Rapanui promises an experience that celebrates the flavours of Patagonia.

Freddo has a rich history spanning over 50 years, rooted in Italian tradition and a commitment to quality. The first shop opened its doors in 1969 in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, setting the stage for a journey dedicated to crafting unique gelato flavours. With a focus on authenticity and a passion for taste, Freddo has expanded its reach beyond Argentina, now boasting locations in Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, and the United States.

Renowned for its artisanal gelato, Freddo prioritises natural ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring a smooth, rich texture and intense flavours that often surpass those of conventional ice cream. The diverse flavour selection includes classics like dulce de leche and inventive combinations such as dulce de leche with Oreo or chocolate with almonds.

Freddo’s commitment to quality is evident in its use of fresh milk sourced from local farms and carefully selected fruits from Argentina and around the world. The signature dulce de leche, crafted without artificial additives, has been a beloved staple for over five decades.

Scannapieco has a remarkable history spanning over 80 years. Established in 1938 in San Telmo and later revitalised in Chacarita, it is renowned for its classic artisanal gelato, crafted using traditional methods. The flavours evoke nostalgia, with highlights including lemon, peach, and crema americana, each offering a simple yet powerful taste experience.

A unique aspect of Scannapieco is its commitment to using only natural, fresh ingredients. They create their signature caramelised hazelnuts and almonds, toasted pistachios, and crushed cookies in-house, ensuring a rich and authentic flavour profile in every scoop. This dedication to quality and craftsmanship sets them apart in the world of gelato.

The shop’s owners, Juan and Carlos, are deeply passionate about preserving the family legacy, continually striving to improve and maintain their status as a beloved heladería. Scannapieco invites everyone to savour their artisanal creations, where tradition and quality come together in perfect harmony.

Obrador Florida is not just your average ice cream shop; it’s a creative haven nestled in the heart of Palermo, Buenos Aires. This place redefines dessert with its playful and seasonal flavours that are anything but ordinary. What truly makes Obrador Florida shine is its dedication to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. They take pride in their “fruit to seed” approach, ensuring every part of the ingredient is utilised, which means you get vibrant, bold flavours while being kind to the planet.

When you step inside, you’re greeted by a lively atmosphere where the magic happens right before your eyes. It’s like stepping into a culinary workshop where you can witness the ice cream-making process unfold. Their standout creation? The pistachio dessert, which features a specially crafted pistachio paste that takes days to perfect! Alongside their enticing ice creams, they also whip up gourmet treats like luscious fruit jellies. Every visit to Obrador Florida is an adventure for your taste buds, inviting you to indulge in something truly special and memorable.

Gruta Helados is an iconic gem in Buenos Aires, delighting locals and visitors alike since 1977. Located in the charming Belgrano neighbourhood, this artisanal ice cream shop has been serving up joy with its scrumptious selection of over 50 flavours. What sets Gruta apart is its commitment to quality: they use only natural ingredients and produce their ice cream on-site daily, ensuring that every scoop is fresh and bursting with flavour. This dedication has earned them rave reviews and recognition, with features in top publications and even a spot on Eater’s list of must-visit food spots in the city.

As you step into Gruta, you’re greeted not just by the delicious aroma of freshly made ice cream but also by the warmth of a family-run business that prides itself on exceptional customer service. Don’t miss out on their crowd favourites like the DDL Granizado, Super Sambayón with crunchy caramelised almonds added fresh, and the indulgent Pistachio. Whether you’re a fan of fruity delights like Raspberries and Passion Fruit or classic options like Chocolate with Almonds, there’s something to satisfy every palate. With a rich history and an unwavering commitment to quality, a visit to Gruta is a delightful experience you won’t want to miss.

Tufic Helados is not just another ice cream shop; it’s the original trendsetter in Buenos Aires, famous for launching the Paleta Dubai—a dessert that redefined indulgence and set the bar high for sweet treats everywhere. This stellar creation blends rich pistachio and luscious chocolate, with a white chocolate version for those who crave a sweeter twist. Tufic’s commitment to artisanal excellence means every bite is a crunchy, creamy delight that hooks you from the first taste.

But that’s not all! Their cannoli are a classic must-try, available in both petite and XXL sizes—perfect for sharing or for when you want to treat yourself to something extra special. Each cannoli is crafted with care, ensuring a satisfyingly crisp shell filled with heavenly cream that’s simply irresistible. And if you’re looking for that perfect pick-me-up, Tufic’s affogato is the answer. Picture this: a shot of rich coffee poured over their creamy artisanal ice cream, creating a magical pairing that’s ideal for those chilly days or whenever you need a sweet escape.

With top-notch service and a vibrant atmosphere, Tufic Helados is a haven for dulce de leche enthusiasts. From their signature Dulce de Leche to delicious variations like Dulce de Leche Chocotorta and Super Dulce de Leche Granizado, there’s a flavour to satisfy every craving. So whether you’re wandering through Palermo or Belgrano, make sure to swing by Tufic Helados and treat yourself to a scoop of pure happiness. Your taste buds will thank you!