As soon as the sun appears, Edinburgh comes alive. Locals and visitors alike head for the city’s parks, the Grassmarket, the Royal Mile and even the viewpoints around Edinburgh Castle in search of one thing: exceptional ice cream. Whether you’re after a rich chocolate gelato, a classic vanilla cone or a refreshing fruity flavour, there’s an incredible choice across the capital.
We set ourselves the challenge of finding the best chocolate ice creams in Edinburgh, visiting some of the city’s best-known independent ice cream parlours and gelato specialists. Along the way we discovered outstanding chocolate creations, silky caramel swirls, fresh strawberry specials and plenty of delicious surprises that make Edinburgh one of the best cities in Scotland for a sweet treat.
1. Alandas Gelato
Starting with one of the most recognisable Edinburgh gelato spots. Yes, gelato: the creamier and less-sweet cousin of ice cream. Dating back to 1991, when it was a single fish and chips shop in East Lothian (yes, fish and chips!), it wasn’t until 2014 that Alandas brought its delicious artisan gelato to Edinburgh. Using locally sourced ingredients and making every batch fresh each day, Alandas continues to offer some of the city’s finest ice cream and remains one of our favourite stops for anyone looking for the best chocolate ice creams in Edinburgh.
With an ever-changing selection of flavours, from rich chocolate and smooth caramel to fruity seasonal specials, there’s always something new to try. Whether you choose a tub or a crispy cone, it’s easy to see why both locals and visitors keep coming back for another scoop.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Sprinkled with decadent brownie pieces, this lightly chocolate ice cream comes alive with every bite of the bun. The brownie has a great chocolatey taste, and while the ice cream could be stronger, the creamy and fresh taste of the milky ice cream provides a simple backdrop for the brownie to stand out. A superb start!
Kinder Bueno Chocolate
Reminiscent of Kinder Bueno, this flavour combines creamy chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and a smooth caramel ripple. The rich cream base allows the nutty notes to shine through without becoming overly sweet, making this one of the most balanced flavours we sampled.
2. Artisan Gelato
Just a short walk from Alandas you’ll find Artisan Gelato, another independent favourite. Friendly staff, colourful décor and an excellent selection of chocolate gelato make this a brilliant stop on any Edinburgh ice cream trail.
Chocolate Gelato
Homemade and truly cold, this ice cream was refreshing and light. Most chocolate ice creams can be heavy, but this was perfectly balanced and very refreshing. It was the right amount of creamy and icy, without lacking flavour. Highly recommend this one for those hot summer days or during Edinburgh Fringe.
3. Over Langshaw
Hidden inside an old police box, Over Langshaw is one of those discoveries that locals love recommending. Their Scottish dairy creates exceptionally rich cream, giving every scoop a luxurious texture that’s difficult to beat.
White Chocolate and Plum
Using the base of creamy milk, this ice cream was perfectly sweet. While subtle on the white chocolate flavour, being mostly a vanilla taste, the fruit flavour was bright and fresh. The fruit worked so well with the ice cream that we couldn’t stop ourselves from finishing the entire tub.
Single Malt Whisky
A diversion from chocolate, we had to try their Single Malt Whisky flavour. The warming taste of the whisky paired well with the creamy sweetness of the milky base. Surprisingly complex with a pleasant aftertaste.
4. Sofi’s Desserts
Right in the heart of the Grassmarket, Sofi’s Desserts is a great option if you’re looking for a generous chocolate ice cream after exploring Edinburgh’s historic centre. If you’re visiting on a sunny day, it’s an easy stop before wandering back towards Edinburgh Castle.
Belgian Chocolate
Chocolate Brownie
Smaller pieces of brownie, when compared to Alandas’, make this ice cream a bit disappointing. Still, the chocolate brownie is chewy and delicious.
Nutella
Recreating the classic Nutella flavour with chocolate and hazelnut, this was fun and deep, sweet and definitely moreish. Fans of Nutella spread on their toast, pancakes or by the spoonful will love this one.
5. Gladstone’s Land
Historic Gladstone’s Land hides a charming ice cream parlour serving Equi’s Scottish ice cream. If you’re exploring the Royal Mile or heading towards the West End, it’s well worth making a small detour for a scoop.
Belgian Chocolate
Very similar to Sofi’s Belgian Chocolate, this one had a darker taste than the previous for those looking for a deeper chocolate flavour.
Elderflower and Lemon Curd
Although not a chocolate flavour, this was one of the biggest surprises of the day. The floral elderflower combines beautifully with sharp lemon curd to create a refreshing contrast that tastes almost like summer in a cone. It doesn’t need chocolate to achieve perfection.
Honourable Mention: Mary's Milk Bar
Although we couldn’t include Mary’s Milk Bar in our official rankings because it was closed during our visit, it’s impossible to write about Edinburgh ice cream without mentioning it. This iconic ice cream shop has become a favourite with both locals and visitors thanks to its ever-changing menu of inventive flavours, including rich hot chocolate-inspired creations, seasonal fruit specials and imaginative chocolate combinations. It’s definitely at the top of our list for the next tasting session.
Why Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland's best chocolate ice cream
From rich Belgian chocolate and silky gelato to creamy caramel swirls and refreshing fruit combinations, Edinburgh is packed with fantastic independent ice cream shops. Our team sampled some of the city’s most talked-about chocolate ice creams and discovered that every stop had its own speciality, from traditional Scottish recipes to inventive new flavours.
If you’re exploring the Royal Mile, wandering through the Grassmarket or enjoying a sunny afternoon near Edinburgh Castle, make time to visit one (or several) of these fantastic ice cream parlours. You might arrive looking for a classic chocolate scoop, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a new favourite flavour instead.
Have we missed your favourite? Let us know which Edinburgh ice cream shop deserves a place on our list. We’re always looking for another excuse to enjoy a sweet treat in Scotland.
