Best ice cream spots in Abu Dhabi to celebrate International Ice Cream Day

Looking for your next ice cream stop? With International Ice Cream Day falling on 19 July, we visited six ice cream and gelato spots across Abu Dhabi, from homegrown favourites to one of the city's most affordable soft serves. 

Ripple Ice Cream

If you prefer your ice cream spots a little more low-key, Ripple at Miza in Mina Zayed is worth checking out. With its minimalist interiors and industrial-style setting, it feels quite different from the usual bright and colourful ice cream parlours.

On the menu, you'll find classic vanilla cones priced at AED 5, while flavours like pretzel or mango are AED 15. They’ve got everything from dark chocolate to fruity flavours like pineapple, mango and pina colada.

Where: Ripple Ice cream, Miza, Mina Zayed

Time: 11am to 11pm

More info here

Antonia Trattoria, Al Zeina

You might know Antonia Trattoria in Al Zeina for its Roman-style pizza al taglio and home-style Italian dishes, but the restaurant also serves traditional Italian gelato. You'll find classic flavours like chocolate, hazelnut, and vanilla. 

Where: Antonia Trattoria, Block C, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi

More info here

Jlato, Souq Mina

Located at Souq Mina, Jlato is a homegrown gelateria serving house-made gelato, with a variety of flavours and vegan options available. Try the fruity Raspberry Basil Gelato, or their signature affogato, prepared with vanilla or pistachio gelato shaped around the inside of the cup before a shot of hot espresso is poured into the centre.

They also have an immersive experience where you can try their secret flavour - you’ll have to guess the ingredients after trying it and you’ll receive a treat if you get it right!. 

Where: Souq Al Mina, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi

When: Open daily, 11am to 12am (Mondays from 2pm)

More info here

Mina Creamery

Inspired by a mother's kitchen, Mina Creamery is a homegrown ice cream shop at MiZa that uses locally sourced ingredients to create flavours inspired by the region. Alongside classics like vanilla bean and Belgian chocolate, the menu includes rotating flavours like Gahwa Stracciatella, Orange Blossom Baklava and Burrata & Basil topped with zaatar and olive oil. The space is not just an ice cream parlour, but also a space for the community to gather and soak in the culture and bold interiors.

Where: Mina Creamery, Souq Al Mina, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi

When: Wednesday - Sunday  12 - 7pm

More info here

Vasa Vasa, Al Muneera 

Located along the Al Muneera beachfront promenade, Vasa Vasa serves Italian-style gelato made with 100% natural ingredients, without artificial colours or additives. You’ll find classic flavours like pistachio, vanilla, hazelnut, Stracciatella and Fiordilatte, alongside options such as Tiramisù, Caramelised Fig and fruit sorbets including mango and passion fruit.

Where: Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi

More info here

IKEA, Yas Island

A visit to IKEA usually means wandering through the showrooms, picking up a few things you didn't plan to buy. If you need a break from shopping, cool off with a soft serve ice cream, with prices starting from just AED 1. The soft serve comes in vanilla, chocolate or a swirl of both, with the option to add a chocolate stick on top.

Where: IKEA Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

More info here