8 Spots for the Best Ice Cream in Austin

There’s nothing more satisfying on a sticky, Texas-hot day than a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. Say “ice cream” and “Texas” in the same sentence, and Blue Bell is likely what comes next. Found in the freezer section of any local grocery store, Blue Bell is made just a few hours away in Brenham, TX, and is a point of pride for any true Texan. Rightfully so—it’s delicious.

But Austin has much, much more to offer in terms of ice cream. Whether you’re after chef-created ice cream dishes, authentic gelato (technically not ice cream but it deserves major love), or tasty vegan options, you’ll find it in our guide to the best ice cream in Austin.

8. Amy’s Ice Creams

Looking for a creamy, classic scoop of ice cream? Head to Amy’s for some of the best ice cream in Austin. Started in 1984, Amy’s Ice Creams is an Austin OG that has all the “Keep Austin Weird” vibes, complete with lots of tie-dye and a fun cow mascot. Along with their six standard flavors, Amy’s releases a new seasonal flavor to their menu each Tuesday. Run quickly if a new flavor catches your eye—they make a limited quantity so once it’s gone, it’s gone! Seasonal flavors can be really, really great (Buche de Noel or Butter Brick, which has actual butter in it and proves that this is a VERY good thing) or a bit of a miss, but the texture is always creamy and the always-available Mexican Vanilla is to die for.

7. Lick Honest Ice Creams

Another Austin original that has expanded beyond the city, Lick Honest Ice Creams is big on using local, seasonal ingredients, and zero artificial flavors or preservatives. Local, seasonal ingredients translate to big, sophisticated flavors here—think Grapefruit with Champagne Marshmallows, Peppermint Bark, and Roasted Beet with Fresh Mint. We also love their chocolate waffle cones to house their won’t-find-anywhere-else ice cream varieties. We highly recommend the Goat Cheese, Thyme, & Honey, Texas Sheet Cake, or Salt Lick Caramel. Oh, and sprinkles are always a good idea.

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6. Gelateria Gemelli – PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Gelateria Gemelli oozes class. Located in East Austin, just a stone’s throw away from restaurant gems like Suerte and Ramen Tatsuya, Gelateria Gemelli is the perfect spot for an after-dinner treat. The shop is beautifully designed—peacock-green walls, marble countertops, tasteful gold accents—it feels fancy but not stuffy. Scoops are small but lovingly crafted and reasonably priced for high-quality gelato. The Dark Chocolate is deep and rich like it should be, while the Red Currant Sorbetto is clean, bright, and fresh. Add a third scoop of Olive Oil gelato for a near-perfect Italian treat.

5. Thai Fresh

Yes, this ice cream is naturally neon yellow—thank you, turmeric! Thai Fresh is a surprising favorite in our guide to the best ice cream in Austin with 100% vegan, coconut milk-based ice creams offered from the cafe portion of their restaurant. Flavors are mostly Thai inspired, like Golden Milk, Black Sticky Rice Horchata, and Coconut Lime, but more traditional options are also on rotation. The flavors are solid, for sure, and the hard-to-snag housemade charcoal waffle cones are sooooo delicious. Texture is really where Thai Fresh shines. This is truly some of the creamiest and smoothest ice cream we’ve tried in this city, which can be a difficult feat as an all-vegan ice cream joint.

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4. Dolce Neve Gelato

Located in the heart of South First, Dolce Neve Gelato is the definition of quaint. Yet they offer a surprising variety of flavors, all made in house, of course, and just to the side of the cash register behind a glass wall. Delicious pairings like Mascarpone & Fig, Chocolate with Candied Orange Peel, and their house flavor of Crema Dolce Neve (egg custard with lemon zest) are artfully created by their founder who learned the art of gelato in Bologna, Italy and further refined her craft at one of the most famous gelaterias in Pisa. A scoop (or chocolate-dipped bar—yes please!) out on the sunkissed patio is exactly what a hot summer day needs.

3. Besame

Headed up by a husband and wife duo who recently relocated to Austin from Nicaragua, Besame is new to the Austin food scene, but we have no doubt they will be around for years to come. Located in the most charming blue and bubble gum pink food truck, Besame’s ice cream is churned fresh daily in the same truck they sell their scoops from (yes, it’s that fresh!). With a higher ratio of cream to milk than other ice creams, Besame’s scoops are so incredibly creamy they are almost chewy (trust us, this is a really good thing). And with inventive flavors like pretzel milk, strawberry jam-swirled “My Jam” or “Texas Corn” featuring a corn-chip infused base with blueberry coulis and caramel popcorn crumble dropping almost weekly, we simply can’t get enough!

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2. Fresa’s

The top spot for the best ice cream in Austin was a tough call. Both our #1 and #2 picks are stellar and truly delicious. They also couldn’t be more different from each other. Our #2 spot goes to Fresa’s. Fresa’s is more commonly known for their chicken and Tex-Mex, but skipping out on their ice cream is a huge mistake. This is the creamiest ice cream on this list by far, with the most luxurious mouthfeel and rich texture. Flavor options aren’t fancy here, but they don’t need to be when the texture is this amazing. Scoops are available if you’re dining in or you can order at their super convenient t0-go window. Favorite flavors include Cookie Butter Swirl and Honeycomb, but all are simply phenomenal.

1. dipdipdip Ice Cream

The very best ice cream in Austin is at DipDipDip and it is unlike any other ice cream we’ve had the pleasure of tasting—in the best way possible. Recently opened in North Austin, DipDipDip is home to chef-created, Japanese-inspired ice cream desserts. Looking at the menu can be a bit daunting. Ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, azuki puree, fried parsnips, and pink peppercorn meringue kisses don’t necessarily sound like they belong on an ice cream menu. But oh, they do. Each dessert at DipDipDip has been carefully crafted by the chef of well-loved Austin restaurant, DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, to hit every single flavor profile—salty, sweet, sour, and umami. The end result of all these non-traditional components coming together is a complex, super interesting, approachably funky treat. Get a bite that has a little taste of everything for true ice cream perfection.