Gelato Mania is a family-run gelateria with several branches around the city. They serve a delicious range of homemade Italian ice-cream, as well as waffles and pancakes. Embark on a taste adventure with a range of funky flavors such as chocolate hazelnut, Turkish delight, tiramisu and pistachio, to name a few. You can also add some colorful candy toppings to your scoop of gelato for some extra sweetness. Diabetics and Banting dieters need not miss out as there’s a special Stevia-sweetened chocolate and hazelnut gelato just for them.
Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, +27 60 400 4115,
65 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, +27 60 915 5106
11 Victoria Rd, Bakoven, Cape Town, +27 76 426 3166
Cavendish Square, Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, +27 76 464 4890
Two scoops of gelato on a delicious waffle at Gelato Mania © Courtesy of Gelato Mania
For a slice of heavenly decadence, head over to The Velvet Cake Company. This charming bakery and coffee shop serves a variety of freshly baked cakes and desserts to enjoy with a steaming cup of artisan coffee. They also make beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes for special occasions.
16 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, +27 21 286 1082
10 Bella Rosa St, Rosenpark, Cape Town, +27 21 914 0482
For the most decadent hand-crafted organic chocolate in Cape Town, visit Honest Chocolate Café. The small artisanal chocolate company creates pure chocolate from ethically sourced raw cacao beans and agave imported from Ecuador and Tanzania (cacao doesn’t grow in South Africa). The result is a smooth, even-textured product with unexpected flavors such as orange essence, sea salt and spicy pepper. Inside the charming café, indulge in their signature dessert, a delectable chocolate bunny chow, or choose from a selection of cakes, chocolate truffles and dairy-free milkshakes. Tea and coffee are also served.
64A Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, +27 76 765 8306
66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, +27 21 447 1438
Interesting shaped truffles at Honest Chocolate © Courtesy of Honest Chocolate
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the norm, try a fun and colorful ice-cream sandwich at Crumbs & Cream. Choose two freshly baked cookies, select an ice-cream filling (there are a variety of flavors) and eat it like a sandwich! You can also add toppings and spreads like mini marshmallows, cookie crumbs, smarties or Nutella. Crumbs & Cream has a flagship store in Sea Point but you can also find an ice-cream truck stationed at the V&A Waterfront.
16 Regent Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, +27 81 343 2761
An ice-cream sandwich from Crumbs & Cream | Courtesy of Crumbs & Cream
The Creamery Café’s hand-made ice-cream is the perfect indulgence on a hot summer’s day. Made from seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, their ice-cream comes in five classic varieties as well as inventive monthly flavors such as sugarplum, jasmine green tea and macadamia. There are numerous Creamery branches and stalls around the city.
Dean St, Rondebosch, Cape Town, +27 21 686 3975
163 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, +27 21 434 2455
Palmyra Junction, 9 Palmyra Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, +27 21 671 6346
Watermelon ice-cream from The Creamery © Courtesy of The Creamery
As the name suggests, Raw and Roxy offers delicious raw vegan meals and guilt-free desserts for the health-conscious eater. On the menu you’ll find fresh fruit smoothies and a healthy yet tasty selection of gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free desserts. Try the blackberry or lemon-lime cheesecake, the cookie dough macaroon, or mint magnum ice-cream.
8 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, +27 79 599 6277