True & 12
True & 12 produce incredible ice cream using only the simplest and most natural ingredients. Their mission is to show how great artisanal ice cream can be made, and to bring together some of the best and most diverse flavors from around the globe. Everything about this establishment is indeed ‘true’; from the absence of artificial flavors to the refreshingly minimalist interior of the parlor. The transparency of this family run business is delightful, as is their promise to provide twelve new and adventurous flavors to their customers every single day. Served up alongside the classics, visitors can expect to find flavors as unusual as lemon-mint and pistachio-caramel.
Rosenheimer Strasse 14, 81669 Munich, Bavaria, Germany, +49 172 6761205
Sarcletti
A short walk out from Munich’s most touristy area is one of the most diverse and beautifully presented gelato stands in Germany. This parlor is immensely popular with visitors, and boasts over forty delicious and creative flavors, such as blood orange with pine nuts and amaretto, as well as sumptuous cake and coffee. Visitors shouldn’t be disheartened by the long queues; service here is fast, friendly and efficient. Grab a quick cone from Sarcletti before leisurely exploring the nearby Neuhausen Quarter.
Nymphenburger Str. 155, 80634 Munich, Bavaria, Germany, +49 89 155314
Ballabeni
Across the road from many of Munich’s popular museums, Ballabeni offers up such a great assortment of ice creams and sorbets that anyone is sure to find their favorite flavor here – the combinations are daring and delicious with subtle and contrasting flavors. The portions of these excellent ice creams are extremely generous and the staff are incredibly friendly. A popular favorite is the coconut sorbet, as are more unusual flavors such as lemon and basil and ginger chocolate. The decor is also stunning, with a pure white exterior and large windows revealing the golden light from within the cozy and inviting parlor.
Theresienstrasse 46, 80333 Munich, Bavaria, Germany, +49 89 18912943
Jessas
This ice cream parlor is far smaller than any of the other establishments mentioned in this article, and is very much a hidden gem found on a small side street in Munich’s city center. The flavor combinations are delicious and explosive, and Jessas has really gone the extra mile to ensure a unique experience, with many different shaped cones and several kinds of garnishes to compliment the ice cream’s ‘character’. A very special sensory experience awaits visitors at this establishment, with delicate flavors, strong herbal infusions and some of the classics. Look out for the most unusual concoctions such as buttermilk-lime, and Turkish honey roasted almonds.
Klenzestraße 97, 80469 Munich, Germany, +49 89 52032977
Der Verrückte Eismacher
A trendy and vibrant ice cream cafe conveniently located right outside a U-bahn station, Der Verrückte Eismacher is decorated to resemble a mad scientist’s lab, promising guests a memorable experience. Although everyone appreciates the classics found in most other ice cream parlors, walking into this parlor is taking a walk on the wild side, with incredibly bold flavors such as beer, bacon or salami and even cheeseburger ice cream. The staff are dressed up in fun costumes and are extremely friendly, offering samples of the wackiest flavors to the more reluctant guests. This place is definitely worth visiting if you are an adventurous eater – or just if you enjoy completely unique experiences.
Amalienstraße 77, 80799 Munich, Germany, +49 1510 0000000