Ice cream is definitely the go-to dessert when the temperature starts to rise. Lucky for Atlantans, the spring months are hot and the summer months are even hotter. So whether you prefer your ice cream in a cone or a cup, vegan or low fat, sprinkles or a cherry on top, we’ve rounded up the best ice cream parlors in Atlanta.
Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream
Ice Cream Parlour, Ice Cream, $$$
Established in 2008 by husband-and-wife duo Donald and Clarissa Morelli, Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream now has multiple locations around Atlanta. The East Atlanta location was the first and usually the most popular location. Acquiring numerous awards, Morelli’s boasts unique flavors including coconut jalapeno, strawberry rose water, cream cheese guava and Krispy Creamer, which is made with with chunks of real Krispy Kreme donuts. But their most popular flavor is Original Salted Caramel.
Located in Irwin Street Market in historic Old Fourth Ward, Jake’s Ice Cream was founded by Jake Rothschild and two other partners. The shop first opened in Cabbagetown in 1999 and then moved to its current location in 2005. The parlor offers more than two hundred ice creams, sorbets, gelatos, sherbets and frozen yogurt in various flavors. Many of their ice cream flavors are all natural. All of them are made with hormone-free dairy and pure cane sugar. Not wanting to forget about the vegans, Jake’s offers various non-dairy options. Popular flavors include Chocolate Slap Yo Mama and Brown Shugah Vanilla.
Located in downtown Decatur, Butter & Cream is your classic neighborhood ice cream parlor. They have rotating seasonal flavors for their ice cream and sorbet but also have signature flavors like Cashew Creme Brûlée, Honeycomb Forest and Butterscotch Brownie. If you happen to find yourself out near Roswell, Georgia, check out their other locations.
Established in 2014 by two friends, Queen of Cream says their “ice cream is made 100% from scratch in small batches.” Their dairy is sourced from a small family-run farm in Waynesboro, Georgia. The parlor is located in historic Old Fourth Ward, at the border of Inman Park. The flavors rotate monthly and include Lavender Honeycomb and Black Pearl, a vegan coconut ice cream made with coconut ash and chocolate.
Founded in 2011 in a food truck, Honeysuckle Gelato now sits in the bustling Ponce City Market. Boasting mostly locally sourced fresh ingredients, Honeysuckle is definitely a favorite among locals. The sorbet flavors are seasonal and their gelato flavors include chocolate, orange and Nutella. Believing every little bit helps, Honeysuckle donates 5 percent of the company profits to Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Sold in restaurants and specialty stores all over the state, High Road Craft Ice Cream offers fun themed collections like Date Night Collections and the Georgia Grown Collection. Their lab is located just 30 minutes from the city in Marietta, Georgia. Founded by a group of food industry insiders and veteran chefs, High Road Craft can even be purchased online. They offer traditional flavors and specialty flavors.
Founded by New York Times Best Selling authorJeni Britton Bauer in 2002, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is an Ohio-based company, but has four locations in the Atlanta metro area, including Krog Street Market. Said to be ahead of the artisan ice cream trend, Jeni’s uses whole ingredients and dairy from grass-pastured cows. Locals grab a scoop or two at the Krog Street Market location before heading to the Atlanta Beltline.
A native of Treviso, Italy, Paolo Dalla Zorza wanted to open an authentic Italian gelateria in America. He chose Atlanta, Georgia to do just that. Located in the hip Virginia Highland area, Paolo’s Gelato boasts regional and seasonal gelato specialties, alongside traditional flavors. The gelateria also offers imported Italian coffees, candies, cookies and a spectacular ‘Cannoli Bar’ where guests can create a customized cannoli.
