The Best Ice-Cream Shops In Uruguay

The summer sun is woven into the fabric of Uruguayan culture, but there are few who can soak in the rays without craving some cold and creamy sweetness. In a country with more cows than people, there is an exceptional range of high-quality dairy products, making for some incredible ice cream. Here are the best places to find this delicious treat in Uruguay.

1. Las Delicias

Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Italian, Ice Cream, Dessert, Vegetarian

As one of the oldest ice cream parlors in Uruguay, Las Delicias is a locals’ favorite because it has a wide range of incredible flavors, spanning from the classics to local delicacies. Its original shop is in the Carrasco neighborhood and is reminiscent of an 1950s American diner, with pink walls, black and white photographs, and a happy-go-lucky charm. This is a regular for residents and a popular meeting place for people of all ages. Las Delicias is a taste of culture that you can’t find anywhere else.

2. Freddo

Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Italian, Ice Cream, Dessert, Vegetarian

With branches in both Punta del Este and Montevideo, this Argentinian ice cream shop is one of the most popular in Uruguay. They offer giant slabs of all your favorite flavors piled onto a cone or into a tub. They also do fantastic Italian-style coffee, which is the perfect beverage to accompany your cool dessert.

3. La Cigale

Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Italian, Ice Cream, Dessert, Vegetarian

This is the most famous brand of ice cream in Uruguay, having expanded to sell it in the supermarket. They have a good selection of great flavors to choose from, but the real appeal is the local varieties, such as their variations of dulce de leche with coconut and other bizarre combinations. They also offer a range of great sugar-free ice creams and delicious smoothies.

5. El Cali

Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Ice Cream, Italian, Dessert, Vegetarian

You can find this wonderful ice cream parlor adjacent to the historic gate of Colonia’s old city walls, only a short walk from the coast. It is the perfect place to stop by and pick up a cold treat while you explore the beautiful surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be hard pressed to pay attention to anything around you though, while you have a world of flavor on the tip of your tongue.

6. Gelateria Arlecchino

Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Dessert, Ice Cream, Italian, Vegetarian

This is a classic establishment, known by locals of Punta del Este as the place to get great Italian-style ice cream. Even in the late evening after the sun has set there are still swarms of people perched on the benches outside eating their favorite flavors like tiramisu and white chocolate. There is also the option of buying a large tub for you to take back home or enjoy on the beach with your friends and family.

7. Volta

Bakery, Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, South American, Dessert, Ice Cream, Italian, Vegetarian

Volta in Manantiales is the emblematic ice cream of the area. People will come several times a day to enjoy their thick and creamy gelato flavors. You can enjoy rich flavors, like dulce de leche with caramelized almonds, or try their scrumptious fruit sorbets. This is a prime location for anyone who wants the traditional taste of Rio de la Plata in a waffle cone.

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