Best of Ottawa 2020: Ice Cream

?After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

Stella Luna Gelato Cafe — 1103 Bank Street and 1130 Wellington Street West

Awarded as the best gelato in Canada, Stella Luna Gelato Cafe is a family-owned and operated European cafe specializing in Italian style gelato. Known for their flavourful gelato, Stella Luna is a great place to stop by with friends or family.

Photo: Stella Luna, Stephanie Z via Yelp

The Merry Dairy — 102 Fairmont Avenue

With both an ice cream truck and a permanent location, The Merry Dairy is a popular shop serving a variety of ice cream flavours. Perfect for on those hot summer days, The Merry Dairy will help you cool off and enjoy a delicious ice cream.
Photo: Merry Dairy Facebook

Moo Shu Ice Cream and Kitchen — 477 Bank Street

Serving Asian-inspired ice cream and desserts, Moo Shu is a great place to try something new and exciting. With flavours such as Tang Zhong Milk Bread, Vietnamese Coffee, Local Strawberry and Chocolate Banana, there is something for everybody!
Photo: Moo Shu Icea Cream via Facebook

Mantovani 1946 — 87 Murray Street

With roots that go back to their grandfather Dario, Marcella and Oreste Mantovani is the third generation in their family to own a gelato shop. Serving traditional and artisanal gelato with a variety of flavours and tastes, Mantovani sells non-dairy sorbet alongside the creamy dairy gelato and a variety of deserts and coffee.
Photo: Wendy M. via Yelp

Chocolats Favoris — 1055 Greenbank Road

First opened in 1979, Chocolats Favoris is a French Canadian ice cream and specialty chocolate franchise. Known for their chocolate-dipped ice cream, they are a favourite in the summer by kids and adults alike! Check out their multiple locations in Ottawa for a sweet treat!
Photo: Cat via Zomato

Piccolo Grande — 102-55 Murray Street

Based on old fashioned and traditional Italian gelato, Piccolo Grande has combined the charm of the Italian Gelateria with the North American palate to create their very own style of gelato. Always using fresh ingredients with flavours straight from Italy, Piccolo Grande promises a uniquely Italian-Canadian experience in Ottawa.  
Photo:Amelia J via Yelp

Brett’s Ice Cream Shop — 1001 Beaverbrook Road

Offering more than 30 flavours, Brett’s Ice Cream Shop serves vegan, dairy and gluten-free options. Handcrafted with natural ingredients, the flavours include Cinnamon Bun, Mocha Maple, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and many more!
Photo: Rachael T via Yelp

Filuccia Gelateria — 1213 Wellington St. W

Located in Hintonburg, Filuccia Gelateria is a family-owned and operated ice cream truck. After living in Italy for four years, Nina and Cesare Agostini returned to Ottawa and partnered with Pompei Balestra, a family friend. Serving seven flavours that change daily, the truck is open seven days a week from May to early November.
Photo: Filuccia Gelateria via Facebook 

Pasticerria Gelateria Italiana  — 200 Preston Street

In the heart of Little Italy, you will find the Pasticerria Gelateria Italiana, a shop that specializes in Italian pastries, desserts, beverages and of course, gelato. Known for their gelato tortes and flavourful ice cream, come check out this cafe for a sweet treat!
Photo: Clarissa B via Yelp

Adas Bekdash — online orders

It all began with when new Canadian Weam Aladas had a hunkering for the ice cream of her homeland. Along with her cousin Ruba, she started Adas Bekdash — a company that makes Syrian-style ice cream that is rolled in crushed pistachios. The duo take orders via Instagram and will deliver to your front door.