Where to find the best ice cream in Budapest

What is it? Nóri and Tomi Erdei oversee this stylish ice-cream parlour behind the Opera House, displaying a suitable quote from Luciano Pavarotti on the façade and regularly changing the selection of eight to ten flavours crafted by their own fair hands without additives or artifice. A newer, earlier-opening branch at the Vizafogó ecopark in Újlipótváros, domain of trendy young parents, testifies to the success of this imaginative venture.

Why we love it While this pedestrianised stretch of Hajós utca represents Budapest at its most Mediterranean, all terrace pizzerias and pátisseries, the Erdeis are constantly delving into the canon of classic Hungarian desserts to come up with new inventions – the names you might see in today’s display (mákos guba, madártej) refer to revered local sweet treats. Which is not to say you can’t pull up a chair outside, set your tub on the table and become part of the southern European tableau.

Time Out tip: Ask for what’s new and English-speaking staff will provide names and descriptions, meaning you can not only walk out with a form of poppy-seed bread pudding in your hand, you’ll know just that little more about what Hungarian grandmothers make for family gatherings. And there should always be a chocolate variety of some kind to keep suspicious kids happy!

Addresses: Hajós utca 12, 1065 Budapest; Vizafogó Ököpark, Párkány utca 39, 1138 Budapest

Opening hours: Opera daily noon-9pm; Vizafogó Ököpark 10am-9pm

Expect to pay: Scoops come in three sizes: small Ft 440 (€1.25), regular Ft 660 (€1.90) and large Ft 880 (€2.50)

What is it? Gian Luigi Annoni, known to all Hungarians by his popular TV personality of Gianni, created a culinary empire in Budapest’s business quarter, building up from a top-quality, authentically Italian restaurant to branch into an ice-cream business of the same name, equal in standard. Whatever Gianni does, he carries out to perfection, whether it’s the Hungarian he casually uses on breakfast shows or the care and expertise shown over the pistachio or stracciatella. This is as it is claimed to be: real Italian ice cream.

Why we love it Divided into dairy and fruit-based, the gelati at Pomo D’Oro are divine, whichever route you choose. If dairy, then expect creamier than creamy, meaning you won’t want to sample stracciatella anywhere else in Budapest afterwards. Every day brings a new flavour, keeping the many regulars from the nearby offices on their toes.

Time Out tip: It has to be the Piedmont hazelnut, sourced from ingredients of protected origin in northern Italy, whose famously intensely sweet flavour is captured here for your indulgence. If it’s your second visit, try the sorbets, blueberry, mango and mandarin-vanilla.

Address: Arany János utca 12, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11.30am-8pm

Expect to pay: Per 50gr scoop Ft 600 (€1.70)

What is it? MAMO Gelato has been bringing the lighter side of Italian ice-cream culture to Budapest for more than a decade. Creamy, well-conceived scoops, fresh fruity flavours and their own favourites have made this store on Ráday utca a long-standing fixture on summer walks around the Palace Quarter. Pistachio, Kinder Neapolitan and lemon cake are particularly strong here, but you’re also in the right place if you’re looking for sugar-free, lactose-free or vegan options. In addition to the one on Ráday, outlets have also been opened in Tompa utca and Tátra utca, so now a MAMO stop can easily be part of several city perambulations.

Why we love it At MAMO, the fruity flavours are refreshing, and the creamier dessert ice creams are rich and balanced, so everyone should find their favourite. They are also happy to give you a taster – feel free to ask at the counter, you don’t have to stick to your first instinct.

Time Out tip: The combination of pistachio and lemon cake is a good entry into the world of MAMO: one is silky and rich, the other refreshingly sour.

Addresses: Ráday utca 24, 1092 Budapest; Tompa utca 23, 1094 Budapest; Tátra utca 18, 1136 Budapest

Opening hours: Ráday utca daily 10am-9pm; Tompa utca daily 11am-9pm; Tátra utca daily noon-8pm

Expect to pay: 1 scoop (65gr) Ft 690 (€1.85). 2 scoops/flavours (130gr) Ft 1,350 (€3.85)

What is it? Two indulgences dovetail at two outlets in the heart of Budapest: ice cream and chimney cake. Both the work of Balázs Damniczki, an acclaimed third-generation master confectioner from Székesfehérvár west of Budapest, these treats don’t come cheap if bought as one but you’re being treated to top-quality creations and not fast food being churned out to unwitting tourists for even higher prices in the city centre. And if you’re just going for ice cream, prices are reasonable and the flavours outstanding.

Why we love it Damniczki slaves over his ingredients, this a man who had his first ice-cream workshop in Székesfehérvár some 30 years ago. Nearly all are sourced locally, years of painstaking trial and error resulting in a back catalogue of some 150 recipes. The fruity elements are fresh and zingy, the dairy just delicious thanks to regular suppliers in Pusztaszabolcs, a blip of a town on the Great Hungarian Plain. Don’t be put off by the names in English on the labels – this might be the first time in your life you’ve thought about fried pumpkin and orange as a combination, but it won’t be the last.

Time Out tip: If you’re only here once, then don’t miss Pichler’s signature, award-winning masterpiece for which they are best known: red wine and raspberry, deep and satisfying. The chimney cake is vegan, sometimes coming in raspberry, as well as the usual cinnamon, walnut and others. And if you’re all ice-creamed out, there are superb sorbets, too.

Addresses: Kossuth Lajos utca 4, 1053 Budapest; Váci utca 46, 1056 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 9.30am-10pm

Expect to pay: 1 scoop Ft 650 (€1.85), 2 scoops Ft 1,300 (€3.20). Pistachio chimney cake Ft 2,500 (€7)

What is it? First came Kőfagyi (‘Stone Ice Cream’), one of several cult, small-batch produce outlets at Mindszentkálla, a bohemian community of artists and artisans around Káli-medence near Lake Balaton. This then set up in Budapest in 2019, later moving across to trendy, gallery-lined Bartók Béla út in Buda. Now Pest residents don’t have to cross the river to get their high-quality ice cream in a range of imaginative flavours – it’s right here on Rákóczi tér, halfway between the 4-6 tram stop and the local market, and a minute’s walk from either.

Why we love it More a hole in the wall where a taxi dispatch office used to be – the original sign is still up – Főfagyi (‘Main Ice Cream’) attracts trade purely through the quality of its ice creams. Mango, redcurrant and other rarely seen flavours represent the exotic side of the selection, the owners not afraid to offer standard ones to keep customers of all ages satisfied.

Time Out tip: For a decent coffee afterwards, the Café Csiga spreads its terrace tables over a sun-catching corner of Rákóczi tér, barely 25 paces away.

Address: Bacsó Béla utca 31, 1084 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 1pm-8.30pm, Fri 1pm-9pm, Sat-Sun noon-9pm

Expect to pay: Per scoop Ft 600-700 (€1.70-2)

What is it? The sweet marriage of Italian and Hungarian ice-cream masters Giuliano and Szilvi, both trained in Italy, colourful Cioccolatte has long kept the young parents and children of des-res Újlipótváros in clover as they pick up a cone or a heart-branded tub and take it to nearby Szent István park. The many regulars are treated to new flavours all the time, particularly in June, which sees the pair in the pink as they emulate the pan-Italian cycle race Giro d’Italia in ice-cream form, crossing the nation for inspiring fresh combinations. Gluten-free and vegan versions also available.

Why we love it Cioccolatte could easily rest on its laurels, sit back and play the favourites. Instead, Giuliano and Szilvi are constantly taking to their Facebook page to announce a new promotion or seasonal treat. These are sometimes limited editions, which have loyal customers beating a path to a pleasant street corner of Budapest XIII and the couple’s more recently opened outlet in a burgeoning corner of active recreation on the south Buda embankment. As for the regular flavours, smaller, cheaper portions for little ones can be a godsend.

Time Out tip: Cioccolatte also serves desserts – look out for panettone promotions in the run-up to Christmas.

Addresses: Pozsonyi út 7, 1137 Budapest & BudaPart tér 3 (Vízpart utca), 1117 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily noon-8pm

Expect to pay: Gusto classic/gourmet, per small 50gr scoop Ft 690/750 (€2/2.10). Junior scoop (30gr) Ft 500 (€1.40)

What is it? Bruno Gelateria is one of the most eminent ambassadors of Sicilian ice cream culture in Budapest. The first store opened in 2021 on Kolosy tér in Óbuda, a second followed on Hollán Ernő utca in Újlipótváros, and recently they also appeared at a new outlet on Jókai utca near Oktogon in busy Pest. In keeping with Italian tradition, gelato is not scooped, but spread into a funnel or glass with a spatula, which makes the texture softer, silkier and creamier. The counter is lined with classics and returning favourites such as pistachio, mango, lemon, salted caramel or one of their most popular flavours, dark chocolate-and-raspberry.

Why we love it Bruno really understands what makes a good gelato – the flavours are intense, the texture is creamy, and the fruity variety remains fresh and light. The pistachio and dark chocolate-and-raspberry are reliable choices, but the dairy-free fruit ice creams and Sicilian granita are certainly worth checking out.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the affogato: a scoop of ice cream with a hot espresso, a meeting of Italian coffee culture and artisanal gelato in one glass.

Addresses: Kolosy tér 5, 1036 Budapest; Hollán Ernő utca 33, 1136 Budapest; Jókai utca 1, 1066 Budapest

Opening hours: All outlets daily 11am-8pm

Expect to pay: 1 spread (approx 70 gr) Ft 630 (€1.80). Affogato Ft 1,200 (€3.40)

What is it? You can spot Gelarto Rosa’s creations a mile away. Their ice creams are not served by the scoop, but fashioned in the shapes of rose petals in the cone. The brand, which operates from two outlets near the Basilica, has long been one of the most photogenic stops deep in tourist central, but looks alone don’t make Rosa special. They work with locally produced ingredients, and in addition to classic milk and cream ice creams, they also offer vegan sorbets made from premium fruit and plant-based milk alternatives.

Why we love it In addition to the spectacular rose patterns, the flavours are also sophisticated; pistachio, Earl Grey with lemon, and salted almond are the favourites of many. The Grande store on Hercegprímás utca is open all year round, while the original kiosk in front facing the Basilica is seasonal.

Time Out tip: If you’re here for the first time, don’t think about just one flavour – but prepare to pay a pretty penny. The point of Gelarto Rosa is that the petals are made from several different types of ice cream. A fresh fruit sorbet works well with a creamier, pistachio or almond variety.

Address: Gelarto Rosa Grande, Hercegprímás utca 9, 1051 Budapest; seasonal kiosk Szent István tér 3. 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Grande daily 10am-9pm; kiosk spring- autumn 11am-11pm

Expect to pay: 1 or 2 flavours Ft 1,800 (€5.15). 3-4 flavours Ft 2,200-2,500 (€6.30-7.15)

What is it? Yet another culinary story involving Hungary and Italy, ‘Sweet Interval’ showcases the handiwork of a Venetian ice-cream master lured to Budapest like so many of his compatriots. A few steps from leafy main boulevard Andrássy út, halfway to City Park from Oktogon, here Antonio can display the range of his talent in a tiny but sympathetic outlet on a quiet side street. There’s enough room for a display of a dozen ice creams, a couple of high stools, a teetering rack of cones and a smile from the server – but sometimes, that’s all you need.

Why we love it You can taste the craftsmanship as soon as you’re handed your cone, which probably won’t last the stroll up to City Park a ten-minute walk away – although Andrássy út is conveniently lined with benches. As most customers come here for a reason, they wouldn’t just pass the place, most custom at Dolce Intervallo is by word of mouth and from regulars – Antonio has been brave enough to bet on his ice creams being good enough to keep the cashtills ringing, rather than potential footfall. And he’s been proved right.

Time Out tip: On any given day, the regular options, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, rub shoulders with something Antonio has cooked up in his little kitchen off to one side – on this particular visit, it was basil-and-lemon, and poppy-seed-and-cherry. Ask your friendly, English-speaking server for what’s new!

Address: Szív utca 26, 1063 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 2pm-7.30pm

Expect to pay: Single scoop (50gr) Ft 650 (€1.85). Small scoop for kids (30gr) Ft 350 (€1)

What is it? Quite incredibly, Artigiana dates back to July 28, 1990, the foundation date proudly displayed on the shop’s Facebook page, an era still straddled between Communist-era uniformity and bland produce, and bright new flavours and ingredients. At least 20 years ahead of the curve, Buda-raised Julianna Dáni followed her instincts and set up a high-quality ice cream parlour similar to the one she and her Italian husband frequented during their regular sojourns in Bergamo. Standards haven’t slipped ever since, meaning those visiting Városmajor park can be assured of a tasty reward after their stroll or cycle ride.

Why we love it From the shop sign beckoning in the colours of the Italian flag to the long row of enticing options once you enter, Artigiana feels as authentic and as classy as the day it opened. But this popular spot in leafy Buda has moved with the times, branching out to offer exotic flavours from Arabia and Latin America, as well as catering to those needing their ice cream to be gluten-free, too.

Time Out tip: With the park nearby, Artigiana is a great option if you’re with the kids – the vanilla tastes like the vanilla they would enjoy on holiday in Italy, the various kinds of chocolate, too, available at a fair price. Just be prepared to wait a while as they cast their eyes over the multi-coloured trays in the display trays!

Address: Csaba utca 8, 1122 Budapest

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. Closed Mon

Expect to pay: Per 40gr portion (1 flavour or 2) Ft 700 (€2)

What is it? Throw a 100-forint coin in trendy Buda hangout Bartók Béla út and you’re bound to hit a popular terrace café, a gallery or an afternoon pit stop, but Mikrokosmos is easy to spot even on this dense cultural axis. The name of the ice-cream shop, associated with the nearby Füge café and confectionery, was inspired by Bartók's series of piano pieces, and the constantly changing selection is appropriately playful: mango, raspberry, pistachio, black sesame, white chocolate-and-raspberry variations. Sugar-free and dairy-free options also appear.

Why we love it? The potency of Mikrokosmos lies in its willingness to experiment – the pistachio varieties are particularly strong, but it is also easy to be seduced by the fruity, more sour flavours and the dessert-like, creamier combinations. What’s more, the place is so dog-friendly that it even offers a dog ice cream named after Tintin’s faithful companion, Snowy.

Time Out tip: Don’t just ask for the usual favourites: it’s worth asking for a taster and letting the current curiosities on the counter guide you.

Address: Bartók Béla út 35, 1114 Budapest

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8pm

Expect to pay: Scoop Ft 650 (€1.85).  Pistachio and sugar-free versions Ft 750 (€2.15)

What is it? Until now, many frequented Chez Dodo in the downtown gastro hub of Sas utca for its macarons, but in 2025, a dessert parlour opened up here with an ice-cream counter. ‘Your favourite macarons, now in ice cream!’, as the slogan still says. And the range is just as exciting as the confectionery – the Chez D team has reimagined its favourite macarons in a cold, spoonable form, so that at the counter you can find dessert flavours typical of Chez Dodo, such as pistachio-raspberry, salted caramel, lime-vanilla, strawberry-almond-rosé or ice cream inspired by the classic Hungarian dessert, Somlói galuska.

Why we love it Ice cream does not appear here as a separate genre, but as a seasonal continuation of Chez Dodo’s delicately constructed dessert palette. French confectionery thinking, familiar flavour pairings from the macaron kitchen and Hungarian dessert classics are brought to the same counter in a more playful form.

Time Out tip: Don't just think in terms of one flavour – at Chez Dodo, the exciting thing is how the world of macarons is transformed into ice cream. A fruitier, more tart flavour – such as pistachio-raspberry or strawberry-rose – works well alongside a creamier, more dessert-like choice, like salted caramel or Somlói galuska.

Address: Sas utca 7, 1051 Budapest

Opening hours: Mon 11am-8pm, Tue-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Expect to pay: Per item Ft 900 (€2.60)

What is it? Amid the retail bustle of Váci utca, it’s not always easy to stumble upon a real gastronomic surprise, but Giandó is just such a place. This Italian gelateria serves ice cream in generous scoops instead of the traditional ones, and the counter offers classic as well as more experimental flavours. Pistachio, hazelnut, fior di latte, fruity sorbets and dessert-like creams: the selection is reason enough to make you join the queue more than once.

Why we love it Giandó doesn't try to translate Italian ice-cream culture into a fast-food version for Budapest: it brings its own pace and generous portions. One of the great strengths of the place is its creamy, distinctive hazelnut-pistachio variety, but it's also worth checking back for the seasonal novelties.

Time Out tip: For a classic first round, a pistachio or fior di latte-based option is a good choice, but if you're at the café, the affogato is a good entry into the world of Giandó.

Address: Váci utca 55-58, 1056 Budapest

Opening hours: daily 10am-11pm

Expect to pay: 50 gr portion Ft 650 (€1.85). Affogato Ft 1,990 (€5.70). Ice cream sundaes Ft 3,990 (€11.40)