The ice cream map of Buenos Aires: classics, neighborhood spots, and top chains

Mamuschka, the great chocolate shop from Bariloche, has landed in Buenos Aires and is already on its second location. Pioneers of bean to bar in Argentina, they take care of cacao traceability from bean to bar (now “to ice cream”). Their award-winning chocolate is the base for their creams. The must-try flavor: Mamuschka Triple X, a mix of milk, white, and dark chocolate.

Tip: Don’t miss their artisanal popsicles. The pistachio is incredible, and the raspberry will take you straight to Bariloche’s forests.

Where: Honduras 4658, Palermo. Vicente López 2050, Recoleta.

When tourists plan their gastro route in Buenos Aires, there are mandatory stops: Don Julio for steak, El Cuartito for pizza, and Cadore for ice cream. Founded in 1957 by a family from northern Italy, this ice cream parlor on Corrientes Avenue became a local icon with international fame.

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Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top ten, its small shop in the “theater district” always has a line outside. They pioneered the use of high-quality Sicilian pistachios, and their dulce de leche is a true benchmark.

Tip: Our recommendation may not be the most popular flavor, but it shows the true hand of the master ice cream maker: lemon mousse. Fresh acidity that wakes up the palate and balances the sweetness.

Where: Av. Corrientes 1695, Downtown.

Opened in 1965 on Avenida Díaz Vélez, Tino’s is a Caballito classic, famous for its artisanal production free of preservatives and artificial coloring. They’ve perfected a style where traditional flavors like dulce de leche, chocolate, and American cream shine, alongside innovations like Rocher, espumone, and Marroc cream. If you’re feeling vintage and need to bring dessert: their giant almendrado (almond ice cream with almond cream and Amaretto liqueur).

Tip: Their standout flavor is the super sambayón, made with free-range eggs and Mendocine Marsala wine.

Where: Díaz Vélez 4520, Caballito.

Founded by Francisco Maccarrone, an Italian-trained ice cream maker, El Ciervo was a pioneer in the Villa Luro food scene. With a wide, welcoming patio, it became a meeting spot for locals and families looking for well-crafted ice cream that blends tradition with innovation. The menu runs from classics to creative options like Dubai chocolate, while their house special dulce de leche “Ciervo” (with cereals and grated chocolate) is a local favorite.

Tip: Try the fig and walnut cream if you want to step out of your comfort zone.

Where: Albariño 115, Villa Luro.

Podio is a neighborhood chain that bets big on natural ingredients and fresh fruit. Most of its locations are in central Buenos Aires. They shine in the classics but also bring creativity, with flavors like natural vanilla bean cream, macerated strawberries, and signature creations such as Cuore Rosso (white chocolate with raspberry) or dulce de leche swirled with chocolate-dipped cereal chips.

Tip: Keep an eye on their social media — they often post weekly promos.

Where: Av. Rivadavia 3778, Almagro | Av. Independencia 2399, Balvanera | Austria 2289, Recoleta | Av. Rivadavia 5900, Caballito | Av. Gaona 1402, Caballito | Hortiguera 791, Parque Chacabuco | Av. Asamblea 935, Parque Chacabuco.

Finde is part of the new wave of artisanal ice cream shops, born during the pandemic, and quickly climbed the ranks.

Located in a beautiful old house in Palermo, Finde is not just about aesthetics: there’s a lot of craft behind it, led by founder Gabriela Spanier. Seasonal flavors change daily, but house classics include Chocolate Finde with Meringue and Cookies and Dulce de leche with brownie.

Tip: Coffee lovers, go for the Flat White flavor. It keeps the essence of an affogato but with the texture of ice cream. Sublime.

Where: Ravignani 1949, Palermo.

A leader of the old-school ice cream shops, La Flor de Almagro tells the classic story of an Italian immigrant family. The Palazzo family opened it in 1933, and it’s now run by the third generation. It has all the essentials of a traditional parlor, with new additions like popsicles. They have a wide variety of sambayón and granitas, and their dulce de leche is out of this world.

Tip: A great place to try those old-school flavors you saw on signs as a kid but never dared to order. Example: marrón glacé — a French-Italian candied chestnut with a touch of vanilla.

Where: Estado de Israel 4727, Almagro.

A northern Buenos Aires classic, Gruta has been Belgrano’s registered trademark since 1977. Family-run, it’s tough to choose among the 50 flavors: half are classic creams like kinotos al whisky, nocciola, or coffee. Their sambayón is world-famous.

Tip: Every day, they prepare caramelized almonds the old-fashioned way — with little sugar, no water, stirred in copper ladles until crunchy and glossy, then laid on marble tables.

Where: Sucre 2356, Belgrano.

This Cadore shares its name and family history with the Corrientes Avenue icon but is not a branch. It deserves its own mention for its role in the Villa del Parque neighborhood.

Located in the shopping district, it has a large, pleasant dining area. They say vanilla is the flavor that reveals a true ice cream maker’s hand — and here it delivers.

Tip: Their dulce de leche menu is the most requested.

Where: Cuenca 2977, Villa del Parque.

Away from commercial centers, La Veneziana thrives thanks to word of mouth and loyal generations of customers. Recently renovated but true to its essence, it offers fully homemade artisanal ice creams, with staples like dulce de leche, chocolate, and sambayón, plus creations such as Marroc and Mantecol. Quality, fair prices, and warm service explain why there’s always a crowd outside.

Tip: A great place to try an Argentine classic: cubanitos — wafer rolls filled with ice cream and dipped in chocolate.

Where: Neuquén 1275, Caballito.

Born as a family chocolate shop in Bariloche, Rapanui is now the most recognized artisanal chocolate and ice cream chain in Argentina. Its arrival in Buenos Aires was a turning point: it combines chocolate-making expertise with top-notch ice cream, earning spots in international rankings as one of the best chain ice cream parlors.

Tip: The display case is pure temptation, but fans say one flavor is a must: 80% cacao chocolate, intense and elegant. Also outstanding are the Rapanuino (semi-dark with nuts) and, of course, their take on Dubai chocolate.

Where: Check their website for locations.

Created by young ice cream makers with an experimental spirit, far from big-chain logic. Their proposal has a cool, indie vibe: they work in small batches, select seasonal ingredients, and design flavors that change with inspiration. Unlike traditional ice cream parlors, Obrador also makes its own house candies — from gummies to chocolates.

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Tip: For traditionalists, this isn’t the place to demand the classics — it’s about daring to experiment, and it’s worth it. The perfumed dulce de leche and the cheese with quince are two bold examples (though they change with each season).

Where: Soler 5063, Palermo.

Antiche offers the full Italian gelato experience in Buenos Aires, both in flavor and aesthetics. They pay attention to every detail, from sophisticated presentation to an extensive menu featuring exquisite flavors and plenty of gluten-free options. Their creamy texture is their trademark. Ideal for chocolate lovers, Patagonian fruit fans, or those seeking blends with aromas like mint and ginger.

Tip: Their vanilla with dulce de leche is as original as it is sublime — a mix hard to find anywhere else.

Where: See website for locations.

A family from the Amalfi Coast with a history tied to ice cream from the very beginning. After being forced out of their original shop on Avenida Córdoba, they reopened on Niceto Vega, where many stop for ice cream after dinner at Rondinella, a classic neighborhood restaurant.

The must-try flavor is their house chocolate, made with homemade dulce de leche, Italian chestnuts, and meringue. Plus, you can relive the classic chocolate-dipped cone.

Ana Scannapieco, granddaughter of the founders, even presents a heartfelt play at Paseo La Plaza about the family business’s history.

Tip: They also have a branch inside Paseo La Plaza’s dining area.

Where: Álvarez Thomas 10.

Tufic stands out for its Lebanese origins (the name means “success and prosperity”), breaking away from the Italian tradition that dominates the scene. From the start, they’ve sought to be different. Their menu is small but carefully chosen: Mantecol, pistachio, special sambayón with cherries and almonds, and Turkish chocolate. They also serve frozen yogurt.

Tip: Don’t miss their viral sensation: the Copa Dubai, a social media hit.

Where: Guatemala 4597, Palermo y Juramento 1534, Belgrano.

Belén Cimino, trained in Bologna, created her own identity in ice cream: sophisticated, daring, and aromatic flavors. They don’t overload the case with dozens of options; instead, each one is carefully crafted: white chocolate with curry, mint with infused peperina mint, cheese with quince. For those willing to leave the comfort zone: sambayón with caramelized sesame.

Tip: Their ice cream cakes are perfect for dinner parties, with layers of artisanal ice cream, chocolate, and crunch.

Where: Rómulo Naón 2186, Villa Urquiza.

Mataderos’ emblematic ice cream shop, run by the Travaglini family. Using Italian machinery and carefully honed techniques, they’ve achieved a distinguished product. Their most celebrated cream is salted caramel, which even won a medal for “Best Ice Cream in Latin America.” They also excel in dulce de leche, chocolate, and modern creations like Choco Black.

Tip: Their recent launch, the Tiramistacho (tiramisu + pistachio), is worth the trip even if you’re not from the neighborhood.

Where: Av. Emilio Castro 7298, Barrio Naón, Mataderos.

The name says it all: many of their creams are made with buffalo milk, an unusual ingredient in ice cream that provides more creaminess, velvety texture, and deeper flavor than cow’s milk. Signature flavors include Balcarce, an ice cream version of the classic Argentine dessert, and Baklava, inspired by the Middle Eastern pastry with walnut cream and phyllo dough.

Tip: Try the ChocoBúffala, an intense Belgian chocolate with chunks of hazelnut.

Where: Av. Pueyrredón 2100, Recoleta.

What began as a family dream in Mar del Plata in 2011, led by Daniel and Christian Otero, has grown into one of Argentina’s leading chains, with locations in Uruguay, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.

Their success lies in combining top-quality Italian ingredients — like Belgian chocolate — with advanced production techniques. Each shop offers a unique experience, from classic to futuristic designs (like the Barcelona store, built as a spaceship). Among their top flavors: Dubai Chocolate, an exclusive creation adored by fans.

Tip: Lucciano’s has expanded into gourmet alfajores, like the Pistacchio Alfajor, filled with pistachio cream and dulce de leche, covered in Belgian chocolate.

Where: Check their website for locations.

Founded in 1909, Saverio is living history in Buenos Aires. Severino Saverio began selling ice cream from his home until neighbors encouraged him to open a shop. Surviving every crisis, it still stands strong. Their classics are timeless, and we recommend the Scottish sambayón with dulce de leche (though why it’s called Scottish remains a mystery) and the Cointreau chocolate, a trip back to Buenos Aires’ past.

Tip: Saverio was among the first to introduce “frozen desserts,” and their menu includes about 10 ice cream cakes — perfect for special dinners.

Where: Av. San Juan 2809, San Cristóbal.

Founded in 1964 in the heart of Pompeya, San Remo is the neighborhood’s traditional ice cream shop and a true refuge for classic cream lovers. They keep the tradition of ice cream tubes (Pozzeto) and, with more than 60 flavors on display, it’s a challenge to memorize them all. Distinguished by their even creaminess and timeless recipes, favorites include spicy chocolate, figs with cognac, and Russian cream.

Tip: Their house signature is the sambayón with almonds — a must-try to understand their history.

Where: Av. Sáenz 1116, Pompeya.