It isn’t really a vacation if you haven’t had at least one frozen sweet treat. Luckily for visitors to Mexico City, there’s a plethora of ice cream shops offering everything from traditional Mexican sorbets known as nieves to contemporary gelatos in fascinating cutting-edge flavors.
Here’s our top pick of the flavorful bunch.
This unassuming gelato shop in the up-and-coming Juarez neighborhood sells some of the best scoops in the city. The imaginative flavors — which range from blue corn and balsamic strawberry to a new line made with Jack Daniel’s whiskey — change every few days so you have an excuse to visit multiple times while in town.
A favorite with families, this traditional ice cream shop in the Coyoacan neighborhood — once home to artist Frida Kahlo — has been scooping since 1965.
Weekends see lines out the door of those eager to enjoy interesting flavors like rice pudding, passion fruit and Mexican classics such as blackberry and cheese or cajeta (toffee caramel). The very sweet and colorful bubblegum flavor is popular with kids, as are refreshing paletas (popsicles).
For those who prefer their frozen treats piled high with tasty toppings, this delectable address should be on the itinerary. The ice cream, made using liquid nitrogen, is crowned with hazelnut chocolate bars, marshmallows, wafers and even pretzels.
This is another sought-after eatery, so be prepared to join the queue of people waiting for their Instagrammable cone.
Mexico City locals love their pooches, and this playful parlor understands that special bond by catering both to you and your furry friend.
Of course, dog-safe ice creams made with sugar-free organic yogurt and sweetened with honey are on the menu, as are flavors for two-legged companions like Soprano (bourbon ice cream with walnuts, hazelnuts and bitter chocolate) and Scarface (black beer and cherry) — notorious names play into the shop’s mob-inspired moniker.
Found inside the Roma neighborhood’s Mercado Medellin, this no-frills stop is definitely worth a visit. The owner hails from Cuba, selling creamy and delicious scoops made with a secret family recipe.
Coconut and mandarin are favorite flavors, but the vanilla mantecado custard is not to be missed. Pair your treat with a Cuban coffee while partaking in a chat with the friendly proprietor.
An institution in the city since 1946, this Condesa neighborhood shop still makes its nievesand ice creams with seasonal fruits found during weekly trips to Central de Abasto and La Merced markets.
The menu changes with the seasons, but top choices like sweet soursop, sharp guava and creamy mamey (a tropical fruit with a sweet potato-like taste) are all packed with local flavor.
Take time out of exploring the city to stop by this traditional diner-style spot for a sundae or traditional ice cream cone.
Like Willy Wonka’s fictional factory come to life, this ice cream parlor in upscale Polanco is worth the trip. The treats created by pastry chef Fernanda Prado read like a mad scientist’s dessert dreams — who knew green tea ice cream and caramel corn made such a delightful combination?
Head up to one of the photo-worthy, circular-shaped windows to order your Earl Grey ice cream with biscotti and caramel merengue, or score a scoop of lavender sorbet with peach jelly topped with cotton candy.
This quirky Condesa venue is another great option for those with adventurous taste.
An ice cream maker who certainly likes to experiment, Mauricio Villa creates flavors that shouldn’t work but do — like shitake mushroom and caramelized ginger or tobacco leaf and sheep’s milk. Even vegans can get their hands on a creamy creation, like almond milk ice cream with Licor 43 and pralines.
