BY ANNA MARSZALEK

Toronto’s best ice cream and gelato shops feature a colourful array of flavours

There are many reasons why we all scream for chilled treats like ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato—even while the temperature hovers around zero degrees. Yes, it offers cool format on hot summer days, but it can also be a delicious stress reliever year-round. Whether it’s served in a waffle cone or cup, or on a stick, the effect is the same: pure, melt-in-your-mouth joy. Below, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite stopping spots for Toronto’s best ice cream, gelato and more.

1. Take one lick of the roasted marshmallow, the signature flavour at Greg’s Ice Cream, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that, by some curious alchemy, it was actually churned over an open fire. That’s how authentically delicious the ice cream is at this popular parlour. Every delectable scoop is made with real cream and all-natural ingredients, resulting in a rich, smooth texture and the perfect amount of sweetness. Owner Greg Mahon has been serving his 100 rotating flavours for more than 30 years; chocoholics will be pleased to note that about a third of them feature their drug of choice.

2. The proof is in the scoop at aptly named Ed’s Real Scoop, where good taste starts with the integrity of the recipe. That’s why the products at this long-standing shop (with two locations in the east end) are made with only the highest quality ingredients. Copious amounts of Belgian Callebaut chocolate, Tahitian vanilla beans and real fruit, among other things, are used to create the 100-plus flavourful blends of traditional ice cream, gelato and frozen yogurt—as well as ice cream cakes and pies, and handmade chocolate— here, because honestly, that’s just how mom would make it.

3. Gelaterias don’t get much more authentic than Little Italy staple Dolce Gelato. While it boasts a sleek, modern interior, the shop’s main attraction is timeless. A range of delicious flavours—fruity ones like raspberry and lemon, plus more savoury tastes like pistachio and mint—are available by the cup or cone. Sample a few before you make your decision, then find a window seat and watch the world go by. And if you sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, Dolce also offers a variety of Italian pastries, plus gelato cakes and more.