8 Spots for the Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Manila
By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Let’s face it: living in Manila means bearing the heat almost all year round. With an average weather temperature between 26°C and 30°C, the sun rarely takes a break. That’s why frozen desserts like ice cream and gelato are essential.
Recently, the local dessert scene has churned out proudly Filipino and globally inspired flavors. Whether you’re craving a rich chocolate gelato or a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet, you’re in for a treat.
This guide to the best ice cream in Manila will point you to the city’s coolest dessert spots. You’ll learn where to get that perfect scoop, from Italian-inspired creameries to experimental local shops that redefine dessert.
Ice Cream vs Gelato: What’s the Difference?
Gelato and ice cream are both decadent, creamy frozen treats. However, they differ in how they’re made and served. Whether you’re craving something light and fluffy or rich and velvety, these differences will help you understand and choose the perfect scoop.
Ingredients and preparation
Ice cream has a higher ratio of cream to milk and often includes egg yolks, especially in custard-style recipes. It’s churned at a higher speed, which adds more air (also known as overrun) to give it a lighter, airier texture.
Conversely, gelato contains more milk than cream and rarely uses eggs. It’s churned more slowly for less air into the mix and a denser, creamier texture that’s smoother on the palate.
Texture and serving temperature
The difference in churning also affects the mouthfeel. Ice cream tends to be firmer and icier because it’s served at colder temperatures. Gelato is stored and served at slightly warmer temperatures to make it softer. It melts faster in your mouth and enhances the overall flavor experience.
Flavor intensity
Gelato delivers a more intense flavor with its lower fat content and dense texture. Since there’s less fat coating your tongue, you get a clearer taste of each ingredient. That’s why flavors like pistachio or dark chocolate taste more vibrant in gelato form. In contrast, ice cream’s higher fat and air content can sometimes mellow out those bold, nuanced flavors.
8 Spots for the Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Manila
Metro Manila has a thriving dessert scene ready to satisfy your sweet cravings. From classic Italian flavors to daringly local combinations, here are the top places to get the best ice cream and the best gelato.
1. Gelatissmo
Location: Serendra Piazza, BGC
Opening hours: 10 AM–9 PM (Mon to Thur), 10 AM–10 PM (Fri to Sun)
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Gelatissimo offers a taste of authentic, freshly made gelato right in the heart of Manila. Each batch is handcrafted daily in-store by skilled local artisans. It uses only premium ingredients—no artificial flavors or colors in sight.
With various flavors like chocolate dairy and sugar-free options, there’s a scoop (or two!) just for you. Its branches are conveniently near the Grand Hyatt Manila. This location is ideal if you’re considering a nearby investment, like a pre-selling condo in BGC.
2. Manila Creamery
Locations: Available in several branches like Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, UP Town Center
Opening hours: Depends on mall hours
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Italy meets the Philippines in a cone at Manila Creamery, a master at fusing local flavors with Italian-style gelato. Some of its unique flavors include Mangga’t Suman, Tablea Lava Cake, and Brown Butter Polvoron. It’s an inventive and wonderful celebration of Filipino ingredients done right, making it a perfect dessert for your next Sunday brunch in Manila.
3. Sebastian’s Ice Cream
Location: Level 5, The Podium
Opening hours: 10 AM–10 PM daily
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Sebastian’s is a creative wonderland. If you’ve ever wanted to try ice cream that tastes like Champorado & Dilis or Green Mango & Bagoong, this is your place. Not only is the menu wildly unique, but they also offer vegan options, so no one gets left out. Don’t miss their poppits or bite-sized ice cream nuggets, which are as fun to eat as they are to post on Instagram.
4. Cara Mia Cakes & Gelato
Locations: Available in several branches, like Greenhills and Eastwood
Opening hours: Depends on mall hours
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Known for its smooth and indulgent gelato, Cara Mia has become a staple in many malls across the metro. Standout flavors include Cookies and Cream, Pistachio, and Chocolate Therapy. If you’re planning a family gelato run, this is a fun stop during weekend mall strolls or post-meal dessert cravings. Plus, it serves gelato cakes for a sweet celebration.
5. Papa Diddi’s Handcrafted Ice Cream
Location: 168 Maginhawa St., Quezon City
Opening hours: 10 AM–10 PM daily
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
More than just an ice cream shop, Papa Diddi’s proudly uses fresh local carabao milk and selected Filipino produce. Every flavor has a tale, such as Davao Meets Bicol (malagos chocolate and sili) and even Tres Leches. With its handmade approach, this spot is a cozy retreat if you appreciate a touch of nostalgia with every scoop.
6. Kurīmu
Locations: Available in several branches like Glorietta 4, Uptown BGC, Mall of Asia
Opening hours: Depends on mall hours
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Minimalist in aesthetics but maximalist in flavor, Kurīmu blends Japanese precision with local flair. This premium handcrafted creamery specializes in small-batch ice cream. Look out for its Yuzu Toasted Rice and Shio Mint Chip—unique flavors that make a great dessert after a Japanese dinner.
7. Carmen’s Best Ice Cream
Locations: Available in several branches like Power Plant Mall and SM Mall of Asia
Opening hours: Depends on the mall’s hours
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Carmen’s Best is a proudly Filipino brand that uses 100% fresh milk from its dairy farm to create ultra-rich, silky ice cream. Known for its premium quality and artisanal approach, it’s a go-to for indulgent flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake and Mixed Berries. This homegrown gem delivers a truly luxurious treat in every scoop, whether you’re winding down at home, enjoying a date, or impressing guests.
8. Café Dolci
Locations: Basement 1, MITSUKOSHI Mall, Bonifacio Global City
Opening hours: Weekdays 11 AM–10 PM, Weekends 10 AM–10 PM
Social media: Facebook | Instagram
Café Dolci by Gruppo Dolci serves some of the best gelato in the metro, crafted with premium ingredients for rich, authentic flavors. Crowd favorites include the Gianduia Chocolate Gelato—a decadent blend of chocolate and hazelnut with crispy wafer bits—and the ultra-creamy Pistachio Gelato, made with real pistachios and no artificial flavoring.
They also offer a hands-on gelato-making workshop, perfect for kids who love getting creative with their treats. Beyond gelato, their fresh-baked goods like the Shitake Mushroom Danish, Almond Croissant, and Brie Peach with Honey are also well worth a try.
Scoop Up Some Sweet Memories
From traditional Italian gelato to proudly Filipino frozen innovations, Manila’s dessert scene offers a flavor for every craving. Are you looking for vegan-friendly scoops? Indulgent chocolate dreams? The metro has it all waiting for you.
Lucky for sweet tooths, top dessert destinations and lifestyle hubs are just steps away from premier residences like Grand Hyatt Manila Residences and The Seasons Residences in BGC. Developed by Federal Land, Inc., the Philippines’ leading real estate developer, these communities reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the building of vibrant, well-connected urban living experiences.
Make your sweet life even sweeter. Visit Federal Land, Inc. for more community guides and updates on your future home in the heart of BGC.
Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV
Digital Marketing Head
Martin is an experienced marketer with over 16 years of experience across various industries including real estate, banking and finance, technology, and advertising.
Martin has a broad range of expertise in having handled campaigns, brand launches, activations both in the traditional and digital space. Currently serving as the Digital Marketing Head at Federal Land, Martin leads a team focused on managing digital sales and platforms for the residential, estates and commercial business units.