Whether you’re a gelato aficionado or looking for a dairy-free fix, there’s plenty to discover on the Richmond ice cream scene.
Our guide has 20+ places for a sweet treat, plus flavor recommendations from readers and an interactive map to find the scoop closest to you.
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe, Carytown
A New England-style staple, Bev’s has been serving up scoops in Richmond since 1998.
Reader rec: Lorna T. recommends a refreshing scoop of raspberry chip.
Blue Cow Ice Cream Co., multiple locations
This Roanoke-born ice cream shop has opened two Richmond-area locations, first in the Village and then in Short Pump.
Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream, Reedy Creek
This Forest Hill institution has been open since 2002.
Dalia’s Ice Cream & Bakery, Staples Mill
This bakery has frozen treats as well as made-to-order cakes and pan dulce.
Davvero Gelato, mobile
Owner Layne Montgomery makes her own oat milk for her specialty dairy-free gelato.
Bonus: A permanent location in Lakeside is in the works, set to open this summer.
DeLuca Gelato, Gayton
DeLuca Gelato serves up authentic, Italian-style gelato and sorbetto in over 36 flavors daily.
Senior City Editor Robin here: My must-try is the dark chocolate. Combine it with a scoop of a berry-forward sorbet and enjoy.
Ellie’s Hot Dogs & Ice Cream, Rosedale
Enjoy a scoop, a milkshake, or even a frank on the stand’s outdoor patio.
Pro tip: Real dogs — the furry, tail-wagging kind — are also welcome at Ellie’s.
Gelati Celesti, multiple locations
You can find Gelati Celesti’s artisanal ice cream at seven different locations in the Richmond area. Flavor favorites include chocolate decadence and Rainbow Cookie.
Reader rec: Just Ask — no, really. The white chocolate ice cream with frozen peanut butter and Oreo chunks is a local favorite, shouted out by Peter E., Susan B., and Will P.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Carytown
This national chain opened a shop at the Carytown Exchange development.
jiji frozen custard, mobile
Get hand-dipped, Midwest-style frozen custard at events around town.
La Michoacana, Midlothian
This sweet treat shop has you covered with paletas, shakes, aguas frescas, and more.
NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream, Carytown
Richmond’s only local rolled ice cream shop, NarWhals offers mix-ins like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, York Peppermint Patties, and mint Oreos.
The Neighborhood Scoop, mobile
Expect to happen upon this on-the-go favorite at outdoor events and community gatherings around Richmond.
Pro tip: If you’re keen to try it out, the trailer is known to post up at The Market at 25th in Church Hill.
One Way Cream & Goodies, Jackson Ward
This cereal-infused ice cream bar has no shortage of creative mix-ins, flavored whipped creams, and sweet scoops.
Ray’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, multiple locations
Treat yourself to custard, sundaes, and other sweet treats at the Lauderdale and West Broad Village locations.
Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets, Brookland Park
Owner Rabia Kamara opened her standalone store in Northside in 2020, six years after starting her small-batch ice cream company.
Reader rec: We agree with Khari P. — there’s always a new flavor combination tempting us towards Ruby Scoops, from passionfruit sorbet to ube ice cream.
Scoop, The Fan
Cardamom honeyed pistachio, Blanchard’s coffee, brown sugar cookie dough — find all these flavors and more, plus pints and specialty ice cream cakes, at the Strawberry Street shop.
Reader rec: Sarah G. says the rhubarb crisp flavor is “bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.”
Spotty Dog Ice Cream Co., Union Hill
A New England-style specialist, this spot spent half a decade at farmers markets around the city before setting up its permanent parlor.
Reader rec: Shawn M. has a new name for Spotty Dog — “tastebud heaven.” They recommend the malted Madagascar vanilla.
Study Hall, Forest View
If you’re in the mood for soft serve, this walk-up window has you covered with dairy and vegan options.
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the delectable — and very Instagrammable — toasted fluff topping.
Sweet Spot Ice Cream Café, Shockoe Bottom
This shop aims to have over 40 flavors available each day, with more than 300 in rotation.
Westray’s Finest, The Fan
Find the local ice cream truck at community events or swing by the Fan shop to try artisan flavors by the scoop or by the pint.
Reader rec: Jared L. says you can’t go wrong with the espresso Oreo at Westray’s.
With options like these, we feel like Richmond won the gelato-ry. Explore the map below and let us know your favorite flavors at local shops.
