We had such a tasty time with our 10 vanilla lattes story that we decided to run it back — now cooler than ever. We sampled a single scoop from 10 different local ice cream shops.
Here are the superlatives we’re serving up.
🍦 Take your cone on the road
SCOOP | 403 Strawberry St. | This shop has must-order homemade cones and is just a short stroll from Scuffletown Park in the Fan. Try This: We recommend the strawberry hibiscus sorbet on a hot day.
🍦 If you’re a softie
Charm School Study Hall | 4920 Forest Hill Ave. Suite D | If you’re on the hunt for premium soft serve, head to Forest Hill. Bonus: Charm School Social Club in the Arts District has a more traditional scoop with similar creative toppings.
🍦 Get it authentico
DeLuca Gelato | 1362 Gaskins Rd. | This Henrico shop has been serving real, Italian-style gelato since 2007. Try This: Editor Robin likes to mix + match flavors — her go-to is cioccolato sorbetto and amaretto gelato.
🍦 The Richmond favorite
Gelati Celesti | Multiple locations | With seven stores in the Richmond area, this haven for heavenly handmade ice cream is a local standby. It was also most recommended by readers when we asked to share your go-to shop.
🍦 Finest flavors
Ruby Scoops | 120 W. Brookland Park Blvd. | Okay, we had to pick a fave. For this go-round, the guava daiquiri scoop at the Northside shop was the standout. Bonus: They’ve got a ton of vegan options on any given day.
🍦 New kid on the block
Westray’s Cafe | 214 N. Lombardy St. | Westray’s just opened a storefront location in the Fan last month. It also serves shakes, sundaes + floats. Plus, sprinkles are always free.
🍦 Crowd pleaser
Sweet Spot Ice Cream Cafe | 6 N. 18th St. | With the wide variety of flavors — that they switch up daily — and other desserts, everyone is guaranteed to find something to their taste at this Shockoe Bottom shop.
🍦 Best for a shopping stop
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe | 2911 W. Cary St. | This Carytown staple will provide the perfect sweet treat to complement an afternoon of shopping or movie night at the Byrd.
🍦 Festival friend
The Neighborhood Scoop | Various locations | Expect to happen upon this on-the-go favorite at outdoor events + community gatherings around Richmond. If you’re keen to catch them, they’re known to post up at The Market at 25th in Church Hill.
🍦 Make it a meal
Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream | 3600 Forest Hill Ave. | This Forest Hill institution has been open since 2002. With an extensive menu of wraps, breakfast sandies + drinks, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and eat some “real” food too.
