Top 5 Ice Creams in Bristol

In case that you needed to hear it from us, here it is: ice cream is for all times of the year! Inspired by the incredible dairy jostling in the lush fields of Somerset, we've visited 5 of the leading ice cream destinations so that you don't have to - here are the best!

By George Maguire | Updated Nov 17 2023

A hand holds up a cone with a large scoop of pistachio ice cream in front of a cafe entrance. The background shows the open doorway of the cafe with people inside and tables with chairs outside. The ice cream is light green and appears creamy. — Swoon Bristol

1 Swoon on College Green

An assortment of colorful ice cream scoops in various bowls on a blue surface, surrounded by scattered cones, wafers, cherries, cookies, crushed nuts, and crumbs. — Bristol Swoon

31 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB

First up just has to be the uber-popular gelato mini-chain Swoon. Sitting on the student-heavy Park Street, the shop is one of the few coveted go-to after-dinner/ bar dessert destinations in the city. What's on offer? Quality gelato in the form of classic flavours such as raspberry and dark chocolate, but also a Cremino Collection (created in layers) and regular guest contributions. What more could you want? Oh, well they also serve caffe Borbone da Napoli - Naples coffee!

2 Crosstown on Queens Road

A close-up shot of a cup of chocolate ice cream topped with almond slivers. The cup is labeled Crosstown. Surrounding the ice cream are cherries, chocolate pieces, and half of a passion fruit in the background. — Crosstown Icecream

21 Queens Rd, Bristol BS8 1QE

Crosstown is coming to Bristol, Queens Road! Known for its stuffed doughnuts, Crosstown has an ace up its sleeves - small-batch ice cream! Make sure to stop by for a Black Forest which involves a heady mix of 'creamy milk chocolate ice cream rippled with sweet cherry compote then layered with chunks of almonds'. Don't worry - icecream can be purchased in pint cups for takeaway (or delivery)!

3 Cowbee on Park Street

A display case filled with various flavors of gelato. The tubs show a variety of colors and textures, including creamy yellow, chocolate swirls, and berry mixtures. Above the tubs, yellow-handled scoops are neatly positioned, ready for serving. — Cowbee Bristol

24 College Green, Bristol BS1 5TB

A relative newcomer to the frozen scoop competition, Cowbee has brought something new to the market. Serving up gelato ice cream that uses predominantly honey instead of sugar, Cowbee has a unique natural taste. Plan to taste the signature honeycomb gelato, as well as the Californian Pistachio. Ice cream not enough? Check out their cast iron cooked waffles.

4 Brozen Bar in St Nicks

A close-up view of a glass bowl filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with raisins. The bowl is placed on a wooden table, and the ice cream appears creamy and slightly melting. — Brozen Bar

43 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TP

Specialising in frozen cocktails, Brozen Bar also makes some superb ice cream. Make sure you taste the lemon and fig leaf oil gelato! That or the tonka bean vanilla... Open till 11:30pm, Brozen Bar is a great place to head for a relaxed-something-sweet to after a meal on the heaving Corn Street.

5 Panunzios Kitchen on Cotham Hill

Close-up of a tray filled with creamy gelato topped with crunchy, caramelized nuts. The gelato has swirls and a rich texture, while the nuts add a speckled, crispy layer on top. The colors are a mix of creamy beige and golden brown. — Panunzios Kitchen

38 Cotham Hill, Redland, Bristol BS6 6LA

Sitting on the recently pedestrianised Cotham Hill in Clifton Panunzios Kitchen is one of the best at Gelati Italiani and authentic sorbets. With a promise of 'Natural - Fresh - Home-Made', the team regularly make the trip to Italy to research ingredients for the shop. Opt for the Bacio (Milky Chocolate and Piedmont Hazelnut)!