No matter the time of year, there’s perhaps no other treat as universally appreciated as a delicious ice cream. Of course, in the summer, ice cream seems to be even more popular.
Fruit sorbets, in particular, are widely sought after in hot weather. They are refreshing, and who said they can’t be healthy? These ice cream shops in Lisbon use only natural flavours and ingredients, some organic and vegan, and sell only artisanal ice cream.
Served in cone, cup or glass, in different flavours, fruity or otherwise, here are five ice cream parlours at which to indulge in Lisbon.
1. Santini
Considered by many the best ice cream, Santini was founded in 1949 in Cascais. Almost seventy years later, it has several ice cream shops, four of which in Lisbon. We recommend the fruity flavours, even if you’re a chocolate and hazelnut type of person. They’re usually intense and delicious. The only downside to this place? The line may be long, but it’s worth it, and it usually moves relatively fast.
The Chiado shop is temporarily closed, will reopen soon on Rua do Carmo 88. But the following locations are open daily from 11am to midnight: Time Out Market Lisboa, Museu Nacional dos Coches (Belém), Av. D.João II, Lote 1.16.01 (Parque das Nações)
2. Sorbettino
Sorbettino
Tucked away from Chiado’s hustle and bustle, Sorbettino offers vegan ice cream with no additives, all made in-house. There are about sixteen different flavours, some vary daily. A medium order can get you 3 flavours. Valrhona chocolate, pistachio, raspberry, coconut, mango and salted caramel are all heavenly.
Rua da Misericórdia 23 (Chiado), open daily, midday to midnight
3. Gelato Davvero
Gelato Davvero
Indulge with an Italian-style artisanal gelato at Davvero, owned by an Italian living in Lisbon for over ten years. Look out for a changing menu, paired with some constant flavours (nocciolina – peanut, fragola – strawberry, vaniglia – vanilla, fico – fig, or mandorla – almond). You can ask for some cream on top too. The portions are generous, and a great value for money.
Avenida Dom Carlos I 39 (Santos), open daily, midday to 9pm
4. Gelatommy
Gelatommy
Gelatommy is a tiny ice cream shop in Bairro Alto serving delicious artisanal Sicilian gelato. With a vast selection of flavours, you won’t be sorry if you ask for the lemon and basil, the mango, or the authentic Portuguese flavours such as pastel de nata or cinnamon.
Rua da Rosa 218 (Bairro Alto), open daily, 11am to 9pm
5. Amorino
Amorino Baixa
Amorino is a gelato chain that serves Italian-style ice cream in locations all over the world. In Lisbon, you’ll find a few Amorino too. Choose from over a dozen flavours (“as many as you want”, according to their motto). Amorino shops serve a few original flavours, and some use organic ingredients, such as the Organic Sicilian Citrus and the Sorbetto al Cioccolato Bio.
Rua Garrett 49 (Chiado), Rua Augusta 209 (Baixa), Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre (Parque das Nações), open daily, 10.30am to midnight
