The inside scoop on your next scoop
Your favourite review team is back with a special guest, Meaza Damte (2L), and this month we’re taking on ice cream! While the weather is slowly getting colder and another chilly Canadian winter is almost here, we’re all firm believers that ice cream is a year-round treat. Here are a few of our favourite ice cream spots in Toronto.
Always Open:
Ed’s Real Scoop (multiple locations)
Meaza: I may or may not have had Ed’s everyday for a week when I first discovered it, so if that doesn’t convince you to try their locally made ice cream, gelato, sorbet (dairy-free, vegan friendly) and frozen yogurt, then I don’t know what will. With several locations across Toronto, they have something for dairy lovers, dairy haters (looking at you, Lauren), and everyone in between. Their options seem endless and rotate often, but I would definitely recommend the pumpkin pie and burnt marshmallow ice creams and the raspberry and pistachio gelatos.
Pro tip: If you can’t find something you like, they have over 150 recipes and you can request a flavour through the Contact Us page on their website.
Ruru Baked (659 Lansdowne Ave)
Kaitlyn: Ruru Baked was on my list for a very long time, and let me tell you, it lived up to expectations. Although Ruru Baked is a bit of a trek from the downtown core (the closest TTC stop is Lansdowne Station), their unique rotating flavours—like Cookie Butter, Banoffee Pie, and Buttered Popcorn—make it easily worth the $3.25 in subway fare. My picks were Matcha Shortbread and Miso Butterscotch. The matcha ice cream mixed with chunks of shortbread was good, but the real star was the Miso Butterscotch. The saltiness of the miso was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of butterscotch and I would make a trip back just for this flavour.
Pro tip: Check their daily menu before you make a trip.
Wong’s Ice Cream (617 Gerrard St E)
Kaitlyn: We were saddened to learn that Wong’s will be permanently closing on December 24, so we highly recommend that you go out and try it before it’s too late! Wong’s specializes in unique, Asian-inspired flavours and they definitely deliver. I opted for White Chocolate, Rosewater and Jasmine, a perfectly balanced, extremely flavourful scoop of ice cream. Lauren’s choice was Tangerine Pomelo, a delicious and refreshing dairy-free option.
Pro tip: Get there before it’s gone.
Bang Bang Ice Cream (93A Ossington Ave)
Shae: I’ll preface this review with the fact that my favourite dessert of all time is ice cream, so I have high standards for what I’m willing to give my stamp of approval. More specifically, my favourite ice cream flavour is cookies and cream, so you can picture my disappointment upon being told that Bang Bang’s Milk n’ Cookies flavour was sold out for the day. Instead, they suggested I try the Golden Oreo flavour. Now, I don’t like to mess with a good thing, and I’m normally not partial to the blonde, younger sister of the famous sandwich cookie, but this ice cream was a real winner. The chunks of cookie kept their signature crunch, and the ice cream base was downright delightful both in texture and flavour. I may or may not have eaten an entire pint by myself, and that’s my barometer for good ice cream.
Pro tip: Be prepared to wait in line at this popular Ossington Ave spot.
iHalo Krunch (multiple locations)
Meaza: According to iHalo, “ice cream solves everything,” and I am inclined to agree. Serving a limited assortment of Asian-inspired soft serve flavours like matcha and ube (purple yam), iHalo does not disappoint. They only have a few flavours at a time but they keep Madagascar Vanilla Bean permanently stocked if you aren’t feeling adventurous. While the activated charcoal cone might look nice on your Instagram feed, be warned that while it provides the aesthetic quality, it lacks in the taste department. On the other hand, the “Ube All the Way” is a flavour powerhouse and definitely a must try!
Pro tip: The Queen Street West location usually has a line.
Seasonal Treats:
Bar Ape (283 Rushton Rd)
Lauren: For those of you who suffer from the terrible curse of being lactose-intolerant like myself, I’m here to tell you that Bar Ape is the place for you. Never again will you dread eating a sad lemon sorbet while all of your friends get fun flavours filled with lactose. Bar Ape offers unique soft serve gelato flavours like Sour Cherry, Strawberry Basil, and Ontario Cantaloupe—many of which are dairy free! Bar Ape features only two flavours of soft serve gelato each week (offered separately or in a swirl), so make sure to check in advance before you make the journey up to St. Clair West.Pro tip: This spot is cash only, and “ape” is not pronounced like the animal. Ape is actually a type of Italian car and I recommend either googling the pronunciation or simply saying nothing to avoid funny looks.
Roselle Desserts (362 King St E)
Kaitlyn: Roselle holds a special place in our hearts! This Corktown gem is only open from Friday to Sunday and there’s always a line—but that’s how you know it’s good. Their famous Earl Grey soft serve was delicious, with strong tea flavour balanced out by hints of lemon. Plus, you have the option to pay more for crispy white chocolate pearls and a mini shortbread cookie on top. I would definitely repurchase! Pro tip: While their ice cream machine is hibernating for the season, we still recommend making a trip to this bakery to snag a madeleine or shortbread cookie.
