This summer, Israel’s ice cream game is not just turning up the heat—it’s blowing the roof off. Forget safe scoops and predictable flavors. Across cities from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, boutique ice cream shops are pushing boundaries with audacious flavor mashups that will blow your mind and challenge your palate. Tahini and parsley? Watermelon and feta? Yes, please.
But be warned: these scoops aren’t just creative—they come with a price tag reflecting Israel’s steep cost of living. Still, the thrill of tasting something new makes every shekel worth it.
Here’s a taste of what’s making waves:
Aglida (Ramat Yishai): This hidden gem lets you customize your ice cream with sauces like warm white chocolate or pretzel wafer. Vegan fans, rejoice—coconut, mango-passionfruit, and chocolate sorbet are on the menu. Must-try: Amarena cherry and chocolate—a refreshingly balanced delight.
Galiella Gelato (Kibbutz Afikim): From the Gaza border to the Sea of Galilee, Guy Magen’s Italian-trained craft offers eye-popping combos like avocado-chamomile and salted caramel. Don’t miss the orange and lemongrass sorbet that’s downright addictive.
Eissalon (Haifa): A pastry shop-gelateria hybrid with bold scoops like tahini-parsley and wheat beer gelato (yes, beer!). Perfect paired with a pint on the side.
Emilia (Haifa): A daring flavor playground with yogurt-beet, corn-avocado, and seasonal watermelon-feta combos. Try the corn polenta gelato with coconut milk and honey—it’s a full-on sensory adventure.
Pistachio (Hadera): Classic Israeli favorites mixed with inventive toppings—from halva to marshmallows. Vanilla-rum-raisin is a crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.
Delicato (Pardes Hanna-Karkur): Nostalgic yet novel, featuring mint-chocolate chip, mozzarella-pesto, and eco-conscious vibes (no plastic here!). Seasonal pomegranate gelato is a refreshing hit.
QQ (Tel Aviv): Trendy, Instagram-ready soft serve paired with hot pastries and espresso cocktails. The tiramisu sundae is a showstopper.
Rivareno Gelato (Tel Aviv): International Italian chain with velvety textures and vegan sorbets. The Amarena cherry cream gelato is pure indulgence.
Cassata (Tel Aviv): Celebrity chef Eyal Shani’s bold dessert bar where savory and sweet collide. Flavors like guava and olive oil ice cream redefine dessert.
Arte (Tel Aviv): One of the city’s oldest boutique gelaterias, known for preservative-free, melt-in-your-mouth scoops. Don’t miss butter ice cream with toasted French baguette—sounds wild but works.
Stefan (Tel Aviv): Austrian bakery meets gelateria. Blue vanilla ice cream and Viennese strudel with a crispy crust—comfort with a twist.
Pinoli (Tel Aviv): Home of pine nut ice cream and homemade sauces like salted chocolate—a must-try for the adventurous.
Freezer (Givatayim): Chef-made classics with a smooth texture. Mascarpone and caramelized figs are a surprisingly perfect combo.
Dolce Mila (Savyon): Seasonal wonders like carrot cake ice cream with croutons and brown butter sage. The rice ice cream with pistachio and orange zest is a revelation.
Nono Joseph (Rishon LeZion): Rich and creamy with flavors like bubble gum and panna cotta. The affogato here is dessert inception.
Mousseline (Jerusalem): Small, revered spot with flavors like saffron with cardamom and rose water—a heavenly bite.
Gelato Variegato (Jerusalem): Unique textures and surprising combos like beet and za’atar sorbet. Sashimi pairing? Trust them.
Serenity (Eilat): Longtime favorite with rotating flavors including peanut butter with salty peanut bits and white chocolate with Amarena cherry. Take home pints to keep the summer vibes alive.
Israel’s ice cream scene is proof that boldness pays off, both in flavor and experience. This summer, it’s not just about cool scoops—it’s about wild creativity, daring taste adventures, and a fresh look at what dessert can be.
Ready to dive in?
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