Summer in Toronto means long lines at our favourite local ice cream shops — but the flavours on this list are definitely not your average childhood classics. From West End newcomers to award-winning gelato masters, Toronto makers are taking things to a whole new level with unexpected ingredients like sourdough, brie cheeseToronto ice cream shops are putting brie cheese and french fries in their scoops this summer and black garlic. If you’re ready to transcend basic cookies and cream, here are four wonderfully wacky spots you need to try next.
Good Gang
Good Gang’s Toast ice cream sounds simple — sourdough base, Ontario haskap jam — but don’t be fooled. The sisters behind this scoop started churning out flavours at Smorgasburg and now serve from their new west-end space on Annette, east of Jane. Their fans are many are very devoted. One Redditor put it best: “What keeps me coming back are their unique flavours and very creamy base.” Others creative flavours include Fairy Bread made with buttery brioche and nonpareil sprinkles as well as Malted Milk made with toasted barley and cereal.
Death in Venice
Death in Venice is anything but ordinary. Created by award-winning gelato maker Kaya Ogruce, the flavour won the 2019 North American Gelato Cup by transforming a classic cheeseboard into dessert. Brie cheese, white wine, pear, honey and berry jam come together in a surprisingly balanced blend of sweet and savoury, making it one of the shop’s most distinctive scoops.
Honey’s
Honey’s is putting a playful spin on a fast-food favourite with its Frosty & Fries flavour. The plant-based ice cream blends rich chocolate with crispy, salty French fries folded throughout, creating a surprisingly addictive sweet-and-salty scoop.
Good Behaviour
Good Behaviour isn’t afraid to push flavour boundaries. Its Black Garlic Miso Caramel ice cream layers rich caramel ripples, crunchy honeycomb and flaky Maldon salt with the deep savoury notes of black garlic and miso. It’s an unexpected combination that somehow works, striking a rich, salty-sweet balance without being overpowering.