The summers in Richmond bring abundant outdoorsy activities, family fun, and festivals. While Virginia’s capital has long been a destination for great food, the best ice cream in Richmond, Virginia is some of the best in the state as well!
Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors with your favorite toppings or hunting for unique flavors, here’s where to find incredible ice cream in Richmond.
Scoop
Hands down, one of the most popular spots in Richmond to relish frozen sweet treats is Scoop! This locally-owned, small-batch ice cream shop might’ve opened only in June 2018, but it’s already a smash hit with visitors and locals alike. From ice cream cakes and mini, single, or double scoops in a cup or waffle cone to ice cream sandwiches, shakes, and sundaes, you’ll find it all here.
What I ADORE about this dessert shop is their ice cream flights (when you can’t decide). You can have your choice of three mini scoops with three cookie wedges. Some of their signature flavors that’ll arouse are Lavender Honeycomb, Sweet Corn and Blackberry, Cannoli, Cherry Cheesecake, and Brown Sugar Cookie Dough.
Apart from their selection of toppings, you also have a choice of hot fudge, caramel, and peanut butter sauces. Another highlight is their Pint Club, where members receive new flavors each month.
- Scoop RVA, 403 Strawberry Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Coco + Hazel
It’s all about their specialty shakes at Coco + Hazel! Piled high above the usual milkshake is added bonus of a piece of cake! Their decadent specialty shakes include Candy Land (strawberry/vanilla, rock candy, cotton candy ball, two lollipops, whipped cream, and sprinkles with a cherry) and Cake Shake (Birthday cake, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherry, with a slice of confetti cake).
They use Tillamook ice cream base to make their own ice cream in a variety of flavors – Coffee Almond Fudge, Dark Cherry, Caramel Butter Pecan, and Birthday Cake! You can also make your own ice cream sandwich with cookies, Churro, or cookie dough and your choice of ice cream flavor.
Don’t miss their coffee and espresso from Cafe Brújula (Oaxaca, Mexico).
- Coco + Hazel, 411 N Ridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23229, and 2733 McRae Road, Richmond, VA 23235
Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets
For some premium, small-batch ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and desserts, drop by Ruby Scoops. They also have a menu of flights if you can’t make up your mind.
When Rabia Kamara opened the doors to Ruby Scoops in Northside Richmond in late November 2020, she introduced some mindblowing frozen desserts, making the locals fall in love with the place. The Grasshopper Pie on their menu (on of my favs!) made an appearance in the Food Network Magazine
Some of their delicious flavors include Strawberry Sweet Red Bean, Black Sesame, and Big Spoon Co.(coconut). They have refreshing sorbets in curious flavors like Grapefruit Tarragon, Red Berry Champagne, and Blackberry Mandarin Mojito.
- Ruby Scoops, 120 W Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond, VA 23222
Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe
Bev’s is has been making ice cream since 1998. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, Beverly Mazursky used those skills to make ice cream. Lucky for us!
Select from their traditional flavors available year-round (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Black Raspberry, Cookies & Cream, Espresso Oreo, and more), or go with their seasonal flavors that rotate weekly/biweekly. Don’t miss out on topping your pick with Bev’s homemade hot fudge.
Ice cream isn’t all have; they also offer sherbet, dairy-free sorbet, gelato, and oat-based vegan ice cream.
- Bev’s Homemade Ice Cream & Cafe, 2911 W Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221
Gelati Celesti
From establishing its first gelato shop in 1984 to operating nine neighborhood stores (two Virginia Beach and seven Richmond locations), Gelati Celesti is a local favorite.
With 85 rotational flavors and 24 House favorites, you know you’re in for a tasty treat when you drop by any of their outlets. Their handmade ice cream is made with high-quality ingredients and churned in small batches with special Italian equipment. Some sumptuous flavors include Almond Amaretto, Coconut Cream, Rainbow Cookie, and Mint Chip.
Have your favorite flavor in their waffle cones that are baked in-house for the ultimate indulgence. They also have ice cream pies, cakes, and sandwiches.
- Gelati Celesti Ice Cream, multiple locations
La Michoacana
La Michoacana is a Mexican ice cream shop that brings the flavors of Mexico to Richmond with its wide selection of paletas, aguas frescas, and house-made ice creams. The paletas—Mexican-style popsicles—are a must-try, with options ranging from creamy coconut to refreshing watermelon with chili. Customers also rave about their fruit-filled mangonadas, which blend mango sorbet with chamoy and Tajín for a tangy, spicy, and sweet treat.
Beyond its ice cream, La Michoacana serves a variety of Mexican snacks, such as elotes (Mexican street corn), chicharrones, and fresh fruit cups, making it a great stop for anyone craving an authentic taste of Mexico. Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical paleta or a scoop of rich, creamy avocado ice cream, La Michoacana delivers an unforgettable experience with every bite.
- La Michoacana, 7808 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
King of Pops
King of Pops is not your traditional ice cream shop—it’s a popsicle stand with a cult following. The menu rotates with the seasons, featuring flavors like Raspberry Lime, Chocolate Sea Salt, and Pineapple Habanero. Every pop is made with natural ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors and preservatives, making them a refreshing and guilt-free indulgence.
The shop frequently partners with local businesses and farms to source fresh ingredients, and you can often find their signature pushcart at farmers’ markets, festivals, and special events around Richmond. They even host “Pop Yoga” sessions and other community events, making them more than just a frozen treat destination.
- King of Pops, 3001 W Clay St, Richmond, VA
DeLuca Gelato
For an authentic Italian gelato experience in Richmond, DeLuca Gelato is the go-to spot. This family-owned shop takes pride in crafting small-batch gelato using traditional Italian techniques and premium ingredients. With over 40 rotating flavors, there’s always something new to try, from classics like Stracciatella and Pistachio to more adventurous choices like Blackberry Cabernet and Lemon Basil.
Their gelato is rich and creamy, thanks to its high-quality dairy base, but it also maintains the light and smooth texture that sets it apart from traditional ice cream.
- DeLuca Gelato, 1362 Gaskins Rd, Richmond, VA 23238
Blue Cow Ice Cream
Blue Cow Ice Cream is a local favorite known for its innovative flavors and commitment to quality. This creamery crafts its ice cream in small batches, using locally sourced dairy and premium ingredients to create flavors that are both nostalgic and unique.
Standout options include Goat Cheese with Blueberry Swirl, Honey Lavender, and the ever-popular Sea Salt Brickle. They also offer dairy-free and vegan flavors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious creations.
- Blue Cow Ice Cream, 7017 Three Chopt Rd, Richmond, VA 23226
NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream
NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream brings a fun, interactive twist to traditional ice cream. Specializing in Thai-style rolled ice cream, this shop prepares each order fresh on a frozen metal surface, where ingredients are mixed, spread, and rolled into delicate spirals. The process itself is a spectacle, and customers enjoy watching their chosen flavors come to life. Popular combinations include S’mores Galore, Matcha Madness, and the indulgent Peanut Butter Brownie.
In addition to its visually stunning presentation, NarWhals prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and offering fully customizable options. Customers can pick their base, mix-ins, and toppings, allowing for endless possibilities. Whether you’re new to rolled ice cream or a longtime fan, NarWhals delivers a unique and delicious experience with every order.
- NarWhals Rolled Ice Cream, 3313 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches has taken Richmond’s frozen dessert scene by storm with its gourmet, handcrafted ice cream sandwiches. These decadent treats are made with premium ingredients and creative flavor pairings.
Standouts include classics like the OG (Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Chocolate Chip Cookies) and more adventurous options like the Chocolate Blackout, which features chocolate ice cream between rich chocolate cookies.
- Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, available at multiple locations
Baskin Robbins
A classic name in ice cream, Baskin-Robbins continues to be a staple in Richmond with multiple locations across the city. Known for its famous “31 flavors” concept, this chain has been delighting customers for decades with a mix of classic and seasonal offerings.
Whether you’re craving a scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip, Pralines ‘n Cream, or the ever-popular Jamoca Almond Fudge, there’s always a flavor to suit your taste. Baskin-Robbins is also well-known for its ice cream cakes, making it a go-to spot for birthdays and celebrations.
- Baskin Robbins, multiple locations
You don’t need to search far and wide in Richmond for a frozen treat to satisfy your dessert cravings; just take your pick from this list. I assure you, you’ll go for a second or even third helping at these places.
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