An ice cream outing is the perfect way to beat the summer heat.
The countdown to the new school year may have started, but UAE families still have time to create a few more sweet summer memories. As the final weeks of the holidays arrive, an ice cream outing offers the perfect way to escape the heat, enjoy quality time together, and savour a special treat before school routines resume.
From authentic Italian gelato and indulgent chocolate creations to fun cereal-inspired flavours and colourful mochi ice creams, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a wide range of dessert destinations where a simple scoop becomes a memorable experience.
We’ve rounded up nine ice cream destinations across the UAE that are perfect for a family summer outing and worth adding to your holiday bucket list.
1) Brix Café
Known for its creative desserts and carefully crafted dishes, this Dubai-born café has earned a loyal following among food enthusiasts. Served in crisp cones, Brix’s soft serves feature seasonal flavours and inventive combinations that change throughout the year.
Guests can enjoy rich, aromatic flavours such as Turkish coffee or explore other unique creations from the café’s rotating dessert menu.
With its waterfront setting and ever-changing soft serve offerings, Brix Café is a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers looking for a more gourmet dessert experience.
Where: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1
Instagram: @brixdesserts
2) Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
Ice cream with a fine-dining twist? Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard brings French culinary creativity to the dessert experience. Located at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, the contemporary French restaurant is known for its refined approach to cuisine.
After a satisfying meal, guests can enjoy indulgent creations such as French croissant ice cream and dulce de leche, all while taking in beautiful creek views.
Where: Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi
3) M’OISHÎ
For those who enjoy desserts with a stylish twist, M’OISHÎ’s Japanese mochi ice creams offer a unique take on a classic favourite. Combining the soft, chewy texture of traditional mochi with the richness of premium gelato, these bite-sized treats deliver a fun and flavourful ice cream experience.
Each piece features a creamy gelato centre wrapped in soft, chewy rice dough, creating a delightful contrast of textures with every bite.
Available in flavours such as mango, strawberry, and red bean, these bite-sized treats offer plenty of taste while providing a lighter and convenient way to enjoy ice cream in Dubai’s heat. Their vibrant colours and elegant presentation have also made them a favourite among dessert lovers looking for a treat that is both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Perfect for a quick sweet stop while shopping or a chilled dessert to share with friends, M’OISHÎ combines Japanese tradition with modern dessert culture in every piece.
Where: Various locations including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates
Instagram: @moishiofficial
4) Scoopi at Time Out Market
For ice cream lovers who enjoy a little drama with their dessert, Scoopi combines science and craftsmanship to create a memorable experience with every scoop. Located at Time Out Market Dubai, this speciality ice creamery uses liquid nitrogen to prepare its signature frozen treats, giving them an exceptionally smooth and creamy texture.
The technique creates a rich, velvety consistency that sets it apart from traditional ice cream. Each serving is freshly made, with flavours focused on quality ingredients and a premium dessert experience.
Where: Scoopi, Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
5) La Romana, across multiple locations
Did someone say… gelato?
If you’re looking for a relaxed evening treat, La Romana is a great choice for ice cream and gelato lovers. Unlike traditional ice cream, Italian gelato is churned differently to create a denser texture and more intense flavour, and La Romana’s selection showcases this beautifully.
From timeless favourites such as chocolate and pistachio to seasonal creations and fruity flavours, there is something new to discover with every visit.
The gelateria also serves a range of tempting desserts, making it a convenient stop whether you’re after a quick scoop, a cone to enjoy while walking, or a sweet finish after a meal.
Where: Multiple locations including Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
6) Godiva Chocolate Café
For chocolate lovers, Godiva Café is a must-visit destination. While the Belgian chocolatier is internationally known for its premium chocolates, its ice cream creations are equally worth trying.
The café’s soft serve is a standout favourite, with visitors enjoying its smooth, creamy texture and creative dessert pairings. One of the popular choices is the tiramisu affogato, which combines rich coffee flavours, chocolate and soft serve into one indulgent treat.
Where: First Floor, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
7) Temple Creamery
If you have ever imagined turning your favourite childhood cereal into an ice cream flavour, Temple Creamery has made that idea a reality. This homegrown Dubai ice cream brand has gained a loyal following for its playful take on frozen desserts, creating custom combinations that are just as enjoyable to design as they are to taste.
The concept is simple: choose your ice cream base, select a cereal mix-in, and watch your personalised creation come together. From nostalgic breakfast favourites to creative new combinations, the menu blends familiar flavours with a cool, creamy twist.
Not sure what to pick? Temple Creamery also offers ready-made combinations for those who prefer to skip the choices and head straight to dessert.
Where: Al Wasl, Dubai
8) Amorino Gelato
Tucked away in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, this charming gelato destination is perfect for leisurely summer afternoons and spontaneous dessert cravings.
Choose from classic Italian-style gelato flavours or make your dessert even more indulgent with options such as crepes, waffles, and chocolate-filled creations, each paired with a generous serving of gelato. For those who prefer their treats in liquid form, milkshakes and affogatos offer another delicious way to cool down.
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
9) Morelli’s Gelato
Morelli’s is a convenient choice whenever an ice cream craving strikes. While the menu does not focus on overly experimental flavours, its appeal lies in delivering classic, well-crafted gelato favourites that keep dessert lovers coming back.
Each scoop is made in-house using natural ingredients and prepared fresh every morning, delivering the smooth texture and authentic taste that gelato lovers expect.
Where: The Dubai Mall, The Beach JBR, and Mirdif City Centre, Dubai
