Despite being one of the smaller cities in Scotland, Perth has an abundance of ice cream shops and dessert parlours.
These shops serve everything from waffle-croissant mashups to tubs filled with timeless ice cream flavours.
Put simply, the Fair City has something for every sweet tooth.
With summer upon us, now is the perfect time to head out and try the best spots the city has to offer.
HD Caffè
This sleek dessert parlour opened in December 2023 and boasts a menu that’s overflowing with indulgent options.
These range from chocolate waffles topped with Belgian milk chocolate drip and stracciatella ice cream to sticky toffee pudding.
The waffles, French toast and croffles – a croissant-waffle hybrid – are all light and crisp, providing the perfect foundations for other ingredients to shine.
And shine they do. HD Caffè’s ice cream – of which there are 12 flavours – is refreshing and creamy. Fruit toppings are fresh and chocolate sauces arrestingly rich.
The vast range of desserts served by the café makes it a destination spot for those craving something indulgent.
After all, why order just an ice cream when you can have the ice cream and so much more.
Address: 226-232 High Street, Perth PH1 5PA
Stewart Tower Dairy
When it comes to ice cream, it doesn’t get fresher or more local than this.
Made with milk from a herd of Holstein Friesian cows at Stewart Tower Farm, this quality Italian gelato always hits the spot.
Those who want to go big should check out the sundae menu. Options like the toffee and tablet tower – made with “Moo” and toffee fudge ice creams, tablet, toffee sauce and whipped cream – are not to be missed.
Although Stewart Tower Dairy have over 250 flavours on record, around 15 are served at any one time. All of them have an exceptionally smooth texture.
Both indoor and outdoor seating areas boast a picturesque view of the Strathmore Valley and the local pygmy goats frolicking in a neighbouring field.
One last reason – as if another was needed – to visit this ice cream shop.
Address: Stewart Tower Dairy, Stanley, Perth PH1 4PJ
Marini’s Takeaway
In what is a fading tradition, Marini’s Takeaway is beloved local chippie that also sells excellent ice cream.
Here, some 20 varieties are served, including bubble gum, cherry and tutti frutti.
Marini’s ice cream comes from Equi’s, an award-winning company that’s been operating for over 100 years.
Marini’s chose its supplier well; the ice cream is extremely creamy. It also has a very pronounced flavour.
The raspberry ripple is particularly arresting thanks to a distinct fruitiness many customers love.
It is no stretch to say that Marini’s serves some of the best ice cream in Perth.
Address: 5 St Catherine’s Road, Perth PH1 5YA
Dizato
Since opening in the summer of 2024, Dizato has gained a reputation as one of the Fair City’s premier dessert parlours.
No other local business can rival the breadth and quality of options that are on offer in this shop.
Waffles, cakes, churros, sundaes, slushies and shakes are all served by Dizato’s cheerful staff.
Dizato sources its ice cream from Porrelli, a Paisley company that has been in business since 1925. Made with Scottish double cream, this ice cream is rich, velvety and incredibly tasty.
The shop stocks 20 flavours of ice cream, including both “Iron Brew” and “Jammin Dodger”. Customers also have the choice of three types of cones or one tub.
Address: 12 St. Leonards Bridge, Craigie, Perth PH2 0DR
Crunch Munch
If choice is what you’re after, Crunch Munch is the Perth ice cream shop for you.
Approximately 40 flavours of ice cream are served here. Many of them are quite leftfield, Parma Violet and cappuccino being just two examples.
Customers can also add some unique sauces to their ice cream. All told, Crunch Munch has 20 behind the counter. Dr. Pepper, Skittle and After Eight are three of the most eye catching.
Aside from straight up ice cream, the team at Crunch Munch also serve ice cream-filled waffle baskets, churros and traditional puddings including apple crumble.
Address: 170 South Street, Perth PH2 8NY
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