The humble ice cream parlour, once a realm of whimsical kitschis undergoing a transformation. Today’s gelaterias and creameries are embracing a more sophisticated aestheticblending nostalgia with modern design. As summer temperatures rise across Europe, these five design-led spots are perfect for a delightful treat.
Gone are the days of overly sweet, artificial flavors. These parlours focus on artisanal craftsmanship and natural ingredientsoffering a more grown-up ice cream experience. Let’s explore these remarkable spaces that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Miuz Gelato: Amsterdam’s Refined Gelato Haven
Nestled near VondelparkMiuz Gelato in Amsterdam is a testament to refined design. The parlour’s understated palette of coffee and cream evokes nostalgia without being overly sweet. A sculptural wood counter, rippled to echo the texture of gelato, anchors the space. This handcrafted piece in dark timber stands out against the simple yet engaging interior.
Complementing the counter is a corresponding table dressed in the same rippled wood, paired with Fritz Hansen High Dot stools. Every gelato at Miuz is made from scratch daily, with no artificial colors or prefab mixes. The menu ranges from classics like stracciatella and pistachio to more unusual flavors like buckwheat, basil, and burrata. The Dutch design elevates the menu from a mere treat to an essential experience.
Parlor Café: Prague’s Playful Ice Cream Sandwich Bar
In Prague’s Karlin business district, Parlor Café offers over 6,000 flavor combinations for its build-your-own ice cream sandwiches. The space, designed by architects Lenka Miková and Markéte Bromováis fresh, green, and cool—both in temperature and design. A bespoke polka-dot wall by designer Klára Šumová adds a playful touch, while mismatched vintage furniture creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Regular favorites at Parlor Café include mango sorbet between dark chocolate cookies, lemon and poppyseed cookies with strawberry and Thai basil sorbet, and coconut ice cream on peanut butter biscuits. The parlour’s unique design and extensive flavor options make it a standout destination in Prague.
Jefferson’s: London’s Industrial-Chic Creamery
Jefferson’s in Balham and Brixton offers a warm and contemporary environment with an industrial edge. The independent family-owned business focuses on natural materials and biscuit tones, creating a functional and active space rather than a kitschy pastiche. The workshop-style counters and display cases remind customers that this is a small-batch producer.
While some flavors change with the seasons, core offerings include ‘malted milkball’ and ‘cold-pressed coffee’. A local favorite is the ‘brookies and cream’, featuring vanilla ice cream mixed with homemade brownies and toffee swirls. Jefferson’s provides a unique blend of industrial design and artisanal ice cream making.
Gelato Collection: Barcelona’s Sophisticated Ice Cream Jewelry
Inspired by the opulence of jewelry stores and perfumeries, Gelato Collection in Barcelona is a standout destination. Spanish chef Albert Adrià hired designers from El Equipo Creativo to create a space that exudes sophistication. The ice cream flavors, known simply as ‘the collection’, are displayed in perfectly aligned cabinets enveloped in a counter designed to resemble a block of ice.
The minimal, sleek design of Gelato Collection makes choosing a flavor feel like shopping for a piece of jewelry. Popular flavors include No9 (whole lemon), No66 (black truffle with hazelnuts), and No96 (black miso and coffee). This is gastronomy at its finest, attracting visitors from miles around.
Gelateria del Teatro: Rome’s Intimate Gelato Hideaway
Tucked away on a narrow back street in Rome, Gelateria del Teatro offers an intimate and authentic gelato experience. The simple, compact counter and light-fingered décor focus on the fresh ingredients. This gelateria is a hidden gem away from the city’s summer crowds.
For the most authentic experience, ask for an olive oil cone and a spatula-full of the seasonal flavor of the moment. Gelateria del Teatro embodies the essence of traditional Italian gelato, making it a must-visit spot in Rome.
