It can never be too cold for ice cream - just remember happy locals enjoying a chilling vanilla scoop or two in the middle of February. We've all seen them, and it probably sent shivers down our spines. But since it's March already and spring is officially here, we all grow desperate for a good gelato treat.
Are you tempted enough to run for ice cream yet? Here's a list of the best places to go to for a perfect ice cream scoop in Edinburgh, according to popular travel platform TripAdvisor.
Smoov Gelato Coffee
The Travellers' Choice 2021, this Holyrood cafe has an impressive five-star rating and comes third in the travel platform's list for the best dessert places in the capital.
Training their cooks in Italy, Smoov is dedicated to bringing customers high-quality authentic gelato. The venue's website says: "Every single day, we hand make our gelato in what we like to call our 'special magic machine'. We love crafting innovative and exciting gelato; it's so important to us!"
Smoov changes its selection of flavours every couple of days, making people come back for more, - and they are happy to.
Olive, a TripAdvisor user, said: "Smoov creates exceptional flavours and serves generous quantities at reasonable prices. Lucky enough to stumble across it today."
Price: One gelato portion £3
Where: 244 Canongate
Mary's Milk Bar
Another iconic cafe - and an instagrammable hotspot, too - is Mary's Milk Bar at Edinburgh's Grassmarket. Be ready to join quite a queue if visiting on a sunny day, but thankfully the wait will be rather pleasant as you'll get to marvel at the neighbouring Edinburgh castle.
Mary, the place owner, who trained in Bologna at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University, makes gelato every morning. So it's as fresh as it gets, but it also can sell out on a specially busy day.
After visiting Edinburgh from Dublin and popping in for a sweet treat, Annie said: "This place is so cute and had the nicest ice cream ever. The staff were so lovely and gave us lots of recommendations of things to do and places to eat in Edinburgh.
"I could not recommend it more! It's a must if you're in Edinburgh."
The place also sells chocolate, available via its website too.
Price: Single scoop £2.50
Where: 19 Grassmarket
Considerit
This bakery is not to be missed if you are vegan. Located just a short walk from the Meadows, the place is praised for the variety and taste of vegan treats they serve - including ice cream.
A TripAdvisor user Molly said: "Great place to get doughnuts, ice cream, coffee, chocolate etc., right by the Meadows. Best way to eat them is to take them and sit on a bench and watch the world go by.
The doughnuts are some of the best I've ever had, light and fluffy with great toppings. And the coconut-based ice cream is a great treat for a warm day. I would definitely recommend it to anybody in need of a sweet treat or study break!"
Where: 3-5a Sciennes
