Vienna’s Best Ice Cream

One of the last holdouts of Habsburg splendor, this former supplier to the imperial family ­famously made the favorite treat of Empress Sissi, violet sorbet. Today, they’ve refined the recipe and instead sell violet ice cream with blueberries, which help take the flowery edge off.
Another specialty is their frozen take on the Austrian classic Punschkrapfen (rum cakes), with big chunks mixed in so generously that you might wonder whether a cake just fell into the tub of ice cream before going for sale. Unobtrusive amidst the gilded finery of their storefront on Kohlmarkt, make sure you don’t miss the window where ice cream is served, just behind the Schanigarten (sidewalk seats).

1., Kohlmarkt 14
(01) 535 17 17
Daily 9:00–19:00

Recommended: Blueberry-Violet and Punschkrapferl (rum cake)

Established in 1952, when the aftermath of WWII was still fresh and precious ingredients like eggs, milk and sugar were becoming affordable again, many argue that Eissalon Tichy is the ice cream institution in Vienna. Don’t be intimidated by the lines, they move quickly.

A family business that’s big on tradition, their classic flavors like hazelnut are well worth the queue, but the real draw is their frozen versions of the Austrian classic Knödel (dumplings). With a dense center of apricot or raspberry surrounded by ice cream and rolled in roasted hazelnuts or poppy seeds respectively, you can even buy packs of four to take home and freeze.

10., Reumannplatz 13
(01) 604 44 46
Daily
10:00-23:00

Recommended: Rasperry and Apricot Eis­knödel

First opening its doors in 1969, this notable neighborhood ice cream parlor is worth every minute you spend on the number 2 tram out to deepest ­Ottakring. A family business, Mauß has two priorities: Making good ice cream and happy customers, so don’t expect any pretentious décor or airs of grandeur here – instead, they keep their shop simple, which is just as refreshing as their sorbets.

While off the beaten path, staunch locals will pit Mauß’ ice cream against crosstown rival Tichy any day.

16., Thaliastraße 155
(01) 492 51 30
Daily 10:00-22:00

Recommended: Blueberry, Mascarpone

 

Another family business and a local landmark just off Donaukanal.

 

1., Franz-Josefs-Kai 17
Gelato.at
Recommended: Mango Cream

Learning their craft in southern Italy, Leones uses only high-quality ingredients; they may have a limited selection, but every single flavor is top-notch.

8., Lange Gasse 78
2., Praterstraße 16
Leones.at
Recommended: Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Sorbet

It may be an Italian chain, but the ice cream is fantastic and the southern flair charming.

Traditional Austrian flavors such as elderflower, poppy seed, and pumpkinseed oil, made with organic milk and local ingredients.

7., Neubaugasse 9

6., Mariahilfer Straße 33
1., Rotenturmstraße 14
eisgreissler.at
Recommended: Graumohn (poppy seed)

Their entire selection is vegan, making it a staple among the hip and trendy.

19., Döblinger Hauptstrasse 57

7., Neustiftgasse 23
2., Taborstraße 15
9., Alserbachstraße 5

6., Amerlingstraße 19
5., Margaretenstraße 51

3., Ungergasse 55

4., Operngasse 34
veganista.at
Recommended: Carrot Cake