A cold, creamy serving of gelato is one way to beat the summer heat, so here are our top spots to grab a scoop (or two…or maybe more, we won’t judge).
Ah, gelato. The luscious, enticing Italian cousin to ice cream. The two are easy to mix up, given they’re both creamy and frozen treats with similar components—yet they’re marked by some key differences. Gelato uses a slower churning process, less fat and more milk (ice cream uses more egg yolks and cream), and is served in slightly warmer temperatures (still cold, just not as cold as ice cream). What comes out of this is a dessert that’s a lot more dense, with a much smoother texture to boot. They’re both delicious, so let’s not pit two wondrous inventions against each other; yet there’s no denying that, on some days, gelato just has an irresistible pull. So when you’re searching for those perfect, velvety scoops this summer, look no further: Manila is rife with great gelato spots serving everything from classic flavors to more inventive twists.
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Gusta Gelato
Gusta Gelato is a newcomer in the game, yet it’s steadily making a name for itself, having started in Banawe before expanding with a second branch in Tomas Morato. Since it opened near my house, I have to confess, it’s been difficult to practice some semblance of discipline—but when I do decide to indulge, it’s well worth it. The store has gained a following for its line-up of unique, tantalizing Asian-inspired flavors, but it also sets itself apart with a light, crunchy rosemary cone. Buttery with a hint of the herb, it makes for a surprisingly delicious contrast and complement to their gelato.
Must try flavors include their Black Sesame, Pistachio, Polvoron, Salted Caramel, and if you’re in the mood for something earthy, the Hojicha.
Manila Creamery
Manila Creamery holds the country’s flag and flavors proudly, and really, it’s all in the name. For rich textures and flavors that evoke memories of sunlit afternoons in the living room eating the best Filipino merienda staples, this is the place to go. And really, those who want the convenience of packing all that flavor into one food item can’t complain—the brand manages to condense multiple components like magic. Our personal recommendations include the Mangga’t Suman, Sweet Corn Crumble (Mais con hielo in a scoop, anyone?), Taho, and Tinutong na Kanin. People say you can’t have it all, but clearly, they haven’t tried a gelato from the city’s namesake creamery.
Gelato by Chef Miko
When a pastry chef decides to make gelato, you better believe it’ll be cold dessert heaven. That’s pretty much what happens when you indulge in a scoop from Gelato by Chef Miko. The brainchild of award-winning chef Miko Aspiras, the parlor serves a host of delicious, out-of-the-box gourmet flavors, arranged under the categories “Love it,” “Obsessed,” and “Legendary.” Though, really, all three descriptors are applicable to cold treats across the board.
If you love cheesecake and cookie dough, well, you’re in luck: the New York Cheesecake Cookie Dough offers the best of both worlds. Tiramisu lovers should definitely try the brand’s gelato spin on it, and if you’re searching for nostalgic Filipino flavors, try the “Skramble.” Classics work, too: Roasted Pistachio for those who want an extra edge to their favorite nut.
Morelli’s Gelato
Morelli’s Gelato has been a mainstay in Shangri-La for some time now (later opening a branch at Greenhills Mall), but an oldie is still a goodie with its range of gelato flavors based on a 100-year-old family recipe (tracing back to 1907, when its founders were still selling gelato in their Italian neighborhoods through bicycle). Today, it makes those fresh tubs of creamy goodness every day, with classics like Straciatella, Bubblegum, Coffee, Pistachio, Choco Mint, and Chocolate, as well as the more novel, limited-time “Flavor of the Month” like March’s Black Chocolate & Arancia.
Gelatissimo
Gelatissimo has been another longtime haunt for gelato lovers, children and adults alike enjoying scoops of its cold desserts on hot days in the city. Made fresh in store every day, their gelato is comprehensive in scope. Besides the conventional gelato formula, it also offers options for a host of dietary needs. For instance, gluten-free, non-dairy, vegan friendly, and low sugar gelato are on consistent rotation for those who still want a yummy scoop without the guilt or allergic reactions. We recommend their Ube gelato if you’re craving something halo-halo tangential; Strawberry Cheesecake for the cheesecake fans; Salted Caramel (you really can’t go wrong with this one); and Chocolate Truffle (a crowd favorite for a reason, especially if you never say no to chocolatey goodness).
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional Italian gelato features a significantly lower butterfat content and more milk than commercial ice cream, which heavily relies on heavy cream and egg yolks. Additionally, gelato is churned at a slower rate to minimize air incorporation, resulting in a denser, richer consistency that is served at a slightly warmer temperature to enhance flavor perception.
Manila Creamery stands out for its dedicated reinterpretation of local food culture, transforming traditional merienda staples into premium frozen desserts. Their signature collections include innovative culinary profile options such as Mangga’t Suman (Mango and Sticky Rice), Sweet Corn Crumble, and Tinutong na Kanin (Toasted Rice).
Curated by award-winning pastry chef Miko Aspiras, Gelato by Chef Miko approaches frozen confectionery from a classic pastry perspective. The parlor constructs multi-layered, avant-garde flavors categorized by depth of flavor profiles, showcasing sophisticated architectural combinations like New York Cheesecake Cookie Dough and Tiramisu.
Premium gelaterias like Gelatissimo offer sophisticated, dietary-inclusive menus made fresh daily within their boutiques. Their rotating selections include gluten-free alternatives, non-dairy options, vegan-friendly bases, and low-sugar variants that retain the dense, velvety texture of classic Italian recipes without compromising dietary preferences.
Morelli’s Gelato anchors its luxury brand presence on a 100-year-old family recipe tracing back to 1907, when its founders initially retailed fresh gelato from transport bicycles in maritime Europe. Today, their locations in Shangri-La Plaza and Greenhills Mall serve freshly produced daily batches of heritage classics alongside limited-edition monthly profiles.
