Argentina is famous for steak and wine — but if you ask locals what truly hits the sweet spot, many will say helado (ice cream). More than a dessert, ice cream in Argentina is a cultural ritual, especially in Buenos Aires, where heladerías are found in nearly every neighborhood and many deliver until midnight.
What makes Argentine ice cream so special? It’s somewhere between Italian gelato and American-style ice cream: dense, creamy, and intensely flavorful. Let’s dive into the best spots in Buenos Aires to try this local treasure — and some of the award-winning flavors you shouldn’t miss.
Must-Try Flavors for ice creams in Buenos Aires
Dulce de leche (our local “caramel”) – Try it plain, with chocolate chips (dulce de leche granizado), or stuffed with more dulce de leche sauce (dulce de leche con brownie).
- Chocolate amargo – Rich dark chocolate that’s more bitter than sweet.
- Sambayón – A creamy custard flavor made with sweet wine (similar to zabaglione).
- Frutilla a la crema – Strawberry and cream, a nostalgic classic.
- Limón – Intense lemon sorbet, perfect for hot days.
The Best Heladerías in Buenos Aires
There’s no bad time for helado in Buenos Aires. Locals eat it year-round — after lunch, late at night, or as a weekend treat. Whether you’re in a fancy neighborhood or a quiet barrio, you’re never far from a scoop of Argentine joy.
Even though it’s hard to come up with a truly fair list, these are some of our favorite ice cream shops in Buenos Aires.
1. Cadore
Av. Corrientes 1695, Centro
Ranked among the Top 10 Ice Cream Parlors in the World by National Geographic, Cadore is a family-run shop with deep Italian roots. Their dulce de leche and sambayón are legendary, and the texture is just perfect: creamy, not airy, with full flavor in every spoonful.
2. Rapa Nui – Top-class treat!
Multiple locations (the one in Malabia 2014, Palermo, is super nice)
Born in Bariloche and now spread across the city, Rapa Nui offers silky, high-quality ice cream alongside handmade chocolates. Try the frambuesa patagónica (Patagonian raspberry), or the addictive chocolate Rapanui (with hazelnut cream and crispy bits). They also have a popular sweet snack called Franui — frozen berries covered in chocolate.
3. Heladería Italia
Av. Triunvirato 4546, Villa Urquiza
A neighborhood favorite in Villa Urquiza since 1953, Italia is an old-school heladería with loyal fans across generations. Their dulce de leche “with dulce de leche” and chocolate are particularly beloved. With no trendy marketing or flashy packaging, just honest, delicious helado — this is a true local classic. They have also other branches around the city.
4. Lucciano’s
Av. Santa Fe 2888, Recoleta + other locations
This modern heladería has wowed locals with inventive presentations and unique flavors. Don’t miss the banana split or the chocolate belga, and check out their popsicles shaped like astronauts and superheroes — a hit with kids and Instagram fans.
5. Jauja
Cerviño 3901, Palermo
This Patagonian-born shop uses natural ingredients with no artificial flavoring. Their rosehip sorbet (rosa mosqueta) and mate cocido flavors are local, quirky, and totally worth a try.
6. Scannapieco
Av. Álvarez Thomas 10, Chacarita
A true gem with over 80 years of history, Scannapieco was originally founded in 1938 in San Telmo and later revived in Chacarita. They’re known for classic, artisanal gelato made with traditional methods. Try their limón, durazno, or crema americana — simple, powerful flavors that take you back in time.
How to Order Ice Cream Like a Local
Cucurucho = Cone
Vasito = Small cup
1/4 kilo (~8.8 oz) is the standard size for sharing or indulging
You can typically choose 2–3 flavors even in small sizes
Most heladerías offer delivery, especially on hot summer nights.
Custom tours in Argentina
At Beyond BA Latam, we specialize in organizing bespoke, tailor-made itineraries in Argentina and Chile. Among the experiences we offer, you’ll find a variety of gastronomic options that allow you to taste the local flavors and immerse yourself in our culture—not only in Buenos Aires, but also in other destinations such as Ushuaia, Mendoza, and Bariloche.
Get in touch, and let’s start planning your next journey!
