Top 10 Best Ice Cream Brands in South Holland

South Holland's Love for Ice Cream

The Dutch take their ice cream seriously. When the first warm days of spring arrive, queues form outside ice cream parlours across South Holland. Many of the region's most famous ijssalons were founded by Italian families who arrived in the Netherlands in the twentieth century, bringing gelato traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Today, the province offers a delicious mix of historic Italian parlours, award-winning artisanal makers and creative newcomers experimenting with local ingredients and bold flavours. From the busy streets of Rotterdam to the beaches of Scheveningen and the canals of Delft and Leiden, there is always a great scoop nearby.

How We Selected These Brands

We evaluated ice cream makers on flavour, texture, ingredient quality, craftsmanship, variety, history and local reputation. The list includes long-established family businesses and newer artisanal brands.

The Top 10 Ice Cream Brands in South Holland

1. De IJssalon, Rotterdam

De IJssalon is one of Rotterdam's most celebrated ice cream makers and has won national awards for its creations. With multiple locations, including near the Meent and the Markthal, it offers a wide range of classic and inventive flavours made with high-quality ingredients. Its seasonal specials are eagerly anticipated by locals.

2. Venezia IJssalon, Rotterdam

Venezia has been a family business on the Oude Binnenweg since 1964. It is known for traditional Italian ice cream made according to recipes refined over decades. For many Rotterdammers, a visit to Venezia is a cherished summer ritual that connects generations.

3. Capri, Rotterdam

Capri has served traditional Italian ice cream in Rotterdam since 1957, making it one of the oldest parlours in the city. Its creamy textures and classic flavours such as stracciatella, hazelnut and pistachio have earned it a loyal following over more than six decades.

4. De Lorenzo, The Hague

Established in 1935, De Lorenzo is one of The Hague's oldest ice cream parlours. It combines Italian heritage with a deep connection to the city, and its ice cream is a nostalgic favourite for residents who have enjoyed it since childhood.

5. Donna Gelateria, The Hague region

Donna Gelateria operates several locations in the Hague region, offering authentic Italian gelato made fresh daily. Its elegant presentation, rich flavours and sorbets made with real fruit make it a popular stop for families and visitors alike.

6. Bitterkoud, The Hague

Bitterkoud is a neighbourhood-focused ice cream maker in The Hague with a creative and modern approach. It experiments with unusual flavour combinations and high-quality natural ingredients, and has built a strong local community around its artisanal ice cream.

7. Piet Ice Cream, The Hague

Opened in 2022, Piet Ice Cream is one of the newer additions to The Hague's ice cream scene. It has quickly gained attention for its fresh, contemporary style and carefully crafted flavours, proving that there is always room for new talent in a city that loves ice cream.

8. IJssalon Luciano, Leiden, Delft and Gouda

IJssalon Luciano is a well-known Italian ice cream brand with parlours in several South Holland cities, including Leiden, Delft and Gouda. Its consistent quality, generous scoops and wide range of flavours have made it a familiar and beloved name across the province.

9. Pavarotti Dolce, Leiden

Located on the Nieuwe Rijn in Leiden, Pavarotti Dolce offers artisanal ice cream in one of the city's most picturesque settings. Enjoying a cone while watching boats glide along the canal is one of the simple pleasures of a summer day in Leiden.

10. IJssalon La Venezia, Dordrecht

In Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, IJssalon La Venezia is a household name for traditional Italian ice cream. Its long-standing presence and classic recipes have made it an essential part of summer in the historic city centre.

Ice Cream Trends in South Holland

Artisanal and natural ingredients are the defining trend. Many makers use local milk, fresh fruit from Dutch growers and premium nuts from Italy. Vegan and dairy-free options made with oat milk or fruit-based sorbets are now widely available, catering to growing demand for plant-based treats.

Creative flavours inspired by Dutch classics, such as stroopwafel, speculaas and appeltaart, sit alongside international favourites like matcha, salted caramel and yuzu. Sustainability is also important, with parlours reducing plastic, offering compostable cups and choosing environmentally friendly packaging.

Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in South Holland

Visit early in the afternoon on sunny weekends to avoid the longest queues, and do not hesitate to ask for a taste before choosing. Try a combination of a classic flavour and a seasonal special. For the perfect experience, combine your ice cream with a walk along Rotterdam's waterfront, the beach at Scheveningen or the canals of Delft and Leiden.

Ice Cream Beyond the Parlour

Many South Holland ice cream makers also offer their creations for events and at home. Some provide ice cream carts and tricycles for weddings, company parties and festivals, while others sell take-home tubs in their shops. Seasonal collaborations with local bakeries, coffee roasters and restaurants have become more common, resulting in desserts such as ice cream sandwiches and affogato. These initiatives help parlours stay busy beyond the peak summer months and give fans more ways to enjoy their favourite flavours.

Conclusion

South Holland's ice cream scene blends Italian heritage, Dutch craftsmanship and modern creativity. From historic parlours in Rotterdam and The Hague to beloved local names in Leiden, Delft, Gouda and Dordrecht, these ten ice cream brands offer the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day in the province.