After more than ten years in Ljubljana and, according to my low estimates, at least 750 ice creams (more than €2,500 spent on this all-consuming ice cream passion), I can tell you where to enjoy the best ice creams in Ljubljana.
Discover the 5 best ice cream parlours in Ljubljana
But before I tell you where to go in Ljubljana and order your first ice cream, there’s one special Slovenian tip you should know about.
Tip: When you’re in Ljubljana, you can use the map at the bottom of this article to locate these five excellent establishments.
3 things to know before ordering your first ice cream in Ljubljana
Slovenian ice cream scoops are often huge
They are often twice the size of a norlal scoop. In Slovenia, unless you’re as hungry as a wolf, nobody takes two scoops and I’ve never seen a Slovenian order 3 scoops! So what do you do if you want two flavours on your cone? You order two half-balls. That’s what all Slovenians do.
Warning: Don’t forget this, because if you order two scoops from the first ice-cream parlour on my list, for example, you’ll often end up with a huge ice-cream (depending on the waiter).
Good to know: An ice cream on the terrace is no more expensive than at the counter.
If you order your ice cream sitting on the terrace, it will be served to you in a ramekin and with a glass of water if you ask for it. As in Ljubljana, the terraces along the river are incredibly pleasant, I advise you to :
- Start by taking a look at the flavours in the shop window
- Sit down at one of the ice-cream parlour tables
- Order your ice cream from the waiter (in Slovenia, he usually arrives promptly to take your order).
Tip: This is often a good way to avoid waiting in line at the counter. In fact, you’ll often be served more quickly if you order your ice cream sitting down. And don’t forget, you don’t have to pay more for your ice cream.
It’s best not to order dessert in a Ljubljana restaurant.
Desserts in Slovenian restaurants are generally not very good. Take the bill and sit down 100 metres further on the terrace of an ice cream parlour that I recommend in this article. You’ll lower the overall bill for your meal and you’ll also be able to see a new part of the city from the glacier’s terrace.
Good to know: In Ljubljana, which is nothing like in huge capitals for example, changing terraces is something that can be done very easily and quickly, so make the most of it!
Cacao, an institution serving large portions
An ice cream parlour located 20 metres from the central square (the three bridges). Cacao usually serves the biggest portions. Its terrace along the river is pleasant day and night. Take a tour of the counters to see the flavours and if you have a little time to spare, order your ice cream sitting on the terrace, with or without a coffee (or cappuccino).
As the name suggests, forget the sorbets – they’re not their speciality!
Instead, choose from the many varieties of ice cream, chocolate ice cream, tiramisu ice cream, etc. Depending on the flavour, the ice creams are often good or very good (without being the best of your life, let’s not exaggerate).
Please note: this ice cream parlour also offers ice cream sundaes, but they are gigantic (if you order one, it’s best to share it with your partner).
As soon as the sun starts to shine, the Slovenians flock to Cacao!
If it’s raining, go to the back of the shop and you’ll find a small staircase leading up to the secret room upstairs.
Tip: If there’s a queue at Cacao, extend your stroll along the river to the Di Matteo ice cream parlour.
Flavours to try at Cacao:
Grski jogurt, temna čokolada malina (dark chocolate raspberry) , čokolada hruska (chocolate pear), arašidova krema, pistachio, sacher torte, tiramisu
On the Slovenian coast: Cacao has another shop on the Slovenian coast, in Portoroz. Here you can relax on big white sofas. You can wallow in the sunshine and enjoy the view of the sea. For a number of years now, this Ljubljana ice cream parlour has also been offering beautifully located rooms above its shop.
Vigo, the rising outsider
For several years now, Vigo has been upsetting the habits of Ljubljaners and taking market share. Its recipe: concentrate on a small number of well-chosen flavours and offer free extras such as a wafer stuck in your ice cream or extra chocolate (the tap you see in the photo above), all served by waitresses who are often smiling.
Warning: at Vigo too, you’ll want to avoid ordering the two or three sorbets on offer in favour of milk-based ice creams. In 2021, Vigo opened a second outlet serving sorbets only, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Vigo doesn’t offer many flavours, but they’re delicious!
You can enjoy your ice cream on the terrace or, if it’s raining, in the room upstairs where you’ll usually see a lot of Italians on Sundays.
In the evening, in August, tourists can sometimes form a long queue. In that case, change your plan. The other ice-cream parlours in this article will often have no queues, and they’re just a stone’s throw away.
Flavours to try at Vigo: madagaskar, pino, pistacija
Fetiche, quality and small portions
The riverside terrace of this patissier, whose ice cream stand does not attract the crowds, is very pleasant. The reason for this is the small size of the portions served (compared to Vigo and Cacao), but the quality is there.
There’s no doubt that Fetiche offers the best vanilla in Ljubljana.
You can also try black sesame, snickers or vegan cocoa. Fétiche is an ice cream parlour for gourmets. Don’t hesitate to order your ice cream on the terrace here too, as it’s one of the city’s liveliest and most pleasant terraces.
Beware : prices are a little higher than elsewhere, but it’s good.
Flavours to try at Fetiche :
vanilla, mokka, crni sezam, snickers.
Zvezda, a pastry that every Slovenian knows
Mention Zvezda to a Slovenian and you can be sure they know because of the cakes that have been served there for over 20 years. You might even bump into the Slovenian President. A few years ago, the patisserie opened a second adjoining shop selling ice creams under the name Deli. It’s right next door to the Michelin-starred Japanese sushimama restaurant .
An institutional patisserie in Ljubljana
You’ll find good sorbets here, but at over €3 a scoop, that’s expensive for Ljubljana. There are benches to sit on, but you won’t find the pleasantness of the terraces along the river in Cacao and Fétiche.
Flavours to try :
Sorbets, jabolcni pita (apple pie)
Lolita, quality and waterfront terrace
Among the ice cream shops in Ljubljana that don’t get the clientele they deserve is Lolita. The quality of the ice creams is not the issue. The problem is with the portions, which are probably considered too small by Slovenians.
A beautiful terrace next to the central square of the three bridges
The terrace of the Lolita bar is pleasant, even if the white metal chairs are not the most pleasant. Lolita has opened a second bar with a nice terrace in the neighbourhood, which I really like. It’s quieter but very pleasant. Put this area on the agenda for your stay.
Perfumes to try :
none to recommend in particular
Gelateria Romantika, amazing flavours
In July 2021, Romantika ice cream parlour opened a second shop on the old pedestrian street (stari trg). You’re bound to walk past it.
Hidden behind some trees, the Romantika ice cream parlour is not very visible and few tourists see this stall, which focuses on originality and the quality of the ingredients in its recipes. You don’t order scoops here, but start by choosing a ramekin size.
An ice cream parlour that focuses on originality and quality of ingredients
This ice cream parlour is a must for those who like original flavours and culinary experiments. A single orange metal table on the terrace.
Flavours to try :
Hazelnut, cucumber & lime, parmesan, sorbets
Where are the best ice creams in Ljubljana?
Here’s the map you need to use to find these good ice cream shops once you’re in Ljubljana. Note that they’ll all be easy to find when you’re there, as they’re close to the river.