't Galetje
Leuven’s most iconic ice cream bar. There is often a long queue in front of this ice cream shop, which is usually a good sign. Don’t worry: the queue moves fairly quickly. With a wide variety of flavours to choose from, you’ll want to come back for seconds. ’t Galetje is only open during spring and summer and is an absolute hotspot for foodies in Leuven. Take a look at their Facebook or Instagram page to see what the flavour of the month is!
Sarah Renson
Pastry chef Sarah Renson learned her craft at establishments such as Joost Arijs, The Jane, ZUUT, and Hof van Cleve. Today, she has two locations of her own in Leuven. There, Sarah has everything: cakes, biscuits, desserts, pastries, and easy-scoop ice cream. Buy ice cream in tubs all year-round, or order ice cream from the counter on Pensstraat during the warmer months.
Memorijs
Memorijs in Kessel-Lo is an ice cream bar with a mission: big flavours and a small footprint. Memorijs operates as waste-free as possible. Everything from the cones to the ice cream cups, coffee cups, and spoons are edible. Don’t like biscuits? Then you can bring your own bowl. Moreover, Memorijs serves plant-based, lactose-free, and gluten-free ice creams in addition to classic ice cream. From now on, get your environmentally conscious ice cream at Memorijs on Wheels, the ice cream truck at Hal 5!
ZUUT
At ZUUT pastry-chocolate shop, you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream, served from the serving window. Here, you feast on real ice cream made with pure ingredients: milk, egg yolks, cream, and sugar form the basis, while the flavours follow the rhythm of the seasons. But the serving window isn’t the only place to get something tasty; pop into ZUUT for delicious cakes, chocolate bonbons, and other types of chocolate. Don’t have a sweet tooth? You’ll also find bread, fresh from the oven at the neighbouring ZOUT.
Decadenza Gelateria
Located in the famous Ladeuzeplein, this gelato shop has practically every flavour you could wish for. And you get the view of the beautiful University Library with it for free! Settle down on one of the benches on the square, enjoy your ice cream, and watch students and Leuven locals move through the city.
Pinguino
Pinguino was born out of the love story between two Leuven students who met in 2020. Since their very first date, they haven’t left each other’s side. In 2023, they made their sweet dream come true with Pinguino, an ice cream bar with tenacity. A few steps from the Oude Markt, it’s the ideal place to eat your ice cream and hang out at a sidewalk café afterwards.
More ice cream to savour in Leuven
Lucullus
You’ll find this farm in the middle of the fields around Leuven, where you can go for artisanal, gluten-free ice cream without flavourings and preservatives. A true hidden gem!
Address: Trolieberg 46, 3010 Leuven
IceMonki
At IceMonki, located on the cosy Park Belle-Vue, you can eat among the Leuven locals. Plop down on the grass or on the basketball court in front of the ice cream bar and eat away!
Address: Martelarenlaan 221, 3010 Leuven
Ijsbar Sis
In spring and summer, they scoop ice cream from this food truck every Wednesday and Sunday, with extra opening days when the weather is nice.
Address: Koning Albertlaan 250, 3010 Leuven
Staying over?
Chances are you’ll end up staying longer in the city than you expected on a balmy summer’s night... No worries! Leuven has a wide range of accommodation where you’ll immediately feel at home.
