The 20 Best Ice Cream Restaurants in Missouri

Gelato Di Riso is a cozy Italian café on The Hill known for its classic gelato, coffee drinks, panini, and salads. The gelato is made fresh daily with natural ingredients, offering a velvety texture and rich, vibrant flavors. Guests can relax indoors amid photos of Italy or enjoy outdoor seating while taking in the neighborhood atmosphere.

The Funky Twig specializes in small-batch, creamy ice cream in rotating flavors, alongside an assortment of specialty coffee and latte drinks. Guests can sample flavors before choosing, with options like dark chocolate almond cherry often highlighted. The interior features eclectic, playful décor with varied seating that creates a lively café-style setting.

South Central Creamery is a classic hand-scooped ice cream parlor offering an extensive selection of flavors, including sugar-free options. Guests choose from a range of cones, with freshly made dipped waffle cones prepared in view. The ice cream is noted for its rich, creamy texture, and the welcoming staff and casual setting make it a popular stop for both travelers and locals.

Sara's Ice Cream is a nostalgic ice cream parlor with a 1930s–40s feel, decorated with vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia and classic glassware. The shop serves Prairie Farms ice cream, along with sodas, floats, phosphates, shakes, and house specialties like a chocolate-dipped mint ice cream sandwich. Limited indoor seating and outdoor benches create a casual spot to pause while exploring downtown, complemented by personable counter service.

Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store offers classic ice cream treats, from sundaes to waffle cones, along with a selection of packaged dairy products to take home. Guests highlight the smooth, flavorful ice cream and the variety of options. The shop is described as clean and well organized, with counter service and seating for those who wish to linger. Board games and chess tables add a casual, family-friendly touch to the experience.

Fritz's Frozen Custard serves rich, creamy frozen custard in classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, along with a changing flavor of the day. Guests choose from sundaes, concretes, and custard mixed with a variety of toppings, with options such as turtle sundaes and caramel or fruit combinations. The neon-lit stand in an older St. Louis neighborhood offers a nostalgic, locally rooted dessert experience.

Kilwins is a classic sweet shop known for its handmade chocolates, caramels, brittle, and caramel apples. Guests can watch confections being crafted while choosing from rich ice cream, specialty hot chocolate, and other treats. The shop is clean, lively, and efficiently run, with attentive staff contributing to an inviting atmosphere.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams offers rich, thoughtfully crafted ice creams in an array of inventive flavors, including options like brambleberry crumble and peanut butter and jelly. Guests can sample flavors, opt for flights to try several at once, or enjoy their choice in a waffle bowl. The shop provides some indoor seating for lingering over dessert. Friendly, efficient staff and visible recycling and composting efforts add to the experience.

Dairy Isle & Grill is a longstanding small-town spot known for its classic ice cream treats and casual grill favorites. Guests order at a walk-up window and can relax at indoor or outdoor seating while enjoying cones, sundaes, shakes, or concretes. Juicy burgers with fries complement the sweets, and service is described as quick, cheerful, and welcoming in a clean setting.

Clementine's Naughty & Nice Ice Cream - Clayton is a neighborhood micro-creamery known for its rich texture and imaginative flavors. Rotating options range from layered chocolate varieties to flavors inspired by local desserts. Flavored cones add another dimension, and the staff provides efficient, helpful service in a casual, walkable setting.

Lix Frozen Custard serves rich, creamy frozen custard with a smooth texture and pronounced dairy flavor. Guests enjoy classics like plain vanilla as well as indulgent creations such as brownie concretes with hot fudge and whipped cream. A changing selection of flavors keeps the menu interesting, and the shop is a popular stop for families and locals looking for a sweet treat.