Written by Shamrina C
Sri Lanka’s ice cream scene is a year-round celebration. We’ve rounded up the most beloved spots in Colombo, balancing tradition with innovation in 2025.
1. Carnival Ice Cream (Colombo 3)
Why go:
A long-time local favorite housed in a charming colonial-style parlour. Known for its rich, creamy scoops and adventurous flavors like Nutcracker, Durian, and Falooda Frappe, Carnival combines nostalgia with modern flair. The spacious seating area and attentive staff add to its appeal.
Prices:
- Scoops: LKR 540–660 each
- 500 ml tub: LKR 1,560–1,920
- 1 L tub: LKR 2,160–2,280
Hours:
- Daily 10:00 AM–12:00 AM
Contact: +94 115 346 139 / Facebook page (Carnival Ice Cream)
Sneak Tip:
Visit on a weekday afternoon to minimize queues. Parking is plentiful nearby.
2. Cravello (Colombo 10 & Colombo 13)
Why go:
Colombo’s beloved soft‑serve destination: creamy, nostalgic, and wallet‑friendly. Flavors rotate monthly, including crowd-favorites like vanilla, chocolate swirl, and seasonal scoops. Frequent social media updates tease new flavors such as Mango Swirl.
Pricing: LKR 180–320 per ice cream cone or cup
Hours: Typically open until late evening (often until 11 PM) as per Facebook posts
Contact:
Locations at 155/A Jampettah Street (Colombo 13) and 70 Deans Road (Colombo 10); follow Cravello Sri Lanka for updates
Sneak Tip:
Try their flavor-of-the-month and follow their Instagram for pop-up stands in city malls.
3. Royal Creamery (Colombo 9)
Why go:
A trendy ice cream parlour on Baseline Road known for its creative rolled ice creams, indulgent freak-shakes, milkshakes, sundaes, and classic scoops. Flavors and presentations are playful and over-the-top, often featuring toppings like KitKat, Nutella, and fresh fruit. The founder’s insistence on premium ingredients, sourced from the US and Dubai, gives the offerings a slightly upscale edge.
Pricing:
- Scoops: LKR 260–287, with specialty like kulfi around LKR 388
- Rolled ice creams & sundae bowls: LKR 550–700 (examples include Berry Tower at LKR 700, Chocolate Monster at LKR 550, Berry Blast at LKR 550)
- Milkshakes & freak-shakes: Starting at LKR 450; premium freak-shakes can go up to LKR 850
Hours & Contact: Weekdays open from 11:00 AM; weekdays close around 10:30 PM, Saturdays until 11:00 PM, Sundays open from 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Sneak Tip:
Opt for their signature specials like the Berry Tower or the decadent Chocolate Monster, both deliver on flavor and visual flair. The spot really comes alive in the evening, making it ideal for a colorful night-time dessert outing. Parking is generally available nearby too, which makes it a convenient stop if you’re driving.
4. Alerics Ice Cream (Retail & Online)
Why go:
Sri Lanka’s heritage brand has returned with a modern twist; artisan popsicles, fudge bars, and tubs crafted with street-food nostalgia. Especially popular flavors include chocolate chip cookie dough and caramel fudge.
Pricing: LKR 400–600 per tub or pop
Availability: Orderable online through brand website; delivery in Colombo
Sneak Tip:
Ideal for home delivery; look for limited-run specials and packs around holidays.
5. Highland Ice Cream (Widespread Retail)
Why go:
A dependable, budget-friendly option across supermarkets and convenience stores. Highland Chocolate and Fruit & Nut provide consistent flavor and quality, perfect for quick treat runs. Reddit reviews often call Highland “chef’s kiss.”
Pricing: LKR 100–150 per cup
Availability: Widely stocked across Lanka Super, Laugfs, and retail stores
Sneak Tip:
Best saved for everyday cravings; pick up along with groceries.
6. Isle of Gelato (Colombo City Centre)
Why go:
An upscale gelato shop with Italian-inspired small-batch batches made in Sri Lanka. Favorites include Brownie, Puttalam Sea Salt, and Caramel Salt. Also vegan-friendly options like cashew caramel and coconut-mango sorbets.
Pricing: LKR 500–700 per scoop; 500 ml ~LKR 2,500
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
Contact: +94 77 771 2732; Instagram: @isleofgelato
Sneak Tip: Vegan sorbets gain rave reviews; try Puttalam Sea Salt or Brownie flavors first.
7. Rio Ice Cream (Colombo & Jaffna brands)
Why go:
Family-friendly, colorful ice cream sundaes that feel like nostalgia in a cup. Cashews, jelly, pink syrup and biscuits give Rio’s creations a distinct “southeast” flair. Consistently affordable and widely available.
Pricing: LKR 250–350 per sundae or milkshake (wanderlog guides)
Hours & Contact: Various branches throughout Colombo; check Facebook for current location info
Sneak Tip:
Download local delivery apps (Uber Eats, PickMe Food) to order Rio sundaes at home.
Bonus Tips for Ice Cream Explorers:
- Ask about the flavor of the week/month. Carnival, Cravello, and Alerics often rotate seasonally.
- Some places like JAM and Isle of Gelato offer vegan sorbet options. Ask in-store.
- Many shops participate in delivery platforms. Check Uber Eats or PickMe Food if you’re staying in.
- Plan your route via Colombo: Carnival or Cravello first, then top off with Isle of Gelato for elegant scoops.
