Rating an ice cream shop isn’t just about how good the ice cream tastes. For true connoisseurs (like you!), it’s also about the overall experience, from flavour to service to the shop’s vibe. In this guide, we’ll break down the three main categories you should consider when reviewing your next scoop stop: taste, service, and atmosphere.
Whether you’re visiting your favourite spots from the Ice Cream Trail or exploring new places, this handy guide will ensure you know how to rate like a pro!
Taste: The Heart of the Experience
The most important part of any ice cream shop visit is the taste. But there’s more to it than just whether or not you like it—let’s dive into the elements of great ice cream flavour.
Texture
The texture of ice cream plays a huge role in the overall experience. Is it smooth and creamy, or is it icy and grainy? The perfect scoop should be rich, silky, and melt beautifully on your tongue. For example, at Birchwood Dairy in Abbotsford, the Field of Berries flavour is incredibly creamy and packed with all-natural, fresh ingredients. Their homemade ice cream, made with a high butterfat content, ensures that every bite is indulgent and smooth.
Flavour Depth
A great ice cream flavour is bold without being overpowering. It should be well-balanced and taste natural, not artificial. When you try the Everything Bagel from Ruru Baked, you’ll notice how they balance the subtle sweetness of cream cheese with the savoury notes of the seedy crumble. The combination of onion, garlic, and seeds may sound unusual, but it creates a deliciously unique experience for your taste buds.
Ingredient Quality
The best ice creams are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Shops like Vashti Rose use locally sourced, organic milk, eggs, and cream, resulting in natural flavours that burst through in each scoop. When ingredients are this fresh, you can really taste the difference. Their Tiger Tail flavour, which combines citrusy blood orange with handcrafted black licorice, is a must-try for its vibrant, real taste.
Vashti Rose Tiger Tail and Orange Cardamom Ginger Ice Cream
Service: Going Beyond the Scoop
Customer service can elevate or detract from your ice cream experience. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and efficient service make a difference, so here’s what to consider.
Friendliness and Fun
When you walk into an ice cream shop, the energy of the staff can set the tone. Are they enthusiastic about their offerings? Shops like Dutch Dreams are known not just for their over-the-top cones, but also for their team’s excitement and love for what they do. Their playful attitude is reflected in their wild presentation, whether it's cotton candy toppings or giant cherries on top of a mountain of ice cream.
Speed and Efficiency
Nobody wants to wait too long for their ice cream, especially on a hot day! Quick service is crucial, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. At Soft Peaks, their team manages to create elaborate treats like the Mudslide soft-serve with crushed Tim Tams without missing a beat. The ability to serve decadent creations quickly, yet with precision, is something to look out for.
Personal Touches
Some shops go the extra mile to make your ice cream feel special. Whether it’s a fun presentation or adding unique toppings, these little details can really make the difference. Ruru Baked does this wonderfully by incorporating creative flavours and quirky names, such as the previously mentioned Everything Bagel. It’s these thoughtful details that turn a good experience into a great one.
Atmosphere: Vibe Matters
The vibe of an ice cream shop is just as important as the taste and service. Does the shop’s ambiance match the experience you want? Here’s what to look for.
Ambiance
A great ice cream shop has a welcoming atmosphere, whether it’s modern and sleek or cozy and nostalgic. Elephant Garden Creamery embraces a clean, minimalist vibe in Vancouver, which makes it a perfect spot for those who want a relaxing, laid-back ice cream experience. On the flip side, Dutch Dreams offers a more eclectic, vibrant setting, where the decor is as over-the-top as their ice cream. No matter your style, the shop’s vibe should enhance your visit.
Seating and Layout
Does the shop offer comfortable seating? Is the space clean and easy to navigate? These practical considerations matter, especially if you’re planning to sit down and enjoy your treat. Shops like Crazy Cows create an inviting space where you can sit back and enjoy a freshly made gelato or espresso while watching your ice cream being made fresh in-house.
Instagram Worthiness
In the age of social media, how photogenic your ice cream is can be just as important as how it tastes! Shops like Dutch Dreams understand this, serving cones that are absolute works of art. From their towering scoops topped with everything from cotton candy to whole slices of cake, these creations are practically begging to be posted on Instagram.
Elephant Garden Creamery in Vancouver
Pro-Tip: Capture the Perfect Shot!
When you’re at an ice cream shop, presentation matters for that perfect Instagram shot. At Dutch Dreams, their extravagant cones piled high with toppings like cherries, marshmallows, and sprinkles make for an ideal snap. And if you’re visiting Soft Peaks, a perfectly swirled soft-serve topped with their signature Mudslide additions makes a beautiful, mouthwatering photo.
For the perfect ice cream photo:
- Hold the cone against a colourful backdrop.
- Snap in natural light to make those toppings pop.
- Get creative with angles—tilt your cone slightly for a dynamic shot!
The Ultimate Ice Cream Shop Rating Checklist
Now that you know what to look for, here’s a quick checklist to help you rate an ice cream shop like a pro:
- Taste: Look for a creamy texture, natural flavours, and fresh ingredients.
- Service: Focus on friendliness, speed, and those extra little touches.
- Atmosphere: Check the ambiance, cleanliness, and whether the shop is Instagram-worthy.
Time for Your Next Ice Cream Adventure!
Now that you’ve got the tools to rate ice cream shops like a seasoned expert, it’s time to start exploring. Want to discover more amazing ice cream spots? Grab your city's Ice Cream Trail and start your sweet journey through the best ice cream shops around! It’s packed with recommendations, fun facts, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.