After posting where to eat pizza in Het Gooi, today let’s talk about ice cream.
Honestly, this topic is easier compared to pizza because most, if not all, of the ice cream parlours I’ve tried so far were very good.
Enough blabbing though, let’s cut to the chase.
If you spend enough time hanging around Hilversum, you’re bound to have heard of Kings.
With two branches, both shops offer a large variety of flavours, ranging from fresh fruit options to more exotic combinations. Everything is artisanally made, with plenty of vegan and lactose-free options available.
Interestingly, they’ve created their very own flavour called “Maxima” in honour of the Queen for King’s Day! I tried it out of sheer curiosity and it was lovely, with a subtle, zesty citrus aftertaste.
Apparently, they also do amazing chips, though I haven’t got round to trying them yet. I definitely will sooner or later!
Addresses:
- Centrum: Stationsstraat 35, 1211EL Hilversum
- Gooiland: Emmastraat 2D, 1211NG Hilversum
Next up, we’re heading to Bussum to check out IJssalon Dolomiti. With its big, bold orange signage, it’s really impossible to miss!
This family-run spot offers a large range and incredibly colourful selection of ice cream. Everything is freshly made, focusing on simple yet absolutely delicious flavours.
Ice cream is in their DNA here. The owner’s grandfather originally opened and ran a shop in the Jordaan, which is actually still going strong toda; while his parents run their own place, IJssalon Lucca, in Zandvoort. As for Dolomiti? It was taken over from an aunt. Talk about a family affair!
My top three favourite flavours here are pistachio, yoghurt, and hazelnut. I also have to give a shout-out to their “Smurf” ice cream, which gets its vibrant blue colour naturally from spirulina.
They also offer vegan flavours, along with gluten-free and lactose-free options. You can even get a gluten-free waffle cone option.
I really admire how they use the winter months as an opportunity to study and experiment, perfecting their high-quality ice cream for the summer season. It just goes to show the sheer passion and talent behind what they do.
Address: Vlietlaan 6, 1404 CA Bussum
De Hoop is no ordinary ice cream parlour. Here, it’s all about sophistication and a profound dedication to crafting excellent products.
They were named Ijssalon van het jaar 2025 (Ice Cream Parlour of the Year 2025), and they definitely deserve it, along with all the other brilliant accolades achieved over four generations of family management.
Yes, you read that right. Founded in 1926 originally as a dairy farm, before turning into an ice cream shop in the 1950s, the location is now in the hands of its fourth generation.
When I first arrived, I was completely struck by how beautiful and grand the place is. Modern with a vintage soul, I absolutely love the combination of pink and green with elegant gold accents.
Beyond just grabbing a scoop of ice cream, you can also indulge in milkshakes, elaborate sundaes, and cakes. I’ve tried their “Cherise” and “Triple Choc” sundaes on different occasions, and they were divine.
But it’s not just the taste that blows you away, it’s the way they present their dishes, turning a simple treat into a full sensory experience.
Address: Huizerweg 10, 1261 AW, Blaricum
Let’s head back to Hilversum, specifically to the Gijsbrecht area, to talk about Buon Gusto.
This location is an absolute gem. I call it that because every single time I enjoy one of their scoops or a sundae, I feel like I’m back home in Italy
I think it’s because of two factors. Firstly, the flavours are simple and incredibly good; they don’t do anything overly extravagant or elaborate. Secondly, their ice cream sundaes are beautifully old-school, just like the ones you get in Italy.
I once ordered a fruit sundae and it was absolutely astounding. Not only was everything top-tier quality, but the portion was incredibly generous. If you guys ever order it, make sure to share it.
They also offer a fantastic range of ice cream cakes, semifreddi, panna cotta, and tiramisu.
Address: Gijsbrecht van Amstelstraat 117, 1214 AW Hilversum
When I used to catsit in Huizen, a trip to Sundaes was a must.
Here you can go wild with the flavour choices, they are elaborate and vibrantly colourful, yet made with top-quality ingredients. From piña colada to spekkoek, their imagination knows no bounds.
As someone who usually prefers classic flavours, I have to admit I never know what to choose here! I’ve tried a fig flavour a couple of times which was phenomenal, and a carrot cake one that I’m pretty sure transported me to another dimension, it was that good.
Their ice cream cakes and desserts are really nice to look at. Everything is incredibly colourful and beautifully decorated, whatever you pick up from them is guaranteed to impress.
I really love the artistic flair behind not just the flavours, but the presentation too. Plus, if you visit Sundaes during festive periods, you’ll always find nice themed flavours.
Address: Oostermeent-Oost 80, 1274 SN Huizen
Vorst
In the heart of Hilversum lies an unassuming-looking kiosk with wonderful ice cream.
At Vorst, you can expect simple yet incredibly rich flavoured ice cream. Having said that, they do sometimes offer fruit flavours I’ve never heard of in my life, and they happen to be, I think, the best. One such example is sea buckthorn, which has become one of my personal favourites.
I had the pleasure of chatting with the owner a while ago, and he explained that he opened the kiosk purely out of passion. And it shows (and tastes like it).
As the saying goes: don’t judge a book by its cover.
Address: Keiplein 1, 1211 BR Hilversum
In Conclusion
Overall, finding good ice cream in Het Gooi isn’t difficult at all. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. For those looking for simple flavours done exactly right, I recommend Dolomiti, Buon Gusto, and Vorst. De Hoop is ideal if you’re after elegance and sophistication. Meanwhile, Kings and Sundaes offer more elaborate and vibrant flavours and combinations.
I know there are a few other ice cream parlours missing from this list. For the time being, I’ve still got IJssalon Pistache, Tiramisù, and Gelato Mio on my bucket list to try.
Please let me know if there are any other spots I should check out.
Until next time!
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