Now hot weather has arrived - at least on some days - it's a good time to try out Oxford's fine selection of ice cream parlours.

Here are six highly rated ice cream and dessert parlours in the city.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but if you are on the hunt for ice cream it might be a good idea to start with these.

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1: Alfonso Gelatera in Banbury Road, Summertown

The original Alfonso Gelateria food truck opened in May 2018 in the centre of Summertown, North Oxford. 

Oxford Mail:

This is what started its gelato journey and ice cream obsession. It has been a summer feature ever since and have been delighted servicing the local families, schools and offices in the area.

There are also shops in Witney and Woodstock.

2: iScream Gelateria in the Covered Market

Graham MacDonald knows there is hot competition in Oxford when it comes to selling artisan ice cream and gelato.

But the Covered Market trader is so confident in his product that he is able to remain calm.

Oxford Mail:

Mr MacDonald and wife Jen launched iScream geleteria about eight years ago and have been improving the business ever since.

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He said earlier: “I am the original here in Oxford and I’m still here and going strong six years on.

“I am improving standards all the time and work just as hard now as I did do then."

 3: Swoon in High Street

Authentic Italian gelateria Swoon opened a new store in Oxford in 2019.

Oxford Mail:

With two successful sites already in Bristol and Bath, the new High Street branch will serve a selection of sweet gelatos and sorbets, among other treats.

Swoon is the brainchild of Bruno Forte and Pat Powell, the latest generation in a family of gelato makers going back 120 years.

4: George & Davis - Little Clarendon Street

5: George and Delilah - Cowley Road 

6: George and Danver - St Aldate's

There are three G&Ds ice cream cafes in different parts of the city, and the ice cream is also sold at Jericho Coffee Traders cafe at Oxford Castle, and at the Botanic Garden.

Oxford Mail: A member of staff at G&Ds

One visitor to George & Davis in Little Clarendon Street left a five- star review on Tripadvisor.

The diner wrote: "I was on my way to another spot for a quick bite for lunch, another place highly reviewed on this very site, when I stumbled across the legendary G&D's and thought, "Well, clearly my plans have changed."

"I'm really glad they did. G&D's is a legendary eatery in Oxford, best known for their in-house ice cream, made just downstairs.

"I had a robust bagel with healthful things and chased it with two scoops of outstanding ice cream...and really, the bagel was good enough on its own to warrant the trip! Service is fast and friendly, and the price is great, considering the location."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.