Local Favorites: Top 5+ Best Ice Cream Places in Downtown Raleigh NC

I may have mentioned on here before that I am not a huge dessert fan. However, there is something about a chocolate-peanut butter scoop in a waffle cone that just screams summer. David definitely has the sweet tooth in the relationship, so together we have done the important work of finding the best ice cream in (and around) Raleigh downtown. Whether you are looking for a nostalgic custard, a creative seasonal flavor, or a photogenic gelato flower, this updated guide will help you find your new favorite. Here are the best ice cream places in downtown Raleigh NC.

This article was originally published in June 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for August 2025.

Best Ice Cream Places in Downtown Raleigh NC

Downtown Raleigh’s ice cream scene has grown a lot over the last few years, with new concepts and fresh flavors joining beloved staples. Here are my top picks—plus a few new additions since I last published this list.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

Located inside Transfer Co. Food Hall, Captain Cookie is one of my go-to spots for a fun dessert in a really unique location. While their made-to-order cookies are the star, their ice cream is equally worth the trip. The chocolate peanut butter ice cream in a warm cookie sandwich is an indulgent classic that never goes out of style. The space is casual and family-friendly, perfect for grabbing a treat before or after exploring the market.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman is at 500 E Davie St, Raleigh.

Goodberry’s Frozen Custard

Okay, so while it technically is not ice cream, Goodberry’s frozen custard is so creamy, rich, and flavorful that it deserves a spot on any list about frozen treats in North Carolina. When peanut butter is the flavor of the day, you can bet I’m there. They rotate daily flavors, so it is always worth checking the schedule online. While there are several Triangle locations, the Village District shop is the most convenient for those exploring Raleigh downtown.

Goodberry’s Frozen Custard is at 2042 Clark Ave, Raleigh. Other locations can be found here.

Raleigh Rolls

Located in Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh Rolls offers a unique twist—rolled ice cream made right in front of you. The process is mesmerizing: they pour the cream base onto a freezing surface, mix in your chosen flavors, spread it thin, and scrape it into perfect little rolls. You can choose from their fun seasonal combos, like pumpkin spice in the fall, or build your own with mix-ins like brownies, berries, or peanut butter cups.

Raleigh Rolls is at 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh.

Two Roosters Ice Cream

This shop is one of the most beloved names when it comes to ice cream in Raleigh, and their Person Street Plaza location makes it a great downtown destination. Their “forever flavors” like Blackberry Hibiscus and Roasted Strawberry & Honey are fantastic, though the real magic is in their rotating seasonal flavors. I love how they partner with local schools to create student-designed flavors—it is community-minded and delicious.

Two Roosters Ice Cream is at 215 E Franklin St #120, Raleigh. Other locations can be found here.

New Downtown Raleigh Ice Cream Additions for 2025

Since I last updated this list, downtown Raleigh has a few new frozen treat destinations that are worth your time.

Amorino Gelato

Image via Amorino Gelato Instagram

This European gelato shop brings a little Parisian flair to Raleigh downtown. Their signature is the rose-shaped gelato cone, which is as beautiful as it is tasty. Flavors range from classics like Stracciatella and Pistachio to seasonal fruit sorbets. They also offer gelato-filled macarons for an extra indulgence.

Amorino Gelato is at 137 E Davie St, Raleigh.

Howling Cow Creamery

Image via Howling Cow Creamery Instagram

While Howling Cow has been around for years at the annual NC State Fair, their expanded retail presence means it is easier than ever to grab a scoop when you are in the area. Made from milk sourced at the Dairy Education Center, their ice cream is fresh, creamy, and nostalgia-inducing. Try their signature Wolf Tracks for a peanut butter and fudge fix. This is such a unique location right outside of downtown Raleigh at NC State’s agricultural extension campus. Grab an ice cream cone and go sit in a rocker on the porch overlooking the pasture!

Howling Cow Creamery is at 100 Dairy Ln, Raleigh

Morelia Gourmet Paletas

Image via Morelia

Located near Fayetteville Street, Morelia serves gourmet Mexican paletas (popsicles) made from fresh, natural ingredients. The flavor selection is impressive—think Coconut, Belgian Chocolate, Mango, and Dulce de Leche. You can customize your paleta by dipping it in chocolate and adding toppings like crushed nuts or cookies.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas is at 500 N West St #135, Raleigh.

Plan Your Own Downtown Raleigh Ice Cream Crawl

If you are local or visiting North Carolina, you can make an afternoon of sampling the best ice cream in Raleigh. Start with rolled ice cream at Morgan Street Food Hall, wander over to City Market for a cone at Treat, then head up to Person Street for a Two Roosters seasonal scoop. End your tour with a gelato rose at Amorino or a paleta from Morelia for a sweet, Instagram-worthy finale. Here is an interactive Google Map to help plan your trip.

Tips for Enjoying Ice Cream in Raleigh Downtown

• Timing matters: Summer weekends can mean lines, especially at Two Roosters and Goodberry’s. Try weekday afternoons for a shorter wait.

• Seasonal specials: Follow your favorite shops on Instagram to keep up with limited-time flavors.

• Bring friends: Many spots are inside or near food halls, so you can mix dessert with other local eats.

• Support local: Many of these shops source ingredients from North Carolina farms and small businesses.

Why We Love Our Local Ice Cream Scene

Raleigh’s ice cream shops are more than just dessert spots—they are community hubs. From school partnerships at Two Roosters to locally sourced dairy at Howling Cow, every scoop has a story. And with so many different styles—custard, rolled ice cream, gelato, paletas—there is something for every kind of sweet tooth.