Craft-D Ice Cream Parlour
About
Craft-D Ice Cream Parlour is a delightful artisanal ice cream shop in Melrose that welcomes families with open arms and creative flavor options. Kids will love exploring unique South African-inspired flavors while parents appreciate the quality ingredients, reasonable prices, and relaxed atmosphere perfect for a sweet treat stop during your Johannesburg adventures.
Highlights
- ✓Unique South African flavor combinations you won't find at home
- ✓Kid-friendly portion sizes perfect for small appetites
- ✓Welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere with patient staff
- ✓Artisanal quality ice cream at reasonable prices
- ✓Located in the upscale Melrose Arch shopping district with safe, walkable surroundings
Pro Tips
- 1.Ask for taster spoons before ordering so kids can try unusual South African flavors like rooibos, amarula, or peppermint crisp before committing to a scoop
- 2.Visit during off-peak hours (weekday afternoons around 2-4pm) to avoid weekend crowds and get more personalized service
- 3.Melrose Arch area has good street parking, but arrive early on weekends as the shopping district gets busy
- 4.Bring cash as backup, as some smaller South African establishments may have intermittent card machine issues
- 5.The shop's air conditioning makes it a perfect refuge during hot Johannesburg summer afternoons
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm offer the quietest experience. Summer months (December to February) are peak ice cream season in South Africa, but the shop is enjoyable year-round. Avoid Saturday afternoons when local families flock here.
What to Know
With budget-friendly pricing ($ range), this is an affordable family treat. The Melrose Arch area is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of nearby shops and parking options. Most staff speak English fluently, making ordering easy for international visitors.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though summer (December to February) is the busiest season when South Africans crave cold treats. Winter visits (June to August) offer a cozy experience with fewer crowds, and hot chocolate or coffee options may be available alongside ice cream.
Nearby Eats
Melrose Arch offers numerous family-friendly dining options within walking distance, including The Grillhouse for quality steaks and Rockets for American-style burgers and milkshakes that kids love.
More Activities Near Melrose
Melrose Bird Sanctuary
Melrose Bird Sanctuary offers a tranquil escape where families can spot colorful South African bird species while strolling easy walking trails through natural habitat. The combination of free admission, educational signage, and peaceful picnic spots makes this an ideal low-key outing for introducing children to birdwatching and local wildlife.
Melrose
This welcoming neighborhood park in Melrose offers a perfect escape for families looking to enjoy Johannesburg's pleasant weather. With well-maintained playground equipment, spacious lawns ideal for picnics and outdoor games, and safe walking paths, it provides a relaxed environment where children can play freely while parents unwind in one of Jo'burg's more upscale residential areas.
Casa Labia
Casa Labia offers families a chance to explore a beautifully preserved Italian-style mansion while children discover art in a welcoming, non-stuffy environment. The expansive gardens provide plenty of space for kids to roam between galleries, and the venue regularly hosts family-oriented cultural events, workshops, and performances that make art accessible to young visitors.
Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch is a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle precinct that offers families a safe, car-free environment to explore with children. With its plaza-style layout, outdoor seating areas, ice cream parlors, and family restaurants, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or casual afternoon outing where kids can move around freely while parents enjoy quality dining and shopping.