After wandering through the Malioboro area or exploring Prawirotaman Street, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a scoop of gelato. Going hand in hand with the city’s thriving café culture, the best gelato in Jogja has become a favorite stop for both locals and travelers alike.
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Follow this article to discover the best gelato in Jogja, perfect for cooling down after a hot afternoon, ending a satisfying dinner, or simply treating yourself between sightseeing stops.
Why Gelato Is Popular in Jogja’s Cafe Scene
Over the past few years, gelato has become an unmissable culinary stop in Yogyakarta. One reason is the city’s tropical climate, where a cold dessert offers welcome relief from the heat. Beyond that, Yogyakarta has also evolved into a vibrant café city, driven by its large student community and growing appetite for coffee, desserts, and social spaces.
Gelato vs Ice Cream: What Is the Difference?
Despite looking similar, gelato and ice cream differ in several ways. Gelato is made with more milk and less cream, giving it a lower fat content than traditional ice cream. It’s also churned more slowly and served at a slightly warmer temperature, incorporating less air to create a denser, silkier texture and a richer flavor.
Best Gelato Spots in Jogja
Tempo Gelato
Tempo Gelato is widely considered one of the most authentic and best gelato in Jogja. During peak season, this iconic dessert café is always packed with visitors, thanks to its strategic locations throughout the city, including Prawirotaman, Taman Siswa, Jalan Godean, and Jalan Kaliurang.
The menu features 65 different flavors, ranging from classics like white chocolate and matcha to more refreshing options such as melon and mango. If possible, dining in allows you to enjoy the vintage industrial ambiance, though during peak hours, it’s best to opt for takeout to avoid the crowds.
- Address: Multiple branches, including Prawirotaman, Taman Siswa, Jalan Godean, and Jalan Kaliurang
- Operating Hours: 9 AM – 10.30 PM
- Instagram: @tempogelato
Aurora Gelato
If you’re looking for authentic Italian-style gelato with a more affordable price, Aurora Gelato deserves a spot on your dessert itinerary. Backed by the team behind Bali’s famous Massimo Gelato, Aurora Gelato freshly crafts its artisan gelato using 100% natural ingredients.
Visitors can enjoy their scoops in both cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas, savoring generous portions with a balanced level of sweetness. If you’re a pistachio lover, visit on the weekend, when the shop serves its exclusive Pistachio flavor.
- Address: Daerah Istimewa, Ruko DTA Square, Jl. Seturan Raya No.12B, Kledokan, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55288
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Instagram: @auroragelatoyogyakarta
MILK by Artemy
Strategically located on Jalan Kranggan, MILK by Artemy makes each sweet stop a fun experience on its own. Every scoop is served in a stylish café featuring comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, complemented with a kids playground and exciting photo booth.
The shop is also known to produce its gelato in limited batches to maintain freshness and consistency across its rotating seasonal flavors, from Rainbow Cookies and Marie Biscuit to Mango Cream.
- Address: Jl. Kranggan No.58, Cokrodiningratan, Kec. Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55233
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Instagram: @milkbyartemy
Bambino Gelato
Of all the best gelato in Jogja, Bambino Gelato offers a cozy café atmosphere with a playful selection of flavors. Alongside familiar favorites, the shop is known for creative Indonesian-inspired varieties such as Jasuke and Roti Bakar, giving visitors something unique to try. Both dine-in and takeaway are available.
- Address: Multiple branches, including Prawirotaman, Jalan Kaliurang, Kotabaru, and PICTNIQ
- Operating Hours: Vary by branch
- Instagram: @bambinogelato.id
Malio Gelato
One of the most worthwhile dessert stops after exploring Malioboro is Malio Gelato. The shop serves more than 30 flavors, ranging from creamy classics to refreshing fruit-based options, all in a cozy setting overlooking one of Jogja’s busiest streets. While takeaway is convenient for travelers on the move, dining in lets you savor every scoop while soaking up the lively atmosphere of Malioboro.
- Address: Jl. Malioboro No.129A, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55271
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Instagram: @maliogelato
FAQ
Where to find gelato in Jogja?
Some of the best places to enjoy gelato in Jogja include Tempo Gelato, Aurora Gelato, MILK by Artemy, Malio Gelato, and Bambino Gelato. Each offers its own signature flavors and atmosphere.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato contains less fat and less air than traditional ice cream, resulting in a smoother texture. It’s also served at a slightly warmer temperature, which helps bring out its flavors.
What dessert should I try in Jogja?
Besides traditional sweets, gelato is one of the city’s most popular modern desserts.
The best gelato in Jogja perfectly complements the city’s warm weather, with each shop offering its own signature flavors, ambience, and experience.
Whether you’re exploring the cafés of Prawirotaman, shopping along Malioboro, or spending the day around Seturan, there’s a gelato shop conveniently located along your route. For an even sweeter culinary adventure, continue with our guides to the top-rated pastry in Jogja and the best coffee shops in Jogja.