Ice cream has always been one of the best-frozen desserts, especially on a hot day or after a full meal.
This is also true in NYC, where food and numerous cultures are abundant. NYC has everything, whether you want an Asian-inspired flavor or a Gelato.
So ready your tongues and sweet tooths as we curate for you the top 11 best ice cream NYC takes pride in!
1. Malai
Just imagine blending South Asian ingredients into ice cream; this ingenious concept forms the backbone of Malai.
Once you step inside, you’re instantly charmed by the vibrant pink decor—like entering a whimsical frozen kingdom.
The staff are not just attentive, but they’re also quite knowledgeable, ready to guide first-time visitors through Malai’s unique offerings.
Taking inspiration from South Asian cuisine, Malai’s ice cream is handcrafted, eggless, and churned with minimal air, yielding a creamy, light, and robustly flavored dessert.
An absolute favorite is the Masala Chai, an intriguing fusion of sweetness and spice inspired by India’s traditional Masala tea and infused with notes of ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper.
Another innovative flavor you must try is the Lemon Cardamom—an unexpectedly delightful marriage of tart lemon and floral cardamom.
What to Order: Masala Chai, Lemon Cardamom, Sweet Corn Saffron
Address: 268 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, Degraw St & Sackett St, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus
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2. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Get ready for an ice cream adventure of divine proportions at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a thriving chain sprinkled throughout New York.
Each of their shops emanates a comfy, laid-back vibe enhanced by vibrant, cheerful interiors—perfect for leisurely enjoying your frozen treat.
The menu in Van Leeuwen is a dream come true for any ice cream lover, as each batch is carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients. They have classic flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla and even unique ones like Earl Grey Tea.
Plus, they also offer vegan and dairy-free ice cream, ensuring that everyone can experience their frozen delicacy.
Those with a sweet tooth get the sweet and caramel-y Honeycomb flavor. Another unique flavor is the refreshing and fragrant Earl Grey Tea with citrusy hint.
And for those looking for an old-fashioned creamy treat, the Cookies and Cream and Vanilla Bean flavors hit the spot just right.
What to Order: Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, Cookies and Cream, Vanilla Bean, Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Addresses: Multiple Locations
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3. Smoove Ice Cream
Smoove is your go-to neighborhood spot in NYC to enjoy a bounty of sweet treats like ice cream, croffles, boba, and cakes, whether it’s a get-together with friends or a family outing.
The locale exudes a warm and friendly aura – it will make you feel right at home. And their order process is pretty nifty! Place your order at a kiosk and hand it to the charming staff at the counter, who will serve you with a bright smile.
But don’t be misled by the array of sweet offerings – at its heart, Smoove is an artisanal ice cream shop nestled in Chinatown, specializing in homemade premium ice cream and ice cream cakes.
A scoop of their Ube flavor is like tasting a little slice of heaven – a vivid Filipino treat that’s a sweet purple yam, tasting quite like taro but with a nuttier edge.
Their Tropical Durian flavor is another Asian-inspired delicacy, capturing the sweetness and muskiness of the Southeast Asian fruit, famously known as the King of Fruits, sans the notorious smell.
Tea lovers will relish their collection of tea-flavored delights – from the sweet, aromatic Jasmine Milk Tea and the slightly bitter but healthy Matcha Green Tea to the vanilla and floral notes in Thai Tea and the floral, citrusy undertones of Earl Grey Tea.
What to Order: Ube (purple yam), Tropical Durian, Jasmine Milk Tea, Matcha Green Tea, Thai Tea, Earl Grey Tea
Address: 279 Grand St, New York, NY 10002 Eldridge St & Forsyth St Lower East Side
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4. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream has certainly earned its place as a beloved hotspot in NYC, where folks are more than willing to queue up for a taste of their mouthwatering ice cream.
The place buzzes with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, boasting an old-school diner vibe complete with friendly and efficient service.
And let’s talk about their ice cream – it’s a realm of innovative, mind-boggling flavors that are bound to leave you dazzled, all packaged in a silky, creamy texture.
One of these unique offerings is Cardamom Lemon Jam, a flavor that is subtly spicy and slightly sweet with pieces of lemon jam. Matcha lovers will like their Green Tea Pistachio, a super light matcha flavor with loads of crushed pistachio.
Also, you wouldn’t want to miss out on their Burnt Honey Vanilla and Yuzu Milk Tea flavors. The Burnt Honey Vanilla transports your taste buds to a world reminiscent of butterscotch, while the Yuzu Milk Tea serves up a tangy, citrusy delight.
What to Order: Cardamom Lemon Jam, Green Tea Pistachio, Burnt Honey Vanilla, Yuzu Milk Tea
Address: 2 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002, Freeman Aly & Bowery Lower East Side
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5. Sedutto
Sedutto is a charming ice cream spot that has captured the hearts of both locals and tourists alike.
They’re for everyone bored with the traditional chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavors and looking for something a little more adventurous. They may have a small space, but the shop is always bustling with a friendly and lively atmosphere.
You might find yourself a little overwhelmed with the wide range of flavor options at Sedutto, but we’ve got you covered! The Peanut Butter Crunch is an absolute treat for all peanut butter lovers, delivering a heavenly experience.
Then there’s Pirate Treasure, a delectable blend of sweet caramel ice cream loaded with Oreos and M&M’s. Also, don’t forget to try the Apple Pie flavor; it’s essentially an apple pie a la mode served in a cup or cone, complete with delicious apple chunks.
What to Order: Peanut Butter Crunch, Pirate Treasure, Apple Pie, Chocolate Peanut Swirl
Address: 1498 First Avenue (between 78th and 79th streets), New York, NY 10075
6. il laboratorio del gelato
Il Laboratorio Del Gelato is no ordinary ice cream parlor – it’s a veritable flavor laboratory where classic and unique ice cream tastes are lovingly developed and refined, resulting in some of the best ice cream experiences in NYC.
Though the store design is straightforward, it exudes a charming and welcoming atmosphere. Their ice cream flavor repertoire covers an impressively wide spectrum, from sweet to savory, chocolatey, herbal, tangy, spicy, fruity, and beyond. They even provide a list of complementary flavors if you opt for two scoops, ensuring a delightful taste combination.
For those who love an unexpected twist, the Olive Oil flavor is an intriguing must-try, offering a savory, rich, and aromatic ice cream experience. The Amaretto Crunch is an absolute delight, featuring delectable vanilla gelato with ground amaretti.
Lastly, their Honey Lavender provides a perfectly balanced sweetness with an exceptional touch of lavender, making it a great pairing with various other flavors.
What to Order: Olive Oil, Amaretto Crunch, Honey Lavender
Address: Lower East Side, 188 Ludlow Street, New York, NY 10002
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7. Surreal Creamery
Surreal Creamery is your go-to spot for ice cream treats that are as delicious as they are Instagram-ready. With their oversized, Ice Cream-Boba combos, every sweet tooth and social media aficionado will be left in awe.
While their space might be small, sporting only a handful of seats, it more than compensates with an enchanting, colorful ambiance that’s sure to bring joy to your eyes.
Their menu will leave you spoilt for choice! You can keep things simple with an ice cream cup or cone, or take it up a notch with one of their extravagant signature mason jars. For those leaning towards the classics, their aromatic Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream, the sweetly robust Taro Ice Cream, and the bitter yet refreshing Matcha Ice Cream are all great picks.
However, if you’re looking to dive into a gigantic indulgence, then go for their delightful “It’s My Birthday,” an impressive portion of strawberry ice cream topped with fruity pebbles, strawberry syrup, and rainbow sprinkles.
If you’re a fan of Cookie Monster, you’re bound to fall for the “Nom Nom Cookie,” a hefty serving of blue monster cookie ice cream mixed with chocolate crunch, chocolate syrup, cookie crisp, marshmallows, and Oreos.
What to Order: Earl Grey Vanilla Ice Cream, Taro Ice Cream, Matcha Ice Cream, It’s My Birthday, Nom Nom Cookie
Address:
-538 2nd Avenue, 2nd Avenue & 30th Street, New York, NY 10016
-126 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
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8. Soft Swerve Ice Cream
Soft Swerve Ice Cream is a magical spot serving some of NYC’s best soft-serve ice creams, each with a unique Asian-inspired twist and paired with delightful crunchies and delectable drizzles.
Their shop, with its cool decor, exudes a relaxed and snug ambiance. Plus, their staff are not only attentive but also full of helpful suggestions about the best flavor and topping combinations.
Whether you decide on a sundae or a soft-serve, you’re in for a treat. The Ube purple yam soft-serve is a velvety and airy delight, overflowing with the rich taste of ube. The black chocolate waffle cone elevates the flavor further — it’s not only tasty but also visually stunning.
Don’t forget to taste the Thai Tea soft-serve, which is uniquely flavored with a light sweetness, earthy hints, and nutty undertones. Finally, try the Hojicha, a soothing soft-serve that has a gentle roasted tea flavor without the usual intensity of a typical Hojicha Tea.
What to Order: Ube Purple Yam, Thai Tea, Hojicha
Addresses:
– 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002, Lower East Side
– 379 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10451, Kips Bay
– 37-12 Prince St. Flushing New York, NY 11354
– 85B Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, Chinatown
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9. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Every New Yorker may have heard of The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory in one way or another – they’re the family-run shop that has been serving homemade ice cream in the city for over four decades.
This hole-in-the-wall has no seating area, but has a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere where every customer leaves with a smile. In addition, their service is quick and well-informed.
The ice cream shop is known for their Asian-inspired staples that have successfully enchanted everyone.
Their Lychee flavor is so spot on that you might think you are eating the fruit! Another is Zen Butter, a smooth, buttery ice cream with a peanut butter base sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
Also, try the fan favorite Black Sesame, an exceptional balance of richness and creaminess with solid hints of authentic black sesame taste.
What to Order: Lychee, Zen Butter, Black Sesame
Address: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
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10. Sugar Hill Creamery
Sugar Hill Creamery is a hidden treasure nestled within Harlem’s bustling streets. It’s not just an ice cream shop; it’s a place that embodies community spirit and flavourful inventiveness.
Walking into this creamery, you’ll feel an enveloping sense of nostalgia and comfort, echoing the neighborhood’s rich history and vibrant culture. The staff are warm and lively, their infectious energy sure to brighten your day. And their choice of flavor names is unique and witty!
At Sugar Hill Creamery, the variety of flavors changes daily as they prioritize seasonal, small-batch production, so you may not always find your favorite flavor on a particular day.
But worry not, they always have their crowd-pleasing classics on hand. Take the Chairperson of the Board for example, a decadent blueberry cheesecake ice cream layered with crumbled graham crackers and swirls of blueberry jam.
Or why not try Nunu’s Peach Cobbler, a summery peach flavor kissed with a hint of cinnamon and studded with chunks of homemade crisp?
And for those who need a gluten-free option, ‘Sweet Socialism’ – a creamy dark chocolate sorbet – and ‘Andy Griffith’, a timeless vanilla flavor, are your go-to options.
What to Order: Chairperson of the Board, Nunu’s Peach Cobbler, Sweet Socialism, Andy Griffith
Addresses:
-184 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10026
-3629 Broadway New York, NY 10031
-1642 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10029
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11. FIGO il Gelato Italiano
Take a delightful journey to Italy with FIGO il Gelato Italiano, situated in the bustling city of NYC. This captivating shop boasts a warm, homey atmosphere coupled with appealing outdoor seating – truly a perfect spot for an afternoon treat!
Offering a rich array of authentic Italian gelato, the restaurant guarantees to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. If you’re a fan of chocolate, make sure to try the Nerone.
This 80% dark chocolate gelato is a dream come true, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and intense cocoa flavor.
Also, make it a point to sample Figo, their signature flavor. It’s a unique Ricotta cheese-based ice cream, enhanced with the sweetness of caramelized figs and the crunch of amaretti biscuits. But that’s not all — they also have a broad variety of other delightful flavors, ensuring that every visit brings a new delightful surprise.
What to Order: Nerone, Figo, Tiramisu
Address:
-178 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012
-2902 23rd Ave, Astoria Queens, NY 11105
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To conclude, there you have it – our ultimate guide to the best ice cream in NYC! Selecting the sweetest choice for your ice cream can be daunting, given the plethora of delectable options that the city offers.
We hope you find the above recommendations helpful – see you in one or two of them soon, yeah?
If you’re hunting for a remarkable dining experience before treating yourself to these frosty delights, be sure to check out our cheat sheet of the Best Brooklyn restaurants.