Unearth The Voyage
New York City is home to some of the best ice cream shops in the world, offering everything from classic scoops to wild, inventive flavors. Whether you crave traditional Italian gelato or Asian-inspired treats, the city has something for every sweet tooth. Locals have spoken, and these 15 spots consistently top their lists for quality, creativity, and unforgettable taste.
1. Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen has built a loyal following across New York with its commitment to quality ingredients and rich, creamy textures. Their menu features both traditional favorites and innovative vegan options that taste just as indulgent as the dairy versions.
Multiple locations make it easy to grab a scoop wherever you are in the city. Tripadvisor reviewers consistently praise the balance of flavor and texture, making it a reliable choice for both locals and visitors seeking a premium ice cream experience.
2. Sugar Hill Creamery
Tucked away in Harlem and Hamilton Heights, Sugar Hill Creamery serves up small-batch ice cream with flavors inspired by global cuisines. Owners Nick and Petrushka craft each batch with care, blending unexpected ingredients into delicious combinations.
From sweet potato pie to Thai iced tea, their menu celebrates diverse cultures and tastes. This locally owned gem offers a refreshing departure from standard flavors, giving you something new to discover with every visit to their charming neighborhood shop.
3. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Since 1978, this Chinatown institution has been serving flavors you simply cannot find anywhere else in the city. Lychee, black sesame, taro, and pandan are just a few of the Asian-inspired offerings that keep customers coming back for decades.
Located on Bayard Street, the shop maintains its nostalgic charm while continuing to innovate with seasonal specials. Families pass down their love for this place through generations, making it more than just an ice cream shop but a true neighborhood treasure.
4. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Chef-driven flavors like burnt honey vanilla and black coconut ash make Morgenstern’s a destination for adventurous ice cream lovers. The menu reads like a culinary experiment, with each flavor thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight your taste buds.
Located on West Houston Street, this trendy spot attracts foodies seeking something beyond ordinary. The presentation is as impressive as the taste, with beautifully composed scoops that look almost too good to eat. Expect a line during peak hours, but the wait is absolutely worth it.
5. Ample Hills Creamery
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is just one of the wildly popular flavors that made Ample Hills a household name in New York. Their ice cream is loaded with chunks of cookies, brownies, and other sweet surprises in every spoonful.
Kids and adults alike love the playful atmosphere and fun flavor names scattered across multiple locations. Tripadvisor reviews highlight the generous portions and creative combinations that make each visit feel like a celebration. Perfect for families looking for a sweet adventure together.
6. Il Laboratorio del Gelato
With over 200 rotating flavors, Il Laboratorio del Gelato takes Italian gelato to an entirely new level. Expect to find unusual options like basil, rosemary olive oil, and seasonal fruit combinations that change throughout the year.
The Lower East Side location focuses on quality over quantity, using authentic techniques and premium ingredients. Each flavor is smooth, intensely flavored, and true to the Italian gelato tradition. Sampling is encouraged, so take your time exploring their impressive selection before committing to your favorite.
7. Emack & Bolio’s
Bright colors, wacky cone designs, and over-the-top mix-ins make Emack & Bolio’s a visual and culinary treat. This Upper West Side spot is perfect for kids who want their ice cream to be as fun as it is delicious.
Instagram-worthy creations feature everything from candy-coated waffle cones to sprinkle explosions. The playful atmosphere matches the bold flavors, creating an experience that goes beyond just eating ice cream. Bring your camera and your appetite for something truly memorable and joyfully excessive.
8. Gelato Giusto
Gelato Giusto brings authentic Italian gelato traditions to the charming streets of the West Village. Their focus on quality ingredients and traditional methods results in smooth, intensely flavored gelato that transports you straight to Italy.
Classic flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella are executed perfectly, without unnecessary gimmicks or additions. The simple elegance of their approach lets the pure taste of each ingredient shine through. If you appreciate craftsmanship and authenticity, this is your go-to spot for genuine Italian gelato.
9. Davey’s Ice Cream
Everything at Davey’s is made in-house, from the ice cream base to the mix-ins and even the waffle cones. This East Village favorite prides itself on small-batch production that ensures freshness and quality in every scoop.
Local ingredients and seasonal flavors keep the menu interesting and connected to the community. The attention to detail shows in the texture and taste, with each flavor perfectly balanced. Stop by to experience ice cream made with genuine care and passion by people who truly love their craft.
10. Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
Hip-hop culture meets frozen desserts at Mikey Likes It, where flavors have names like Pink Floyd and Southern Hospitality. The vibe is fun, energetic, and unapologetically creative, reflecting the personality of owner Mikey Cole.
Locations in the East Village and Harlem serve signature flavors that blend unexpected ingredients into delicious combinations. Great reviews praise both the unique taste profiles and the welcoming atmosphere. This is ice cream with attitude, perfect for anyone looking to try something bold and different.
11. Big Gay Ice Cream
Playful soft-serve creations with names like Salty Pimp and Mermaid Tears have made Big Gay Ice Cream a beloved New York institution. Their whimsical approach to ice cream combines quality ingredients with fun toppings and unexpected flavor combinations.
The shop celebrates creativity and inclusivity, creating a welcoming space for everyone. Soft-serve lovers appreciate the perfect texture and inventive toppings that elevate simple ice cream into something extraordinary. Expect to smile while enjoying these joyfully imaginative frozen treats.
12. Stuffed Ice Cream
Imagine ice cream stuffed inside a glazed donut, and you have discovered the magic of Stuffed Ice Cream. Their signature cruffs combine two beloved desserts into one indulgent creation that defies expectations.
Creative flavors and custom toppings let you build your perfect treat, whether you prefer classic combinations or wild experiments. The concept is simple but executed brilliantly, resulting in a unique dessert experience. This is the place to visit when you want something completely different from traditional ice cream shops.
13. Taiyaki NYC
Soft-serve ice cream served in adorable fish-shaped cones makes Taiyaki NYC an Instagram sensation and a delicious destination. Flavors like matcha and black sesame honor Japanese traditions while appealing to modern tastes.
The fish-shaped waffle cones, called taiyaki, are crispy, warm, and filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. Watching them being made fresh adds to the experience, creating anticipation before your first bite. This spot perfectly blends visual appeal with authentic flavors for a memorable treat.
14. OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
Bold flavor combinations like matcha latte, peanut butter s’mores, and exotic fruit sorbets define the OddFellows experience. Their willingness to experiment results in ice cream that surprises and delights adventurous eaters.
Vegan-friendly options ensure everyone can enjoy their creative offerings, made with the same attention to quality and flavor. The menu changes regularly, giving you new reasons to return and explore different taste sensations. If you crave something truly unique and unexpected, OddFellows delivers every single time.
15. Caffè Panna
Italian-inspired gelato made with exceptional ingredients and seasonal flavor rotations makes Caffè Panna a favorite among gelato purists. Their artisanal approach focuses on simplicity and quality, letting each ingredient speak for itself.
The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring freshness and variety throughout the year. If you prefer gelato over traditional ice cream, this is where you will find the real deal. Each spoonful delivers smooth texture and intense flavor that reflects genuine Italian gelato-making traditions and craftsmanship.
