New York City’s ice cream scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From innovative artisanal flavors to perfectly executed classics, these ten establishments represent the pinnacle of frozen delights across the five boroughs. After extensive tasting and research, I’ve compiled the definitive list of where to find the most extraordinary ice cream experiences in the Big Apple.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream (Lower East Side)
Nicholas Morgenstern revolutionized the city’s ice cream landscape with his innovative flavor combinations and meticulous attention to texture. His signature offerings, like Salt & Pepper Pine Nut and Raw Milk, demonstrate an unparalleled understanding of flavor development and balance.
The pristine white-tiled shop provides a clean, modern backdrop for the colorful array of ice creams on display. While there’s often a line, especially during summer evenings, the efficient staff and rapid service ensure you’ll be savoring your scoop in no time.
- 88 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012 | 🌐 morgensternsnyc.com
Il Laboratorio del Gelato (Lower East Side)
With over 300 rotating flavors in their repertoire, Il Laboratorio del Gelato stands as a testament to the endless possibilities of frozen desserts. Their scientific approach to gelato-making results in impossibly smooth textures and deeply concentrated flavors, from classic Italian varieties to experimental combinations.
The industrial-style space with floor-to-ceiling windows allows visitors to watch the gelato-making process while they sample flavors. Their wholesale operation supplies many of the city’s top restaurants, but nothing beats experiencing these creations at their source.
- 188 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002 | 🌐 laboratoriodelgelato.com
Ample Hills Creamery (Prospect Heights)
Born in Brooklyn, Ample Hills has earned its reputation through playful flavors and high-quality ingredients. Their signature Ooey Gooey Butter Cake ice cream has achieved cult status, while seasonal offerings keep regulars coming back for more.
The spacious shops feature viewing windows where kids and adults alike can watch the ice cream-making process. Each location maintains the friendly, community-focused atmosphere that made the original shop so beloved.
- 623 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 | 🌐 amplehills.com
Eddie’s Sweet Shop (Forest Hills)
Eddie’s Sweet Shop is a true blast from the past, serving homemade ice cream and old-fashioned sundaes for over 100 years. Their sundaes are legendary, featuring generous scoops topped with freshly whipped cream and house-made hot fudge.
Walking into Eddie’s feels like stepping back in time, with its vintage soda fountain and classic wooden counters. This beloved Queens institution is perfect for those who appreciate nostalgic charm alongside their ice cream.
- 623 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 | 🌐 amplehills.com
Big Gay Ice Cream (Multiple Locations)
Big Gay Ice Cream started as a food truck and quickly became an NYC institution, thanks to its fun, over-the-top creations. The Salty Pimp is a must-try, featuring vanilla soft-serve injected with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt, and dipped in a crisp chocolate shell.
The shop’s playful branding and welcoming atmosphere make it a joy to visit. Every flavor combination is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that each bite is as indulgent as it is fun.
- Multiple locations | 🌐 biggayicecream.com
Caffè Panna (Gramercy)
Inspired by the gelaterias of Rome, Caffè Panna brings a European touch to NYC’s ice cream scene. This Gramercy hotspot is famous for its ultra-rich, small-batch ice cream infused with house-made sauces, swirls, and mix-ins. Their signature Panna flavor—topped with freshly whipped Italian cream—is a must-try, while seasonal specials keep things exciting.
Beyond its exceptional ice cream, Caffè Panna is also a coffee lover’s dream, offering affogatos that combine their creamy gelato with bold espresso. The cozy café atmosphere and dedication to high-quality ingredients make this a standout spot for those seeking a decadent, Italian-style treat.
- 77 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003 | 🌐 caffepanna.com
Sugar Hill Creamery (Harlem)
This family-run Harlem gem specializes in handcrafted ice cream inspired by the owners’ cultural roots. Flavors like Nunu’s Peach Cobbler and Chairperson of the Board (blueberry cheesecake) showcase their creative, nostalgic approach.
Their focus on community and storytelling makes every visit special. The flavors are unique, heartfelt, and truly unlike anything else in the city.
- 184 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10026 | 🌐 sugarhillcreamery.com
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (DUMBO)
Simple perfection defines the approach at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. With a focused menu of classic flavors made in small batches, they prove that sometimes less is more when it comes to ice cream.
Their location under the Brooklyn Bridge provides spectacular views to accompany their expertly crafted ice cream. The quality of their basic flavors – particularly vanilla and chocolate – demonstrates their mastery of ice cream fundamentals.
Milk Bar
Christina Tosi’s iconic dessert empire has revolutionized the soft serve game with their Cereal Milk™ ice cream, which perfectly captures the sweet, slightly salty taste of milk left at the bottom of a bowl of corn flakes. The genius lies not just in the nostalgic flavor profile, but in the perfectly silky texture that sets their soft serve apart from competitors.
Their signature style extends beyond just the ice cream – the crunchy corn flake topping adds essential texture, while their rotating seasonal flavors like Birthday Cake and Chocolate Birthday keep the menu exciting. The combination of their ice cream with other Milk Bar treats, particularly in their creative sundae offerings, demonstrates the kind of culinary innovation that has made them a New York institution.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen began as a humble ice cream truck and has since become a citywide favorite, known for its ultra-creamy, French-style ice cream made with top-tier ingredients. Their Honeycomb and Earl Grey Tea flavors are cult favorites, but they also offer an impressive selection of vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a scoop of their rich, satisfying treats.
Each flavor is made with a short list of high-quality ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and focusing on pure taste. Their shops are sleek and modern, making them the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. With locations throughout NYC, a Van Leeuwen ice cream fix is never far away.
- Multiple locations | 🌐 vanleeuwenicecream.com
Taiyaki NYC
Taiyaki NYC has taken soft-serve to the next level by serving it in fish-shaped Japanese waffle cones, known as taiyaki. Their Matcha and Black Sesame swirls are popular choices, offering a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and earthy depth. These picturesque cones have made Taiyaki NYC an Instagram sensation.
Beyond the visuals, the flavors are genuinely delicious, and the warm, fluffy taiyaki cone adds an extra layer of indulgence. The combination of traditional Japanese flavors with soft-serve ice cream makes this spot one of the most unique in the city.
- 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013 | 🌐 taiyakinyc.com
Soft Swerve
Soft Swerve has made a name for itself with its vibrant, Asian-inspired soft-serve flavors like Ube, Matcha, and Black Sesame. These flavors are smooth, creamy, and packed with rich, natural taste. Their colorful cones and unique toppings make them a hit among both foodies and social media enthusiasts.
Each swirl is as beautiful as it is delicious, and the shop frequently offers seasonal specials to keep things exciting. If you’re looking for a soft-serve experience that’s anything but ordinary, Soft Swerve is the place to be.
- 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002 | 🌐 softswervenyc.com
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
A Chinatown staple for over 40 years, this shop offers a mix of traditional and exotic flavors. Lychee, Black Sesame, and Durian are just a few of the standout choices that have kept locals coming back.
Despite its small size, the shop has a loyal following, proving that great ice cream speaks for itself. Their selection is a perfect balance of classic and adventurous flavors.
- 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013 | 🌐 chinatownicecreamfactory.com
New York City’s ice cream scene continues to evolve, with each of these establishments contributing something unique to the landscape. From century-old institutions to modern innovators, these eleven shops represent the incredible diversity and quality available to ice cream lovers in the city. Whether you’re seeking classic flavors, boundary-pushing combinations, or the perfect soft serve, these establishments prove that New York City is a world-class destination for frozen desserts.
Best Ice Cream in New Jersey
When the weather heats up, there’s nothing like cooling off with an ice-cold treat. From newfangled ice cream shops to historic roadside stands, these parlors serve some of the best ice cream in New Jersey!