San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene extends to its exceptional ice cream offerings, with numerous parlors serving both innovative and classic flavors. Whether you’re a fan of rich, creamy textures, dairy-free delights, or bold, unexpected ingredients, the city has something for every ice cream lover. Here are ten of the best spots to indulge in a frozen treat.
Bi-Rite Creamery
Bi-Rite Creamery is a San Francisco institution, known for its commitment to small-batch, handcrafted ice cream made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Their iconic salted caramel flavor has become a must-try, while options like roasted banana and honey lavender continue to impress. Each scoop delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Beyond their ice cream, Bi-Rite also offers freshly baked goods and a selection of dairy-free sorbets. They focus on sustainability, using compostable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. The shop is often bustling, but the line moves quickly, and the experience is well worth the wait.
Humphry Slocombe
Known for its bold and unconventional flavors, Humphry Slocombe has been pushing the boundaries of ice cream since 2008. Signature flavors like Secret Breakfast, made with bourbon and cornflake cookies, and Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee have earned them a cult following. Their creativity keeps the menu fresh and exciting.
The shop’s sleek, modern design contrasts with its quirky flavors. With multiple locations across the city, including the Ferry Building, it’s easy to get your fix. For those who can’t make it in person, Humphry Slocombe also offers pints in grocery stores and nationwide shipping.
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
A family-run business since 1953, Mitchell’s Ice Cream is famous for its diverse selection of flavors, particularly those inspired by the Philippines and other tropical regions. The ube (purple yam) and macapuno (sweet coconut) flavors stand out, while classics like chocolate and vanilla are made with the same meticulous care.
Mitchell’s remains a favorite for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its rich, creamy texture and authentic ingredients. Lines can be long, especially on weekends, but the reward is a scoop of some of the best ice cream in the city. They also offer custom ice cream cakes for special occasions.
Smitten Ice Cream
Smitten Ice Cream brings an innovative twist to the ice cream experience by making each scoop fresh to order using liquid nitrogen. This method results in an ultra-smooth texture, with flavors like brown sugar with cinnamon shortbread and fresh mint chip offering a delightful mix of sweet and herbal notes.
Their minimalist aesthetic and commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients make Smitten a standout. The made-to-order process means there’s no freezer burn—just fresh, rich ice cream every time. Watching the liquid nitrogen at work is also part of the fun.
Garden Creamery
Garden Creamery blends Hawaiian and Asian-inspired flavors with traditional ice cream-making techniques. Their menu features options like mango sticky rice, black sesame, and matcha green tea, along with dairy-free sorbets made from fresh fruit. The shop is a paradise for those seeking unique flavors.
The small-batch, handcrafted approach ensures quality in every bite. With its charming pink storefront and welcoming atmosphere, Garden Creamery is a favorite among both locals and visitors exploring the Mission District.
Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream
Specializing in Italian and Asian-inspired flavors, Marco Polo Ice Cream is a hidden gem. You’ll find exotic options like durian, lychee, and black sesame, alongside traditional Italian gelato flavors like pistachio and tiramisu. Their dedication to using real fruit and fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in taste.
Despite being a smaller shop, Marco Polo has a loyal following. The friendly staff is always happy to offer samples, helping you find your perfect scoop. It’s the ideal place for adventurous food lovers looking to expand their palate.
Swensen’s Ice Cream
As the original location of the now-global chain, Swensen’s in Russian Hill has been serving classic ice cream since 1948. Traditional flavors like chocolate and vanilla remain popular, but they also offer unique options like Swiss Orange Chip. Their banana splits and sundaes are legendary.
Walking into Swensen’s feels like stepping back in time. The nostalgic ambiance, combined with the high-quality ice cream, makes it a must-visit. Whether you opt for a simple cone or a decadent sundae, you won’t be disappointed.
Over the Moon Creamery
Over the Moon Creamery is famous for its ice cream cookie sandwiches, allowing customers to pair their favorite ice cream flavors with freshly baked cookies. Options like Honey Lavender ice cream between Sea Salt Chocolate Chip cookies create the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
Beyond sandwiches, they offer shakes and old-fashioned root beer floats. The shop’s retro-inspired decor adds to the charm, making it a great spot to hang out while enjoying a frozen treat.
Icicles
Icicles offers a different kind of ice cream experience with its Thai-style rolled ice cream. Patrons can customize their creations, choosing from a variety of flavors and mix-ins before watching their ice cream roll up before their eyes. Popular options include Nutella & Chill and Matcha Made in Heaven.
The process is mesmerizing to watch, and the ice cream itself is deliciously light and creamy. With a fun and interactive atmosphere, Icicles is a great place to bring friends or kids for a unique dessert experience.
It’s-It Ice Cream
A true San Francisco original, It’s-It has been making ice cream sandwiches since 1928. Each sandwich features a scoop of ice cream between two oatmeal cookies, all dipped in dark chocolate. Classic flavors like vanilla, mint, and cappuccino have stood the test of time.
Available in grocery stores and online, It’s-It is a taste of local history. For the full experience, visit their factory store in Burlingame to sample different flavors and stock up on your favorites.
Address: 865 Burlway Road, Burlingame, CA 94010
San Francisco’s ice cream scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from nostalgic classics to modern, experimental flavors. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional richness of Mitchell’s, the quirky creativity of Humphry Slocombe, or the fresh-made perfection of Smitten, there’s a scoop (or sandwich!) waiting for you. Indulge in these top spots and experience the city’s sweetest side.
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