New York City knows how to do ice cream right. Whether you’re a classic vanilla kind of person or crave small-batch, experimental flavors churned with liquid nitrogen, NYC has a scoop (or two) for you. After exploring the boroughs, chatting with locals, and tasting way more than I care to admit, I’ve rounded up the 25 best ice cream spots in New York City for 2025. These aren’t just tourist traps—they’re legit, beloved by locals, and guaranteed to cool you off any season.
Let’s dig in.
1. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – Classic Meets Culinary Craft
- Multiple Locations (SoHo, Williamsburg, UWS & more)
- Must-try: Honeycomb, Earl Grey Tea, Vegan Churros & Fudge
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream official site
What started as a scoop truck in 2008 has become a full-blown NYC icon. Van Leeuwen is known for turning simple ingredients into rich, unforgettable ice cream. Their classics (like chocolate and strawberry) are creamy perfection, but the real stars are their more adventurous takes—like Vegan Churros & Fudge or Honeycomb.
They also cater to every diet. Vegan? No problem. Gluten-free? You’re covered. And the atmosphere in each location—minimalist, cozy, a bit artsy—makes you want to hang around for seconds.
2. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – Instagram-Worthy & Wildly Good
- 88 W Houston St, Manhattan
- Must-try: Burnt Honey Vanilla, Banana Agave, Black Coconut Ash
- Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
If you’re into design-forward shops and next-level flavors, Morgenstern’s is your spot. The aesthetic is sleek, retro-diner meets modern lab—and their ice cream is as much about experience as taste. You’ll find flavors here you’ve never had before: Cardamom Lemon Jam, Salted Pretzel Caramel, and the much-Instagrammed Black Coconut Ash.
They churn in small batches and keep the sugar levels surprisingly low, which means flavor—not sweetness—shines.
3. Ample Hills Creamery – Whimsical & Family-Friendly
- Brooklyn (Gowanus) + kiosks across NYC
- Must-try: Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, The Munchies, PB Wins the Cup
- Ample Hills Creamery
Ample Hills isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s storytelling in a cone. With names like “It Came From Gowanus” and “PB Wins the Cup,” their flavors are imaginative, playful, and packed with mix-ins. Their signature? Ooey Gooey Butter Cake—a vanilla base with chunks of St. Louis-style butter cake. Total bliss.
Parents love it, kids love it, and their Gowanus flagship offers tours, tastings, and an inside peek into how their small-batch magic happens.
4. Caffè Panna – Italian-Inspired NYC Original
- 77 Irving Pl, Manhattan (Gramercy)
- Must-try: Panna Stracciatella, Weekly Sundae Specials
- Caffè Panna
Tucked away on a quiet corner in Gramercy, Caffè Panna is a love letter to Rome and NYC in one. Created by Hallie Meyer (yes, daughter of Danny Meyer), this spot churns out ultra-creamy gelato-style ice cream using both local dairy and Italian techniques.
They do limited-edition flavors daily, but you have to try the Panna Stracciatella—made with imported Sicilian chocolate shards and their house whipped panna (cream). Get there early—it sells out fast.
5. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – A True NYC Institution
- 65 Bayard St, Chinatown, Manhattan
- Must-try: Lychee, Black Sesame, Almond Cookie
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Open since 1978, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has held down the frozen dessert scene with unapologetic flavor and character. While you can grab a scoop of vanilla or chocolate, the real reason to go is their Asian-inspired lineup: Red Bean, Taro, Thai Iced Tea, and Durian (yes, really).
It’s low-key, no frills, and feels like a true neighborhood gem. Bring cash, bring friends, and bring an open mind for bold, nostalgic flavors.
6. Sugar Hill Creamery – Harlem’s Sweetest Secret
- 184 Lenox Ave, Harlem
- Must-try: Chairperson of the Board (blueberry cheesecake), Nunu’s Peach Cobbler
- Sugar Hill Creamery
Sugar Hill Creamery is a Black-owned, family-run shop in Harlem that blends Caribbean, African-American, and Latin flavors into handcrafted, seasonal ice cream. Every batch is made with love—and often inspired by the owners’ heritage and community stories.
It’s not just dessert here—it’s culture in a cone. And trust me, their waffle cones alone are worth the trip uptown.
7. Ice & Vice – Experimental, Edgy, and Ultra-Creative
- 221 E Broadway, Lower East Side
- Must-try: Milk Money (toasted milk + chocolate ganache), Opium Den (white sesame + poppy seeds)
If you love boundary-pushing flavors and design-forward desserts, Ice & Vice is a must. This Lower East Side microcreamery is known for its ultra-creative combos, unexpected textures, and visually striking cones.
Their flavors are bold, artistic, and dare I say—intellectual. Expect the unexpected with every visit. It’s no surprise their cult following includes chefs, artists, and food nerds alike.
8. Soft Swerve – Asian-Inspired Soft Serve with a Twist
- 85B Allen St, Lower East Side
- Must-try: Ube Purple Yam, Black Sesame, Matcha Swirl
- Soft Swerve
Soft Swerve puts a wildly fun twist on soft serve. Their flavors are inspired by Asian desserts and ingredients—think Ube (purple yam), Matcha, and even Thai Tea—served in colorful cones with custom toppings like mochi, cereal crunch, or coconut flakes.
This isn’t your typical soft serve. It’s photogenic, flavorful, and perfect for social media and flavor lovers.
9. L’Albero dei Gelati – Italian Artisanal Gelato in Brooklyn
- 341 5th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Must-try: Pear & Parmigiano, Dark Chocolate & Chili, Pistachio from Bronte
If you’re looking for authentic Italian gelato made with organic, locally sourced ingredients, L’Albero dei Gelati is a Brooklyn gem. Their savory flavors (yes, savory!) like Gorgonzola and Walnuts or Pear & Parmigiano are game changers, but their sweet classics like hazelnut and lemon cream will make you swoon.
They’re all about sustainability and slow food—and it shows in every bite.
10. Stuffed Ice Cream – Insta-Famous Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches
- 139 1st Ave, East Village
- Must-try: Cruff (ice cream-stuffed donut), Unicorn Poop (cotton candy flavor), Cookie Monster
- Stuffed Ice Cream NYC
Stuffed Ice Cream blew up on social media thanks to their Cruff—a warm, glazed donut sliced open and packed with ice cream and toppings. It’s over-the-top in the best way possible, and every bite is a sweet explosion of sugar and nostalgia.
Great for birthdays, sweet dates, or just a wild cheat day. Expect a line—and a lot of photos.
11. OddFellows Ice Cream Co. – Wild Flavors, NYC Roots
- Multiple Locations: Williamsburg, Dumbo, Bushwick
- Must-try: Olive Oil Jelly Donut, Thai Iced Tea, Miso Cherry
- OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
OddFellows isn’t afraid to get weird—and that’s why people love them. Their menu is filled with small-batch, experimental flavors that actually work. You’ll find options like Cornbread, PB&J with Jalapeño, or Olive Oil Jelly Donut.
Every scoop is crafted in-house, and their seasonal collabs with chefs and brands mean the menu is always evolving. Great for adventurous eaters and serious ice cream nerds.
12. Taiyaki NYC – Soft Serve in Fish-Shaped Cones
- 119 Baxter St, Chinatown + Smorgasburg
- Must-try: Matcha Soft Serve in a Taiyaki Cone, Unicorn Float
- Taiyaki NYC
This place blends traditional Japanese dessert culture with modern-day Instagram magic. Taiyaki NYC serves creamy, flavorful soft serve inside warm, fish-shaped waffle cones (called taiyaki)—and the combo is both adorable and addictive.
Flavors like Matcha, Black Sesame, and Taro are elevated with toppings like mochi, red bean, and unicorn sprinkles. Don’t skip their seasonal creations!
13. La Newyorkina – Authentic Mexican Paletas & Ice Cream
- 240 Sullivan St, Greenwich Village
- Must-try: Mexican Chocolate, Tamarind Chili, Horchata Paleta
- La Newyorkina
Looking for something refreshingly different? La Newyorkina specializes in traditional Mexican ice pops (paletas), ice cream, and sorbets with bold, real ingredients. Their Mexican Chocolate ice cream is legendary, and the Tamarind Chili paleta delivers just the right sweet-tart-heat balance.
Run by Fany Gerson (James Beard nominee), this spot blends heritage and modernity in every bite.
14. Davey’s Ice Cream – Small-Batch, Big Flavor
- 137 1st Ave, East Village
- Must-try: Speculoos Chocolate Chip, Roasted Pistachio, Strong Coffee
- Davey’s Ice Cream
Davey’s Ice Cream does it all in-house—from pasteurizing the milk to hand-churning the ice cream in small batches. That attention to detail shows in the taste. Their Strong Coffee flavor is like a cold brew latte in scoop form, and the Speculoos Chocolate Chip is a cult favorite.
The East Village shop also offers ice cream sandwiches and milkshakes worth writing home about.
15. Surreal Creamery – Bubble Tea Meets Ice Cream Mashups
- 538 2nd Ave, Midtown East
- Must-try: Mason Jar Milkshakes, Thai Tea Soft Serve, “Floteas”
- Surreal Creamery
Craving something a little extra? Surreal Creamery combines boba tea and soft serve into surreal milkshake creations served in mason jars. These sugar bombs are loaded with flavor—and aesthetic. Try their Thai Tea Soft Serve topped with Oreo crumbs, or go wild with a “Flotea,” a hybrid of milk tea and ice cream.
Over-the-top, colorful, and unapologetically indulgent.
16. Malai Ice Cream – South Asian-Inspired Luxury
- 268 Smith St, Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens)
- Must-try: Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Masala Chai, Sweet Roti & Ghee
Founded by Pooja Bavishi, Malai brings the rich, aromatic flavors of South Asia to the ice cream world. Think creamy, dreamy scoops infused with ingredients like cardamom, saffron, and turmeric. Their Masala Chai flavor tastes exactly like a warm sip of homemade chai—except frozen.
It’s elegant, unique, and a powerful representation of culture through dessert.
17. KITH Treats – Streetwear Meets Soft Serve
- 337 Lafayette St, NoHo (inside KITH)
- Must-try: Frosé Soft Serve, Custom Cereal Mixes, Signature Swirls
- KITH Treats
A fashion-meets-food concept from sneaker brand KITH, this ice cream bar is anything but traditional. Located inside their flagship store, KITH Treats serves soft serve blended with cereals like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, and Cocoa Puffs. You can build your own or choose one of their curated “Treat Combos.”
Perfect for sneakerheads, hypebeasts, or anyone looking to flex their dessert game on social.
18. 10Below Ice Cream – Rolled Ice Cream Theater
- 10 Mott St, Chinatown
- Must-try: S’mores Galore, Cookie Monster, Thai Iced Tea Rolls
- 10Below Ice Cream
10Below was one of the first shops to introduce Thai-style rolled ice cream to NYC, and it’s still going strong in 2025. Each order is made fresh on an icy cold plate in front of your eyes—poured, chopped, rolled, and topped with fun extras like marshmallows, Oreos, and condensed milk.
It’s dessert and a show in one. Plus, it’s super shareable (and TikTok-friendly).
19. Bona Bona Ice Cream – Fire-Torched Marshmallow Magic
- Food trucks + pop-ups around NYC (follow on IG)
- Must-try: S’mores Sundae with Toasted Meringue, Rainbow Cookie Ice Cream
- Bona Bona Ice Cream
Bona Bona brings dramatic flair to their ice cream game—most famously, their flaming marshmallow-topped sundaes. Using a blowtorch, staff caramelize a swirl of Italian meringue right on top of your cone or cup.
They often pop up at Smorgasburg or roam around in an ice cream truck, so keep your eyes peeled (and follow their Instagram for live locations).
20. Blue Marble Ice Cream – Sustainable & Sweet
- 186 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn (Prospect Heights)
- Must-try: Maple, Green Tea, Madagascar Vanilla
- Blue Marble Ice Cream
For those who like to indulge ethically, Blue Marble is a certified B-Corp that sources organic ingredients and supports women-led farming cooperatives around the world. The ice cream is rich, clean-tasting, and always made with minimal, natural ingredients.
It’s a low-key Brooklyn favorite—and one of the best guilt-free scoops in the city.
21. Eddie’s Sweet Shop – Old-School Charm Since 1909
- 105-29 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, Queens
- Must-try: Classic Hot Fudge Sundae, Banana Royal, House-made Whipped Cream
Step into a delicious time warp. Eddie’s Sweet Shop is one of the oldest ice cream parlors in NYC—and everything feels untouched by time. They still serve in glass dishes, use old-fashioned scoops, and make whipped cream from scratch. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and it’s absolutely perfect.
Great for families, first dates, or anyone craving vintage vibes.
22. Alimama Tea – Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches & Mochi Magic
- 89A Bayard St, Chinatown, Manhattan
- Must-try: Cream Puff Ice Cream Sandwich, Ube Mochi Donut + Matcha Soft Serve
Alimama is best known for their boba tea and chewy mochi donuts—but their ice cream creations are seriously underrated. Think light-as-air cream puffs stuffed with matcha or Thai tea soft serve, or mochi donut sundaes that are chewy, cold, and totally dreamy.
A hybrid dessert destination for the adventurous sweet tooth.
23. Tipsy Scoop – Boozy Ice Cream for Adults Only (21+)
- 217 E 26th St, Kips Bay + pop-ups
- Must-try: Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, Mango Margarita Sorbet
- Tipsy Scoop
If you’ve ever wanted your dessert with a buzz, Tipsy Scoop is your go-to. These boozy scoops contain up to 5% ABV and come in cocktail-inspired flavors. They’re fun, surprisingly rich, and perfect for girls’ night or bachelorette celebrations.
They also do flight tastings—because why not treat ice cream like craft beer?
24. Mister Dips – Burgers, Fries & Soft Serve Done Right
- Pier 17, Seaport District + Brooklyn (Underneath the William Vale)
- Must-try: Chocolate Dipped Cone, Berry Cheesecake Dip, Dairy-Free Swirls
- Mister Dips
Housed in a vintage 1970s Airstream trailer, Mister Dips nails the summer diner vibe—with a gourmet twist. Their rotating soft serve menu includes seasonal flavors and fun dips like espresso fudge or pistachio shell.
Pair it with a burger and fries and you’ve got yourself a perfect NYC food truck experience.
25. Anita Gelato – Israeli Gelato with 150+ Flavors
- West Village (375 Bleecker St)
- Must-try: Pistachio Brulee, White Chocolate Salted Pretzel, Lotus Cookie Butter
Straight from Tel Aviv to NYC, Anita Gelato is all about ultra-luxurious texture and flavor depth. You get free samples (yes, plural), and can choose from creamy gelatos, fruity sorbets, or even yogurt-based scoops.
With over 150 flavors rotating between countries and seasons, this one’s perfect for serious gelato lovers.
Final Scoop: Why These 25 Made the Cut
Each of these spots brings something different to the cone—whether it’s culinary artistry, nostalgic comfort, cultural roots, or bold innovation. They’re all places I’d happily return to again and again (and let’s be honest, I already have). These aren’t just top-rated—they’re local-loved and truly reflect NYC’s diversity and creativity.
If you’re visiting NYC or just exploring your own city more deeply in 2025, start your ice cream journey here.
FAQs – Ice Cream in NYC (2025)
Q1: What is the best ice cream in New York City in 2025?
A: Popular picks include Van Leeuwen, Morgenstern’s, Caffè Panna, Sugar Hill Creamery, and Malai Ice Cream for their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Q2: Are there any vegan ice cream spots in NYC?
A: Yes! Van Leeuwen, OddFellows, and Malai offer excellent vegan options made with oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew bases.
Q3: Where can I get Instagram-worthy ice cream in NYC?
A: Visit Soft Swerve, Taiyaki NYC, Stuffed Ice Cream, and Tipsy Scoop for colorful, over-the-top desserts perfect for photos.
Q4: What’s the best place for classic ice cream in NYC?
A: Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Queens is a nostalgic, old-school gem known for classic sundaes and handmade whipped cream since 1909.
Q5: Is there alcohol-infused ice cream in NYC?
A: Yes! Tipsy Scoop serves boozy ice cream with real alcohol, including flavors like Whiskey Salted Caramel and Margarita Sorbet (21+ only).
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
