Where to Get the Best Ice Cream, Gelato, Italian Ices and More in New York City
Looking for fun, foodie ways to cool off in New York City this summer?
Summer is in full swing so you may be looking for tips to beat the heat. We can’t think of a better way to do that than by getting an ice cold, sweet treat. Here are our picks on where to get the best ice cream, gelato, Italian ices and more in New York City this summer. Just remember, don’t eat these frozen treats too fast or you might get a brain freeze!
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – 65 Bayard St
P.C.: yelp, Jaimie C.
When you are thinking of ways to cool off from the summer heat, ice cream is often the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, July is National Ice Cream Month. Lucky for us, there are so many top notch ice cream shops in New York City but one shop that is always on the top of our list is the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. You can get scoops of classic flavors like vanilla or mint chocolate chip or more unusual, Asian inspired flavors like lychee or red bean. You can’t go wrong with any of their delicious flavors!
Soft Swerve Ice Cream – 85B Allen St & Other Locations
If you are fan of soft serve ice cream like us, you must check out Soft Swerve. As their name implies, it is their specialty. Our favorite flavors here are ube and black sesame and best of all, they just opened a new location in the heart of Chinatown (85B Bayard St).
Milk & Cream Cereal Bar – 159 Mott St
If you are looking for a unique ice cream treat, Milk & Cream Cereal Bar is sure to impress. They are renowned for blending ice cream with classic cereals that we all come to love like cinnamon toast crunch or frosted flakes. There are so many different combinations of ice cream and cereals that you can try. They have scrumptious milkshakes too that are also great in the summertime.
Figo Il Gelato Italiano – 178 Mulberry St
P.C.: yelp, Taxi G.
When it comes to the perfect sweet treat this summer, you can’t forget about gelato! Gelato is like an Italian ice cream, but it has less air than ice cream, so it is denser and creamier. With so many yummy options to choose from, we keep coming back to Figo Il Gelato Italiano. The summer is also the perfect time to join us on one of our two food tours, the Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest or Tasty Global Bites – A Culinary Journey through Nolita, Little Italy & Chinatown. You can try some of the best dishes, treats, snacks and more that you can find in these foodie neighborhoods!
The Lemon Ice King of Corona – 52-02 108th St, Queens
P.C.: yelp, Brenna B.
One of the many sweet treats that we are craving when it is hot outside is a towering cup of Italian ices and the Lemon Ice King of Corona is the go-to place for this summer classic. This shop is a foodie landmark, so it is worth the trip. Trust us, their Italian ices hit the spot even on the hottest days.
Rita’s Italian Ice – 4 South St & Other Locations
P.C.: Rita’s Italian Ice
Another great spot for Italian ices is Rita’s Italian Ice. We made it a tradition to get a lemon Italian ice whenever we make our way to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. They also have their famous blendini which is an Italian ice layered with frozen custard. It is a great twist on this summer classic.
The Little One – 150 E Broadway
P.C.: yelp, Annie C.
Finally, the Little One in the Lower East Side is perfect for anyone craving some sweets. They have so many tempting desserts but one that we highly recommend is a giant bowl kakigori (Japanese shaved ice). These bowls are true works of art, and you get these kakigori with classic summer flavors like strawberry or Asian inspired flavors like matcha.