11 Places to Try Ice Cream in New York City
'10.07.2026'
ForumDaily New York
When it comes to ice cream, New York City is one of the world's leading cities. Here you can try fish-shaped cones, unusual mochi toppings, and the most unexpected flavor combinations. But equally popular are the classic ice cream parlors, which have been crafting desserts from high-quality ingredients for decades. Mitziemee tells about the best places for lovers of this chilled delicacy.
Taiyaki NYC
- Address: 119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013.
Taiyaki is a Japanese fish-shaped pastry. It's made from a sweet, pancake-like batter that's baked in special pans until golden brown.
Traditionally, taiyaki is filled with red bean paste. Today, the filling options are much wider. Taiyaki NYC puts soft ice cream inside this fish.
What to order
В establishment They offer a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavors. All are worth trying, so you can choose whichever you like.
The main advice is to definitely order ice cream in a taiyaki cone.
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
- Address: 14 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Before Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory was located at 1 Water Street, on the Fulton Ferry Landing pier. Then a cafe temporarily moved to Greenpoint, and another establishment opened in its place.
Now, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is back in business in practically the same location—across the street from its original location. It's another great reason to stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Customers love the classic atmosphere of this place. And the ice cream is truly delicious. It's made with only high-quality, natural ingredients.
The selection of flavors is quite limited. Since the cafe's inception, almost no new options have been introduced. But it seems no one is planning to change the winning concept.
What to order
A favorite flavor of many guests is “Peaches & Cream”.
Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream
- Address: 88 W Houston St, New York.
There's a job on Rivington Street. Morgenstern's Bananas, where they sell dairy-free soft ice cream.
What to order
True ice cream lovers should definitely stop by. Besides the classic flavors, they offer a variety of unusual combinations.
For example:
- Pickles & Mayo
- "Salted Egg Yolk Chili Crisp."
If you want something more familiar, you can choose the classic “Peaches & Cream” flavor.
Il Laboratorio del Gelato
- Address: 188 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002.
The modern, laboratory-like interior immediately makes it clear that this is no ordinary gelateria.
On the subject: Six interesting candy shops in New York City where you can buy unusual sweets
While the space may seem a little cold, the friendly staff quickly changes that first impression.
The main advantage of the Il Laboratorio del Gelato - a huge selection of flavors.
What to order
Here you'll find both classic options—chocolate and pistachio—and some very unusual ones, such as:
- olive oil;
- lavender.
With around 200 unique flavors available, there's something to suit everyone's taste. This place is a must-see for true gelato fans.
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
- Address: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is located in the very center of Chinatown.
The family-run café with its dragon logo is more popular than ever. There's almost always a crowd of customers at the entrance.
The owners are constantly coming up with new interesting flavors.
What to order
Lychee ice cream is an expert favorite.
Soft Swerve
- Address: 85B Allen St, New York, NY 10002.
Photos of purple Soft Swerve ice cream with colorful flakes were literally all over Instagram.
At first it seemed like it was just another fashion trend.
But Soft Swerve — it's not just about pretty photos. Especially for those who truly love soft-serve ice cream.
What to order
The most famous flavor is Ube Purple Yam, made from purple yams. It's definitely worth trying on your first visit.
In addition, the following are available:
- match;
- black sesame.
The Kips Bay branch sells Vietnamese coffee-flavored soft serve ice cream.
Once you've chosen your flavor, you can add toppings. The cereal pairs perfectly with soft-serve ice cream.
Moti would also be a good choice.
In addition to the cafe, there are two more Soft Swerve branches on Allen Street.
Milk Bar
- Address: 1196 Broadway, New York, NY 10001.
If you love soft serve ice cream, you've probably already been to Milk BarIf not, this place is definitely worth adding to your list.
What to order
The main hit is Cereal Milk Soft Serve. Its taste is reminiscent of the sweet milk that remains at the bottom of your bowl after eating cereal.
The idea is very simple, but the result turned out to be incredibly delicious.
Milk Bar has several locations in New York City. The flagship offers excellent service.
The staff is always ready to share their favorite flavors and make recommendations.
A la mode
- Address: 360 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022.
In this a cafe It's very cozy. They have really great ice cream here. It's nut-, egg-, and sesame-free. They also have a good selection of dairy-free flavors.
What to order
The experts especially loved the Key Lime Pie and Rose flavors. And it's definitely worth adding marshmallows on top.
Van Leeuwen
- Address: 172 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002.
Van Leeuwen What started with a single yellow ice cream truck has grown into a popular chain with numerous locations across the United States.
Most of the flavors here are very rich and contain a lot of additives.
What to order
The staff recommends the "Peanut Butter Brownie Honey Comb." If you're unsure what to choose, this is the one to go with.
Anita Gelato
- Address: 1561 2nd Ave and 379A Greenwich St, New York.
Anita Gelato Hailing from Tel Aviv, the family-owned gelateria chain has already opened two locations in New York City—on the Upper East Side and in Tribeca.
The cafe is more reminiscent of a dessert boutique than a typical gelateria.
The display case is filled with dozens of flavors that look so beautiful that it’s a shame to eat them.
What to order
Here are some rich, creamy options to try:
- White Chocolate Pistachio;
- Mascarpone and Blueberry;
- Cookieman with cookie dough and Oreo.
A wide selection of vegan gelato and refreshing sorbets is also available.
You can combine as many flavors as will fit in a cone or cup.
Salt & Straw
- Address: 1006 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075.
If you like unusual ice cream flavors, you should check out Salt & Straw.
The chain originated in Portland and later opened in New York.
What to order
They offer rich ice cream with a velvety texture and unexpected combinations.
For example:
- "Pear & Blue Cheese";
- Olive Oil Fudge.
A new themed menu appears every month, often created in collaboration with local chefs and producers. Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons remains a perennial favorite.
The staff generously offer to sample different options before purchasing, so don't be shy about asking for a tasting.

