50 Best Ice Cream Shops near Orinda

“Lovely place and really friendly staff!“

“Berkeley is so fortunate to have this incredible gourmet ice cream shop. Their flavors are creative and unusual, but always delicious. The shop itself is cozy and welcoming with indoor and outdoor seating. Melt Me is a small business operated by kind people who are dedicated to innovation and quality.“

“If you haven't tried frozen custard yet, you should know it's the best type of ice cream. It has the scoopability of hard serve with the lickability of soft serve. Top-notch texture, super creamy, perfectly sweet.

Lexie's is the best ice cream shop in Berkeley!!! Maybe in the whole state :) So come try their frozen custard!!“

“Everyone loves Bad Walter’s!! Most delicious and inventive ice cream of all time and lactose-free dairy is a huge plus! Mo who works there is the sweetest and the punch card deal is super sick. Oakland is lucky to have Bad Walter’s <3“

“This place is a dream, with the best ice cream and atmosphere around. I’ve never tasted such good ice cream in my life!!. It’s all healthy and the owners are so nice no matter how busy. Just all smiles and great service. Go here if you want the best ice cream of your life“

“Great flavors! I’m not avoidant of dairy but this is is my new favorite ice cream place! The fact that the ice cream is made from cashew milk adds a unique flavor to everything! From vanilla to matcha (my favorite)
I definitely recommend to give it a try“

“Friendly staff ! Delicious icecream - we accidentally dropped our icecream as we were walking out and the staff didn’t hesitate to replace 💕❤️🍦“

“I honestly wish I hadn't been so hungry that I forgot to take photos. We had the Okie burger with fries and afterwards had salted caramel/coffee ice cream in a waffle cone - all delish! The staff was friendly, fun and accommodating. Made my birthday a delicious experience. Thank you. We'll be back!“

“I am addicted to their Dubai Strawberry Cup — it is soooo good. Every time I come in, I tell myself I’m going to try something new, but nothing compares. I’ve also tried their fresh-squeezed juice and it’s delicious. The flavors are perfect, everything tastes so clean and refreshing, and I honestly don’t know what magic they put in it, but I’m hooked. Highly recommend!“

“Our first visit but absolutely not our last! What delicious flavors! Everyone loved their desserts, the toppings are incredible (vegan hot fudge, vegan caramel, toasted almonds,) and we all left full and happy! Definitely stop in when you’re in the neighborhood!“

“Good stuff, love nondairy options!“

“Our first visit but absolutely not our last! What delicious flavors! Everyone loved their desserts, the toppings are incredible (vegan hot fudge, vegan caramel, toasted almonds,) and we all left full and happy! Definitely stop in when you’re in the neighborhood!“

“Vegan (& Gluten-free) flavors! I loved the pluot, the dark chocolate, and the walnut (that has no pieces of nuts in it, which is really helpful to those like me who can’t have much fiber). Additionally, I found all three flavors more refreshing than (sickeningly) heavy, and the flavors 🤩 🎇—like the grand finale of a fireworks show for the taste buds. I’ve only had about a spoonful of each so far but am in love 😍🤤😋. I didn’t go to the shop, someone brought me some, so I’m not able to give my opinion on the actual shop. From what I heard, though, it wasn’t as crazy as many ice cream places are on hot weekends! 😊“

“Our first visit but absolutely not our last! What delicious flavors! Everyone loved their desserts, the toppings are incredible (vegan hot fudge, vegan caramel, toasted almonds,) and we all left full and happy! Definitely stop in when you’re in the neighborhood!“

“delicious ice cream and everything“

“Not too sweet and great place to hang out!!!“

“We visited from across the country, and this was our first visit to any of The Yard's locations. Sean was a bright spark in the place. They were just beautifully kind, and incredibly helpful. We went in for the milkshakes and they were very good, all the flavors, it was difficult to decide. I got the Pecan Turtle, which was so rich and good. We also ended up getting some cookie dough to bring back home (in our checked bag, which made it home beautifully after talking to Sean about if he thought it would work). The dough was also sooooo good! I think that there is something different about the dairy products in the PNW versus the South East, it's richer, and perhaps fresher. I definitely recommend this location, especially if you're lucky enough to see Sean 💙“

“soooooooooo........goooooood 😋🤤💯❤ All the Cookie dough and Hot Chocolate 💯❤🤤😋“

“It's a great little spot for quick bite. They have good burgers and fries. They also have hot dogs, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, chili fries, chocolate dipped ice-cream and much more. My favorite item is the twister. I get the Resses cup one but they have many other flavors. My daughter loves their sundaes. It's a little pricey but for me it's worth it.“

“Great homely environment & love the ice creams here. There are a few rocks outside to site and and enjoy beautiful sunset view.. Love coming back“

“Excellent staff. Delicious - big fan of that pluot sorbet!!“

“This is our neighborhood go-to for frozen yogurt! My husband is a regular here, and now I completely understand why. The yogurt is always perfectly creamy with great flavor options, and the toppings are always fresh. The staff is super friendly and welcoming — they always remember familiar faces. A great local spot for a sweet treat!“

“First time in CA as an adult. Stopped by at Handel’s Homemade IC in Walnut Creek, CA. It was raining, and near store closing, and I was slightly sick.

I got the 4-combo sampler, with Mango Sherbet + Pistachio + Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie + OD (Ooohh Dough) and it was great. Shared it with others but I ended up finishing most of it.

Only thing that sucked is we had to run back in rain with the plastic lid closed. But otherwise the taste was great. I finished the rest of it in the car. My favorite was either CPB or OD, but the Pista was good too.

I’ll give it a pass. Nice ice cream shop; and they have a lotta flavors. Hope to be back if I’m in the area again.“

“Great product. Pleasant and helpful staff.“

“Everytime I go there, the staff are always warm and welcoming. The prices are great as far as I'm concerned. They keep it very clean and tidy. It's never been too busy. And the atmosphere is perfect for a random after school treat worth the kids.“

“The best premium frozen yogurt in town!! 🍦 My favorite is the classic chocolate vanilla swirl—it takes me right back to my childhood! 🥰 The owners, Heather and Aron, are the absolute sweetest, and they always create such a welcoming and fun atmosphere no matter the time of day. If you haven't been to Yogurt Spot yet, you’re missing out. Couldn't recommend it more!“

“"a mini is small, a small is large, and a large is gigantic"“

“Amazing waffle & flavour and lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend you check them out!!!!!“

“The best gelato I’ve found with many unique and delicious flavors using fresh fruits and ingredients on a daily basis. I come in every time I am in Berkeley, because it’s head and shoulders above the gelato in the Sacramento area!“

“love it for a afternoon treat w the kiddos“

“We were in the area, nice 👍 to be able to enjoy our yogurt plus close to coffee shop as well & lots of benches to relax👋🤙👋“

“im a brokeass student and everyday is a living hell for me because of the hotass weather plus my horrible grades😭😭

i went to QTea Bar for the first time and honestly - ITS NOT BAD FOR A PERSON WHO ONLY HAS $10 AT THE MOMENT LIKE ME.

basically, its a small place - however they offer a lot of items on their menu! the one on the picture is the Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Boba, which costed $7 dollars (I DROPPED MY JAW AT THE PRICE, BUT ITS FINE I GUESS?)

i chose Normal sweetness level and was expecting a nice sugar level, but was instantly kicked with a flavor that felt like 10 spoons of sugar on my mouth😭💔

i suggest letting it dilute for a little bit and drinking it, because the sugar really was kicking me 🫩

im used to the “normal” amount if sugar level since im a sugar-tooth, but if youre an adult, i suggest 50-75% sugar - also the toppings (boba, etc) are $0.50 — which is an okay price

the employees are super nice, they only had 2 people working at the time i was there - so i believe its a small business run by them

overall; great service, nice menu, small place but functional!

5/5 in my opinion, if i were bias, id give 3.5/5, but they were kind :)“

“Best Sundaes around! Family favorite for years! Gotta have my Brown n White!“

“Good place nice people there“

“When schools were open, I would stop here with my sons on the way home. We are from Puerto Rico so we were super excited to see mamey, guanabana and guava ice cream made with real fruit. We would buy something to eat on the way home and extra for the rest of the family. Their Mangonadas are huge, packed with fresh mango, refreshing and super delicious. We usually share them! My go to snack is the Elote (in a cup). Every time family is in town, we take them here.When the schools were open, I would stop here with my children on the way home. We are from Puerto Rico, so we were very excited to see mamey, soursop and guava ice cream made with real fruit. We bought something to eat on the way home and more for the rest of the family. Their Mangonadas are huge, full of fresh mango, refreshing and super delicious. We usually share them! My favorite snack is Elote (in a glass). Every time the family is in town, we take them here.“

“Delicious creamy and flavorful. I had the guava and it was rich and fruity.“

“My experience at Passione Caffè in their gorgeous two-story, well-decorated café at 91 Shattuck Square was simply marvelous. The staff was friendly, quick, and accommodating and the food, drinks, and desserts were delicious! I highly recommend Passione Caffè to those looking for a quick and yummy lunch (or breakfast/brunch everyday), to snack and study, or for an authentic Italian coffee. Don’t miss out on the great happy hour/aperativo deals between 4-7PM! It almost goes without mentioning, but Passione Caffè is absolutely true to its slogan: “A corner of Italy in Berkeley.” From the food and drink to the atmosphere and the service, this is the only truly Italian café I have found in Berkeley! And that comes from over a year of experience living and traveling in Italy! Besides the beautiful architecture and interior design of Passione Caffè—not to mention its convenient location next to Downtown Berkeley BART—I would like to point out some highlights on the menu. The pastas are all made with homemade, organic noodles and made-to-order sauces. The pasta dishes are so fresh and authentic! The spaghetti with meatballs, their only Americanized dish, is to die for! The pizzas also are also made with home-made dough and gluten-free options are offered. Try one with fresh prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula! The fresh panini with Italian meats and cheeses round out the lunch menu. It is possible to have a filling lunch for $7-15, which is definitely reasonably priced by Berkeley standards! A serious final highlight was the artisanal gelato, made in-house by the Italian co-owner, Eleanora Cercatore. There are 12 flavors, weekly made with gluten-free options, that are displayed on a beautiful rotating wheel. The gelato is spectacularly tasty—I cannot recommend it highly enough! For your time, money, and fine Italian bites and drinks, I cannot recommend a Berkeley café more highly than Passione Caffè! Please pay them a visit soon—you won’t be disappointed!“

“Customer service was awesome!!!! A little travel but worth it. The yogurt was good and tasty...“

“Mangonada, nieve de garrafa, raspados, bionicos, tostilocos, tejuinos“

“we order a milkshake it was so delicious and would go again 😋“

“Did not see any Asian people while here.“

“This is the perfect treat for a hot day. Ian's has plenty of fro-yo flavors to choose from which makes the customer feel good. The price can be a little expensive sometimes, so it can be a place to go there not as frequently as others.🍦“

“Enjoy coming to yogurt shack in the heart of Danville. Great variety of yogurt flavors and toppings. The owners staff with mostly high school youth. Looks like an excellent first job and the kids seem to not only enjoy working there but are very friendly and helpful. I love that it is conveniently located next to primos. It's a great after dinner treat.“

“I usually stop for a shake or packed ice cream. The sundaes are very good but with a quart of ice cream I can tell myself I'm not eating it all in one go. (A lie!). They also have coffee, doughnuts and some hot breakfast sandwiches so not just a dessert place. Friendly owners I always enjoy visiting with.“

“The service is so friendly and welcoming and the ice cream is amazing. My husband loves their double chocolate walnut brownies and they have the best pup cups! If I ever get back to running marathons again, I’m treating myself to their hot fudge sundae! It is the real deal.“

“First off yuuummmy!! Just writing this review is making me crave this delicious gelato. It is made just right and every flavor is so tasty. The Sherbets are to die for! Seriously! Wish I knew more places to indulge in this treat �“

“My husband and I just spent two weeks visiting Oakland and we discovered Gelato Firenza (near Grand Lake Theate) one week into our trip. Once we did we made a special trip there every day, and one day even went twice! It’s the best gelato we’ve tasted anywhere, and we’ve been all over.

We first had gelato 40 years ago in Rome and were delighted as it became increasingly popular all over the world. We’ve tried it in many places, but this is our favorite.

We learned that it’s all natural, no additives, and made on the premises daily by the owner, who is so devoted to getting the flavors just right that she often spends four or more days perfecting them.

We love the fact that it’s not overly sweet, so you can really taste the underlying flavors (and feel good about it having less sugar). They’re very generous about allowing you to taste before ordering, and the prices are excellent.

Our favorites were: hazelnut, salted caramel, strawberry and rose (which was so unique and delicious!) Others we tasted and loved included Earl Grey, Matcha, coconut, almond, Dulce de Leche, and cookies and cream, but every flavor we tried was truly delicious.

For reference I have only written two other reviews in my life: one about my dog’s veterinarian, and one about a hotel in Thailand. But this gelato is so special and the owner so delightful I had to pass the word on.

We can’t wait to return to the Bay Area for more.“