50 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego

“I was nervous about the flavors, mostly because I didn’t know what they were! But was able to taste test and decided on the Quattroberry and stracciatella. Delicious! Great price- $6.50 for two big scoops! Definitely wanted to go back. Try the dragon fruit/lemon one- super tart and so good!“

“Fantastic, velvety smooth creative flavors and made from scratch! They also switch out their flavors every 2 weeks or so! Fun concept, wonderful staff. Highly recommend. Putting San Diego on the food map :)“

“Absolutely incredible! We tried the churros with fudge and they were easily the highlight of our day. The churros were perfectly goldencrispy on the outside and light on the inside and the fudge was rich, smooth, and decadent. If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet treat, this is it. We’ll definitely be back for more!“

“I live in Arizona and walking my found this place. To sum it up I’m addicted to this ice cream. Every time we go to San Diego I have this ice cream 2 to 3 times a day.“

“This is by far one of the best ice cream shops I’ve been to! The ice cream is phenomenal and is all made in house. The owner Dave was so kind and helpful! I will absolutely be back to this stop next time I’m in town! P.s. don’t sleep on the mushroom ice cream. It is BEYOND good!“

“The perfect treat on a hot day. And now that we know the deliver , I’m getting gelato at work.“

“I was nervous about the flavors, mostly because I didn’t know what they were! But was able to taste test and decided on the Quattroberry and stracciatella. Delicious! Great price- $6.50 for two big scoops! Definitely wanted to go back. Try the dragon fruit/lemon one- super tart and so good!“

“I ate at the original handle’s ice cream in Youngstown, Ohio as a child. I visited locations all over the country to include North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Utah, and California. This location in San Diego is definitely pricey, but the ice cream as always was top-notch.!“

“This place is the cats meow. Don’t sleep on this convoy gem.“

“Category: Ice Cream Shop. One of the bartenders at Vincenzo recommended this shop with super unique ice cream flavors. We didn’t need to read beyond the first line of the sidewalk sandwich sign advertising the daily specials to know we would leave the shop with a cup of Chocolate Malted Potato Chip Cupcake, which loaded chocolate-glazed cupcake and chocolate-covered potato chips into malted chocolate milk ice cream. It was deeply chocolatey and crunchy from the cupcakes and crunchy in a different way from the potato chips. The other flavors were equally wild. When we arrived there was a line out the door but the bartender who recommended the place said the line is often wrapped around the corner. So we were lucky. As we sat on the small bench enjoying our ice cream, the line remained steady and out the door to the corner. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice“

“The best ice cream in San Diego hands down“

“This is one of the ice cream shops where you want to try every single flavor and go back to back days to do so. Rec in the area for simple but well done Asian flavor ice creams. Also a place where you forget to take a photo before you dig in because you're so excited“

“Best Ice creams , sply double fold vanila and honey lavender“

“I live in Arizona and walking my found this place. To sum it up I’m addicted to this ice cream. Every time we go to San Diego I have this ice cream 2 to 3 times a day.“

“Their homemade ice cream“

“I live in Arizona and walking my found this place. To sum it up I’m addicted to this ice cream. Every time we go to San Diego I have this ice cream 2 to 3 times a day.“

“We just stopped here after dinner. My family of 5 each got a different flavor and we all loved our choices. The man behind the counter chose mine (tres leche cheesecake) and it was so good. Try this place if you are in the area. It’s great.“

“It’s nice to have soft serve in the hood!!“

“Delicious ice cream and cones, great rewards, but the staff at this location has consistently terrible attitudes towards customers. Would come here way more often if they could find a scooper who could at least pretend to be happy to be there.

2/12/26 Update: Moved to 5 stars because there are now nice staff.“

“Best Gelato we've had in a while! Small little spot but everything was fresh with unique flavor choices but so freaking good! My youngest loved their dragon lemon flavor, tastes like a strawberry lemonade. Our oldest had the salted caramel. My husband and I shared the large cup with three flavors. The mapletella, pistachio and the third was like a chocolate hazelnut. All three were delicious together! Everyone enjoyed their treats, would highly recommend!“

“Fives across the board! The gelato and chocolate here is incredible and the service is the same if not better. Gianna was kind enough to let me sample some of the chocolates and patiently explained each of the products I asked about. I will definitely be stopping by again soon!“

“This place is an E X P E R I E N C E. I will venture to guess you will seldom have this kind of service and care at any other ice cream shop.

It’s a full taste test experience of all of their flavors in an order & flow that feels fit for a Michelin star dinner.

The ice cream is SUPER good, and the eclectic interior and flavors on old TV screens is wildly creative. The Velour and Phin went very well together.

Expect a line, but it moves somewhat quickly. Come early and on a weeknight for a minimal wait.“

“This your local Ma & Pop shop. Personal Fav: Acai/Blue Spirulina Bowl (Acai Roots Brand 💜) They have quite a few bases to choose from so that's nice.

Every bowl, no matter who is working, is made with love. Employees are super sweet, very engaging and always greet you with a smile when you walk in.

Froyo/Sorbet/Gelato favors, yes they have multiple options, are super good and changing often. However, Pineapple Dole is always on tap which is another personal fav of mine, so that's rad.

If you want an OG froyo/acai bowl... This is your spot.“

“We found Cabetos a few years ago at a farmers market. Ever since then if we ever see them somewhere- it’s a must have treat. We recently had a grand opening event for our new business and had them cater. They were awesome to work with. Weston, who was at our event was so fun and EVERYONE loved the ice cream. I highly recommend to find them at a farmers market near you or book them for your next event. I now need to go to their new store! So fun!“

“Great spot for the perfect evening treat 🍦“

“Fabulous gelato! Visiting from Albuquerque and I found this place on a whim, would absolutely recommend cool little place. Lady at the front could be a little more friendly but she absolutely could have been having a long day. But overall: upstairs access, decent selection, and available restroom. I will note this place has a lot of potential, has wonderful space, totally underutilized, bathroom could also be updated and cleaned.“

“The main thing to call out about this salt and straw (although I'm almost scared to) is that parking is plentiful and the line is much shorter compared to the one in little Italy! Other than that, try their take on cookie dough—it's great“

“The taste is second to none! I accidentally left my wallet on the bench outside, and one of the staff members was kind enough to bring it inside for safekeeping. I realized I’d lost it on Tuesday evening, but didn't make it back to the shop until Sunday afternoon. To my surprise, it was still there—not a penny missing! I’m so impressed by the honesty and kindness of the team here.“

“In love with this shaved ice! more than you can eat for a great price.“

“I live in Arizona and walking my found this place. To sum it up I’m addicted to this ice cream. Every time we go to San Diego I have this ice cream 2 to 3 times a day.“

“We strolled over after Fish Guts and enjoyed a cooling treat after a hot day. The mango shaved ice, avocado pistachio ice and coffee almond fudge all had great flavors. We got cookies to take home also (so good). I will definitely try the shaved ice next time around.“

“Love the cheerful, friendly welcome and the first timer helpfulness! Delicious sandwiches prepared to order, personal preferences are catered to. Always something new to try, creative variations.“

“First time here and it was so good. I got the twister with the flavors Oreo and berry cheesecake (yes it’s a weird combination) and it was so flavorful the cheesecake bits were yummy! I also got the Junior for the size of the twister and the Junior size is already very filling and it’s the smallest size! The staff here were also nice to us. They also sell burgers and popcorn chicken here. Definitely would come back to try the burgers and popcorn chicken here. I also like how there are two screens to order.“

“Stopped here on a whim (treat for the kids after flu shots nearby) and was pleasantly surprised that they had Superman ice cream!

I haven’t had it in years and it was very nostalgic. That was the best flavor at K Mart growing up lol.

Nice little spot, very clean, seems family owned.

Parking: Shopping center parking with 2 dedicated spots

Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly. Kid sized bowls.“

“Delicious malts and delicious food! Homemade French fries and home made ranch dressing“

“The ice cream is to die for here & they craft each one so perfectly. They’re always so sweet and kind. My partner & I come here all the time to enjoy our favorites! Tonight, we saw a really difficult customer come in and gave the employees a really hard time. They handled it so well and they are some amazing people!“

“bomb.com !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!“

“The ice cream is great. Can't remember the name of the dish but the one with the brownie at the bottom of the cup was amazing and the berry immune smoothie was nice and refreshing. Jenn was an amazing server, she made sure I knew what the order included and was supper welcoming.“

“Came in with my kids today — first time trying it, after living here for 4 years! The ice cream was delicious and the kids loved their flavors. We tried Gansito, birthday cake and double
Chocolate chip. I loved their gansito, brings back memories of eating them at my grandmas house. Gerardo helped us at the counter. We’ll definitely be back! 😊🍦“

“Been coming here for 25 years! Best frozen yogurt!!“

“Stumbled upon this lovely little place while walking on Little Italy area. On stepping in you are greeted by the several paletas from fruit to milk based flavors on the counter. Place has a nice vibe and is spacious. They also have customizable topping options available for a surcharge.

Coffee flavor was amazing and had a center of leche, which nicely balanced out the strong coffee flavor. Loved the pistachio paleta.. it wasn’t overpowered by sugar, had a nutty flavor that let pistachio shine! Highly recommend the place.“

“They have great flavors and toppings.“

“Excelente repostería! Riquísimas donas ☕️🍩🍩🍩“

“Hit the spot! Sad to see so many homeless people walk in and steal chocolate only to walk out very nonchalantly. Apparently, this is San Diego now. People can just steal whatever and not get in trouble. Definitely puts a damper on a fun date night.“

“Thank you Woofpac for dropping off some Advent calendars at our veterinary hospital! These are honestly the first treats that every single one of my dogs loved! I will be stopping by Irvine Spectrum soon to get them more goodies 🐶❤️“

“Ok, I am from NY and love pizza. I am not a NYC pizza snob though and welcome all iterations of 'za! I have to say that this pizza is probably the best I have ever had of its type. They are "Roman" slices, meaning focaccia crust. Variety of slice options are insane with creative combinations that are not only imaginative, but insanely delicious. Slices are cooked upon ordering for supreme freshness. I especially like the Lussuria - prosciutto, black pepper, mashed potato, mozzarella and olive oil. (I NEVER thought I would like mashed potato on a slice, but it's insanely good.) The help here is amazing as well. Caesar was working the oven and he gave great suggestions and explained the product well. Very inviting and definitely steered me in the right direction. Need gluten free? They got it! Will make a GF slice for you right on the spot. I challenge anyone to have just one slice. I had to go back for 2 more. Enjoy!“

“What could be better than having an ice cream on the beach? Having QUALITY ice cream on the beach! This may not sound real but when I was a kid I thought Thrifty’s ice cream was the best. Turns out as far as quality, IT WAS! (according to officianados) This place will make you relive your “Thrifty” moments and that’s not even talking about toppings, waffle options, or shakes! C’mon now, they even have bacon maple or peanut butter options for Pup Cups! Take Fido to Dog Beach and then head to the Lighthouse. You can kick it at a table outside and hold the pup cup between your toes for the doggy! They have gluten free cones and ice cream and vegan options too……….. but everything is bad for you and going to kill you on this planet. Wouldn’t you rather die happy and with the taste of real ice cream on your palate? I thought so. YOUR WELCOME, UNIVERSE!!!“

“Yummay cookies 🥰🍪🥰 Looking foward to having this in the future 🥰“

“The best ice cream with super unique flavors. Highly recommend!“

“Can’t stop eating these. Go to the gas station by my house for a Mint & Chocolate one at least three times a week 🙈 Would love to buy a box if possible! 🐷“