50 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego

“Stella Jean's Ice Cream in University Heights is a must-visit for ice cream lovers, especially those with dietary restrictions as they offer fantastic vegan options. The hand-made ice cream, friendly and helpful staff, and positive vibe make it a great spot to try a variety of flavors. Popular choices include the Vegan mango sticky rice, Vegan Calamansi Creamsicle, and Filipino-inspired Ube Pandesal. The staff is accommodating, allowing customers to taste multiple flavors before deciding. The ice cream is rich, decadent, and perfect for indulging. Customers can enjoy their ice cream in a waffle cone or take home pints of their favorite flavors.“

“An's Dry Cleaning offers a cool and unique ice cream experience with ever-changing flavors to try. Despite long lines, the delicious gelato with gluten-free and vegan options makes the wait worth it. The friendly staff, like Mia, will guide you through the floral flavors, like white satin and blueberry jasmine, ensuring nothing is too sweet. Situated in a nice neighborhood, this spot is a must-visit in San Diego for a refreshing break with a dry cleaner theme. Wheelchair accessible and reasonably priced, An's Dry Cleaning is recommended for all dessert lovers.“

“Bobboi Natural Gelato offers a delightful experience with its helpful staff, lovely seating areas, and amazing service. The gelato flavors, including vegan options like hazelnut and pistachio, are incredibly tasty, and the general vanilla with chocolate flakes is a standout. With gluten-free options available, this spot is a must-visit for a sweet treat.“

“Salt & Straw is a delightful ice cream shop with friendly staff who offer generous samples. The pistachio & saffron rose flavor may vary but the Coffee Love Nut and Honey Lavender are consistent favorites. The store provides a unique experience with metal tasting spoons and a variety of rich, sweet flavors. It's a great place to enjoy a delicious treat in a cozy atmosphere.“

“SomiSomi is a popular spot with delicious food and fair prices. The upside ahboong is a must-try, and the unlimited toppings are a bonus. The rotating flavors of soft serve ice cream and made-to-eat waffle "fish" are a unique treat. The restaurant is connected to a coffee shop and offers great service, making it a great spot to stop by anytime.“

“Stella Jean's Ice Cream Pacific Beach offers incredible ice cream, including the exceptional ube pandesal flavor. The homemade waffle cone is a perfect complement. The shop also serves amazing apple and banana pies along with great coffee. The service at the PB location is super sweet, making the experience even better.“

“The Craft Creamery, located alongside Moniker Coffee, offers a variety of local ice cream flavors. With limited seating but a cozy atmosphere, customers can enjoy their treats inside or on the outdoor patio. The ice cream choices are vast, making it difficult to decide, but sampling is allowed to make the selection process easier. The service is exceptional and patient, ensuring a pleasant experience. Color-changing spoons add an extra element of fun, especially for kids. The option to purchase pints allows customers to take their favorite flavors home. Despite not making their own ice cream, the sourced varieties are delicious. Prices are reasonable, offering good value for the quantity. Whether you're a local or visitor, The Craft Creamery is a convenient spot to indulge in flavorful ice cream without the hassle of multiple locations. Street parking can be a challenge, but nearby side streets usually have available space.“

“Neveria Los Mochis is an ice cream parlor with a Mexican cultural twist and an art gallery in the back. Customers are delighted by the variety of interesting flavors like avocado and pistachio, marzipan, elote, and strawberry coffee mix. The option to sample flavors before deciding is a pleasant surprise for many. The pistachio and avocado ice cream with spicy crickets as a topping is a favorite choice among visitors. The establishment also offers drinks and different cup sizes for convenience. The ambiance is enhanced by the art pieces for sale on display, leading to the art gallery at the back. The ice cream is noted for being on the lighter side, with a strong pistachio taste and bits of pistachio. Guests appreciate the unique offerings and often recommend Neveria Los Mochis to their friends who love ice cream.“

“Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams offers a very large choice of flavors, reminiscent of Haagen Dazs in consistency and Ben & Jerry's in variety. They serve a taster flight called a Study, which is highly recommended. The ice cream is thick and a bit too sweet for some, but the waffle cones are freshly made and delicious. Notable flavors include Super moon, brambleberry crisp, milkiest chocolate, and brown butter almond brittle.“

“Mr. Trustee Creamery, now Wild Child Creamery, serves decadent ice cream like the malted chocolate fudge brownie. The Cookies and Cream cup is less sweet than other versions. They rotate flavors, like Robin’s Egg for Spring, and have soft serve options. A sweet addition to Mission Hills, though they no longer offer a "pup cup."“

“Tocumbo Ice Cream offers a variety of treats, including corn cups, banana splits, fruit cups, ice cream, and Popsicles. Their tropical flavored ice cream is a highlight, with unique flavors like nancy, mamey, and guanabana. The coconut agua fresca is a weekend-only treat that many visitors look forward to. While prices may vary, the atmosphere remains clean and cool, making it a pleasant destination.“

“SOMISOMI is a restaurant known for its delicious and fast service. The menu features unique and tasty ice cream flavors, such as Ube, Horchata, Thai Tea, and pink guava. The ice cream can be enjoyed in a fish-shaped cone or in a cup, and can be topped with ingredients like red bean filling, macaron, and crushed Oreo. The restaurant offers many options for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and dairy-free choices. The atmosphere is perfect for a sunny day, making it a great spot to visit. Customers have described the ice cream as "amazing", "smooth", and "delicious", with some even feeling like "a gangster" while enjoying their purple ube ice cream. Overall, SOMISOMI offers a fantastic experience for anyone looking to satisfy their ice cream cravings.“

“Mutual Friend Ice Cream is a charming shop located inside Dark Horse Coffee. The ice cream is made with unique flavors, such as Hawaiian/tropical influenced options and unique combinations like milk and cookies. The ice cream itself has a light texture and is not too sweet or creamy. The shop offers a variety of flavors, including seasonal options, and the service is friendly and quick. The cozy shop has a bright atmosphere with string lights and a large neon sign, and seating is limited but comfortable. The ice cream is a bit on the runnier side, making it difficult to eat with a cone. With a convenient location and delicious flavors, Mutual Friend Ice Cream is a great spot to stop by for dessert.“

“The Yeti Dessert Cafe is a hidden gem in the Mira Mesa mall, offering a delightful selection of Taiwanese breakfast sandwiches and bubble waffles. The breakfast sandwiches, with fillings like spam, egg, and cucumber or Canadian bacon, egg, and cucumber, are praised for their perfectly cooked eggs, flavorful sauces, and fluffy bread. The strawberry creme bubble waffle is also a crowd-pleaser, though it can get a bit messy as the creme melts. The cafe's hot teas and iced coffee, like the Campfire iced coffee, are equally impressive. The service is consistently friendly and accommodating, and the restaurant provides ample outlets and WiFi for customers. While the current menu is limited, the cafe's specialty, the creamy and milky snow ice, has great potential to be further developed and customized to cater to a younger, social media-savvy audience. With some menu expansion and a focus on their signature snow ice, the Yeti Dessert Cafe is poised to become a must-visit destination for both mall-goers and local residents.“

“Gelabong is a charming Korean dessert shop known for its delicious treats and friendly staff. The shop can get busy, but customers are helped promptly, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Parking can be a challenge due to the small lot and the popularity of nearby businesses. The menu features a variety of options, including soft serve, taiyakis (fish-shaped waffles), and mochi donuts. The taiyakis can be filled with flavors such as Nutella, custard, or Ube. Customers can add toppings to their orders at no extra charge. The soft serve is creamy and flavorful, while the taiyakis are a crowd favorite, with a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey filling. The mochi donuts have a delightful airy texture and are not too sweet. The jasmine tea with boba is brewed fresh and comes with perfectly chewy boba. It is a popular choice among customers. Overall, Gelabong is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.“

“Bing Haus is a charming spot that offers a unique experience. The restaurant is famous for its rolled ice cream, created on a cold metal surface, and served in a small cup with various flavors such as coffee, cookies n' cream, banana, and black sesame. The menu also features a selection of hot and cold drinks, including matcha, and a Vietnamese coffee that is strong and tasty. The interior is adorned with Hello Kitty items and has a clean and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a dessert or drink while getting some work or studying done. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.“

“IceChurro is a great place to visit with nice and genuine staff. The original churros with vanilla ice cream are a quick, easy dessert option that hits the spot. The churros are hot, fresh, and crispy, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. The Original IceChurro Bites with Vanilla Ice Cream & Caramel Drizzle are a delicious choice for churro lovers. The atmosphere is kid-friendly and the staff prioritize cleanliness. A perfect spot for a quick sweet treat or dessert before heading back home or exploring the area. Highly recommended for visitors to San Diego.“

“MILKISSIMO GELATO is an exceptional gelato shop that offers a delightful experience for its customers. The owner is passionate about his craft, providing a wide variety of homemade and authentic Italian flavors, including Nutella and coffee. Customers praise the owner's kindness, generosity with samples, and the overall freshness and quality of the gelato.“

“Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co. offers unique and delicious ice cream flavors such as candy cap mushroom, dark chocolate, pistachio, saffron, and rose. The owner is known for their friendly and playful demeanor, providing great stories and recommendations for local attractions. The staff is attentive, offering samples and creating a kid-friendly environment. Overall, it's a must-visit destination for high-quality ice cream and a welcoming atmosphere.“

“Bobboi Natural Gelato is a great destination for gelato lovers. With a nice location, it's a perfect spot to enjoy a treat while taking in the views of the ocean. The gelato flavors are amazing, with favorites including Moka, Coconut, Chocolate, and Berry Vanilla. The staff are friendly and accommodating, happy to help with any requests. Try the Bacoi and Salted Carmel combination for a treat. With a wide range of flavors to try, customers can enjoy a medium-sized serving of their favorite flavors, or even take some home. The patio seating area is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy your gelato, and the beach is just a short walk away.“

“Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream offers a wide variety of delicious homemade ice cream flavors, including Kahlua Chip and Coconut Cream, which are customer favorites. The staff is friendly, and customers can sample the flavors before choosing. The ice cream portions are generous, and the sugar cones are perfectly crisp and sweet. Customers highly recommend this charming ice cream shop for a satisfying dessert experience.“

“North Park Creamery is a restaurant known for its soft serve ice cream, praised by a former New Yorker for its creamy texture, exceptional taste, and variety of flavors. The use of organic ingredients, as mentioned by the owner, allows for lower calorie content without compromising taste. The vegan coconut ube/strawberry twist flavor was noted for its unique toasted coconut flavor and sweet taste. The churro flavor soft serve was also highly enjoyed. The restaurant offers excellent customer service and is dog-friendly. However, parking can be challenging, as noted by a visitor who had to walk a few blocks.“

“Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a must-visit spot! The flavors like Ube, pistachio, banana, and rocky road are delightful and stacked generously on cones. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. Don't miss out on trying their delicious coconut caramel flavor.“

“Mariposa Ice Cream is a family business in San Diego that offers high-quality ice cream with a mix of unique and classic flavors. The generous portions and fair prices make it a great value. The staff provides excellent customer service, even staying open past closing time. The comfortable and family-friendly environment adds to the overall experience. With fresh and sustainable ingredients, this ice cream shop stands out for its jolly atmosphere and variety of flavors. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for the best ice cream in town.“

“Stella Jean's Ice Cream & Coffee Kensington offers a range of unique and delicious flavors, including the popular Mango Sticky Rice and Ube Pandesal. The shop serves high-quality ice cream with well-balanced flavors and is accommodating to dietary restrictions. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a cute shop environment and dog-friendly policies.“

“Salt & Straw offers a unique ice cream experience with friendly service. Customers can sample various flavors before deciding. The ice cream combines surprising ingredients seamlessly. The salted, malted chocolate chip cookie dough flavor stands out for its texture and balanced sweetness. The staff's honesty is commendable, as they found and returned lost items. An overall happy and delicious experience awaits at Salt & Straw.“

“Cabetos Pops is a delightful dessert spot offering a unique experience. The staff provides great service, and the environment is welcoming and clean. The pops are delicious, with options for vegan ice cream. The show is a highlight, with mesmerizing dipping and sprinkling that captivates both kids and adults. The menu is small but offers tasty flavors, including coffee and other options. The "mini" option is a great value, perfect for a sweet snack. With a few tweaks to the topping process, Cabetos Pops has the potential to be a top-notch dessert destination.“

“Shake Shack Del Mar offers a high-tech ordering experience but comes at a higher price than expected. While some find the food good and worth it, others feel it's overpriced for the taste offered. The burgers are described as small and flavorless, leaving some disappointed and unlikely to return. The lack of personal service and tipping option add to the negative experience for some customers.“

“Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream is a popular destination for those seeking rich and creamy treats. The ice cream is full of ingredients, with bold and intense flavor combinations reminiscent of Ben & Jerry's. The flavors, such as the signature "Fat Elvis" (banana ice cream with peanut butter swirl and chocolate chips), are a hit with customers. With a spacious and well-seated location, Hammond's is a better option than some of its competitors, offering better value for money and a more satisfying taste experience. While parking can be a challenge, the ice cream is always 5-star, making it a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts.“

“The Boba Spot offers delicious Boba milk tea and tasty smoothies, with high-quality ingredients and excellent flavor. The staff, referred to as "bobaristas," are friendly and kind. They provide great service, such as remaking drinks if there's an issue and even cleaning up spills. The Boba has a nice texture, being neither too hard nor soft. The fries are made to order, and this small business is appreciated in the community.“

“Bobboi Natural Gelato is a hip ice cream shop located in Little Italy, San Diego. The shop offers a variety of unique flavors, including dairy-free options, which change seasonally. The gelato is creamy and smooth, with flavors such as Mango, Pistachio, Charcoal Vanilla, and Dark Chocolate Sorbet. The shop has a cool vibe with neon lights and a small patio area. The friendly staff offers samples to help customers choose from their diverse flavor selection. Cups come in four sizes, and customers can choose one to three flavors depending on the size. The gelato travels well, making it a great treat to enjoy on the go or at the shop's dining area. Overall, Bobboi Natural Gelato is a must-visit spot for delicious and unique gelato flavors.“

“Wahine Kai Shave Ice, Kona Coffee and Tea Station/Hawaiian Tea is a beloved destination that offers a taste of Hawaii. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant serves a variety of shave ice flavors and kona coffee, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Consistently praised for its excellent service, Wahine Kai provides a nostalgic and comforting experience for those who visit. Whether stopping by for a sweet treat or a cup of coffee, this charming mom-and-pop shop is sure to leave a lasting impression.“

“Stella Jean's Ice Cream Point Loma is a must-visit spot, offering unique Asian-inspired flavors and gluten-free options. Favorites include the mango sticky rice and ube flavors, which can be enjoyed in gluten-free cones. The cute and cozy atmosphere, paired with friendly staff, makes for a delightful experience. With generous serving sizes, Stella Jean's is a new favorite among ice cream lovers.“

“Pop Pops Paleta offers unique, delicious flavors like Strawberry Heaven and Banana Nutella. For a fair price of $6, customers can enjoy treats like the Ken flavor, dipped in white chocolate. The staff is friendly and quick, making it the perfect spot for a post-dinner dessert.“

“Mr. Frostie is a popular spot for soft serve ice cream, known for its friendly staff and quick service despite often having long lines. The ice cream is highly praised, and toppings are generously provided. The menu offers a variety of options at good prices, including a twist soft serve, milkshakes, and a manager's special. While seating and parking are limited, customers find the atmosphere enjoyable. Some menu items, like the Hot Fudge Cake sundae, have received mixed reviews, but the regular cones and milkshakes are highly recommended.“

“Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a quaint cafe and ice cream shop located in the South Park and North Park area. The coffee offerings, such as the Champ latte and cinnamon/honey latte, have received high praise for their excellent taste and balanced flavors, earning a strong 9/10 rating. The ice cream is also delicious, although the price point may be a bit steep for some. The atmosphere, while cozy, is somewhat lacking in modern decor and seating options. The service can be slow, especially when the shop is busy. However, for those who can time their visit during off-peak hours, the drinks and ice cream are worth the trip. The cafe also offers a calming ambiance, with baby lights on the ceiling and a steady flow of local customers.“

“Gelato Vero Caffe is a popular spot with delicious food and great service. The employees have a fabulous sense of style, and the overall vibe of the place is fantastic. Customers can enjoy fabulous gelato and scones, as well as coffee and affogato. The small space offers a cozy feel, but there's also upstairs seating available. It's a cool, genuine local spot where you can hang out and enjoy some tasty treats.“

“Rockie's Frozen Yogurt is a beloved spot, serving the best yogurts and açaí bowls with exceptional service. Their generous portions, including towering froyo stacks, will leave you satisfied. The menu caters to various dietary needs, offering lactose-free, vegan, and vegetarian options like almond milk and dole pineapple frozen yogurt. Friendly and helpful staff provide excellent customer service, ensuring a delightful experience that will keep you coming back.“

“C's Ice Cream & Deli is a hidden gem located in a small strip mall since 1989. The family-owned deli offers a wide variety of sandwiches and an impressive selection of root beer, cream soda, and ginger ale. Customers praise the friendly owners who make delicious food exactly as requested. The menu is extensive, with the option to customize any sandwich or have it made into a wrap. Regulars love the Roast Beef Artichoke, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Pepperoni Roaster sandwiches. The deli is known for its cleanliness, great music, and welcoming atmosphere. Prices are reasonable, service is quick, and the quality of the food is top-notch. Whether you're a root beer enthusiast or looking for a tasty sandwich, C's Ice Cream & Deli is a must-visit spot that has stood the test of time and earned a loyal following over the years.“

“Bottega Italiana is a charming restaurant located at the UTC mall. Known for its stellar gelato, the flavors are innovative and American-inspired, yet still boast a creamy texture and high quality. The friendly service and quaint outdoor seating area make it a delightful spot to visit.“

“Salt & Straw in Little Italy offers heavier-than-usual ice cream with unique flavors and heaping portions. The coffee & love nuts and cinnamon snickerdoodle are particularly good. Located conveniently in a mall, it shares the same menu as other West Coast locations, including seasonal flavors. The shop is quick, clean, and enjoyable with fun servers and no huge lines.“

“The Golden Spoon offers a great deal on frozen yogurt, with a pint and toppings available for $10. While flavors can be missing and the yogurt may occasionally be chalky, the price is hard to beat. Customers appreciate the friendly and helpful service, as well as the cleanliness and quick service of the location. A rewards program is available, offering a free mini yogurt with a good amount of toppings. The staff is known for their kindness and for adding extra toppings on the bottom and top of the yogurt.“

“Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop offers a delightful experience, combining rich and decadent flavors with a wide selection of chocolates and ice cream treats. Visitors can enjoy a variety of sundaes and milkshakes featuring their own chocolates. While there may be a line, it moves quickly, and the service is prompt. The shop is a great spot for a date night or family outing. One reviewer recommends trying the macchiato flavor, which combines coffee and chocolate. Despite being a bit pricey, the shop is a must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts.“

“The Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor is a beloved local staple in the South Bay, known for its delicious and unique ice cream flavors. The ice cream is light, flavorful, and not too sweet, with a slightly icy texture typical of Mexican-style ice cream. The menu offers a variety of options, including the popular guava and rice pudding flavors, the latter of which even contains flakes of cinnamon. The parlor is a cash-only establishment, which helps prevent over-buying and maintains a focus on quality over quantity. The owners and staff are described as genuine and friendly, often providing samples for customers to try before making a purchase. With a small outdoor seating area and no indoor seating, the parlor has a cozy, neighborhood feel. Despite experiencing inflation and rising prices like many businesses, the Famous Oasis Ice Cream Parlor has maintained its commitment to customer satisfaction, waiting until the last moment to raise prices. Generations of locals have grown up visiting this iconic ice cream parlor, and many hope it will continue to be a beloved part of the community for years to come.“

“Yogurt Lounge Serra Mesa offers a delicious selection of frozen yogurt and toppings, especially the strawberry poppers. With plenty of parking available, it is a great spot for families to enjoy yummy treats. The clean establishment provides a variety of flavors and friendly service, making it a welcoming neighborhood shop.“

“Sweet Things is a popular spot for frozen treats and more. The service is amazing, with friendly and attentive staff who remember regular customers. The large froyo is a great deal, and the original tart with strawberries and mochi is a favorite. The Dole products, including pineapple treats, are also a hit. In addition to froyo, Sweet Things offers smoothies, acai bowls, and ice cream. The atmosphere is cool and chill, but the outdoor views of the nearby water make it a great spot to grab and go. Whether you're staying at a nearby hotel or attending a conference, Sweet Things is worth checking out for a nourishing treat for the soul.“

“Rosa's Ice Cream and Fruit Bar is a local spot that offers delicious ice cream creations with a variety of flavors and toppings. The Berriest creation, Coffee Coco, and other options like caramel banana, apple pie, and fruity/cheesecake ones are among the favorites. The portions are generous, and the staff is friendly. In addition to ice cream, Rosa's serves sandwiches and beverages, such as a fresh cucumber drink. The prices are reasonable, and the owners are friendly and welcoming. The exterior may appear somewhat rough, but the interior is pleasant and the ice cream is worth a visit.“

“Sunny Scoops is a family-owned ice cream shop that offers a delightful experience for all ages. With excellent, creamy ice cream and a variety of vegan flavors, the friendly and upbeat staff ensure every customer leaves satisfied. The popular Stephie's Silly Strawberry and the decadent Zanzibar chocolate flavors are standouts, while the generous portions and creative toppings, like chocolate-dipped sprinkle-covered waffle cones with gummy worms, delight both young and old. Sunny Scoops is the best ice cream destination in San Diego, offering a community-focused, positive atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more.“

“Midway Classic Malt Shop is a cozy, old-time charm restaurant with welcoming staff that provide excellent service. Customers can enjoy watching their fresh, made-to-order food being prepared. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, including burgers, hand-cut fries, Cobb salad, and tasty milkshakes and floats made with real ice cream. The owner, Jeff, ensures a great experience for families, with special attention to kids. Convenient parking and wheelchair accessibility make it a hassle-free dining spot. A definite recommendation for those looking for quality food and a warm atmosphere.“

“The Cravory - SDSU offers delicious cookies, with their lemon cookie being a standout. Their ice cream, including birthday cake and Cookie Monster flavors, is exceptional. The staff is friendly, accommodating, and provides excellent customer service. Unique cookie flavors are available each month. The location is clean and cute, offering the option to enjoy treats there or to take them to go.“