I’m officially a Salt & Straw fan, and the Little Italy location in San Diego does not disappoint. I love sampling their rotating flavors, but I’m hooked on the Chocolate Gooey Brownie, and my boyfriend swears by the Double Gold Vanilla—both are absolutely amazing.
I’ve also been to Anne’s Dry Cleaning (the ice cream spot everyone raves about), and while it’s hyped as one of the best in the country, it didn’t quite live up to the wait for me. Salt & Straw, on the other hand, has far more efficient lines—they did seem a little shorter to me than Anne’s Dry Cleaning, and I’ve never had to wait over 45 minutes like I did there. Both staffs are very friendly, which makes the experience even better.
The flavors here are adventurous and fun—sweet, salty, savory, seasonal, you name it. Not every flavor is my style, but there’s something for everyone. If you’re strolling around Little Italy after dinner or just exploring, this spot is a must-visit. For me, it’s the clear winner. Parking is a bit difficult if it's a busy night downtown but in telling you it's definitely worth it and then you can walk to the fountain across the street or take a stroll.
Lindsey Sistar
Their artisan ice cream is really amazing.
Shannon Howard
So good and so many vegan options!!!
Joseph Byrd
The service was fantastic and the gelato was amazing. The olive oil gelato was phenomenal.
Tyler Weston
The ice cream itself is genuinely good — rich, creative flavors, and clearly high quality. If you come here strictly for the ice cream, order, pay, and leave, you’ll probably walk out happy.
That said, the operation feels like it’s being run by kids, and you really notice it once you interact with the staff. There’s a lack of polish in how they communicate with customers and even with each other — a bit awkward, scattered, and unprofessional in a way that pulls you out of the experience. You can almost feel the difference between a great product and a team that hasn’t quite matured into running it smoothly.
It’s one of those places where the ice cream carries the visit. Just don’t expect much beyond that. Stick to enjoying the scoop, and your experience will be solid. Start engaging with the staff, and the experience tends to taper off.
tyler peterson
Gross Handel's is better. Don't waste your time and money. Booo
بسْـمة الحـياة
Wonderful customer service, the ice cream is very delicious. Thank you to the staff member. 😋
Massa Rifai
How is this ice cream SO GOOD?!?!?!! Hands down best ice cream I’ve had. Flavours are unique but have to say coffee with nuts is my favorite along with honey lavender and vanilla caramel ribbons. Must try!
Santhi Govind
Their honey lavender ice cream tastes great.They had great exotic flavors that tased absolutely great!! Definitely recommend this place!
L. Llamas
We were able to taste several different flavors. And, the guy hooked us up on the scoop size. Strawberry & Coconut Water was the BEST!
Tried the Strawberry & Coconut Water Sherbet and the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. It was a cool experience to try such unique and 'weird' flavors for the first time, but the taste wasn't for me. Glad I checked it off the list, but I probably wouldn't go back
Fletcher HC
Best artisanal ice cream! Creamy, delicious and luscious!
tim biers
Our favorite ice cream spot love that they offer multiple vegan options and free samples of all the flavors can never go wrong!
Mariam Shamlow
Almond brittle salted grenache 🥹 I’m so happy it’s back! Split scoop with salted caramel ribbon 🤤
Diana L
The best ice cream! Such unique flavors and awesome vegan options!
I’m officially a Salt & Straw fan, and the Little Italy location in San Diego does not disappoint. I love sampling their rotating flavors, but I’m hooked on the Chocolate Gooey Brownie, and my boyfriend swears by the Double Gold Vanilla—both are absolutely amazing.
I’ve also been to Anne’s Dry Cleaning (the ice cream spot everyone raves about), and while it’s hyped as one of the best in the country, it didn’t quite live up to the wait for me. Salt & Straw, on the other hand, has far more efficient lines—they did seem a little shorter to me than Anne’s Dry Cleaning, and I’ve never had to wait over 45 minutes like I did there. Both staffs are very friendly, which makes the experience even better.
The flavors here are adventurous and fun—sweet, salty, savory, seasonal, you name it. Not every flavor is my style, but there’s something for everyone. If you’re strolling around Little Italy after dinner or just exploring, this spot is a must-visit. For me, it’s the clear winner.
Parking is a bit difficult if it's a busy night downtown but in telling you it's definitely worth it and then you can walk to the fountain across the street or take a stroll.
Their artisan ice cream is really amazing.
So good and so many vegan options!!!
The service was fantastic and the gelato was amazing. The olive oil gelato was phenomenal.
The ice cream itself is genuinely good — rich, creative flavors, and clearly high quality. If you come here strictly for the ice cream, order, pay, and leave, you’ll probably walk out happy.
That said, the operation feels like it’s being run by kids, and you really notice it once you interact with the staff. There’s a lack of polish in how they communicate with customers and even with each other — a bit awkward, scattered, and unprofessional in a way that pulls you out of the experience. You can almost feel the difference between a great product and a team that hasn’t quite matured into running it smoothly.
It’s one of those places where the ice cream carries the visit. Just don’t expect much beyond that. Stick to enjoying the scoop, and your experience will be solid. Start engaging with the staff, and the experience tends to taper off.
Gross Handel's is better. Don't waste your time and money. Booo
Wonderful customer service, the ice cream is very delicious. Thank you to the staff member. 😋
How is this ice cream SO GOOD?!?!?!! Hands down best ice cream I’ve had. Flavours are unique but have to say coffee with nuts is my favorite along with honey lavender and vanilla caramel ribbons. Must try!
Their honey lavender ice cream tastes great.They had great exotic flavors that tased absolutely great!! Definitely recommend this place!
We were able to taste several different flavors. And, the guy hooked us up on the scoop size. Strawberry & Coconut Water was the BEST!
Restaurantji Recommends
Tried the Strawberry & Coconut Water Sherbet and the Cinnamon Snickerdoodle. It was a cool experience to try such unique and 'weird' flavors for the first time, but the taste wasn't for me. Glad I checked it off the list, but I probably wouldn't go back
Best artisanal ice cream! Creamy, delicious and luscious!
Our favorite ice cream spot love that they offer multiple vegan options and free samples of all the flavors can never go wrong!
Almond brittle salted grenache 🥹 I’m so happy it’s back! Split scoop with salted caramel ribbon 🤤
The best ice cream! Such unique flavors and awesome vegan options!
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