Very pricey salted caramel sundae, but quite delicious and rich. When on holiday this is a pretty obvious indulgence in San Francisco- we shared a sundae and that was just about all the sweetness we could cope with. Great views of Alcatraz and the maritime museum from the outdoor tables. Go on and indulge yourself.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: World Famous Hot Sundae
Harry Kendall
the place is a San Francisco treasure but I've recently been to Fenton's. their banana splits are double the size. but nothing beats the ambiance....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jeff Schaefer
The cookie sundae is AMAZING! The staff was friendly and put a smile on everyone’s face! And who doesn’t love chocolate?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark D.
Families be very aware. I was at the chocolate shop at Ghirardelli Square. Ordered a hot chocolate with family. It came in a chipped glass bowl and I got it to the attention of the server, and he said not to worry. And as I was eating it, I chewed on glass piece and luckily spat it out. Thank God I took that bite and not my daughter. Please inspect the mugs before you start eating. Better still, stay away from this shop.
Lynn M.
ITS CLOSED FOR GOOD!! We were really looking forward But a former employee said rent was raised too high
Kaveda J.
DELICIOUS!!! The best place for an anytime treat! The service, location and feel of the place is great! Love taking the family here that visit from out of state!
Diana V.
The most loaded Sunday I've had, a classic! Diabetes in a plate, but enjoyed every bite! Vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate squares and whip cream. Definitely of sharing size for 2-3 people. Just read the menu very carefully, every additional toping is an additional charge which can make a $12 Sunday cost $18 very easily. Water available free of charge by the exit. The place also offers a tasting of some selected chocolate squares, which can help you decide how to personalize your own bag of chocolates. These bags are always a great souvenirs or testers to try out new flavors. Pro tip- divide and conquer! If you are a party of 2 or more, have 1 person look for a table while another person makes the line to place the order. This place can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Enjoy!
Jul
Service is average, with an attitude. Not worth coming by, the main store less than a block away is much better
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Marc V.
Super busy and fend for yourself for tables (we timed it just right) but the ice cream was quality and tasty. The price per sundae reflected the tourist nature of the destination though they delivered in terms of the size.
Sonia T.
If you're seeking a yummy indulgence in San Francisco's iconic Ghirardelli Square, look no further than the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Nestled amidst the charm of Ghirardelli Square, this establishment exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance that envelops you in a cloud of chocolatey delight. Our taste adventure began with the Frozen Hot Cocoa--a delightful concoction that perfectly balanced the richness of Ghirardelli's hot cocoa mix with the refreshing chill of ice. Topped with a cloud of velvety whipped cream and adorned with mini dark chocolate chips, we enjoyed every sip. Next up was the World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. Nestled in a classic glass goblet, this sundae boasted a generous scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream smothered in Ghirardelli's handmade hot fudge. Crowned with a dollop of whipped cream, diced almonds, and a cherry, each spoonful was a delicious pairing of creamy sweetness and indulgent richness. Despite the proximity to dinner time, we couldn't resist the temptation to indulge, and we were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff. Our orders arrived promptly, allowing us to relish every moment of our Ghirardelli experience. In addition to the delectable sundaes and frozen delights, Ghirardelli's menu offers a tantalizing array of chocolates, shakes, coffees, and more. Whether you're craving a classic treat or eager to explore new flavors, there's something to satisfy every chocolate lover's palate. Our visit to the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop was nothing short of magical. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the irresistible allure of the chocolatey creations, every moment was infused with joy and sweetness.
A stop that is on most tourist lists to the city. We ventured to Ghirardelli square and saw that there were three spots you could get ice cream. We opted for the "original" ice cream shop which was halfway up the block and through the red Ghirardelli arch. The line moved quickly and there were menus available as you waited. It was a weekend so even though there are ours if seats, they were nearly all full. We grabbed one of the last tables on the second floor. Tip - some of the tables up top are in a small replica of a cable car, which makes for a unique experience. Our ice cream got delivered right to us as our buzzer had an RF code to tell which table we were at. Between four of us we got two sundaes, which was more than enough because they are very large. We ate our ice cream and were on our way. The ice cream is good, but you're definitely paying for the Ghirardelli experience and the quintessential San Francisco treat. Another thing at this location is the chocolate wall and examples of older chocolate making machinery. It's tucked along along the back wall for a quick photo op. This spot also has a small retail section if you wanted to get your ice cream and your shopping done in one stop.
Joe Y.
We came here to get ice cream sundaes and were not disappointed. We had the mint bliss sundae and world famous hot fudge sundae. We split them between four people and it was more than enough. The hot fudge sauce is delicious. You stand in line to order but then they bring the sundaes to you. Although it looks like a limited amount of seating, there is more seating on the second level.
Trina H.
Even as a local, this place is irresistible. We usually have pretty good success finding street parking nearby to save money. The transformation into this massive expanded location makes visits so much more efficient with shorter lines and wait times. The sundaes are truly remarkable and worth it. I miss their "cookie bottom" sundae with a warm cookie at the bottom, but now I always get the sundae with the warm brownie. Can't be beat!
JuJu
Service is average, with an attitude. Not worth coming by, the main store less than a block away is much
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Jeff A.
Awesome sundaes and ice cream. Touristy prices. $15 for a sundae seems a bit steep but it's shareable. If you go with several people one of the larger sundaes like a banana split would be a better value as it's only $4 more and almost double the size. Nice clean tables. Restrooms are not in the establishment. You need to exit and use the main complex bathrooms.
Very pricey salted caramel sundae, but quite delicious and rich. When on holiday this is a pretty obvious indulgence in San Francisco- we shared a sundae and that was just about all the sweetness we could cope with. Great views of Alcatraz and the maritime museum from the outdoor tables. Go on and indulge yourself.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: World Famous Hot Sundae
the place is a San Francisco treasure but I've recently been to Fenton's. their banana splits are double the size. but nothing beats the ambiance....
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The cookie sundae is AMAZING! The staff was friendly and put a smile on everyone’s face! And who doesn’t love chocolate?!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Families be very aware. I was at the chocolate shop at Ghirardelli Square. Ordered a hot chocolate with family. It came in a chipped glass bowl and I got it to the attention of the server, and he said not to worry. And as I was eating it, I chewed on glass piece and luckily spat it out. Thank God I took that bite and not my daughter. Please inspect the mugs before you start eating. Better still, stay away from this shop.
ITS CLOSED FOR GOOD!! We were really looking forward But a former employee said rent was raised too high
DELICIOUS!!! The best place for an anytime treat! The service, location and feel of the place is great! Love taking the family here that visit from out of state!
The most loaded Sunday I've had, a classic! Diabetes in a plate, but enjoyed every bite! Vanilla ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie and brownie pieces, chocolate squares and whip cream. Definitely of sharing size for 2-3 people. Just read the menu very carefully, every additional toping is an additional charge which can make a $12 Sunday cost $18 very easily. Water available free of charge by the exit. The place also offers a tasting of some selected chocolate squares, which can help you decide how to personalize your own bag of chocolates. These bags are always a great souvenirs or testers to try out new flavors. Pro tip- divide and conquer! If you are a party of 2 or more, have 1 person look for a table while another person makes the line to place the order. This place can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Enjoy!
Service is average, with an attitude. Not worth coming by, the main store less than a block away is much better
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Super busy and fend for yourself for tables (we timed it just right) but the ice cream was quality and tasty. The price per sundae reflected the tourist nature of the destination though they delivered in terms of the size.
If you're seeking a yummy indulgence in San Francisco's iconic Ghirardelli Square, look no further than the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Nestled amidst the charm of Ghirardelli Square, this establishment exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance that envelops you in a cloud of chocolatey delight. Our taste adventure began with the Frozen Hot Cocoa--a delightful concoction that perfectly balanced the richness of Ghirardelli's hot cocoa mix with the refreshing chill of ice. Topped with a cloud of velvety whipped cream and adorned with mini dark chocolate chips, we enjoyed every sip. Next up was the World-Famous Hot Fudge Sundae. Nestled in a classic glass goblet, this sundae boasted a generous scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream smothered in Ghirardelli's handmade hot fudge. Crowned with a dollop of whipped cream, diced almonds, and a cherry, each spoonful was a delicious pairing of creamy sweetness and indulgent richness. Despite the proximity to dinner time, we couldn't resist the temptation to indulge, and we were pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff. Our orders arrived promptly, allowing us to relish every moment of our Ghirardelli experience. In addition to the delectable sundaes and frozen delights, Ghirardelli's menu offers a tantalizing array of chocolates, shakes, coffees, and more. Whether you're craving a classic treat or eager to explore new flavors, there's something to satisfy every chocolate lover's palate. Our visit to the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop was nothing short of magical. From the warm hospitality of the staff to the irresistible allure of the chocolatey creations, every moment was infused with joy and sweetness.
Restaurantji Recommends
A stop that is on most tourist lists to the city. We ventured to Ghirardelli square and saw that there were three spots you could get ice cream. We opted for the "original" ice cream shop which was halfway up the block and through the red Ghirardelli arch. The line moved quickly and there were menus available as you waited. It was a weekend so even though there are ours if seats, they were nearly all full. We grabbed one of the last tables on the second floor. Tip - some of the tables up top are in a small replica of a cable car, which makes for a unique experience. Our ice cream got delivered right to us as our buzzer had an RF code to tell which table we were at. Between four of us we got two sundaes, which was more than enough because they are very large. We ate our ice cream and were on our way. The ice cream is good, but you're definitely paying for the Ghirardelli experience and the quintessential San Francisco treat. Another thing at this location is the chocolate wall and examples of older chocolate making machinery. It's tucked along along the back wall for a quick photo op. This spot also has a small retail section if you wanted to get your ice cream and your shopping done in one stop.
We came here to get ice cream sundaes and were not disappointed. We had the mint bliss sundae and world famous hot fudge sundae. We split them between four people and it was more than enough. The hot fudge sauce is delicious. You stand in line to order but then they bring the sundaes to you. Although it looks like a limited amount of seating, there is more seating on the second level.
Even as a local, this place is irresistible. We usually have pretty good success finding street parking nearby to save money. The transformation into this massive expanded location makes visits so much more efficient with shorter lines and wait times. The sundaes are truly remarkable and worth it. I miss their "cookie bottom" sundae with a warm cookie at the bottom, but now I always get the sundae with the warm brownie. Can't be beat!
Service is average, with an attitude. Not worth coming by, the main store less than a block away is much
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Awesome sundaes and ice cream. Touristy prices. $15 for a sundae seems a bit steep but it's shareable. If you go with several people one of the larger sundaes like a banana split would be a better value as it's only $4 more and almost double the size. Nice clean tables. Restrooms are not in the establishment. You need to exit and use the main complex bathrooms.