50 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco

“Best gelato in San Francisco.“

“It's amazing, I highly recommend everyone to go here“

“Nice vibes, good pizzas, great meatballs. Small and focused menu, easy does it, with a few creative pizzas. Quick service, friendly floor staff. Busy but still possible to get a reservation or walk in on a Friday night. The glass of wine I got ended up not being my taste, but they have a narrow and local selection that seems decent.“

“I loved working with Elizabetta for my birthday cake. She was super easy to communicate with and perfectly nailed my barbie cake fantasy complete with a quote from the movie. The cake itself was a work of art but the taste, omg, all my friends were floored. I've also been able to find her slices at Falletti Foods and love all the flavors. I do, however, go crazy for her basque cheesecake. I could have a whole one in one sitting. So luscious, creamy and delicious!“

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

“Toy Boat not only has delicious ice cream and a grand selection of Jane products, and an excellent cup of coffee; they are also incredibly cute and welcoming! The perfect place to bring the family!“

“My favorite food is everything on the menu“

“Oh man, where do I even start with Salt & Straw? This place is like if a rogue alchemist snuck into a dairy farm and started experimenting with forbidden elixirs. I strolled in with high hopes and emerged victorious with a milkshake that’s basically liquid gold: sea salt caramel as the silky base, crowned with two scoops of their olive oil ice cream. Olive oil in ice cream? It sounds like a madcap plot twist, but it delivers; creamy with a whisper of earthy savoriness that dances with the caramel like old flames rekindling. Each slurp was a symphony of rich, balanced bliss. I felt like I’d unlocked a secret level in the game of desserts.
But wait, the drama unfolds: the straw. And hey, “Straw” is literally in their name... talk about irony! This biodegradable bad boy decided to split clean down the middle quicker than a celebrity couple in tabloid headlines. One moment it’s heroically tackling the thick shake; the next, it’s in two pieces, forcing me to improvise like a survivalist in the wilderness. Ended up tilting the cup back like I was toasting the gods. Pro tip: pack a backup straw forged from adamantium, or just lean into the mess.
Even with the straw’s split-second betrayal, this was an epic win. Salt & Straw, you’re the flavor wizard I didn’t know I needed. 5 stars, no notes, because who needs perfection when you’ve got pure, chaotic joy? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟“

“Small shop, cash only, full of heart.

The owner is very nice and is very generous with portions, two scoops in a cone was $4! Green tea was a standout, airy and creamy. Unfortunately, they were out of a lot of the flavors when I went, but they have a lot of unique ones as well as classics that I’d love to come back and try.

Hard to find places like these anymore, don’t miss out!“

“Marshmallow fluff;) Loved the Milkbomb sandwich! Will definitely go again;)“

“4 vegan options available. $6.95 for the “single” which comes with 2 flavours. I got the Thai tea and grape sorbet. Both were intensely flavourful and smooth. High quality ice cream with unique flavours. I just wish there were a few more non-sorbet vegan options. And I agree with the other review that a bench or some outdoor seating would be nice too. Overall very good.“

“Historically best ice cream in SF!“

“Well dang this was an excellent find in our travels! A scoop Sticky Monkey on top of a scoop of Mocha Fudge was AMAZING! EACH WERE INDIVIDUALLY EXCELLENT AND TOGETHER THEY WERE ALSO AMAZING!

Also sampled the avocado ice cream. Don't sleep on that. That's pretty dang good.

My only regret is that we couldn't take any with us. They definitely have A ton that you can purchase to bring home for your own freezer!“

“fabulous! please open another in the San Jose area. great service..the way they encourage you to taste while waiting in line...loved the various, different flavors“

“Yummm. Try the sf cheesecake and the bubbly Texan“

“We ordered Hot Brownie Fudge Sundae which was utterly delicious. The Hot Cocoa classic was good as well. The place was packed, so we waited for them to clear a table for two. You place your buzzer in the middle of your table, and someone brings your order.

Be warned that the prices are really high - nearly $19 for one sundae! This is a major tourist trap, in California, and you are paying for, well, the experience.“

“Great oldschool sandwiches... get a small because the mediums are huge lol. Unless you're hella hungry.“

“Yummm. Try the sf cheesecake and the bubbly Texan“

“Line moved quickly and when it's your turn they're very nice and helpful. They have AMAZING flavors and a variety of sizes. Best cotton candy I've had in my life. Something for everyone! Definitely check out this neighborhood gem.“

“Fantastic spot with unique Sundaes, shakes, malts, and make-your-own ice cream sandwiches. Loved the cherry & crème fresh with cornmeal cookies!“

“just the best gelato cake this side of Italy. great crew, great owners. their kids are awesome!“

“Found this place walking by and was not disappointed!!! Good fresh cookies. The ice cream was delicious. I see some people complaining that the sandwiches aren't huge, but they're a good size and delicious. Super long line because one poor girl working by herself but she did amazing. Definitely a good dessert“

“Their service and their soft serve is amazing! I always stop by their store when I'm in the area! 😀“

“One of the last gems of San Francisco, a treasure to be remember as the times change and people become more picky. Those who don't know this history should know that Gelato Classico was a chain that has been around since the 80s slowly dissolving until this was the last location left in downtown. I hope people start to appreciate the history of this great city as it is slowly eroded away by time and gentrification. Some of the best gelato you can get in America hands down. Please go and support this business and Trader Vics/Cordon Blue if you are a local or a tourist! Keep the memories alive, you wont regret it!“

“Yo! KISS OF MATCHAAAAAA AH!

Get you matcha fix here and some excellent desserts!
The croffle is great for a quick bite or if you crave a drink, I got the Hojicha frappe.. My god, thinking about it gets your taste buds watering... Hah! Flavors are really on point, I have not gotten one drink where I was disappointed or felt like there could have been anything missing.

If you want something crazy, that parfait looks hella good! Will need to try that next time!

The vibe inside is very calming, the smell of tea will hit you in the face with a crazy impact like a mother throws a sandal in Yo face for not getting good grade for Yo test... Very impactful and stunning!

Thank you KISS OF MATCHA!“

“gluten free, vegan, coconut based froyo! yum!“

“What a delicious treat! My brother brought us to Golden Gate Park and as we were walking around, we came across the Twirl & Dip food truck. My brother said it was one of his favourite places to get ice cream, so we had to try it. I got the TCHO-dipped banana with sprinkles! The chocolate layer was thick 😋 It was the perfect dessert for a sunny day ☀️

Visited on May 26, 2024“

“First time having shaved ice cream. It was Tachata which is cinnamon vanilla. Texture and taste was outstanding.“

“Delicious Harvey Milk and Peanut Butter. As good as it gets.“

“I love the base and freedom to add your favorite flavors.“

“The ice cream so refreshing and services are excellent! Strongly recommended when you’re in Chinatown 👍😋🍨🍨“

“Çok lezzetli sağlıklı hijyenik aile olarak üretim yapılan bir yer kesinlikle ziyaret edilmeli teşekkür ederiz“

“Delicious Filipino Ice Cream shop that’s tucked away across from Blue Mermaid. The cutest and sweetest owners and delicious ice cream at such a low price. This is a local shop I would recommend and support. Definitely coming back here when visiting SF in the future.“

“This place is very good and atmosphere is great and if you want to watch the football game, it’s a great place to be

Parking: Great parking

Kid-friendliness: Yes

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes“

“The most delicious, fresh, and hand-crafted gelato I’ve ever tasted. You must try! Thank you Philmore!!! Can’t wait to come again!“

“Da Giuseppe Nardoni: fantastici cannoli cosi in Californiana non li mangi, con ricotta fresca siciliana“

“Happiness in a cup. And a cone 😁“

“Best hot chocolate ever. Definitely trying the Gelato next!“

“Unique and exquisite homemade ice cream, original, tasty and so much more!😍 Don't hesitate to visit their cute shop and try them all!“

“I came across here on a beautiful day and was craving for some ice cream. Was greeted and welcomed by one of their friendly staffs, she explained to me they offer ice cream and gelatos and the different flavors they carry. They also have many things to choose from, such as sundaes, milkshakes, boba drinks, smoothies, mangonadas, etc. It’s a cool little spot in the neighborhood that definitely attracts customers like myself. Definitely will be back!“

“Loved the crepes and service!

Crepes were soft and fluffy. We got #28 which had coffee icecream and pudding. Was a unique combo but both flavors paired well together.

The bear face was adorable (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠) ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠`⁠ʔ“

“One of our favorite spots in the Richmond. Sean and Alice are as terrific as their ice cream!“

“Great Milkshakes and cookies“

“gluten free, vegan, coconut based froyo! yum!“

“I used to get Yomie’s in SoCal, and it was a yummy alternative to boba when I wanted something different. The yogurt smoothies at the North Beach location taste pretty similar but seem to be blended a little thicker. I got the passion fruit smoothie with less sugar and purple rice as a topping, and it was very filling. Definitely recommend as a drinkable snack.“

“Happiness in a cup. And a cone 😁“

“se te hace agua la boca 🤤 The food is BOOOOMB, bomb.com!!! The Crepes are AMAZING 🤩 The esquites are magically delicious 😋 and the customer service is great 👍🏻 super friendly and nice. Definitely our favorite place to snack at whenever we are in San Francisco“

“Damn, this is my favorite ice cream place of all time. The staff are always super friendly (who wouldn’t be when you’re surrounded by such delicious ice cream all day) and their flavors are amazing. They do this thing where they combine milky custardy ice cream with sorbet like fruity flavors like this vanilla custard and strawberry lemon ice I had tonight and it’s pure magic. They also always non dairy flavors so my girl can have some too.

Thanks guys, you rock.“

“If you're in the area and looking for takeout while on a budget this is a great option. The owner is very kind to all of her customers. She also gives very generous portions. The food is decent but the decor is dated. I wouldn't recommend dining in but she has a few chairs for you to sit on. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Support our local businesses especially ones that treat their guests very well like this one.

Kid-friendliness: She serves ice cream if you have very picky eaters with you.“

“Vegan caramel chai with chocolate rocks...because I’m 7 ❤️“