New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · Eat · Ice cream

The best ice cream in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 13 places.

As a longtime New Yorker with an insatiable sweet tooth, I’m spoiled for choice. Every year, like clockwork, summer marks the start of my hunt for the best ice cream in New York City, a list years in the making. Gelato, ice cream, soft serve, you name it, I love it. Having tried more than 30 local ice cream shops, here’s a roundup of my favorites.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best ice cream in New York, 2026

  1. Emack & Bolio’sOtherFounded in Boston by a rebellious lawyer-turned-ice cream master, Emack & Bolio’s over-the-top flavors and fun toppings put them on the map.
  2. L’IndustrieRestaurant · WilliamsburgDon’t sleep on this spot, we take all out-of-town guests to L’Industrie for both pizza and ice cream and folks rave about it months after.
  3. Supermoon BakehouseBakery · Lower East Sidethis my favorite soft serve in New York City.
  4. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream FactoryOther · Chinatownthis family-run business has been a staple in Chinatown for 40 years, it’s a business you can feel good about supporting.
  5. Van Leeuwen Ice CreamOther · DUMBONot hard to see why, this some of the best ice cream in NYC.
  6. Ample Hills CreameryOther · Park SlopeHome to the largest ice cream production facility in the city (with pasteurization occurring on-site), you couldn’t find fresher ice cream in NYC if you tried.
  7. Caffè PannaOther · Gramercy ParkAn ode to Italian gelato, this softly-textured ice cream is made with ingredients from the nearby Union Square Greenmarket and imported Italian ingredients like olive oil and pistachios.
  8. Gelateria GentileOtherGelateria Gentil makes the best gelato in New York City.
  9. La NewyorkinaOther · Red HookIt’s hard to think of a more refreshing ice cream in New York City during hot summer days.
  10. Morgenstern’s BananasOther · Lower East SideA friend dragged me here years ago and I’ve been a devoted regular ever since.
  11. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice CreamOther · Greenwich Villagevisiting Morgenstern’s is a must for anyone on the hunt for the best ice cream in New York City.
  12. Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.OtherOddFellows Ice Cream is responsible for the most creative ice cream in New York City.
  13. Sundaes and ConesOther · East VillageFounded in 2006, this the place to go if you’re looking for some of the most unique ice cream in New York City.

On the map

Where they are.

9 neighborhoods, Lower East Side and Williamsburg most of all.

Lower East Side

Chinatown

DUMBO

East Village

Gramercy Park

Greenwich Village

Park Slope

Red Hook

Williamsburg

Best ice cream in New York, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

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Best ice cream in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

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Best ice cream in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 New York City Ice Cream Shops to Enjoy by Summer’s End.