Eat · Ice cream · 2026
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.
- Ample Hills CreameryOtherHome 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gelateria GentileOtherGelateria Gentil makes the best gelato in New York City.
- La NewyorkinaOther · Red HookIt’s hard to think of a more refreshing ice cream in New York City during hot summer days.
- L’IndustrieRestaurantDon’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.
- Morgenstern’s BananasOther · Lower East SideA friend dragged me here years ago and I’ve been a devoted regular ever since.
- 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.
- Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.OtherOddFellows Ice Cream is responsible for the most creative ice cream in New York City.
- 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.
- Supermoon BakehouseBakery · Lower East Sidethis my favorite soft serve in New York City.
- 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.
- Van Leeuwen Ice CreamOtherNot hard to see why, this some of the best ice cream in NYC.
Ample Hills Creamery
Other
Home 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.
Caffè Panna
Other · Gramercy Park · 77 Irving Pl, New York, NY
An 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.
Emack & Bolio’s
Other
Founded 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.
La Newyorkina
Other · Red Hook · 61 Commerce St, Brooklyn, NY
It’s hard to think of a more refreshing ice cream in New York City during hot summer days.
L’Industrie
Restaurant
Don’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.
Morgenstern’s Bananas
Other · Lower East Side · 2 Rivington St, New York, NY
A friend dragged me here years ago and I’ve been a devoted regular ever since.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Other · Greenwich Village · 88 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012
visiting Morgenstern’s is a must for anyone on the hunt for the best ice cream in New York City.
Oddfellows Ice Cream Co.
Other
OddFellows Ice Cream is responsible for the most creative ice cream in New York City.
Sundaes and Cones
Other · East Village
Founded in 2006, this the place to go if you’re looking for some of the most unique ice cream in New York City.
Supermoon Bakehouse
Bakery · Lower East Side · 120 Rivington St, New York, NY
this my favorite soft serve in New York City.
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Other · Chinatown · 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
this family-run business has been a staple in Chinatown for 40 years, it’s a business you can feel good about supporting.
Best ice cream in New York, 2026
The seal
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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.