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Top picks in San Diego

Ice cream shops

A cold scoop of something sweet is the only thing that can cut through the heat of the afternoon.

Based on 764 Opinions
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01
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Tiny shop near an arch offers unique ice cream flavors like sweet corn and salted caramel cheesecake. Cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and colorful decor invites visitors to relax. Outside seating provides plane views, making it a welcoming spot for all.

Ice cream pops come in many unique flavors like sweet corn, cappuccino, and cheesecake filled with salted caramel. The ice cream is less sweet than typical US desserts and features high quality ingredients with delicious toppings.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is amazing and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for catering services at least one week in advance.

2

Pop Pops Paleta offers a wide variety of flavors, including vegan options.

3

Each popsicle costs around $7, with additional toppings available.

02
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Space blends Persian style with modern art and orchids, creating a calm, family-friendly vibe. Saffron ice cream shines as a specialty, often paired with baklava for rich flavor. Comfortable seating and soothing music add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Saffron ice cream stands out as the specialty, often paired with Baklava for a rich flavor combo. The ice cream also comes in pistachio and pairs well with hot cardamom tea.

People are saying

"The saffron ice cream with pistachios and rose petals is heavenly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant recently underwent renovations and introduced a new menu.

2

The chef has been with the restaurant for about 30 years, ensuring consistent quality.

3

The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards, including the bathrooms.

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Bright shop with ocean view and dog-friendly seating offers a calm, homey vibe. Enjoy Van Leeuwen ice cream in many flavors with half scoops to try more. Plenty of dairy-free and vegan options make it a great spot for all tastes.

Creamy and flavorful ice cream comes from Van Leeuwen, offered in a variety of great quality flavors. Half scoops are available, making it easy to try more than one.

People are saying

"The ice cream staff here are so friendly and nice."

Good to know

1

Scoops La Jolla Cove is open until 10pm, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

They offer half scoops of ice cream, allowing you to try more flavors.

3

The shop has dog-friendly outdoor seating for pet owners.

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Brightly lit coffeehouse offers a chill vibe with a clean, cheerful environment and outdoor seating. Creative pies and unique ice cream flavors like mango sticky rice shine. Whole ingredient dishes and vegan options make it a top spot for elevated coffee and food.

Unique and crazy flavors like mango sticky rice and guava stand out. The ice cream pairs well with pies, and options like toffee in ube and s'mores offer distinct tastes.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream flavors were amazing and creative."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options for pies and ice cream.

3

Dessert pies are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Small ice cream shop offers generous portions and a wide variety of homemade flavors like Black Cherry. Open windows and outdoor seating create an old school feel with a pleasant, fun atmosphere. Fast service keeps lines moving even during busy times.

Creamy texture stands out with a great selection of flavors, including a notable Black Cherry. Service is fast, making it easy to enjoy homemade ice cream treats.

People are saying

"The ice cream here has amazing flavors and a great selection."

Good to know

1

The shop opens at 11am.

2

This place gets very busy during peak hours.

3

A small cup of ice cream costs $5 for a single flavor.

06
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Shop serves handmade bon bons and creative seasonal flavors with many fillings. Enjoy free samples and fantastic ice cream including sandwiches and cookie dough. Perfect for unique gifts and tasty treats.

Small family-run shop offers fantastic ice cream with a variety of flavors including ice cream sandwiches and cookie dough alongside chocolates.

People are saying

"The ice cream sandwiches here are amazing, tasting so fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the chocolate making class, especially during holidays.

2

The shop accepts credit cards only; cash is not accepted.

3

Seasonal flavors are available, rotating for holidays like Valentine's Day and Easter.

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Offers authentic Peruvian atmosphere with bright dรฉcor and a family-friendly vibe. Features a kids' play corner visible from dining areas. Serves homemade ice cream with unique flavors like lucuma and passion fruit.

Homemade ice cream features unique flavors like lucuma, passion fruit, and key lime pie. Chocolate cake pairs well with the lucuma ice cream for a rich taste.

People are saying

"You have to try the lucuma ice cream with chocolate cake pieces."

Good to know

1

They offer free coffee until 10:30.

2

The kids corner makes it special for families with children.

3

Parking is easy and the location is convenient.

08
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Spacious seating and modern casual design create a clean, classy vibe with a family feel. Fried ice cream tempura offers a crispy contrast to the creamy center, with flavors like green tea and cookies and cream. Chill 80's pop tunes keep the mood friendly and welcoming.

Fried ice cream comes in tempura style with options like green tea and cookies and cream. The ice cream tempura offers a crispy contrast to the cold, creamy center.

People are saying

"The sushi here is delicious and very fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those with mobility needs.

2

There is a large free parking lot available nearby.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

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Gelato melts slowly and tastes fresh with standout flavors like pistachio and Moka. Friendly staff offer free samples outside, creating a cheerful vibe. Options include vegetarian and dairy-free choices for all tastes.

Gelato here is all natural and melts slowly, avoiding brain freezes. The pistachio, Mediterraneo, and Moka flavors stand out, with a solid dairy-free selection available.

People are saying

"I thought the gelato here was the best I've had in a while."

Good to know

1

They clearly labeled vegetarian options.

2

They offered vegan options.

3

Prices are a bit expensive because it's located by the beach.

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Frozen yogurt shop offers variety of flavors and affordable treats in a clean, welcoming space. Friendly, chill vibes make it a popular spot. Many enjoy their favorite ice creams here regularly.

Good flavors make the ice cream stand out. Many people get their favorite ice creams here regularly.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is really good."

Good to know

1

The large acai bowl costs roughly 12 dollars.

2

Yogurt Lounge Serra Mesa offers two different sizes of acai bowls.

3

There is a variety of flavors available at all times.

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Small space with intimate dining and booth seating offers a cozy, moody vibe. Matcha brownie with miso caramel and vanilla ice cream creates a standout dessert. Low club music and vintage anime on TVs add an underground speakeasy feel for a hip sushi experience.

Matcha brownie pairs with vanilla ice cream or matcha ice cream for a standout dessert. The combination with miso caramel and powdered sugar adds unique flavor layers.

People are saying

"The sushi rolls here are melting in your mouth and so tasty."

Good to know

1

They offer a wonderful later happy hour from 7:30 to 9 pm, Monday to Thursday.

2

Reservations are recommended for weekend dinner to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant enforces a strict 2-hour table limit due to its small size.

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Frozen yogurt shop offers sugar-free frozen yogurt with plenty of topping choices. Prices stay around seven dollars, providing a generous serving. Location can be hard to find and not very convenient for beachgoers.

Good to know

1

Frozen yogurt costs around $7, making it an affordable treat.

2

There are numerous topping choices available to customize your yogurt.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment, making transactions easy.

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Chocolate artisan shop blends classy elegance with fun and offers top-tier gelato known for its pistachio flavor. Enjoy gluten free options and large portions perfect for sharing in a warm, welcoming space with outdoor seating and lively music.

Offers large portions of gelato perfect for sharing. Features gluten free chocolate and gelato options except for cones. Known for pistachio gelato and attentive service helping with flavor choices.

People are saying

"Gianna's friendliness made the ice cream experience so much better."

Good to know

1

Weekends can get a little wild with the lines.

2

The regular size costs $8.25 for two flavors in a cup.

3

There is no dine-in area.

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Fish-shaped cones filled with matcha soft serve offer a unique Asian twist. Vibrant decor and K-pop music create an energetic vibe. Shared picnic tables add a social atmosphere perfect for enjoying creamy, smooth ice cream blends.

Soft serve stands out with matcha, ube, and taro flavors that balance sweetness well. Taiyaki cones hold smooth, creamy ice cream that blends Japanese and American styles.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so smooth and creamy."

Good to know

1

They do not accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially during busy evenings.

3

There is free street parking available nearby.

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Cozy bakery offers authentic French specialties and a quiet, calm vibe perfect for studying or brunch. Kids love the vanilla gelato and macaroons while enjoying cozy music. Ample seating includes indoor and outdoor patios ideal for families.

Hazelnut ice cream and vanilla gelato stand out for their rich flavors. Kids enjoy the gelato and macaroons alongside cozy music.

People are saying

"I thought the vanilla gelato here was really good."

Good to know

1

The prices are quite high, with a croissant costing $10 with nuts on top.

2

The macaroons cost $35 for 12 pieces.

3

The Dubai chocolate croissant costs $11.

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Large open dining area blends authentic Turkish atmosphere with modern vibes and a stone-accented bar. Thunderously loud noise and live kanun music create an energetic setting. MaraลŸ ice cream tops the classic antep kadayif, adding a cool, creamy finish to the sweet dessert.

MaraลŸ ice cream tops the classic antep kadayif dessert, adding a refreshing contrast to the buttery, crunchy phyllo and authentic emerald green pistachios. The ice cream provides a cool, creamy finish to the sweet, syrupy treat.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is authentic and upscale but reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are often difficult to secure due to high popularity.

2

Parking in the neighborhood is very challenging.

3

The restaurant will soon offer traditional Turkish brunch on weekends.

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Hotel restaurant offers modern design and artful decor for an upscale vibe. Enjoy chocolate cookie with ice cream and other desserts like churros. Spacious seating and a dog-friendly patio add comfort, though noise rises during events.

Chocolate cookie with ice cream stands out as a favorite. Desserts like churros, red berry mascarpone, and skillet chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream complement entrees well.

People are saying

"The service here is excellent and the staff are friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Show your Broadway show tickets for a 20% discount on your meal.

3

Valet parking is available for $10 when dining and attending a theater.

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Ice cream shop boasts unique flavors like black cherry and Macarona with tangy sorbets. Cozy living room corner creates a quiet atmosphere perfect for families. Simple, unpretentious vibe draws locals and tourists alike.

Offers unique flavors like black cherry and Macarona with tangy sorbet options. Serves generous scoops in colorful cones and small cups for kids.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices for items have increased significantly over the past three years.

2

The menu does not clearly list prices for all items.

3

Frappes were priced at $5.50 in 2021.

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Cozy outdoor seating with heated lamps invites groups to relax. Warm pies shine with salted caramel ice cream for a rich treat. Busy street views add to the snug, inviting atmosphere perfect for casual meetups.

Warm pies pair with scoops of vanilla ice cream and caramel for a rich dessert experience. Unique combinations like salted caramel pie with ice cream and apple pie-cream cups stand out.

People are saying

"The pie and ice cream combo here is super good."

Good to know

1

Pop Pie Co. does not accept cash; they only take card payments.

2

Parking is challenging with only street parking available.

3

There are few tables inside, but plenty of outdoor seating.

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Cozy indoor and outdoor seating offers bay and ocean views in a clean, authentic Mediterranean setting. Families enjoy the welcoming vibe with music enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. Turkish ice cream and pistachio baklava provide a delicious finish to meals like falafel and chicken shawarma pizza.

Turkish ice cream comes free and pairs well with pistachio baklava. It offers a delicious finish to meals alongside dishes like falafel and chicken shawarma pizza.

People are saying

"You have to try the Turkish ice cream; it's the most delicious I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of halal food options.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

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Small cafe offers ube-flavored specialties with cozy charm and many seating options. Ube ice cream topped with frosted flakes adds crunch, while halo halo blends jelly cubes and jack rabbit for texture. Prices stay low, though some drinks and toppings cost more.

Ube ice cream stands out with a frosted flake topping adding crunch. Halo Halo features jelly cubes, jack rabbit, and ube ice cream for a layered texture and flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the ube ice cream and frosted flake topping."

Good to know

1

Prices for drinks and desserts are relatively low compared to other cafes.

2

The cafe offers a variety of refreshing drinks and desserts perfect for summer.

3

Toppings can be a bit pricey, so consider your choices carefully.

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Family-owned market near the beach offers Thrifty Ice Cream with three huge scoops for six dollars and also sells Dippin' Dots. Friendly owners create a community feel while stocking sunscreen and souvenirs for beachgoers.

Three huge scoops of Thrifty Ice Cream cost six dollars here. The store also serves Dippin' Dots and offers coffee alongside ice cream.

People are saying

"I found Thrifty Ice Cream with three huge scoops for only six dollars."

Good to know

1

The market offers a good mix of items like sunscreen, towels, and snacks for beachgoers.

2

Expect higher prices due to the market's beachside location.

3

You can find a variety of ice cream and souvenirs here.

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Carnival-themed spot offers a nostalgic atmosphere with lively music and large open seating by the beach. Ice cream comes in huge heaping scoops and pairs well with the funnel cake burger. Outdoor patio adds to the fun, energetic vibe.

Ice cream comes in huge heaping scoops and includes soft serve options. It pairs well with the funnel cake burger and sometimes comes free with reviews or visits.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream to be creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1 cheeseburgers during special events.

2

Seating is available both indoors and outdoors for large groups.

3

The prices are reasonable for a boardwalk restaurant.

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Cozy space with Russian decor and candlelight sets a warm mood. Honey cake with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate molasses offers a rich dessert. Tight layout creates an intimate yet bustling energy, but noise rises after 8 pm, making conversation hard.

Honey cake comes with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate molasses, creating a rich dessert. Cherry and Toad Sweat ice creams also appear alongside the Medovik Torte.

Good to know

1

Parking is very tight in this neighborhood, making it hard to find a spot.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets very busy.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

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Spacious shop offers creamy texture ice cream with non-dairy options and unique flavors like Birthday Cake. Outdoor seating and lawn games create a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Quiet, clean space invites casual hangouts.

Creamy texture stands out with rich flavor and excellent variety including non-dairy options. The "Birthday Cake" flavor offers a unique choice among consistently delicious selections.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Sunny Scoops offers a variety of ice cream flavors, including vegan options.

2

A single scoop costs nearly $6, and a milkshake is about $9 for 16 ounces.

3

Expect small portion sizes; a kiddie scoop is $5.50.

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Open-air Mediterranean spot boasts breathtaking ocean views and an elevated patio that cuts street noise. Live music adds a classy beach town vibe. Try the baklava ice cream cake for a rich, sweet finish.

Baklava ice cream cake stands out as a distinctive dessert here. It combines rich, sweet flavors with a creamy texture that many find excellent.

People are saying

"The pork osso buco was very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

The happy hour menu is available upon request from the staff.

3

Parking is generally easy, but can be difficult during peak hours.

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