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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Gaslamp Quarter

Ice cream spots

A scoop of ice cream that tastes like it was made with real ingredients rather than just frozen syrup.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated July 2026
01
Istanbul Doner Kebab image 1
Istanbul Doner Kebab image 2
Istanbul Doner Kebab image 3
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Large space with authentic Turkish vibe offers vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere and loud Turkish pop music. Handmade ice cream shines with pistachio and saffron flavors. Amenities like a juice bar and prayer room add comfort and convenience.

Handmade ice cream features pistachio and saffron flavors that stand out. Turkish ice cream and vanilla options pair well with desserts like baklava.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and tastes homemade."

"The kebab here is juicy, tender, and flavorful."

"You have to try the pistachio and saffron ice cream."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait time.

2

Parking can be difficult to find in the Gaslamp Quarter.

3

The menu features a wide variety of Turkish cuisine options.

02
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

Spacious chocolate shop blends Victorian architecture with modern nightlife energy. Rich chocolate aroma fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Ice cream sundaes feature creamy, rich ice cream topped with warm fudge, offering a delightful dessert experience.

Ice cream sundaes blend creamy, rich ice cream with warm, thick fudge. Portions are generous and the ice cream is high quality, making it a delightful dessert experience.

People are saying

"Their chocolate sundaes are a real treat."

"It's a perfect dessert date spot for a fun night out."

"I found the ice cream here delicious and enjoyable."

Good to know

1

The store is open until midnight for late-night visits.

2

Expect a long line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

There is limited parking nearby, so plan to walk a bit.

03
Gran Havana Cigar & Hookah Lounge image 1

Bohemian lounge blends premium cigars with gelato desserts in a cozy, upscale setting. Ample ventilated seating indoors and outdoors invites relaxation. Dimmed lights and comfy seats create a refined yet chill vibe.

Offers gelato alongside coffee and teas. Ice cream features as a notable dessert option despite cigars being the main focus.

People are saying

"I loved their impressive selection of smooth, aromatic cigars."

"The coffee here is bold, flavorful, and delicious."

"The hookah was always on point with smooth draws and rich flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult on weekends; consider walking or using rideshare services.

2

Cigars range from about $11.50 to around $40 each.

3

The lounge does not serve alcohol, focusing instead on coffee and tea.

04
Bronze Bird image 1
Restaurant

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 beet salad with goat cheese and steak was a great choice."

"The dinner here was excellent and surprisingly affordable."

"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.

05
Parfait Paris image 1

Bakery offers Parisian-inspired decor with cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Gelato features hazelnut and mango passion fruit flavors with a gooey texture. Accessibility includes a ramp and extended bar handles, creating a clean and inviting space with lively French music.

Gelato stands out with hazelnut and mango passion fruit flavors offering balanced taste and gooey texture. The French pudding with ice cream pairs well as a dessert option.

People are saying

"The coffee and pastries here are amazing."

"The French food, especially the crepes and quiches, tasted great."

"The gelato here is delicious, especially the pistachio."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult to find nearby.

2

Expect to pay around $11 for a pastry.

3

The kitchen closes at 5 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

06
Chocolate Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cozy cafe offers Italian gelato with rich chocolate flavors and savory crepes. Indoor and outdoor seating creates a lively atmosphere despite some noise. Spacious interior has plenty of tables but some worn furniture.

Gelato stands out with its Italian approved quality and wide variety of chocolate flavors. The ice cream is smooth and rich, offering decadent options like chocolate orange and mint chocolate.

People are saying

"The gelato here is creamy, refreshing, and amazing."

"I loved the delicious Nutella crepes with strawberries."

"The gelato here is amazing and incredibly smooth."

Good to know

1

The happy hour special, $5 beer and $6 wine, goes until 10pm.

2

The restroom is not available for customers who haven't made a purchase.

3

They add a 50-cent fee to use a credit card.

07
Insomnia Cookies image 1
Dessert shop

Big white brick wall creates a clean backdrop. Cookies come warm with a soft inside and crispy outside, perfect with vegan cotton candy ice cream. Casual vibe can be slowed by service delays and payment limits.

Vegan cotton candy and dreamweaver flavors stand out among the ice cream options. Ice cream pairs well with cookies and brownies, with suggested pairings available to try.

People are saying

"The cookies here are warm, soft, and delicious."

"The ice cream here is delicious, especially with the cookies."

"The brownies and ice cream here are so delicious."

Good to know

1

The store is open late, making it convenient for night cravings.

2

Expect a wait of about 15-30 minutes for fresh cookies.

3

Prices for cookies start at $15 for a small size.

08
Rockin' Baja Lobster - Gaslamp image 1

Mexican restaurant buzzes with live music and loud TVs, creating a lively sports bar vibe. Enjoy a self-serve salsa bar and a full margarita menu on a pleasant outdoor patio. Fried ice cream offers a unique dessert with mixed textures and flavors.

Fried ice cream stands out as a distinctive dessert here, served at the end of the meal. It offers a mix of textures and flavors that some find enjoyable but others have mixed feelings about.

People are saying

"The food here is really good, with great flavors and fresh ingredients."

"The seafood buckets here are scrumptious and seasoned with a whisper of Mexican spice."

"I tried the fried ice cream for the first time."

Good to know

1

The happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.

2

Expect a wait outside during peak hours.

3

There is a 5% surcharge added to each bill.

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