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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Francisco

Cozy ice cream spots

A quiet, comfortable seat makes a scoop of ice cream feel like a genuine treat.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Asian restaurant

Family-owned Asian restaurant offers traditional decor and an open kitchen with booth and table seating arranged comfortably. Atmosphere feels warm and cozy, with glimpses of Nepal and the Himalayas creating an inviting vibe. The place serves authentic Nepali dishes with fresh flavors that stand out in the area.

Warm and welcoming atmosphere creates a cozy vibe. The space feels like a little hideaway with amazing food.

Creamy, rich desserts include homemade mango and pistachio ice cream. The mango flavor is popular with kids and all ice creams are made in-house.

People are saying

"The food here was so good, truly spectacular."

"I found the most authentic, flavorful Nepalese food here."

"The homemade mango ice cream is creamy, rich, and loved by kids."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accommodates various food allergies.

2

Sherpa House offers both Indo-Chinese options and Nepalese cuisine.

3

Sherpa House is easy to get to on L-Taraval with plenty of street parking nearby.

02
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Persian restaurant

Family-owned Persian restaurant offers a cozy, warm atmosphere that feels like dining in someone's home. The space is beautiful and inviting, with a friendly, unhurried vibe. Guests enjoy juicy, perfectly grilled kabobs and rich, balanced dishes in a setting that emphasizes care and tradition.

Small spaces create a cozy vibe throughout. The wine bar feels intimate and warm. Overall, the setting is cute and inviting.

Homemade ice cream finishes the meal with fresh pistachios and saffron caramel flavors. The chef makes Persian ice cream that stands out for its unique taste.

People are saying

"This Persian food, especially the barg kabob, is the best I've had."

"It's a family-owned spot with really kind and welcoming owners."

"You have to get the homemade ice cream; it's honestly so good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

03
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Chinese restaurant

Space blends modern elegance with traditional charm in a cozy, inviting atmosphere that suits casual and date dining. Jazz music adds a lively touch while the interior feels tastefully remodeled and clean. Noise levels rise during busy times, creating a vibrant energy.

Spacious layout creates a cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped. Friendly service and a welcoming vibe add to the comfortable ambiance.

Banana ice cream stands out here with its homemade quality and complimentary scoops that add a special touch. It offers a particularly enjoyable flavor that makes celebrations a bit sweeter.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The homemade banana ice cream made my daughter's birthday eve special."

"Eugene's personal attention made the experience feel so cozy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially during holidays.

2

Parking is difficult to find near the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a clean environment.

04
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Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space blends modern Thai elegance with clean wooden decor and matching pottery. Atmosphere feels warm and sophisticated, inviting yet polished, suited for upscale dining. Unique dishes and thoughtful details create a distinct experience beyond typical Thai restaurants.

Warm hospitality and a cozy, modern atmosphere greet guests. The space feels small and upscale, creating an intimate setting.

Frozen coconut banana ice cream sits on a crispy, buttery, and slightly salty crumble. The banana ice cream dessert offers a cute finish to the meal.

People are saying

"The Thai-inspired dishes here are uniquely creative and thoughtfully composed."

"Andy Warhol's Banana Ice Cream was a standout dish."

"It's a cozy, modern atmosphere with warm hospitality."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $40 lunch menu with five courses.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait between dishes during dinner service.

3

Hed 11 offers a vegan option along with meat dishes.

05
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Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with funky decor featuring jungle walls and lit butterflies creates a neon-lit ambiance. Atmosphere is lively and fun but can be noisy and cold. Music complements the vibe, attracting a crowd that enjoys quality food and cocktails.

Bright lighting and quirky decor create a cozy atmosphere. The space feels inviting and comfortable for enjoying Peruvian cuisine.

Lucuma ice cream stands out as a flavorful dessert option. The house ice cream pairs well with drinks and complements dinner nicely.

People are saying

"The ceviche here is amazing, with a nice acidity."

"It's a delightful, bright, cozy place for dinner."

"I thought the lucuma ice cream was a delicious dessert."

Good to know

1

Reservations are accepted for private events and large parties with one day's notice.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other Peruvian restaurants in the area.

3

The menu has limited options for lactose and gluten-free diets.

06
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Dessert shop

Small café blends Thai street food flair with cozy charm in a warm, colorful atmosphere. Offers crispy crepes with both sweet and savory options alongside ice cream by the scoop. Space feels inviting and vibey, suitable for quick bites or relaxed hangouts.

Small size creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. The vibe blends Thai street food flair with café charm for an inviting feel.

Lots of Asian ice cream flavors come from Mitchell’s Ice Cream. Warm crepes paired with Mitchell’s ice cream create a tasty combo.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and attentive when you get your crepes."

"The tom yum crepe was a bold, zesty twist."

"The staff here are so friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Holy Crepe offers sweet and savory crepes along with Thai flavors like Tom Yum.

2

They have a new salted egg custard crepe served with strawberries and whipped cream.

3

The packaging allows for easy eating on the go.

07
Mellis Cafe image 1

Small cafe with outdoor seating and cozy atmosphere offers a friendly vibe that shifts from bustling mornings to homey evenings. Arabic pop music plays softly in the background, enhancing the welcoming environment. Few tables outside provide a quiet spot to enjoy flavorful coffee and sandwiches.

Warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere create a cozy vibe. Friendly staff add to the inviting feel that recalls pre-pandemic city charm.

Fresh and satisfying, the ice cream comes alongside no frills desserts and treats. People enjoy the good cakes and varied sweet options including sandwiches and pastries.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and flavorful."

"It's a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff."

"The ice cream here is so fast and friendly."

Good to know

1

Mellis Cafe opens at 5:00 a.m. and stays open until midnight.

2

Expect reasonable prices for sandwiches and breakfast items.

3

Mellis Cafe is ideal for quick breakfast and coffee options.

08
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Pizza restaurant

High ceilings and an open kitchen with a wood fire pizza oven create a lively atmosphere filled with warm woodwork and eclectic light fixtures. The space feels cozy and welcoming despite being loud and sometimes hot due to limited ventilation. Reservations are common as the place draws a busy crowd.

Warm and welcoming staff create a cozy and comfortable spot. The vibe blends upscale pizza with a welcoming atmosphere.

Burnt Date and Black Sesame ice creams stand out with unique, creamy flavors. Anise Sambuca ice cream comes with a chocolate shell and a slight licorice taste from anise, sambuca, and fennel pollen.

People are saying

"This fungi pizza is creative, balanced, and absolutely delicious."

"The burnt date and black sesame ice cream is worth trying."

"The pizza crust's bite, chew, and flavor are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required weeks in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect a 2.5-hour wait for walk-ins on busy Saturday evenings.

3

Outdoor seating takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

09
Kiss of Matcha image 1

Small, traditional Japanese-style tea house with a cozy minimalist interior and strong tea aroma. Atmosphere feels warm and calming despite limited seating and occasional crowding. Known for creamy, deeply flavored matcha soft serve that stands out among similar spots.

Cozy vibes come from a minimalist design and a hole-in-the-wall location. The space feels relaxed and perfect for a quick break or catching up with friends.

Soft serve features a creamy texture with a deep matcha flavor that matches authentic Japanese ice cream. Vanilla and sesame ice cream options pair well with toppings like boba and Ferrero Rocher.

People are saying

"The matcha soft serve is creamy with a strong, grassy flavor."

"The matcha ice cream has a really strong, concentrated flavor."

"The Kiss of Matcha Parfait was excellent, with so many layers."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times after 2pm; visit in the morning for shorter waits.

2

They offer a rewards program with $2 ice cream on Tuesdays.

3

Street parking is available, but the area can be busy.

10
Four Kings 四大天王 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Small space with izakaya-style decor and walls adorned by classic Cantonese artists creates a nostalgic, cozy vibe. Energetic atmosphere buzzes with 80s and 90s Canton-pop music and lively chatter. Tight bar seating and warm service add to the intimate, vibrant experience.

Walls display posters of Chinese movies and memorabilia, giving the dining room a comfortable and cozy feel. The overall vibe stays cool and inviting.

Soft, powdery shaved ice comes with sweet milk, red bean, boba pearls, and vanilla ice cream. Mango pudding features interesting textures and pairs with very good ice cream.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the spicy XO escargot."

"It's a cozy spot with walls adorned by photos of artists."

"The XO Escargot with milk bread was surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, and should be made at least three weeks in advance.

2

Expect a long wait if you arrive without a reservation, especially after 5:30pm.

3

Certain signature dishes may be unavailable if you arrive late, so plan accordingly.

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