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Top picks in San Francisco

Soft serve spots

You are looking for soft serve that hits the mark without any unnecessary complications.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Matcha Cafe Maiko image 1
Matcha Cafe Maiko image 2
Matcha Cafe Maiko image 3
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Dessert shop

Small dessert shop offers cozy, charming ambiance with no seating, encouraging quick visits or takeout. Matcha soft serve and ice cream stand out for their rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture. Busy atmosphere often leads to lines, reflecting its popularity for high-quality matcha products.

Desserts here come in large portions and taste delicious. This spot stands out as a solid dessert destination in Chinatown.

Soft serve features a creamy, rich, and authentic matcha flavor that is smooth and not too sweet. The texture is impeccable and smooth, closely matching the quality found in Japan.

People are saying

"I had the best matcha soft serve, it was so rich."

"The matcha soft serve is rich, earthy, and authentic."

"The matcha desserts are rich, creamy, and authentic."

Good to know

1

The cafe gets busy often, so expect a wait.

2

There is no seating inside the cafe.

3

Prices are high for the portion sizes.

02
Maruwu Seicha - SF Japantown image 1

Small shop with minimalist decor featuring wood panels and dark green highlights creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Busy with a steady flow, it offers outdoor seating and a kiosk for quick orders. Known for award-winning matcha and creamy soft serve, it draws a crowd despite higher prices.

Little dessert tarts come in fantastic flavors. A variety of Japanese desserts and drinks offer more to explore on another visit.

Soft serve features intense matcha flavor that is rich and creamy, not watered down. Varieties include matcha milk swirl, ube, and peach matcha swirl, often topped with matcha powder for extra taste.

People are saying

"I thought the matcha here was really good and creamy."

"The matcha soft serve is strong, earthy, and not too sweet."

"The soft serve ice cream here is so smooth and milky."

Good to know

1

Ordering at the register is much faster than using the self-service iPad.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are on the high side, with matcha lattes costing nearly $8.

03
Banan - Noe Valley image 1
Dessert shop

Bright, clean space with a modern beachy vibe featuring surfboards and plants creates a welcoming atmosphere. Energy stays lively even when busy, attracting those seeking healthy, vegan-friendly soft serve made primarily from bananas and honey. Limited seating and a unique color palette add to the distinct, casual experience.

Desserts focus on healthy-forward and dairy-free options with a refreshing, not heavy feel. The chocolate banana with brownies and passion fruit desserts stand out as yummy and unique choices.

Banana-based soft serve offers a mild smoothie flavor with a great consistency and no unnecessary ingredients. The vegan option is dairy-free and not too sweet.

People are saying

"I found the dairy-free soft serve to be surprisingly good."

"The chocolate flavor here is so rich and decadent."

"I loved the healthy-forward desserts here."

Good to know

1

The small cup with toppings costs over $9, which may be considered pricey.

2

You can request a sample to try different flavors before ordering.

3

Banan is a dairy-free option, suitable for lactose intolerant individuals.

04
OISHII MATCHA image 1

Small cafe with a calm, modern vibe and glass divider that adds charm. Seating includes a bench inside and several small outdoor tables, encouraging a relaxed pace. Known for matcha soft serve with a strong, earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Offers a wide range of matcha desserts including lattes, ice cream cones, and boba sundaes. Focuses on fresh matcha flavors in a casual setting.

Soft serve features strong matcha flavor that is not too sweet and a rich ube flavor. Samples and complimentary soft serves like hojicha are sometimes offered by friendly staff.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and offered me matcha advice."

"The matcha desserts here are very good."

"The matcha soft serve is so yummy and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Most orders are to go due to the lack of space inside.

2

The establishment does not have a bathroom for customers.

3

They ran out of Black Sesame and Hojicha flavors on that day.

05
Go Duck Yourself 去你鸭的 image 1

Industrial-style interior with a steampunk design and an open kitchen creates a modern, cozy vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, blending casual friendliness with stylish decor. Regulars enjoy bone-free Cantonese barbecue duck in a neighborhood setting.

Desserts include a bao trio with unique flavors and sesame buns served with condensed milk for dipping. Plates are cleared quickly, sometimes before finishing dessert, which can affect the experience.

Chocolate soft serve tastes great and stands out. Staff bring the bill quickly without asking about dessert, and soft serve often gets eaten outside in the cold after plates are cleared.

People are saying

"The Cantonese Roast Duck here has incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat."

"The dessert buns are a great way to finish."

"I thought the soft serve was surprisingly good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary on weekends to secure a table.

2

The duck dish costs $30, which may be considered high for the portion size.

3

Parking is generally easy to find off Cortland Avenue.

06
Saluhall SF image 1
Food court

Food court combines open, light-filled design with multiple levels hosting diverse restaurants and bars. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy with a refreshing vibe that connects to a nearby retail space. Frequented for local food options and a cooking school, it offers a lively yet chill environment.

Vegan desserts stand out with 100% vegan options and artistic creations by Asmo. A wide range of sweets complements diverse food choices including burgers, Asian, and Hispanic dishes.

Vegan soft serve stands out with large portions and unlimited toppings. Regular soft serve options include vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry sorbet flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of food options and vendors here."

"You have to try the vegan desserts; they're some of the best creations."

"I loved the vegan soft serve with unlimited toppings."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens on Mondays at Saluhall SF.

2

The downstairs area opens at 8 AM for breakfast and coffee.

3

Happy hour runs after 5 PM on Thursdays with specialty drinks.

07
Kiss of Matcha image 1
Coffee shop

Small, minimalist cafe with cozy, Japanese-inspired atmosphere and wooden walls and furniture creating a warm, inviting space. The place stays packed with people working on laptops despite limited seating and lines. Outdoor seating includes an iconic auspicious cloud bench that adds unique charm.

Desserts feature azuki beans that complement the flavors well. The hojicha dessert tends to be underwhelming. The spot offers a good dessert selection but lacks late-night options.

Soft serve features a strong matcha flavor with a smooth and creamy texture. Staff remember orders well and accommodate requests for cones or cups and extra toppings.

People are saying

"The matcha latte here has a strong, good flavor."

"The matcha soft serve here is so strong and rich."

"You have to try their matcha desserts; they're so good."

Good to know

1

Ordering online for pickup is recommended due to long lines.

2

Seating is limited inside, so be prepared to wait for a table.

3

Parking can be tough, but a garage is available nearby.

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