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Top picks in San Francisco

Soft serve spots

Soft serve that maintains its texture until the last bite, rather than melting into a puddle before you even finish.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Maruwu Seicha - SF Japantown image 1
Maruwu Seicha - SF Japantown image 2
Maruwu Seicha - SF Japantown image 3
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Small shop with minimalist decor offers a warm vibe and outdoor seating. Soft serve is rich matcha flavor with unique swirls like ube and peach. Known for award-winning matcha, it stays busy despite higher prices.

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 matcha affogato was yummy, though the ice cream wasn't special."

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.

02
OISHII MATCHA image 1

Small cafe offers a calm, modern vibe with a charming glass divider and relaxed seating inside and out. Soft serve shines with strong matcha flavor and creamy texture, plus rich ube and occasional complimentary hojicha samples. Friendly staff add to the welcoming feel.

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 staff offered me matcha and ube ice cream samples."

"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.

03
Saluhall SF image 1
Food court

Food court offers a light-filled design with diverse local restaurants and a cooking school. Vegan soft serve features large portions and unlimited toppings alongside classic flavors. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy, perfect for a chill visit.

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."

"The soft serve ice cream here is amazing, with huge portions."

"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.

04
Matcha Cafe Maiko image 1
Dessert shop

Small dessert shop offers a cozy ambiance with no seating, perfect for quick visits. Matcha soft serve shines with its authentic flavor and creamy texture. Busy lines show its popularity for high-quality matcha products.

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."

"I've never had a matcha latte this delicious."

"The matcha soft serve is rich, earthy, 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.

05
Banan - Noe Valley image 1
Dessert shop

Bright, clean space with a modern beachy vibe and lively energy welcomes visitors. Soft serve is banana-based and vegan-friendly, offering a mild, smooth flavor without extra sweetness. Limited seating and unique colors create a casual, distinct experience.

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."

"The banana soft serve tasted like a mild smoothie."

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.

06
Kiss of Matcha image 1
Coffee shop

Small cafe with Japanese-inspired atmosphere and warm wooden decor feels cozy despite limited seating. Soft serve boasts strong matcha flavor and creamy texture, with staff who remember orders well. Outdoor seating features an auspicious cloud bench adding unique charm.

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."

"It's a perfect chill place with drink and music."

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.

07
Go Duck Yourself 去你鸭的 image 1

Industrial-style interior with steampunk design sets a cozy, modern vibe. Bone-free Cantonese barbecue duck is a neighborhood favorite. Chocolate soft serve is rich and smooth, often enjoyed outside after quick billing.

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."

"Parking was fairly easy off Cortland Avenue."

"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.

08
Louie's Original image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small, clean spot with comfortable seating and a family vibe. Soft serve is creamy and dense, especially the chocolate dip. TVs show sports, adding to the relaxed atmosphere with 90s rap and 70s tunes.

Soft serve here has a richer texture than usual, leaning toward a whipped cream feel. The frozen custard style is creamy and dense, especially with the chocolate dip.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were top tier and very good."

"This chicken sandwich is so tender and juicy, it's a must-try."

"I thought the soft serve was probably the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Louie's Original adds an automatic 21.5% gratuity to all orders.

2

Parking is ample and free on the street nearby.

3

The restaurant has a small, delivery-friendly menu focused on burgers.

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