Top 10 Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco

The Baked Bear's Jones Street location near Fisherman's Wharf brings their signature ice cream sandwich concept to one of the city's most tourist-friendly neighborhoods. This outpost maintains the same build-your-own philosophy with warm, freshly baked cookies and premium ice cream flavors pressed into customizable creations. The slightly higher rating here suggests the staff brings extra enthusiasm to their cookie-ice cream engineering. It's the perfect pit stop for families exploring the wharf who want something more creative than standard soft-serve.

Ghirardelli Experience on Beach Street offers a more expansive chocolate and ice cream adventure than its North Point sibling, with a full menu of elaborate sundaes and ice cream drinks. The historic marketplace setting on Beach Street creates a destination experience rather than just a quick stop, perfect for tourists wanting the full Ghirardelli treatment. Their chocolate earthquake sundae lives up to its name with layers of fudge, brownies, and multiple ice cream flavors. The retail shop attached means you can take some of that famous chocolate home with you.

ICICLES on Mission Street brings the magic of liquid nitrogen ice cream to SoMa with flash-frozen creations made to order right before your eyes. The theatrical preparation creates impossibly smooth, creamy textures while the fog rolling off your cup makes for serious Instagram moments. The modern, minimalist space appeals to tech workers and young professionals looking for innovative desserts in the heart of the startup district. Custom flavor combinations mean you'll never have the same experience twice.

Joe's Ice Cream in the Richmond District is the definition of a neighborhood gem, serving classic American ice cream flavors with old-school hospitality since 1960. This cash-only spot keeps things simple with perfectly executed basics like rocky road, mint chip, and their legendary banana splits that could feed a small army. The no-frills, formica-counter atmosphere attracts families and locals who appreciate consistent quality without the hype. It's the kind of place where the staff remembers your order and your kids' names.

Fentons Creamery in Oakland (yes, worth the trip!) has been an East Bay legend since 1894, and their massive sundaes have fueled generations of celebrations. While technically outside SF, this spot deserves recognition for its historic charm and jaw-dropping creations like the Crab sundae (yes, with real crab-shaped toppings made of chocolate). The old-fashioned ice cream parlor vibe with red vinyl booths makes it perfect for families celebrating special occasions or anyone craving a nostalgic trip back in time. Come hungry—portions here don't mess around.

Amorino Gelato brings a taste of Italy to Grant Avenue with their signature flower-shaped gelato presentations that are almost too beautiful to eat. This French-Italian chain uses all-natural ingredients and offers gluten-free options alongside classic flavors like pistachio, stracciatella, and salted caramel. The charming cafe atmosphere in the heart of Chinatown makes it an ideal stop for couples on a romantic stroll or solo travelers seeking a moment of European-style indulgence. The rose-shaped scoops are as Insta-famous as they are delicious.

The Original Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop at North Point is a San Francisco institution where chocolate dreams come true. Their legendary hot fudge sundaes are piled high with house-made Ghirardelli chocolate sauce that's been perfected over 170 years of chocolate-making expertise. The historic setting and prime Fisherman's Wharf location make this a must-visit for tourists, though the quality keeps locals coming back despite the crowds. Pro tip: the oversized portions are meant for sharing, though we won't judge if you tackle one solo.

Humphry Slocombe at the Ferry Building is where ice cream gets weird—in the best possible way. Known for their adventurous flavors like Secret Breakfast (bourbon and cornflakes) and Blue Bottle Vietnamese Coffee, this is the spot for foodies who want their dessert to tell a story. The Ferry Building location offers stunning waterfront views and attracts a mix of adventurous locals and curious tourists ready to expand their ice cream horizons. Don't let the unusual combinations scare you—these folks know exactly what they're doing.

The Baked Bear on Columbus Avenue turns ice cream into an interactive experience with their famous custom ice cream sandwiches. Choose your cookies (from red velvet to snickerdoodle), pick your ice cream flavor, and watch as they press it all together into a glorious handheld masterpiece. The location in North Beach makes it ideal for couples strolling through the neighborhood or families refueling after exploring nearby attractions. The build-your-own concept and Instagram-worthy creations have made this a cult favorite among SF's younger crowd.

Tucked away in the Fillmore District, Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream is a true neighborhood treasure that's been scooping happiness since the 1970s. This unassuming spot serves beautifully crafted Japanese-inspired ice cream with flavors like black sesame, green tea, and azuki red bean that transport you straight to Tokyo. The nostalgic, no-frills vibe makes it perfect for families and anyone seeking authentic flavors without the tourist crowds. With an exceptional 4.9 rating, locals guard this secret jealously—but now you're in on it.