Ice cream solves everything. And since we whole-heartedly believe in that statement, we’re sharing the best ice cream and gelato spots on the Upper East Side. These spots offer unique flavors of ice cream, gelato, vegan ice cream, ices, sherbet, and more. Many of these shops have been on the UES for years and have established themselves as beloved neighborhood ice cream shops. Make sure to check them out and tag us when you visit!
Best Ice Cream and Gelato on the Upper East Side
Anita Gelato (1561 2nd Ave, at 81st Street)
Ever wonder what the line around the corner on 81st Street is? It’s for Anita Gelato – and it is worth the wait! Anita’s famous gelato boutique began 20 years ago in a small Mediterranean kitchen with Anita and her children. Anita’s gelatos are 100% hand made offering cream, vegan, sugar-free and yogurt options. Whether you’re going for a cone or cup or trying several flavors, Anita Gelato has you covered.
While at Anita’s, be sure to try their Chestnut with Hazelnut Cream, Pistachio with White Chocolate Cream, Raspberry (vegan), and Grapefruit Campari (vegan) flavors.
Emack & Bolios (1564 1st Ave, at 81st Street)
Founded in Boston in 1975 by music lawyer Bob Rook, Emack & Bolio’s was originally a place for musicians to go to after their gigs to relax and eat midnight munchies. Emack & Bolio’s has been an Upper East Side staple for several years, and offers ice cream, sorbet, vegan and yogurt. In addition, Emack & Bolio’s offers a fun variety of large dipped cones including rice krispy cones, fruit-loop cones, chocolate sprinkled cones and more.
While at Emack & Bolio’s, be sure to try the Space Cake with the rice-krispy treat cone, Vegan Pumpkin Graham Cracker Swirl, Georgia Peach and Mango Sorbet.
Ralph’s Italian Ice (1588 1st Ave between 82nd and 83rd Street)
Ralph Silvestro came to the US from Italy and began making his famous Italian ices in 1928. Since then, Ralph’s Italian Ice has expanded to 82 locations across Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey, Queens and Staten Island. Ralph’s Italian Ice offers ices, sherbet, ice cream, drinks, and several types of toppings- something to satisfy any craving you’re having!
While at Ralph’s Italian Ice, be sure to try the Root Beer Water Ice, Spumoni Sherbert, Strawberry Twister and Nutty Buddy.
Sedutto (1498 1st Ave between 78th and 79th Street)
Sedutto has been on the Upper East Side for over 30 years and is open seven days a week year-round. Sedutto has an extensive menu of ice cream, hard serve yogurt, soft serve yogurt, sorbet, desserts, and drinks. Sedutto also offers Wine Ice Cream by the pint.
While at Sedutto, be sure to try the Mint Chocolate Chip, Passion Fruit Sorbet, Pumpkin (seasonal) and Raspberry Chip flavors.
Van Leeuwen (1625 2nd Ave between 84th and 85th Street)
Van Leeuwen started in 2008 on the streets of NYC with a yellow truck and a mission to make ice cream that simply makes you feel good. Since then, they have expanded to over 40 locations across eight different states. Their menu includes regular ice cream, vegan ice cream, ice cream bars, and bundles. Their cozy spot on the Upper East Side is a hot spot for ice cream lovers.
While at Van Leeuwen, be sure to try the Malted Cookie Dough Shake, Praline Butter Cake, Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin, Churros and Fudge (vegan) and Earl Gray Tea flavors.
Dubl Twister (1443 York Ave, at 77th Street)
Family owned handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee Shop since 1973, Dubl Twister offers more than just ice cream – they offer a unique ice cream and coffee experience to each customer who walks in.
While at Dubl Twister, be sure to try the Oreo, Peanut Butter Chip and Chocolate Madness.
Venchi (1117 Lexington Ave between 77th and 78th Street)
Started in 1878, Italian chocolate shop Venchi has been making chocolate for over 140 years. They recently opened their first location on the Upper East Side on Lexington and 78th Street. Offering chocolate, gelato, coffee, hot chocolate, and crepes, it is a must-visit spot for sweet treats.
Honorable Mention: Mochidoki (1035 1st Ave between 61st and 62nd Street)
Mochidoki offers 20 different flavors of Mochi Ice Cream, including 6 vegan options. They use high quality ingredients, including matcha from Japan, Hazelnuts from the Piedmont region in Italy, and sweet chocolate from Zurich, to make soft and pillowy mochi filled with creamy and flavorful ice cream.
While at Mochidoki, be sure to try their UES Exclusive “Everything Bagel”, Habanero Chocolate, Banana Pudding, Jasmine Boba and Earl Gray Mochi flavors.
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