Find Ice Cream Near Me
Guides  ·  List Your Range

Artisan Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco, CA

Craving a scoop? Below are 34 ice cream in San Francisco, CA — small-batch and independent, ranked by the community. Compare flavors, ratings, and hours.

9. Alimento Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 507 Columbus Avenue

10. Little Sweet Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 75 O'Farrell Street

12. Sweetheart Cafe Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 909 Grant Avenue

13. Magical Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 900 Grant Avenue

14. The Ice Cream Bar Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 815 Cole Street

15. Tokyo Cream Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 1838 Irving Street

16. Polly Ann Ice Cream Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 3138 Noriega Street

17. Hometown Creamery Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 432 Octavia Street

18. DeliShack Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 455 Larkin Street

19. Super Duper Burger Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 98 Mission Street

20. Mara's Italian Pastry Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 503 Columbus Avenue

21. La Copa Loca Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 1504 Church Street

22. Earth's Coffee Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 3400 Geary Boulevard

23. Lush Gelato Gelato

☆ Rate · 1817 Polk Street

24. Easy Breezy Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 44 West Portal Avenue

25. San Francisco's Hometown Creamery Artisan Ice Cream

☆ Rate · 1290 9th Avenue

Ice cream shops in San Francisco, CA: a local guide

We currently track 25 ice cream shops and parlors serving San Francisco, CA in San Francisco County.

What ice cream costs in San Francisco

A single scoop in San Francisco usually runs about $4-$7, with specialty sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a little more than soft-serve chains.

What to look for in an ice cream shop in San Francisco

  • Look for house-made or small-batch ice cream — San Francisco shops that churn their own usually taste fresher.
  • Check for dairy-free, vegan, or no-sugar-added options if you need them.
  • Ask what's seasonal or local — the best shops rotate flavors and use local dairy or fruit.
  • Read reviews for portion size and freshness, not just the flavor list.
  • Check hours and seasonality — many San Francisco scoop shops keep shorter winter hours.

Questions to ask before you go

  • Which flavors are seasonal or local right now?
  • Do you sell pints, cakes, or cater events?
  • What are your hours this time of year?
  • Do you have gluten-free cones or toppings?
  • Do you make your ice cream in-house?

Many San Francisco listings also serve hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does ice cream cost in San Francisco?

A single scoop in San Francisco usually runs about $4 to $7, with sundaes, shakes, and pints higher. Small-batch and locally made ice cream costs a bit more than soft-serve chains.

Where can I find dairy-free or vegan ice cream in San Francisco?

Many San Francisco shops now carry dairy-free, vegan, or sorbet options. Check the listings above and ask, since offerings change with the season.

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Gelato has less fat and less air than ice cream, so it is denser with more intense flavor. Several San Francisco shops serve both.

Are San Francisco ice cream shops open year-round?

Some keep shorter winter hours or close seasonally. Check the hours for the shop you have in mind before you go.

Own an ice cream shop in San Francisco?

Claim your shop and get featured → Add photos, hours, and your best flavors, and pin to the top of San Francisco.