As temperatures soar in New York City, residents are reminded of the city’s steamy summer heat.
With the mercury climbing to record levels, the city’s retreat into refreshing treats is making a significant comeback this year.
Recently, NYC has activated cooling centers and reopened over 60 outdoor public pools to help residents combat the sweltering summer days.
However, nothing quite beats the beloved summer indulgence of ice cream.
In light of the ongoing heatwave, we are excited to share our updated list of the best ice cream shops in NYC, crowned by a standout Italian-inspired gem.
Leading the pack is Caffè Panna, which has claimed the top spot for ice cream aficionados in 2025.
Owned by Hallie Meyer, this shop is driven by a deep passion for ice cream that goes back years.
Meyer’s ice cream journey took her to gelaterias across Rome during a five-month residency, where she honed her skills and gathered inspiration.
Upon returning to the U.S., she began scooping ice cream in the South Bronx before establishing her first brick-and-mortar location in Gramercy in 2019.
Last year, she expanded her creations to Greenpoint, resulting in a spacious shop that houses a production facility and allows patrons to enjoy their scoops indoors.
While the standard offerings at Caffè Panna are exceptional, it is the unique rotating specials that draw in crowds, showcasing flavors like pie crust, Sungold tomatoes, and olive oil.
Moreover, the recent debut of shaved Italian granitas topped with their signature Panna adds another layer of delight to the cooling experience.
Just behind Caffè Panna, Salt & Straw, a Portland import, has claimed the impressive number two position on our list.
Though part of a chain, its rich and buttermilk-laden scoops bring exciting and inventive flavors to the Big Apple, and yes, there are unlimited samples to be had.
Their Upper West Side and Chelsea locations feature exclusive flavors, including a unique babka ice cream and a semi-savory smoked pastrami rendition from the famed Carnegie Deli.
At number three, Sugar Hill Creamery—dubbed “Harlem’s Finest Ice Cream Shop”—is a community favorite, founded by Nicholas and Petrushka Bazin Larsen.
The shop is known for its seasonal homemade delights, featuring flavors like the winter delight of carrot cake and the summer refreshment of strawberry basil lemon.
Yet, beyond the scrumptious scoops, Sugar Hill Creamery is celebrated for its commitment to the local community, with walls that showcase rotating portraits of neighborhood residents.
Their ice cream flavors reflect this sentiment as well, with creations like Asap Rocky Road honoring the iconic rapper from Harlem, and the unique Sonia’s Pound Cake flavor, made in collaboration with local influencer Dominek Tubbs of @domnthecity.
As this heat wave continues to envelop the city, these ice cream shops offer not just a respite from the heat, but a chance to indulge in delightful and innovative flavors.
Whether it’s Caffè Panna, Salt & Straw, or Sugar Hill Creamery, New Yorkers have delicious options to keep cool this summer.
image source from：timeout
