Ice cream has a special place in the hearts of many, serving as a delightful treat that often brings back cherished memories of childhood.
In Portland, this sweet indulgence is taken to new heights, with the city boasting an impressive array of ice cream shops that offer both traditional and creative flavors.
This summer, a quest was undertaken to discover which ice cream creameries in Portland truly stand out from the crowd.
The focus wasn’t on the newest spots or the most unusual flavor combinations, but rather on those that provide the quintessential ice cream experience.
Certain parameters guided this search: ice cream, gelato, and custard were included, while soft serve was excluded from consideration, as it differs significantly in texture and flavor.
Additionally, only those shops that create their own ice cream were considered, ensuring that the ranking focused on original creations rather than mixed desserts.
To keep the focus tight, only shops located within Portland’s city limits were evaluated, though one suburb is included due to its outposts within the city.
After visiting numerous ice cream spots, the findings led to a consensus among taste testers, which included colleagues and family.
This led to the creation of a carefully curated list of the top five ice cream shops in Portland.
The process was extensive, involving numerous visits and a myriad of flavors, proving once again the universal appeal of this frozen delight.
Without further ado, here are the top five ice cream destinations in Portland.
**5. Cloud City Ice Cream**
Cloud City Ice Cream has established itself as a beloved neighborhood gem, having served handmade scoops of imaginative flavors for over a decade.
Located next to a Safeway in Southeast Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood, Cloud City claims the title of the 33rd best independent ice cream shop in the country according to Yelp in 2023.
In 2024, local readers nominated it as Portland’s best ice cream, highlighting its popularity and quality.
The menu features playful flavors like Circus Friends, Sasquatch Tracks, and Gold Digger, appealing to both children and adults alike.
Kids are particularly drawn to the shop, with options like the Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel earning rave reviews.
Visitors to Cloud City can also enjoy the charming decor and special treats like ‘uni-cones,’ which are sugar cones dipped in white chocolate and coated in sprinkles.
For anyone visiting the Woodstock area this summer, Cloud City Ice Cream is a must-visit destination.
**4. Salt & Straw**
No list of Portland’s ice cream elite would be complete without acknowledging Salt & Straw, a local institution known for its innovative flavors and quality offerings.
Despite its growing presence, which some may view as too corporate, Salt & Straw has gained recognition for its consistent quality and adventurous flavor combinations.
Their Chocolate Gooey Brownie flavor has become a reliable favorite, featuring fudgy chocolate ice cream packed with chunks of chewy brownie.
While lines can get long, especially during peak tourist seasons, the experience is worthwhile, as customers are encouraged to explore the various flavors available.
Salt & Straw’s commitment to creativity shines through, whether serving unusual flavors or classics that never disappoint.
With multiple locations and extended hours, Salt & Straw remains an excellent choice for those craving quality ice cream.
**3. Cornet Custard**
Cornet Custard, the newest contender on the list, has quickly made a name for itself since opening in 2024.
Founded by culinary talents Mika Paredes and Naomi Pomeroy, Cornet began as a pandemic project, evolving into a distinct custard shop with a focus on high-quality ingredients and rich flavors.
Following the tragic passing of Pomeroy, Paredes has continued to honor her legacy by crafting a menu that celebrates delightfully creamy custard made with a generous amount of eggs.
The flavors at Cornet are ever-changing, offering unique combinations that entice customers to return frequently.
Whether it’s crunchy peanuts, thick caramel, or fudgy brownies, Cornet’s custards exemplify luxury and creativity, making it a noteworthy stop for dessert enthusiasts.
**2. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty**
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is renowned not only for its delicious pizzas but also for its exceptional ice cream offerings.
The shop has garnered attention thanks to its enthusiastic following and long lines that often curl around the corner, even on quieter days.
While waiting to try their ice cream, patrons can explore flavors that challenge the traditional palate, like the intensely flavored Orange Agrumato.
Many customers may find themselves reminiscing about their own childhood ice cream experiences after tasting the smooth, complex textures and rich flavors served at Lovely’s.
Although the shop is celebrated for its pizza, it’s clear that the ice cream deserves just as much acclaim as the savory selections.
**1. Pinolo Gelato**
Claiming the top spot is Pinolo Gelato, a beloved gelato shop that has become a haven for dessert lovers in Southeast Portland.
Founded by Pisa-born Sandro Paolini in 2015, Pinolo has earned a reputation for creating world-class gelato that rivals traditional ice cream.
The shop crafts its gelato in small batches, utilizing fresh, quality ingredients and thoughtful combinations that result in unforgettable flavors.
Highlights include intriguing options such as a pistachio chocolate flavor and a cherry gelato that captures the essence of summer.
The standout ‘Foresta’ flavor, made from foraged fir tips steeped with juniper berries, creates a unique taste reminiscent of a walk through the woods.
With rotating specials and an inviting atmosphere, Pinolo Gelato continues to capture the hearts of those who are lucky enough to try it.
As summer rolls on in Portland, the ice cream scene remains vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone.
From beloved neighborhood spots to creative culinary ventures, the city’s top ice cream shops invite locals and visitors alike to indulge in a scoop (or two) of delightful frozen treats.
image source from：oregonlive
