As summer casts its warm, inviting glow over Portland, ice cream enthusiasts have the perfect excuse to indulge in their beloved frozen treats. The extended daylight hours and rising temperatures beckon everyone to step out and cool down with refreshing confections. It’s a seasonal delight that touches nearly everyone’s heart.
In the spirit of summer indulgence, here’s a curated list of some of the finest spots to satisfy your ice cream cravings before the return of dreary, charcoal skies.
**Pinolo Gelateria**
Since its inception in 2015, Pinolo Gelateria has established itself as the gold standard for frozen delights in Portland. Initially, visitors could stroll in, choose their favorite gelato or sorbet flavor, and savor it almost instantly—all while avoiding the long lines that formed at competing shops.
Today, the gelateria’s appeal is well-known, and patrons often wait for a taste of Sandro Paolini’s meticulously crafted gelato, which includes iconic flavors like Sicilian pistachio, fior di latte, and stracciatella. However, it’s the dairy-free seasonal fruit sorbetto that stands out in recent offerings. Utilized from local produce, these sorbettos capture the essence of natural flavors without excessive sweetness. New favorites such as raspberry, peach, and the innovative melon with mint showcase the artistry of the gelato-making process.
Address: 3707 SE Division St., Phone: 503-719-8686, Website: pinologelato.com. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM during summer.
**Cornet Custard**
For those looking for a richer experience, Cornet Custard brings a luxurious twist to frozen treats with its egg-rich custard. Once a rare commodity in Portland, this specialty was popularized by Mika Paredes, collaborating with the late chef Naomi Pomeroy, who started their frozen custard venture at a local flower shop.
The shop, recently opened on a buzzing block on Southeast Division Street, serves up a rotating selection of flavors every couple of weeks, limited only by the imagination of the team. Current fan-favorites include Coconut Almond Joy and butterscotch, though availability can vary. Visitors can always count on staples like the lime coconut vegan option and classic Madagascar vanilla. Due to small batch production, patrons might encounter occasional flavor shortages.
Address: 4529 SE Division St., Website: cornetpdx.com. Open from 1 PM to 9:30 PM Wednesday, and noon to 10:30 PM Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 9:30 PM on Sunday (summer hours).
**Ome Calli**
As dining options flourish in Beaverton, Ome Calli stands out as a haven for post-meal frozen treats. Translating to “second home” in the Nahuatl language, Ome Calli offers a unique array of flavors typically seen in Mexico City, which are a rarity in Portland.
The shop features intriguing options like corn-flavored ice cream, nonalcoholic tequila, distinctive mamey, and even cotija cheese. Beyond ice cream, their vibrant selection of sorbets, including guava, and tamarind with chili, beckons adventurous eaters. A notable highlight is their paletas—frozen fruit pops on a stick that can elevate any sweltering summer day. The guanabana (soursop) paleta, with its lightly sweet, melon-like flavor, is particularly refreshing.
Address: 12795 SW Canyon Road, Beaverton, Phone: 971-246-0278, Website: omecallifrozentreats.com. Open daily from noon to 8 PM.
**Kulfi**
While Kulfi is less prominent, it has carved a niche in Portland’s dessert scene. Previously operating in a small space off Northeast Alberta Street, this shop specializing in South Asian frozen desserts has relocated to a larger storefront on North Williams Avenue.
Kulfi, distinct in its density and unchurned texture, is slow-cooked with its dairy and sugar base, leading to a rich flavor profile. Customers can enjoy unique options like the Rose City kulfi, which combines rose water, cardamom, pistachios, and a traditional sweet squash called roohafza. The malai flavor stands out for its caramelized milk base, while the intensely flavored Major Mango is a must-try.
In addition to kulfis, they offer a range of traditional ice cream flavors such as salted jaggery caramel and turmeric-enhanced Golden Milk Honeycomb. Indian expats and newcomers alike will be drawn to Kulfi’s faloodah, an eclectic mix of ice cream, crunchy noodles, slippery basil seeds, jelly, nuts, and sweetened milk.
Address: 3540 N Williams Ave., Phone: 503-206-5973, Website: kulfipdx.com. Open daily from 1 PM to 10 PM.
With so many tantalizing options around the city, this summer is the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse frozen treat landscape that Portland has to offer. Don’t wait until the cold weather returns to support these local favorites!
image source from：wweek
