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The 20 Best Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream in San Francisco

Situated in the heart of San Francisco, liquid nitrogen ice cream shops offer a unique and innovative twist on the beloved frozen treat. Using liquid nitrogen to rapidly freeze the ice cream mixture results in a smoother, creamier texture compared to traditional methods.

Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite dessert spot or a visitor eager to try something new, exploring the diverse array of liquid nitrogen ice cream options in San Francisco is a must.

Indulge your sweet tooth and satisfy your cravings by checking out the following list of the top liquid nitrogen ice cream spots in San Francisco.

How we chose and ordered them

This selection of liquid nitrogen ice cream in San Francisco weighs each business's reputation, which anyone can check online, against how much of its work is devoted to this service. Those that do exactly this, and have done it well for years, come first.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3All optionsMapWhat to look for

Quick overview

Our top picks

Choose a business to go straight to its entry.

#1
Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream
4.9269 reviews
#2
Philmore Creamery
4.8423 reviews
#3
Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes
4.8409 reviews

All options

Weigh 20 local options side by side

Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream, San Francisco#1
What it does well

  • Tom, the owner, is friendly, kind, and loves his customers.

  • The quantity of ice cream is generous, with 2 flavors available per cup/cone.

  • Customers praised the Ube and Matcha ice cream flavors.

  • The shop is a solid choice for traditional and old-school treats.

Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream

4.9269 reviews
1470 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream offers a charming experience for ice cream lovers in San Francisco. The shop provides takeaway options and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance for customers. Additionally, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee during a quick visit. Payment is cash only in this neighborhood gem.

Customers have shared their positive experiences:

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream promises a delightful trip down memory lane with delectable ice cream treats.

Philmore Creamery, San Francisco#2
What it does well

  • The gelato is described as 'dense and packed with flavors,' with customers highlighting the use of 'actual pistachios' and 'rose extract' in the gelato.

  • Customers are especially fond of the 'unique and delicious flavors' offered at Philmore Creamery, with one reviewer noting it as the 'best gelato I've had in the U.S.A.'

  • Visitors to the shop praise the 'generous scoops' and the ability to 'combine multiple flavors,' making it a truly indulgent experience.

  • The shop itself is described as 'cute' and 'charming,' with limited seating inside but a bench outside for customers to enjoy their treats.

Philmore Creamery

4.8423 reviews
1840 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Philmore Creamery is a beloved ice cream shop located in the heart of San Francisco. The shop offers a variety of gelato flavors made with fresh ingredients that customers absolutely rave about.

With a solid rating of 4.8 based on 423 reviews, Philmore Creamery is a must-visit for anyone seeking a delicious gelato experience in San Francisco.

Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes, San Francisco#3
What it does well

  • The owner and staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, often providing delicious samples and making customers feel welcome.

  • Customers appreciate the cozy atmosphere of the shop, which is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist spots.

  • Many visitors have commented on the reasonable prices, making Norman's a great value for the delicious treats they offer.

Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes

4.8409 reviews
2801 Leavenworth St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes is a charming ice cream shop located in San Francisco that offers a variety of delicious treats. Customers have raved about the high quality of the ice cream served here, with many praising the flavors and creamy texture. The shop is known for offering premium ice cream by Mitchell’s, a San Francisco original that is still family-owned.

Mitchell's Ice Cream, San Francisco#4
What it does well

  • Customers appreciate the wide range of flavors offered, allowing for unique and exciting choices.

  • The friendly and attentive staff provide excellent service, making the experience even more enjoyable.

  • The long lines during peak hours are worth the wait, showcasing the high demand and quality of the ice cream.

  • Some customers find international flavors like Halo halo, Ube, and Macapuno to be a delightful surprise, adding a unique touch to their experience.

Mitchell's Ice Cream

4.73,788 reviews
688 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Mitchell's Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream shop located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of service options including no-contact delivery, delivery, in-store pick-up, and takeaway. Customers can enjoy coffee along with their delicious ice cream selections. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a LGBTQ+ friendly spot that is perfect for a quick visit.

Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco#5
What it does well

  • "Insanely good ice cream with generous portions and delicious flavors."

  • "Best ice cream in town with creamy and flavorful options like black sesame and toasted coconut."

  • "Fun and delicious flavors like toasty sourdough and balsamic strawberry make this a must-visit creamery."

Bi-Rite Creamery

4.62,695 reviews
3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Bi-Rite Creamery is a beloved ice cream shop located in San Francisco. Known for its delicious and unique flavors, this creamery offers a wide range of options to satisfy any sweet tooth. Customers can enjoy flavors like spicy mango coconut, black sesame, and Honey Lavender, all made in-house with quality ingredients.

The reviews from satisfied customers speak for themselves:

With a rating of 4.6 and over 2695 reviews, Bi-Rite Creamery continues to delight customers with its high-quality, flavorful ice cream. Whether you're looking for a classic favorite or a unique new flavor, this creamery is sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet.

The Ice Cream Bar, San Francisco#6
What it does well

  • Customers rave about the vintage ambiance of the shop, which adds to the overall experience.

  • The quality of the ice creams is highlighted by many, with flavors that are rich and creamy.

  • Many visitors appreciate the friendly staff who make them feel right at home.

The Ice Cream Bar

4.61,115 reviews
815 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

The Ice Cream Bar is a beloved ice cream shop located in San Francisco that offers a variety of delicious treats for its customers. With a rating of 4.6 based on 1115 reviews, it's clear that customers have had consistently positive experiences at this establishment.

Whether you are craving a classic cone, a boozy ice cream treat, or a unique soda float, The Ice Cream Bar is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Don't miss out on the experience of visiting this charming ice cream shop in Cole Valley.

San Francisco's Hometown Creamery#7
What it does well

  • Customers love the rotating cool flavors available, with classics like vanilla and non-dairy chocolate sorbet receiving high praise.

  • Visitors can't get enough of the homely interior and the welcoming staff who are always willing to offer taste samples to help customers choose their favorites.

  • The menu simplicity allows for quick visits, making it a perfect stop for a sweet treat with generous portions and reasonable prices.

San Francisco's Hometown Creamery

4.6822 reviews
1290 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

San Francisco's Hometown Creamery is a beloved ice cream shop in San Francisco that has garnered an impressive rating of 4.6 based on 822 reviews. Customers rave about the delicious flavors and exceptional service offered at this charming spot.

With a wide range of service options available, including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in, San Francisco's Hometown Creamery ensures that customers can enjoy their delicious treats wherever they are. Whether you're in the mood for a decadent scoop of coffee ice cream or a refreshing sorbet, this little ice cream shop has something for everyone.

Amorino Gelato, San Francisco#8
What it does well

  • We've visited this place twice now through a recommendation of a friend. What an amazing place! The Gelato flavors are delectable and colorful.

  • Really enjoyed the gelato here. The owner was very nice and the flavors are great.

  • I recently visited Amorino and was blown away by the quality of their gelato! The flavors were incredibly rich and delicious.

  • Loved the ice cream. We ordered "The Must", and it was fantastic. The waffle made in front of us, made in-house whipped cream, and great flavors.

Amorino Gelato

4.6451 reviews
338 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Amorino Gelato - San Francisco offers a delightful experience for gelato enthusiasts in the heart of San Francisco. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5, this cozy spot has earned the hearts of many customers.

Customers praise the unique flower petal flavor idea and the quality of the gelato. With a variety of flavors like Hazelnut chocolate, Amorino Dark Chocolate, Blueberry Cheesecake, and more, paired with friendly staff and a beautiful presentation, Amorino Gelato is a must-visit spot for a sweet treat in San Francisco.

Milkbomb Ice Cream, San Francisco#9
What it does well

  • Customers recommend arriving early to avoid long waits, but assure that the ice creams are worth it.

  • The cozy atmosphere and limited hours add to the charm of the experience, making waiting in line a social and exciting event.

  • The milkbomb sandwich, a crowd favorite, allows customization of flavors, ice cream, and toppings for a personalized sweet treat.

  • Visitors appreciate the warmth of the service and the attention to detail in each dessert, making it a memorable and delightful visit.

Milkbomb Ice Cream

4.6347 reviews
1717 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Milkbomb Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream shop in San Francisco that has captured the hearts of many with its unique and delicious flavors. Customers rave about the inventive creations such as the ube pandesal sandwich and the concha sandwich, both with exceptional taste profiles.

Double Rainbow Ice Cream, San Francisco#10
What it does well

  • This ice cream is to die for! The strawberry and cookies and cream flavors were outstanding, and the servers were friendly and accommodating, offering samples to customers.

  • Surprisingly, the ice cream is vegan but tastes incredibly creamy and delicious, with unique flavors like peanut butter chocolate and cinnamon churro.

  • Customers appreciate the reasonable prices and the option to split scoops between cups, allowing for a shared experience.

Double Rainbow Ice Cream

4.749 reviews
415 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Double Rainbow Ice Cream is a beloved ice cream shop located in the heart of San Francisco. They offer a variety of services, including delivery and takeaway, making it convenient for customers to enjoy their delicious treats anywhere. The shop is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that everyone can indulge in their coffee offerings.

Customers rave about the quality of the ice cream. Here are a few key points from their reviews:

With a stellar rating of 4.7 and glowing reviews, Double Rainbow Ice Cream continues to delight its customers with sweet treats and exceptional service. Visit their website for more information and swing by for a quick and tasty visit!

Smitten Ice Cream, San Francisco#11
What it does well

  • The California ice cream experience was described as the best dessert, offering a taste of genius, creativity, and the essence of California.

  • Customers mentioned the high quality and delicious options available, with a mention of a delightful visual experience during the ice cream mixing process.

  • One review highlighted the freshness and consistency of the ice cream, emphasizing the unique sweet/salty mix in the cookie dough flavor.

  • Another customer praised Smitten for offering the best chocolate ice cream in San Francisco, with smooth textures and excellent pumpkin spice options suitable for vegan preferences.

Smitten Ice Cream

4.5776 reviews
904 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Smitten Ice Cream is a delightful ice cream shop located in San Francisco, offering a unique experience with their liquid nitrogen-made ice cream. Customers rave about the flavorful and creamy ice cream, made right in front of them, ensuring freshness and quality. The shop provides various service options like no-contact delivery, in-store pick-up, and takeaway, catering to different preferences.

With a rating of 4.5 and a total of 776 reviews, Smitten Ice Cream continues to impress customers with its delicious flavors, friendly service, and innovative ice cream-making techniques. It is a must-visit spot for any ice cream lover in the San Francisco area.

Joe's Ice Cream, San Francisco#12
What it does well

  • Great place for ice cream. Solid, no frills, and nice staff.

  • Homemade ice cream with unique flavors like fudge, dalgona, and earl grey.

  • Cozy indoor dining and outdoor seating for a relaxing experience.

Joe's Ice Cream

4.5514 reviews
5420 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Joe's Ice Cream is a popular ice cream shop located in San Francisco, offering a variety of homemade flavors that keep customers coming back for more. With a rating of 4.5, it's clear that customers love the quality and taste of the ice cream served here.

Customers rave about the Salted Caramel, Raspberry Cheesecake, and Tokkochi fries which are a hit at Joe's Ice Cream. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat or a quick bite, this place has something for everyone. Be sure to stop by and indulge in the delicious offerings at Joe's Ice Cream.

Powder, San Francisco#13
What it does well

  • Delicious desserts that are unique and flavorful

  • Wide variety of toppings to choose from

  • Friendly staff and bright, happy atmosphere

Powder

4.5391 reviews
260 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Powder is a delightful ice cream shop located in San Francisco, CA. They offer a variety of service options such as delivery, in-store pick-up, and takeaway. The shop is known for its great dessert options and coffee offerings. Visitors can expect a quick visit with easy credit card and debit card payment options.

Customer reviews rave about their experience at Powder:

Twirl & Dip Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck, San Francisco#14
What it does well

  • Customers praise the chocolate sauce as shockingly good.

  • The honeycomb candy cone is highly recommended and a unique treat.

  • Guests mention that the soft-serve ice cream is the best they've had, especially when paired with the divine chocolate sauce.

  • Vegan customers appreciate the high-quality vegan ice cream options available, making it worth the drive despite long lines.

Twirl & Dip Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck

4.669 reviews
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94117, San Francisco, CA 94118, United States

Twirl & Dip Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck is a beloved ice cream shop located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. This charming truck offers delicious soft-serve ice cream with a variety of toppings and flavors to choose from. Customers rave about the quality and taste of the ice cream, as well as the friendly service they receive.

Experience the joy of delicious ice cream from Twirl & Dip and treat yourself to a delightful dessert in the heart of San Francisco.

Let's Roll Ice Creamery, San Francisco#15
What it does well

  • This is a novelty ice cream stand with a broad flavor selection and topping options.

  • Customers praise the amazing matcha and mango ice cream along with the unlimited topping options.

  • While the wait can be a bit long on busy days, the walk around the area is enjoyable and the experience is worth it.

  • One customer noted the fun technique employed to make the ice cream, which is mesmerizing and magical.

Let's Roll Ice Creamery

4.5275 reviews
2421 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Let's Roll Ice Creamery is a delightful ice cream shop located in San Francisco that offers a unique and fun ice cream experience. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and toppings while watching their ice cream being made on a cold freezer surface plate and rolled into delicious confections.

With a rating of 4.5 based on 275 reviews, you can trust that Let's Roll Ice Creamery provides a sweet and exciting experience for all ice cream lovers in San Francisco.

Over The Moon Creamery, San Francisco#16
What it does well

  • Creamiest ice cream with amazing flavors like oreo espresso and salted butter scotch.

  • Delicious ice cream served in a cookie cup instead of a cone.

  • Helpful and friendly staff providing great service.

  • Wide variety of flavors to choose from, all equally delicious.

Over The Moon Creamery

4.4367 reviews
2144 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

Over The Moon Creamery is a delightful ice cream shop located in San Francisco. They offer a range of delicious options including Delivery, In-store pick-up, Takeaway, and Dine-in services. Customers rave about the creamy and delicious ice cream, with the option to enjoy it in a cookie cup instead of a cone or a cup. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful, making every visit a wonderful experience. Don't miss out on their amazing flavors like oreo espresso, salted butter scotch, stracciatella, and earl grey. Here are a few key points from customer reviews:

ICICLES, San Francisco#17
What it does well

  • I‘ve been wanted to try this place for a long time. It’s so much fun to watch them preparing your ice cream and everything is managed right in front of you. Definitely will go back to try out other combination.

  • Pretty solid ice cream place but lacks the crispy texture that rolled ice cream is usually known for. Always running a skeleton crew, so expect long waits. The constant flashing multi-colored lights are a bit irritating.

  • This place is awesome! So many delicious toppings to choice from along with amazing ice cream. We'll definitely be back next time we're in the bay.

  • Getting to see the rolled ice cream is pretty cool and it's always good when you get to personalize your dessert!! Definitely worth stopping in.

ICICLES

4.4297 reviews
829 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

ICICLES is a popular ice cream shop located in San Francisco. They offer a wide range of services and features to their customers, including delivery, in-store pick-up, takeaway, and even same-day delivery. The shop is also wheelchair-accessible and accepts various payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

With a rating of 4.4 stars based on 297 reviews, ICICLES has garnered positive feedback from many customers. Some key points from the reviews include:

If you are looking for delicious and customizable ice cream options in San Francisco, don't miss out on a visit to ICICLES!

icu deli &ice cream, San Francisco#18
What it does well

  • Strawberry banana smoothies are super yummy

  • Clean and well-lit atmosphere

  • Friendly and accommodating staff

  • Delicious steak sandwich

icu deli &ice cream

4.534 reviews
496 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States

ICU Deli & Ice Cream is a popular ice cream shop located in San Francisco. The place offers a variety of services such as delivery and takeaway, making it convenient for customers on the go. The shop is known for its high-quality coffee and quick service for those looking for a quick visit.

Customers rave about their experience at ICU Deli & Ice Cream, highlighting a few key points:

With a solid rating of 4.5 and positive customer reviews, ICU Deli & Ice Cream stands out as a go-to spot for delicious treats in the area. So, whether you're craving ice cream, coffee, or a quick bite to eat, this shop has something for everyone!

Magical Ice Cream, San Francisco#19
What it does well

  • Sus empleados son muy educados, y el lugar es muy bonito. Prácticamente te hacen tu helado desde 0. El ice cream fruit es el mejor tiene fresa y mango.

  • Small little spot, but really amazing ice cream. The rolled ice cream is a bit of a novelty, but it's actually really tasty. Wait time can be a little long depending on the day.

  • Very friendly workers! The ice cream was great, and the drinks were also super good. A little pricey but a fun treat.

  • Coll rolled ice cream, tasted amazing. Everything was done right in front of you.

Magical Ice Cream

4.3254 reviews
900 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

Magical Ice Cream is a delightful ice cream shop located in San Francisco. They offer a variety of services including delivery, in-store pick-up, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers can enjoy a quick visit and make payments using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

The shop is known for its friendly staff and delicious ice cream creations. With a rating of 4.3 stars, customers have left glowing reviews. Here are some key points from their experiences:

Stop by Magical Ice Cream for a magical ice cream experience!

Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream, San Francisco#20
What it does well

  • Friendly staff and a variety of items available for purchase.

  • Convenient location with a nice selection of goods.

  • Great customer service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream

4.3164 reviews
514 Minna St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream is a popular ice cream shop located in San Francisco. This family-owned business offers a variety of services such as no-contact delivery, delivery, and takeaway. Customers appreciate the quick visit option and the ability to make credit card, debit card, and NFC mobile payments conveniently. The shop is wheelchair-accessible, making it inclusive for all customers.

With a rating of 4.3 based on 164 reviews, it's evident that customers enjoy their experience at Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:

Whether you're craving a delicious ice cream treat or need to grab some essentials, Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream is a go-to spot for many customers in San Francisco.

Quick summary

A quick comparison of the options

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream 4.9269
#2Philmore Creamery 4.8423
#3Norman's Ice Cream & Freezes 4.8409
#4Mitchell's Ice Cream 4.73,788
#5Bi-Rite Creamery 4.62,695
#6The Ice Cream Bar 4.61,115
#7San Francisco's Hometown Creamery 4.6822
#8Amorino Gelato 4.6451
#9Milkbomb Ice Cream 4.6347
#10Double Rainbow Ice Cream 4.749
#11Smitten Ice Cream 4.5776
#12Joe's Ice Cream 4.5514
#13Powder 4.5391
#14Twirl & Dip Soft Serve Ice Cream Truck 4.669
#15Let's Roll Ice Creamery 4.5275
#16Over The Moon Creamery 4.4367
#17ICICLES 4.4297
#18icu deli &ice cream 4.534
#19Magical Ice Cream 4.3254
#20Icu Market Deli & Ice Cream 4.3164

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On the map

Map of Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream in San Francisco

Discover the ultimate liquid nitrogen ice cream experience in San Francisco with our comprehensive map. These unique ice cream shops use liquid nitrogen to create instant frozen treats right before your eyes. From classic flavors to innovative creations, this map will guide you to the best spots in the city to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to pick Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream in San Francisco

  1. Customizable flavors and mix-ins.
  2. Fresh, made-to-order ice cream.
  3. Unique and creative menu offerings.
  4. Vibrant and modern atmosphere.
  5. Locally sourced ingredients.

Common questions

What is liquid nitrogen ice cream?

Liquid nitrogen ice cream is a unique type of dessert that is made by freezing the ingredients using liquid nitrogen. This process allows the ice cream to be made in a matter of minutes, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. Unlike traditional ice cream, which is typically frozen over several hours, liquid nitrogen ice cream is flash-frozen, resulting in smaller ice crystals and a deliciously smooth consistency. This method of making ice cream is popular in many trendy dessert shops and offers a customizable experience, as customers can choose their base flavor and mix-ins for a personalized treat.

Where can you find liquid nitrogen ice cream in San Francisco?

If you're looking to try liquid nitrogen ice cream in San Francisco, there are several specialty dessert shops and ice cream parlors that offer this unique treat. Popular spots in the city include Treatbot, Smitten Ice Cream, Three Twins Ice Cream, and CaJa Popcorn. Each of these locations uses liquid nitrogen to create their signature creamy concoctions. Be sure to check the website or social media pages of these establishments for hours of operation and any special flavors or promotions they may be offering.

Is liquid nitrogen ice cream safe to consume?

Yes, liquid nitrogen ice cream is safe to consume when prepared correctly. The liquid nitrogen used in the freezing process is completely evaporated before the ice cream is served, so there are no traces of the chemical left in the dessert. However, it is important to follow any guidelines provided by the shop staff and wait until the ice cream has finished steaming before eating it, as the extremely cold temperature of the liquid nitrogen can cause burns if not handled properly. Enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream in San Francisco, but be sure to follow any safety instructions provided by the establishment to ensure a delicious and safe dessert experience.

What makes liquid nitrogen ice cream different from traditional ice cream?

The main difference between liquid nitrogen ice cream and traditional ice cream lies in the freezing process. While traditional ice cream is made by slowly freezing a mixture of cream, sugar, and flavorings over several hours, liquid nitrogen ice cream is made by rapidly freezing the ingredients using liquid nitrogen. This flash-freezing process creates smaller ice crystals in the ice cream, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture. Liquid nitrogen ice cream is also made to order, allowing for greater customization of flavors and mix-ins than traditional ice cream. Try liquid nitrogen ice cream in San Francisco to experience a unique and delicious twist on a classic frozen treat.

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