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BEST ICE CREAM SHOPS IN SAN DIEGO

San Diego has an abundance of delicious ice cream and gelato spots. Here are 5 of the best places I have found to get a sweet and satisfying dessert. If you love ice cream as much as I do - you will want to visit these shops as soon as possible!


1. IC Monster


This cute little ice cream shop is in Mira Mesa, San Diego. I went to this ice cream shop with my girlfriends and we all loved it. Thai-style rolled ice cream and bubble cone ice cream are some of the menus’ most popular dishes. I got the strawberry shortcake rolled ice cream and it was heavenly. There are so many flavor combinations and on top of being delicious and photo worthy, the ice cream rolls are made right in front of you. If you have never seen Thai ice cream be made- please look it up- it is so satisfying. I HIGHLY recommend IC Monster.


2. Salt and Straw Little Italy


I’m from Portland, OR where Salt and Straw ice cream company first opened shop. Salt and Straw is my favorite ice cream shop in Oregon. Recently, Salt and Straw opened up a location in Little Italy, San Diego and I had to go within the week of its opening. Salt and Straw is known for quirky but delicious flavor combinations. Salt and Straw ice cream is decadent and is the definition of gourmet ice cream. This ice cream is made with fresh ingredients, and each location has (among its signature flavors) unique flavors crafted by partnering with local artisans. Be prepared to stand in a line- but know it is absolutely worth it. The customer service is excellent and you are welcome to sample any flavors before purchasing what might just be your new favorite ice cream.


3.Pappalecco Gelato


Pappalecco Gelato is the first place my family and I went to when I first arrived in San Diego for college. Pappalecco is located in the heart of Little Italy, and has some of the creamiest gelato I have ever tasted. Gelato is one of my weaknesses. Pappalecco is a step above any gelato I have ever had because they serve authentic Italian gelato, and even the staff is Italian. My favorite flavors to date would be the stracciatella, as well as strawberry. When you go, I strongly suggest trying the stracciatella flavor because Pappalecco specializes in this particular Italian classic. This ice cream is light and creamy without tasting too rich. I guarantee this gelato will be a crowd pleaser!




4. Ghirardelli Ice Cream Shop


Ghirardelli has some of the yummiest chocolate, and I doubt anyone would disagree. Adding ice cream to their decadent chocolate makes this one of the best places for ice cream. I went to the Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop in Downtown San Diego on a double date. We got the Cookie Bits Sundae and split it four ways. They give so much ice cream so it is perfect to share with other people. Kudos to anyone who could eat that alone! I don’t feel like I need to explain why the ice cream is so good- just trust me, Ghiradelli is always the way to go!


5. Treet Desserts


Treet Desserts was the first ice cream shop I went to with friends from campus. Treet has delicious edible cookie dough that can be put in ice cream sandwiches. When I went I got vanilla ice cream with gobs of edible cookies dough sandwiched between two freshly-made chocolate chip cookies. Each bite had cookie dough and it was so yummy. My friend also tried the brownie sundae and if you love chocolate then that is the best option for you. Also the decor of the store was cute. You can see the fun Star Wars table in the picture. Treet Desserts is delicious and I can’t wait to go back.











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