The Best Ice-cream in North Park

Portland-based but San Diego-adopted. Creative, seasonal flavors and a smooth, consistent base.

Salt & Straw brought its Portland creativity to San Diego, and the city embraced it. The sea salt with caramel ribbons is a permanent classic, and the monthly rotating menu is genuinely adventurous without being gimmicky. The texture is smooth and consistent, and the flavors are balanced enough that even unusual combinations work. The Little Italy and North Park locations are bright and modern, and the staff is enthusiastic about samples. It is the best place to take someone who wants to try something they have never had before.

A converted dry cleaner serving gelato by the clothespin. Great texture, surprising flavors, and the best-designed shop in North Park.

An's Dry Cleaning is one of the most distinctive ice cream shops in San Diego. Housed in a converted dry cleaner, the shop serves gelato in flavors that change frequently and often include unexpected ingredients like olive oil, saffron, or roasted grains. The texture is smooth and dense, and the sorbets are clean and vibrant. The shop itself is beautifully designed, with clothespins and hangers repurposed as decor. The North Park location makes it a natural stop after dinner in the neighborhood. It is a must-visit for anyone who cares about both aesthetics and dessert.

North Park's Mexican-flavored ice cream shop. Horchata, Mexican chocolate, and mango are the signature scoops.

Mariposa Ice Cream brings Mexican flavors to San Diego's ice cream scene. The horchata flavor tastes like the real drink, the Mexican chocolate has a subtle cinnamon kick, and the mango is bright and clean. The texture is good, though not as dense as the top-tier shops. The prices are fair and the portions are generous. The North Park location is convenient, and the shop is a popular stop after a meal in the neighborhood. It is the best option for anyone who wants traditional Mexican paleta flavors in ice cream form.