Best of 15 ice cream shops in Financial District NYC
Ice cream shops in Financial District NYC offer a delightful escape from the bustling city life. These hidden gems provide a vast array of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic matcha, satisfying various taste buds. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these shops offer a perfect opportunity to indulge in a sweet treat while exploring the historic district.
- 1. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- 2. Carvel Ice Cream Cake
- 3. L'Arte del Gelato
- 4. Häagen-Dazs
- 5. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in Financial District
- 6. FIGO il Gelato Italiano
- 7. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- 8. il laboratorio del gelato
- 9. Minus Celsius Ice Cream
- 10. Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room
- 11. Sugar Hill Creamery
- 12. Davey's Ice Cream in Financial District
- 13. Big Gay Ice Cream
- 14. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Financial District
- 15. Häagen Dazs
1. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Sustainable practices, nostalgic atmosphere, community engagement

The wife consistently enjoys chocolate fudge brownie flavor, so I ordered that for her. The ice cream shop offered honeycomb candy as a flavor, which I knew she liked, and the young employee generous gave a sample spoon of it along with her order. The customer service was commendable.
I had high expectations for the ice cream shop, after hearing many positive reviews, and I was not disappointed. The small establishment is located in the Seaport area, near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, giving it a unique charm. The ice cream proved to be a delightful experience, surpassing the hype.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Mexican Cuisine
2. Carvel Ice Cream Cake
Iconic NYC ice cream parlor, Unique cake designs

Carvel's ice cream cakes have a nostalgic and classic appeal, with customers enjoying their taste. The service provided in Carvel stores is fast, and their penmanship when writing messages on cakes is notably excellent. However, the delivery experience is mixed and inconsistent. Delivery fees vary greatly, with some locations charging $10 while others charge as much as $40 for delivery.
In summary, while Carvel's ice cream cakes are a tasty and classic treat, the delivery experience leaves something to be desired. The inconsistent and often high delivery fees can make it difficult to enjoy Carvel's treats from the comfort of home without paying a premium. On the other hand, customers can count on fast service and great penmanship when purchasing cakes in-store.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
3. L'Arte del Gelato

4. Häagen-Dazs

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
5. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in Financial District
Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

The lemon curd ice cream that I had the chance to try was refreshing and full of lemon flavor, offering a delightful balance between tart and sweet. The creamy texture added to the overall deliciousness of the ice cream.
During my visit to this place, I have found everything I have tasted to be enjoyable, but I was particularly impressed by their 'New God Flow' and 'Avocado Ice Cream Toast' specials. The unique combinations of flavors and ingredients in these offerings made for a memorable experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
6. FIGO il Gelato Italiano
Seasonal flavors, gluten-free options, vegan sorbets

A delightful gelato shop can be found in the heart of Nolita, offering an assortment of unique and delicious flavors. One such flavor is the delectable combination of caramelized fig and ricotta. The gelato served at this establishment is authentic Italian gelato, renowned for its creamy texture and rich taste.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
7. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Sustainable practices, community engagement, unique atmosphere

The vegan ice cream offered by this establishment is truly exceptional, with unique flavors that are packed full of delicious mix-ins like cookies, chocolate, pretzels, jam, and matcha. The selection is vast and ever-changing, making it difficult to choose just one flavor. The shop is clean and inviting, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a treat.
I tried the Sunday's & Floats flavor, which was enjoyable but not particularly memorable. One downside to this ice cream is the high price point, which may be due to the cost of the quality ingredients used. However, the wide range of vegan options is a major selling point, and it's worth giving it a try despite the cost. It's a good option for those following a vegan lifestyle and are looking for a high-quality ice cream experience.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Mexican Cuisine
- Lunch
8. il laboratorio del gelato
Small-batch, handcrafted gelato since 2002

The ice cream shop offers a variety of delicious flavors that are sure to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. The line can be long at times, but it moves quickly, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The challenge is deciding between your favorite flavor and trying something new and potentially even better.
The shop prides itself on cleanliness and provides a generous yet reasonably sized scoop of ice cream. The perfectly portioned scoop allows customers to try multiple flavors without feeling overly full. This feature is ideal for those who want to indulge in several options without regretting it later.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
9. Minus Celsius Ice Cream
Handcrafted ice cream in a cozy, modern parlor

Minus Celsius, an ice cream shop, is known for its unique approach to rolled ice cream. Instead of skimping on the ice cream, the shop stuffs the cup to provide a generous serving. This approach differs from other rolled ice cream places, which often give smaller portions.
The cost of Minus Celsius' ice cream has received mixed reviews. While some customers consider the prices to be reasonable, others believe that they are pricey for a single scoop of frozen milk. Overall, opinions on the cost vary among customers.
10. Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room
Handmade gelato, rotating flavors

The ice cream shop in NYC offers a delightful experience with its delicious ice cream and welcoming atmosphere. The staff are friendly, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a sweet treat. One of its best-kept secrets, it's a must-visit for ice cream lovers looking for a hidden gem in the city.
The pistachio ice cream served at this establishment is particularly noteworthy. It is widely regarded as one of the best classic flavors, and many customers believe it is the best they have ever tasted. The rich, creamy texture and delicious taste of the pistachio ice cream make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a top-quality dessert.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
11. Sugar Hill Creamery
Family-owned parlor with a warm and welcoming atmosphere

Sugar Hill Creamery is an ice cream shop located in Harlem that has gained recognition for its unique and modern flavor choices. Some of its most popular flavors include Buggin' Out, a malted vanilla ice cream with chocolate covered Rice Krispies and raspberry coulis, and Senegalese Coffee with peanut brittle, cardamom, and Selim pepper brownies.
On a warm day in Harlem, nothing hits the spot quite like Sugar Hill Creamery's ice cream. With flavors like blueberry cheesecake, peach cobbler, blackberry cheesecake, honey lavender, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The shop is known for its delightful atmosphere and delicious ice cream, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
12. Davey's Ice Cream in Financial District

Davey's Ice Cream is relatively new on the scene. I've only tried it twice so far (don't worry, I'll increase that number in the coming weeks), but I'm pretty sure their ice cream is pretty spot on. Specifically, I love their brunch ice cream. I think it has bacon, maple, and pieces of French toast. Don't quote me on the details, but it's incredibly good. Davey's Ice Cream 137 1st Ave. New York, NY 10003 (East Village) 212-228-8032
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Big Gay Ice Cream
Rotating menu and collaborations with local businesses

The ice cream shop offers a wide variety of unique and interesting flavor combinations, making it a great spot for dessert. In addition to traditional ice cream, they also serve ice cream sandwiches and popsicles.
The ice cream at this shop is incredibly creamy and smooth, with a texture that is sure to impress. Fans of Mr Whippy from the UK will find the texture to be similar, but even smoother. A notable flavor is the lemon meringue, which comes complete with crumble.
14. Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Financial District

15. Häagen Dazs

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Dinner