There is truly nothing more satisfying than a nice cold treat on a hot summer day. Whether it be in a cone or a cup, ice cream is well-loved and, dare I say, the best dessert known to humankind, especially when temperatures are rising.
In San Diego, we have access to a plethora of ice cream shops, some serving up the American classic soft serve and others transporting us to countries abroad through a single bite. So no matter if you’re in the mood for a time-honored vanilla-chocolate twist, some refreshing lychee ice cream, or a fresh cup of authentic gelato, you’ll find all that and more in this edition of Sydney’s Suggestions.
Prefacing notes: The following businesses (besides Mr. Frostie) have multiple locations; the listed address is the closest in proximity to Bishop’s.
- Bobboi Natural Gelato (8008 Girard Ave #150)
First opened in La Jolla in February of 2014, founders Mr. Andrea Racca and Mr. Marco Saba and head gelato chef Mrs. Monica Racca craft Bobboi’s delicious flavors by taking inspiration from both local Californian ingredients and traditional staples in Italy. A seasonal flavor (typically offered from December through April), their Blood Orange is my absolute favorite with its tart and bright taste that leaves you refreshed. Agostino is another flavor I worship, a smooth and decadent banana and dulce de leche blend. Permanent menu favorites include Mediteraneo –– a pistachio, almond, hazelnut gelato –– that’s delicious every time, and Bacio — a chocolate, hazelnut gelato –– which leaves all chocolate lovers in heaven.
2. Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream (3740 Sports Arena Blvd, Suite 6)
Influenced by Hawaiian flavors, Hammond’s offers a menu of 32 rotating flavors, each of which are unique and delicious. While they certainly offer classics like Chocolate and Strawberry, Hammond’s originality goes far beyond tradition with my personal favorites: Thai Tea and Lychee Cream. By far the best Thai tea ice cream I’ve ever tasted in San Diego, the flavor is subtly sweet and rich. And Lychee Cream is perfect: light and refreshing while still containing a thick base, there’s hardly another flavor as flawless as this one. Hammond’s also offers ice cream flights, where you can order six different flavors in mini cones. An efficient way to taste your way through the 300 total flavors Hammond’s offers, you’d be a fool to not try this method.
3. SomiSomi (4577 La Jolla Village Dr)
From Ube (a purple yam with a coconut undertone), Matcha, and Oreo soft-serve to waffle-fish cones filled with nutella and red bean, SomiSomi pairs Korean Ah-Boong (a fish-shaped waffle cone) with decadent flavors. I’ve gone to SomiSomi with my family for quite some time, and my order continues to stand uncorrected: Ube-Matcha swirl (the swirl combinations and flavors offered vary by location and season from time to time) in an Ah-Boong filled with red bean and topped with cocoa pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, matcha powder, and a macaron shell. Their Guava (a seasonal summer flavor) is also creamy and refreshing; and their Strawberry is timeless and delicious.
4. Mr. Frostie (1470 Garnet Ave)
The list of the best ice cream in San Diego would hardly be complete without this Pacific Beach staple. Established in 1949 serving up sandwiches, hot dogs, and ice cream, Mr. Frostie never disappoints. Although there’s frequently a trail of customers down the street, the line moves fast. I always order a twist in a cone, a classic that Mr. Frostie does best and hits the nostalgia home. Many also choose to order a specialty shake (flavored with add-ons such as Reeses, Heath bars, and Oreos) or an American-inspired sundae (such as a dirt cup and banana split). Pay a visit to Mr. Frostie, and thank me later.
5. Iceskimo (4609 Convoy St B)
Serving San Diego locals Taiwaneese shaved snow, original drinks, and other Asian desserts since 2014, Iceskimo has a wide variety of flavors to choose from and lots of different toppings. The shaved snow is priced by weight: a combination of the snow itself and the toppings you like. My go-to is black sesame shaved snow with waffle chips, mochis, strawberries or mango (depending on which is best that day), and cheesecake bites. My younger sister usually orders the passion fruit dairy-free ice, another great option.
Although school has started, you still have plenty of time to enjoy the hot summer temperatures and these delicious frozen treats. But as any sane person knows, ice cream is for all seasons. So regardless of if you’re melting in the heat or shivering against the strong ocean breeze, keep this list of ice cream shops in your back pocket for just the thing to brighten your day.
