NYC Little Italy's Best Gelato [Updated 2025]

But let me tell you, this journey was no walk in the park! I’ve braved the bustling streets, tasted the creamy delights, and dodged the tourist traps to bring you my top picks from 12 incredible gelato spots. Each scoop is a story, a tradition, and a little piece of Italy right here in New York.

You can trust my taste buds—they've been on a mission through the vibrant flavors of Little Italy, and I’ve savored every moment. So, whether you’re a gelato aficionado or just in the mood for something sweet, buckle up! You’re in for a delightful ride through some of the most mouthwatering gelato this side of the Atlantic.

Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room

Highlights
Incredible passion fruit flavor
Cozy and welcoming ambiance
Massive gelato scoops
Extraordinary customer service
Delicious food offerings

Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room is a delightful discovery in the heart of NYC Little Italy. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a cozy and welcoming ambiance that invites you to linger a little longer. The massive scoops of gelato are a sight to behold, and the flavors? Absolutely sensational!

I took a leap of faith with the incredible passion fruit flavor, which was a bright burst of tropical sunshine in each bite. The balance of sweetness and tartness was perfection, perfectly capturing the essence of summer. It truly transported me to a sun-soaked beach! Not only was the gelato stellar, but the extraordinary customer service also added to the experience. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their favorites, which made choosing just one flavor a delightful challenge.

In addition to their gelato, they offer delicious food options, making it the perfect stop to nourish both your cravings for sweets and savory bites. For anyone wandering through Little Italy, Bambina Blue Gelato Wonder Room is a must-visit—you’ll leave with a smile and linger in your memory long after the last scoop.

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il laboratorio del gelato

Highlights
Unique flavor combinations
Smooth, creamy texture
Excellent service
No seating available
Tart and sweet flavor contrasts

Il Laboratorio del Gelato is a delightful gem nestled in the heart of NYC Little Italy, where the artistry of gelato-making truly shines. As I stepped inside, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and I couldn't wait to indulge in their unique flavor combinations. I was immediately drawn to an enticing display featuring sorbets and rich gelatos that boasted a silky, creamy texture—a hallmark of masterful craftsmanship.

One flavor struck me with its boldness: the tart and sweet contrast of their raspberry basil gelato. Each spoonful was a symphony, balancing tangy raspberry with the earthy notes of basil, a perfect marriage that danced on my palate. The service was impeccable, with staff who knew the gelato menu inside and out, eager to guide me through my choices.

Though there’s no seating available, it felt like a charming little gelato watchtower, where you escape the bustling streets outside and dive headfirst into flavor exploration. Every visit feels like an adventure, and my taste buds certainly applauded the journey. Il Laboratorio del Gelato is not just a gelato shop; it’s a culinary experience that deserves its place among the best gelato stops in NYC Little Italy!

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Sant Ambroeus Gelateria and Coffee Bar

Highlights
Fantastic dessert spot
Delicious ice cream selection
Beautifully decorated
Friendly and professional staff
Quick service recommended

During my recent outing in NYC Little Italy, I had the pleasure of visiting Sant Ambroeus Gelateria and Coffee Bar—a delightful gem that promises to enchant your taste buds. The moment I stepped inside, I was mesmerized by the beautifully decorated interiors; the elegant charm is matched only by the delicious treats awaiting me.

The gelato selection is nothing short of extraordinary. With a plethora of flavors to choose from, it truly felt like I was indulging in a festival of ice cream. I couldn’t resist trying their pistachio, which was creamy and nutty without being overly sweet—a perfect balance! The staff here were incredibly friendly and professional, making my visit even more enjoyable by generously guiding me through the offerings.

What truly stood out was the quick service, ensuring that I didn't have to wait long to savor my delectable treat. If you're wandering through Little Italy and yearning for a sweet escape, I highly recommend Sant Ambroeus. Here, gelato is not just a dessert; it is an experience that will leave you basking in sweet, creamy bliss!

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Gelso & Grand

Highlights
Delightful dining experience
Beautiful classic decor
Creative and delicious cocktails
Attentive and friendly service
Fun photo booth addition

Gelso & Grand captivated me from the moment I stepped inside. The beautiful classic decor paired with a charming ambiance sets the perfect stage for indulging in delectable gelato. As I perused their menu, the creative and delicious cocktails caught my eye, but my heart was set on the real star of the show: the gelato.

I am a firm believer that gelato isn't just a dessert—it's an experience, and Gelso & Grand truly delivers. They offer a variety of flavors that make it nearly impossible to choose. I opted for their rich pistachio and the indulgent dark chocolate, each scoop a perfect blend of creaminess and flavor that transported me straight to Italy.

The attentive and friendly service added a personal touch to my visit. The staff were not only knowledgeable but also eager to help me decide which flavors would tantalize my taste buds the most.

To top it all off, this spot includes a fun photo booth, providing the perfect backdrop for your gelato adventure 🥳. If you find yourself in Little Italy, Gelso & Grand is undoubtedly a must-visit for an exceptional gelato experience!

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Buona Notte

Highlights
Family recipes tradition
Lively and welcoming atmosphere
Best Caesar salad ever
Cute Italian restaurant
Fantastic dining experience

Review of Buona Notte Gelato, NYC Little Italy

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Buona Notte in the heart of NYC's Little Italy, and let me tell you, it was a delightful experience! This charming gelato spot, steeped in family recipes tradition, immediately makes you feel at home with its lively and welcoming atmosphere.

As I relaxed in this cute Italian restaurant, I couldn't resist indulging in their velvety gelato offerings. The moment the first spoonful melted in my mouth, I was transported to Italy, savoring classic flavors that danced on my palate. Also, let’s not forget the unexpected surprise of the best Caesar salad ever that complemented my gelato perfectly, proving that they excel in more than just dessert.

The dining experience at Buona Notte was truly fantastic, with attentive staff who added to the joyous ambiance. Whether you're a gelato aficionado or a casual seeker of sweet delights, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by Buona Notte for a scoop (or two) of pure happiness. It’s a hidden gem that’s sure to leave you craving more!

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Figo il Gelato Italiano

Stepping into Figo il Gelato Italiano felt like a delightful escape to Italy. The moment I sampled their pistachio, I was transported to gelato heaven — creamy with a nutty richness that danced on my palate. The stracciatella was another star, perfectly balancing smooth and crunchy textures. What really impressed me was the authenticity; each flavor burst with vibrant taste and freshness. The charming atmosphere and friendly staff only sweetened the experience. If you're in Little Italy, don’t miss this gem! Figo is not just gelato; it’s a celebration of Italian tradition in every scoop! 🍦✨

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Ferrara Bakery & Cafe

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, Ferrara Bakery & Cafe is a delightful gem that serves mouthwatering gelato. Their rich and creamy pistachio flavor instantly transports you to Italy, with a nutty depth that dances on the palate. The vibrant stracciatella, peppered with luscious chocolate shards, is a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The charming ambiance adds to the experience, making each visit feel like a sweet escape. Whether you're indulging solo or sharing with friends, Ferrara’s gelato is a must-try for any dessert lover exploring this iconic neighborhood. La dolce vita indeed!

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Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream

As I stepped into Taiyaki NYC, the delightful aroma of freshly made taiyaki welcomed me. I indulged in their matcha gelato, which was both creamy and richly flavored, paired perfectly with a warm, crisp fish-shaped pastry. The uniqueness of combining traditional Japanese elements with gelato makes this spot stand out in the bustling Little Italy scene. Each scoop was an explosion of flavor, beautifully crafted, and served with a touch of whimsy. If you’re seeking a playful twist on gelato that tingles the taste buds, Taiyaki is a must-visit gem! 🍦🐟

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La Bella Ferrara

La Bella Ferrara is a delightful gem in the heart of Little Italy, serving up gelato that transports you straight to Italy. Their stracciatella is a creamy masterpiece, perfectly balancing rich chocolate shavings in a velvety base. Each spoonful feels like a little party in my mouth! The friendly staff adds to the warm atmosphere, making you feel right at home. While the classic pistachio is a must-try for nut aficionados, don't overlook the seasonal flavors that grace their menu. For anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy, La Bella Ferrara is a stop not to be missed!

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Gelateria Gentile - Nolita

Nestled in the heart of Nolita, Gelateria Gentile is a gem that truly captures the essence of authentic Italian gelato. The moment I tasted their Pistachio, I was transported to the sun-soaked streets of Sicily. Each spoonful offered a symphony of creamy richness without being overly sweet, harmonizing with the nutty undertones. Their innovative flavors, like Ricotta Fig, are both whimsical and delightful, proving that tradition can dance with creativity. The quaint atmosphere and friendly staff add to the charm, making every visit feel like a sweet escape. For gelato lovers, Gelateria Gentile is a must-try destination!

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Caffé Palermo

Tucked away in the charming streets of Little Italy, Caffé Palermo is a delightful gem that truly stands out. As I savored their famed pistachio gelato, the rich, nutty flavors danced on my palate, perfectly balanced and undeniably creamy. The vibrant atmosphere, paired with the inviting staff, made for an all-encompassing experience. I also sampled their stracciatella, which featured delightful shards of chocolate that provided a satisfying crunch. If you're wandering through this culinary landscape, don’t miss the chance to indulge in Caffé Palermo's delicious offerings—it's a taste of Italy that’ll keep you coming back for more!

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Zia Maria Little Italy

My recent visit to Zia Maria Little Italy was truly a delightful escapade. This gem offers a gelato experience that’s nothing short of heavenly. I opted for their pistachio, which boasted an authentic richness, complemented by a hint of toasted hazelnuts. Each creamy scoop felt like a warm embrace, beautifully balancing sweetness with depth. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service added to the charm, making my indulgence even more enjoyable. If you find yourself wandering through Little Italy, Zia Maria is a must-visit for anyone in search of gelato perfection! 🍦✨

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