The Best Ice Cream & Gelato Shops in the Sacramento Area
Whether stacked on a cone or piled in a cup, ice cream is one of the best ways to cool off in the summertime. The Sacramento area has its share of ice cream parlors that’ll serve your favorite flavor however you like it — blended into a refreshing shake, covered with hot fudge with a cherry on top, or smashed between two cookies (or donuts!). Whether you prefer traditional ice cream, creamy Italian-style gelato or non-dairy sorbet, there are plenty of spots to check out. The following is a list of the best locally-owned ice cream shops in the greater Sacramento area that will cure your craving and keep you cool.
Note: Business hours are constantly changing due to COVID-19 mandates. Some shops may only be open for takeout. Check the websites for the most current information.
Gunther’s | Curtis Park
A Sacramento landmark since 1940, this Curtis Park ice cream shop hasn’t changed much over the decades. They still use the original, slow-churned recipe, with classic flavors like rocky road and pistachio alongside newer flavors like green tea and birthday cake. You can even get novelties like chocolate-covered cheesecake and Oreo pie on a stick.
Vic’s | Land Park
Another longstanding Sacramento ice cream parlor is Vic’s, located in Land Park. They have dozens of flavors on hand, including seasonal flavors like lemon chiffon and egg nog. In addition to ice cream, sundaes and shakes, they also serve lunch-counter style sandwiches, such as egg salad and corned beef.
Treats | Nevada City
This quaint sweets shop in downtown Nevada City is known for their delectable, hand-crafted ice cream, much of which is made from locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Creative flavors include saffron rose pistachio, strawberry Nutella and blackberry cabernet sorbet. They also have vegan options made from coconut milk, with flavors like lavender and chai.
Davis Creamery | Davis
With flavors like almond cake, crème brûlée and Thai tea, this ice cream shop in Davis specializes in small-batch ice cream made from all-natural ingredients. They also sell French macarons, candy, cupcakes, local honey and other sweet delights.
Devine Gelateria | Midtown
This Midtown shop makes all of its gelato from scratch, using creative, seasonal ingredients that are sourced locally, including milk and cream. Flavors change regularly but include s’mores, espresso almond, blackberry crème fraiche, as well as several vegan options. They also bake cakes, pies and pastries!
The Parlor | Arden Arcade & Roseville
With locations in the Arden Arcade area and Roseville, The Parlor is much more than ice cream. Sure, they have delicious flavors like coffee Nutella, cinnamon sugar and strawberry shortcake, but the real draw is their signature ice cream puff, where they fill a hot donut with the ice cream and toppings of your choice.
Devil May Care | West Sacramento
Small-batch ice cream made right in house is the hallmark of this West Sacramento shop. Although basic flavors like chocolate and vanilla are always on the menu, gourmet flavors like PB&J, blueberry cheesecake, and whiskey salted caramel also make an appearance. They also make “yumsticks” — sugar cones stuffed with ice cream and covered with a chocolate shell.
Cià di Gelateria | Folsom
This artisan gelato shop in Folsom makes all of its chilly treats in house. Flavors include Italian classics like stracciatella, tiramisu and hazelnut, as well as non-dairy sorbet. They also make chocolate-covered gelato popsicles with flavors like cookies and cream and sweet cream with pralines.
Milk Money | Midtown
The newest player on the Sactown sweets scene is Milk Money in Midtown. They turn out flavors like vegan almond joy, buttermilk sesame, and their signature flavor, French vanilla butter pecan chocolate deluxe. They also have pre-made ice cream sandwiches like cocoa nib and butterscotch, as well as a selection of gourmet donuts.
Ginger Elizabeth | Midtown
Ginger Elizabeth in Midtown is best known for their gourmet chocolates, but they also make luscious ice cream. Flavors include Meyer lemon meringue pie and peanut butter stout. They also make ice cream sandwiches made from French macarons, with flavors like salty caramel and buckwheat bing cherry.
Miabella Gelato | Arden Arcade & Roseville
With locations in the Arden Arcade area and Roseville, Miabella Gelato specializes in authentic Italian desserts. Their gelato and sorbet is made in house daily with fresh ingredients like blackberries, hazelnut, coconut and pistachio. They also make gelato cakes and cupcakes!
Category Davis, Neighborhood Guides, Roseville, Sacramento
Elizabeth Penney
Elizabeth Penney is a content writer for Lyon Real Estate and the Lyon Local blog. A Sacramento native with a marketing background, she shares her insider knowledge on restaurants, attractions and outdoor activities throughout the greater Sacramento area and beyond.