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Best ice cream in Greater Boston, according to chefs and bartenders
'You can't go wrong at [Cabot's]'
Ice cream culture reigns supreme here in Massachusetts, where it’s not uncommon to see a line wrapped around a locally-owned ice cream shop even in the dead of winter.
Sure, Bay Staters are a different breed who enjoy cold things even through freezing temps, but maybe that just speaks to the the quality — and the history — of this sweet treat in Massachusetts.
Thankfully, it’s not winter, and nothing sounds more appetizing in this heat and humidity than an ice cream cone to cool down.
Where does one start in search of the perfect ice cream? Let’s ask chefs, bartenders, and restaurant owners.
Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant
“I adore Cabot’s! It’s always packed with families, and we marvel at all the kids demolishing their towering sundaes and frappes. The service is super friendly and fast. You can’t go wrong here. You will walk out with a huge smile.” — Joanne Chang, chef and co-owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe and Myers + Chang
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Go-to flavor: Cherry vanilla and peach frozen yogurt
743 Washington St., Newton
Gracie’s and Honeycomb Creamery
“[I] have to give local love to Gracie’s Ice Cream in Union Square in Somerville. I love getting one of their Oreo flavors in their famous Fluff cone. But I also love Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge, I always get their signature Salted Caramel Crackle because the texture of the Honeycomb candy bits is unreal.” — Sam Treadway, bar director of Backbar
“Gracie’s has the perfect small business Union Square vibe, and it’s right in my neighborhood. The black raspberry chip is fantastic!” — Michael Pagliarini, chef and owner of Guilia and Moëca.
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Go-to flavors: Gracie’s Oreo ice cream and Black Raspberry Chip; Honeycomb Creamery’s Salted Caramel Crackle
Gracie’s: Multiple locations; Honeycomb Creamery: 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Rancatore’s Ice Cream and Yogurt
“My favorite spot is Rancatore’s (the Newton one). Why I like it: [Their] Kulfi is a traditional Indian version of ice cream flavored with cardamom, saffron, and pistachio. I have very fond childhood memories of eating it on hot summer days in Delhi, and it’s not a flavor you find everywhere here! Rancatore’s Kulfi tastes authentic and delicious.”
Go-to flavor: Kulfi
Multiple locations
Toscanini’s
“Toscanini’s was my go-to from my days living in Cambridge. B3 is awesome!” — Matt Gaudet, culinary director of Sidell Hospitality, Saltie Girl, and Stephanie’s on Newbury
Go-to flavor: B3 (brown butter, brown sugar, and brownies)
Multiple locations
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
“I dream of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. My wife and I have been crushing pints of Van Leeuwen for years. It’s how I maintain my dad bod while busting my butt off with my daily workout routine and crazy work schedule. What makes Van Leeuwen the best is the simple philosophy of using the best ingredients. From eggs, cream, chocolate to vanilla beans, they simply use higher-quality ingredients than the competitors.” — Nick Dixon, culinary director & partner of Prima Italian Steakhouse, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant
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Go-to flavor: Black Cherry Chip and Triple Chocolate Chunk bars
Multiple locations
Vinal General Store
“I go to Vinal General Store for soft-serve. They change up their flavors and coordinating toppings just enough that I get to go back a few times for the twists I really love before they switch to something new and beautiful. I love Vinal General because the team is the sweetest, [and] the sandwiches are perfect beach food.” — Danielle Pattavina, owner of Momma’s Grocery + Wine and Zusammen
“My favorite spot for a good cone is Vinal General in Union Square. They serve two unique flavors of soft serve ice cream that rotate every month. So good on these hot summer days!” — Ben Duvall, bartender at State Park
Go-to flavor: Black Raspberry, Vanilla, and Pineapple Dole Whip twisted with Coconut
220 Somerville Ave., Somerville
Ice cream that’s worth the drive
Captain Dusty’s
“Local to home [in] Manchester-by-the-Sea, Captain Dusty’s is the go-to with the kids after a beach day or afternoon in the park.” — Matt Gaudet, culinary director of Sidell Hospitality, Saltie Girl, and Stephanie’s on Newbury
Go-to flavor: Rocky Road
Multiple locations
Kell’s Kreme
“I live in Swampscott, and Kell’s Kreme is a classic place. A scoop of mint chocolate chip brings me back to the seaside in Ireland as a kid.” — Aidan Mc Gee, chef at The Dubliner and McGonagle’s Pub
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Go-to flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Multiple locations
Kimball Farm
“I love Kimball Farm in Westford. What I really appreciate is that you can taste the quality of the milk. I love that it’s a farm that uses its own fresh milk and makes everything in-house.” — Julio Hernandez, head chef at Mamma Maria
Go-to flavors: Combining the blackberry, vanilla, and banana flavors
Multiple locations
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