Ice cream is fun for the whole family, especially in summer months. Here is a list of ten must-visit ice cream parlors in north county San Diego.
Salt & Straw
- Address: 3705 Caminito Court Suite 0580, San Diego, CA 92130
- Website: https://saltandstraw.com/
Salt & Straw was founded by Kim Malek and her cousin Tyler. They are on a mission to serve delicious handmade ice cream made from local ingredients. They work with regional farmers and other vendors in each location. Example flavors are Goat Cheese Marionberry Habenero, and Meyer Lemon & Blueberries.
Creamistry
- Address: 7825 Highlands Village Place, Suite e104, San Diego, CA 92129
- Website: https://creamistry.com/
Creamistry ice cream is made to order using liquid nitrogen, which is even colder than regular ice cream. Usually ice cream is pumped and churned with air under a cold temperature. Liquid nitrogen ice cream freezes instantly, producing a rich and creamy recipe. Locations in Torrey Highlands, Kearny Mesa, and National City.
Jo Jo’s Creamery
- Address: 937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite 106, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Website: https://jojoscreamery.com/
JoJo’s Creamery is in Encinitas along Highway 101. They make everything from scratch, ice cream, waffle cones, sauces and toppings included. They also have vegan ice cream. The company was founded by Jami and Emily, mother and daughter. The company frequently employs teens and young adults in the local community.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
- Address: 201 Oak Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Website: https://www.subzeroicecream.com/
In Carlsbad, Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream combines the fun of ice cream an science. Founders Jerry and Naomi Hancock have a background in chemistry. They patented to process for making ice cream with liquid nitrogen back in 2005. Now they have over 50 locations. You may recognize them from the TV series Shark Tank.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Address: 90 North Coast Hwy 101, Suite 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Website: https://handelsicecream.com/
Handel’s Ice Cream was founded on a hot summer day in Ohio by Alice Handel. Their ice cream is made fresh daily at every location, including Encinitas and Carlsbad. They have published a book on ice cream called Everybody Loves Ice Cream: The Whole Scoop on America’s Favorite Treat, that is available on Amazon.
EscoGelato
- Address: 122 S Kalmia Street, Escondido, CA 92025
- Website: https://escogelato.com/
If you are craving Italian style ice cream there is EscoGelato. Their gelato and sorbetto is created fresh daily using local ingredients. They serve 18 fresh flavors every day. Sample flavors include spicy mango, candied hazelnut, mud pie, sour cream brown sugar, fresh ginger, Mayan chocolate, cardomom orange, and more.
GelatoLove Lab & Tasting Room
- Address: 5661 Palmer Way, Suite C, Carlsbad, CA 92010
- Website: https://www.gelato.love/
GelatoLove was founded in Carlsbad by native Italian Paola Richard. The company was previously known as Gaia Gelato. Their gelato contains 80% less sugar than regular ice cream. This is because they use Allulose in every batch they make. Allulose is a natural form of sugar found in fruits such as kiwis, grapes, and figs.
Fugu Ice Cream & Taiyaki
- Address: 410 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Website: http://www.fuguicecreamtaiyaki.com/
Taiyaki is a Japanese style of cake shaped like a fish. The cakes are served with fillings made from red bean paste, custard, chocolate, cheese, sweet potato, or ice cream. They also serve stir fried ice cream, which is fried ice cream that is re-frozen on a baking sheet and then rolled up into a tube. Choose your own toppings.
Bubble Up Boba & Waffles
- Address: 13295 Black Mountain Road, Suite 2, San Diego, CA 92129
- Website: https://www.bubbleupbw.com/
Bubble Up Boba & Waffles was founded by John and Min Egidio, after the couple bonded over bubble tea. In addition to tea flavored beverages, they also serve ice cream in Korean-style waffle cones. Choose from Mocha Brittle, Banana Crunch, Oreo-Oh-La-La, Strawberry Swirl, Summore S’more, Green Tea Galore, and more.
The Paleta Bar
- Address: 3410 Del Lago Boulevard, Suite 103, Escondido, CA 92029
- Website: https://www.thepaletabar.com/
The Paleta Bar is the number one highest rated ice cream parlor on Yelp in North County San Diego. A paleta is an ice pop that is frozen as a solid block of ice, rather than being whipped with air. Their gourmet Mexican paletas are made fresh daily from fruit, sweet cream, and milk. The Paleta Bar offers catering services.
