The World’s Best Ice Cream Makers
As summer heat waves intensify, what better way to cool off than with a scoop (or two) of extraordinary ice cream? We’ve rounded up some of the world’s best ice cream makers—each with its own signature style, story, and irresistible flavors.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, New York
A staple of New York’s East Lower Side, Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is among America’s most cherished ice cream destinations. Taking a modern approach to traditional methods, the shop emphasizes taste and texture, offering small-batch, meticulously crafted flavors. Owner and founder Nicholas Morgenstern personally develops each recipe, ensuring no additives are used in any of the products. The shop, which sells an impressive 1,000 scoops daily, is famous for its experimental flavors like coconut-bitter chocolate, yuzu-strawberry, and ginger jam-rum. Its vegan offerings are equally extensive and well-loved.
Caffè Panna, New York
Located in both Gramercy and Brooklyn, Caffè Panna is a favorite among New Yorkers—and much of its popularity is thanks to its founder, Hallie Meyer. A lifelong ice cream lover, Meyer studied the art of gelato in Rome before launching her own shop. Her father, acclaimed restaurateur Danny Meyer, has also played a key role in supporting her journey. Drawing inspiration from Italian tradition, the café specializes in rich, coffee-based flavors and seasonal creations. But what truly sets it apart is its topping of fresh Italian panna, generously spooned over each serving.
Jones Ice Cream, Berlin
Chef Gabriella Jones brings a Parisian flair to Berlin’s dessert scene with her innovative and beloved ice cream creations. After years in Paris, Jones relocated to Berlin with the goal of introducing a fresh perspective to the world of frozen treats. Her shop now sells up to 800 scoops a day, with standout flavors like carrot cake and yogurt taking center stage. Out of the 40 varieties prepared fresh daily, the Earl Grey lemon cream flavor has quickly become a customer favorite.
Apiary, Singapore
With several locations across Singapore, Apiary has become a go-to destination for artisanal ice cream. Known for its entirely handmade offerings, the shop balances classic favorites—like vanilla and mint—with more inventive creations such as black sesame, Sicilian pistachio, caramel-strawberry, and rum-raisin. One of its most talked-about flavors is “Blue Milk,” made from fresh milk, blue pea flowers, and sea salt, resulting in a stunning hue and a truly unique taste.
Matter at Hand, London
While London boasts no shortage of excellent ice cream spots, Matter at Hand in Bloomsbury stands out for its artisanal ethos and elegant design aesthetic. Here, ice cream is treated as both culinary craft and artistic expression. Each variety is made from 100% natural ingredients and carefully curated to highlight its texture and flavor complexity. Among the shop’s more surprising hits are black sesame, cucumber, and lemon-basil. Matcha—especially the vegan version—has emerged as one of the most popular options in recent months.
Günther Gelato, Rome
Although Rome is synonymous with gelato, Günther Gelato still manages to distinguish itself in a city full of legendary scoops. Known for its fresh, micro-filtered organic milk base, the shop sells out almost daily. What truly defines Günther Gelato is its emphasis on high-quality ingredients: Amalfi lemons, Indonesian cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla lend an international flair to traditional Italian techniques. Standout flavors include ricotta cheese and pino mugo, an adventurous option made with essential oil from mountain pine trees.
Girotti, Paris
Opened in 2022 by iconic Italian actor and director Terence Hill, Girotti has quickly earned its place among Paris’s premier ice cream shops. Located near the Montparnasse Tower, the shop attracts long queues for its preservative-free, 100% homemade, and gluten-free ice creams. Unconventional flavors like red bean and maple syrup sit alongside Italian-inspired classics such as rum gelato—all served with a touch of fresh cream for added richness.
Awan, Los Angeles
Tucked away in West Hollywood, Awan is a plant-based ice cream boutique offering bold, unexpected flavors inspired by Indonesian culinary traditions. Forget plain vanilla—here, you’ll discover scoops infused with blood orange, lemon balm, and rhubarb tart. The shop’s standout ingredient is coconut sugar, a nod to its Southeast Asian roots. Ingredient sourcing is a point of pride: vanilla beans are imported from Bali, and strawberries are sourced from the legendary Harry’s Berries farm in Oxnard, California.
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