Best ice cream spots in York – our top picks to try

It’s fair to say, whether you’re navigating Shambles’ cobbles or unwinding in Museum Gardens, a cone is never far away.

We’ve picked five standout hotspots, from trusted favourites to top‑rated picks, all earning their place in the sun for serving the coolest treats in the city.

Other vendors are, of course, available – we’d love to hear who gets your vote for the best scoop in town!

1. Roberto Authentic Italian Gelato

Roberto’s is widely regarded as serving some of the best gelato in York, with consistently high Tripadvisor scores and praise for its authentic Italian flavours.

Best ice cream spots in York – our top picks to try include ice cream parlour Roberto Gelateria, in Goodramgate.

This friendly, family-run spot feels more like a true Italian gelateria than a tourist scoop shop and we love the quality of both the ice cream and coffee. Proof is in the pudding – and Roberto’s celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, testimony to its popularity.

Owner Roberto Culivicchi toasted the occasion by launching the ‘gelato burger’ – a first for Yorkshire, if not the UK – with ice cream in a brioche bun complete with a choice of syrups and toppings, and briefly cooked in a special machine. With inventive ideas like this, what’s not to love?

Address: 3 Goodramgate, York.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.8 out of 5

2. Luxury Ice Cream Co (LICC)

LICC (Luxury Ice Cream Co) is hard to ignore with its warm welcome and creative offerings. This long‑established parlour is known for its homemade gelato made from local milk and cream and a large rotating selection of flavours.

LICC’s owners Victoria and Chris Rothwell (Image: Supplied)

Husband and wife duo, Victoria and Chris Rothwell, took over the business earlier this year with some of the flavours inspired by Chris’s Californian roots. For that reason alone, show your support for this much-loved independent.

On Tripadvisor LICC holds a strong rating with hundreds of reviews, with visitors regularly picking out its unusual scoops and central ‘old town’ location as reasons to return.

Address: 20 Back Swinegate, York

Tripadvisor rating: 4.7 out of 5

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3. The Full Moo Ice Cream Boat

Quaint and quirky, the sight of this seasonal ice cream boat on the Ouse is enough to put a smile on your face with its cheery presence heralding the start of sunny days, riverside strolls and summer vibes.

What better way to enjoy a stroll beside the river than with an ice cream?

The solar-cooled boat is definitely up there as York’s most fun, must-try ice cream stops, offering local artisan ice cream and sorbets from the riverside, as well as dairy-free vegan varieties to tempt passers-by.

Address (moorings): Riverside by Lendal Bridge, York

Tripadvisor rating: 4.4 out of 5

4. Cervone’s Ice Cream

Yet another dedicated York vendor punching above its weight on the city’s ice cream scene, with a reputation for delicious ice cream (and coffee if the mood takes you) and friendly service. Its popular offerings have been known to include flavours such as a Bounty‑inspired coconut‑and‑chocolate scoop.

If you’re quick enough, you can enjoy your treat on the bench in Dean’s Park, alongside the Instagrammable Paddington.

Comedian John Bishop famously visited Cervone’s Ice Cream back in 2021 and shared a photo on his social media pages, with his mint choc chip beside Constantine Statue. What’s good enough for The Bishop …

Location: An ice‑cream outlet next to York Minster in/around Dean’s Park.

Tripadvisor rating: 5 out of 5

5. Yorvale

Our list wouldn’t be complete without Yorvale which has been manufacturing top-notch ice cream from its herd of Friesian cows near York since 1989.

Lesley and Ian, of Yorvale, pictured when they won over supermarket bosses in Channel 4 show, Aldi’s Christmas Secrets with their quirky Pigs in Blankets Ice Cream.

The business has scooped countless awards for its ice creams and sorbets which include standout flavours, from classics such as Vanilla Pod to the more curious Blueberry Waffle, Mince Pie and Pina Colada. Their quirky, more seasonal, Pigs in Blankets Ice Cream, won over supermarket bosses in Channel 4’s Aldi’s Christmas Secrets .

Yorvale can be found in countless restaurants, cafes, theatres and attractions across the city, and the UK no less, and is well worth seeking out on the menu. You never know what creative combination you’ll get.

Address: Based in Fossfield Farm, Acaster Malbis