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The 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in San Francisco (2026)
Our list of the 10 best ice cream shops in San Francisco is built from Google review data and updated for 2026. We use a Bayesian-style score that balances average rating with review volume so places with few reviews don’t jump to the top on a handful of high ratings. This roundup reflects spots across the city where locals and visitors go for scoops, cones, and frozen treats, from long-standing neighborhood counters to small specialty parlors. We focused strictly on public Google ratings and review counts to produce an objective, repeatable ranking rather than editorial taste tests.
This ranking is computed from Google reviews (our method). Listings marked Partner are paid advertising spots: they sit alongside the ranking without changing its order.
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Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream
Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream tops our list thanks to an exceptional 4.9 Google score paired with a substantial 445 reviews, which gives it strong statistical weight in our Bayesian ranking. The name and Google category indicate a classic ice cream approach, and its location on Fillmore Street places it among neighborhood-serving parlors. That combination of very high rating and meaningful review volume is why it emerges as our number-one pick.
The full ranking
Bay Breeze scoops
Bay Breeze scoops has a 4.9 Google rating based on 57 reviews and is listed in the Ice Cream category on California Street.
57 reviews
Philmore Creamery
Philmore Creamery holds a 4.8 rating from 689 Google reviews. The Ice Cream business is located on Fillmore Street and shows a substantial review count.
689 reviews
Norman’s Ice Cream & Freezes
With a 4.8 Google score across 594 reviews, Norman’s Ice Cream & Freezes is categorized as Ice Cream and can be found on Leavenworth Street.
594 reviews
Koolfi Creamery and Cafe
Koolfi Creamery and Cafe posts a 4.8 rating from 153 Google reviews. The Ice Cream location is noted near 50 Fremont Street in an alley across from a known restaurant.
153 reviews
Angela’s Ice Cream
Angela’s Ice Cream carries a 4.9 Google rating based on 15 reviews and is listed as an Ice Cream shop on 18th Street.
15 reviews
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
Mitchell’s Ice Cream features a 4.7 Google rating from 4,314 reviews, making it one of the most-reviewed shops on our list. It is listed as an Ice Cream business at 688 San Jose Avenue.
4314 reviews
Salt & Straw
The Salt & Straw location on Fillmore Street shows a 4.7 Google score based on 1,862 reviews and is categorized as Ice Cream.
2197 reviews
Salt & Straw
The Salt & Straw location on Fillmore Street shows a 4.7 Google score based on 1,862 reviews and is categorized as Ice Cream.
1862 reviews
Garden Creamery
Garden Creamery has a 4.7 rating from 1,410 Google reviews. This Ice Cream shop is located on 20th Street.
1410 reviews
Frequently asked questions
How should I choose an ice cream shop in San Francisco?
Look at recent reviews and the overall rating to gauge consistency, and check the number of reviews so you can weigh reliability. Consider location, hours, and whether a shop offers the style you want—scoops, soft serve, or specialty flavors—before you go.
What does a typical visit to an ice cream shop cost?
Prices vary by shop and by portion size, but expect to pay more for specialty flavors or larger servings. Check a shop’s menu online or call ahead for current pricing if cost is a concern.
What should I check before hiring an ice cream shop for an event?
Confirm availability, minimum order requirements, and whether they provide staff and serving equipment. Ask about delivery or setup fees, timing, and any restrictions such as venue rules or dietary accommodations.
How was this ranking created and updated?
This ranking is based solely on Google review data and uses a Bayesian-style calculation that weights average rating by review count; it was updated for 2026. We did not use taste tests or proprietary surveys—only public ratings and review counts.