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Best Ice Cream Shops in Orange County

There’s just something about ice cream in Orange County… and it tastes better with a little ocean breeze and sunshine! Whether it’s a late-night cone after dinner, a midday pick-me-up of Mexican ice cream with the kids, or a quiet moment to yourself on a hot afternoon, these local spots are where I go when I want a scoop (or two) of happiness. From rich Italian gelato to creamy soft serve topped with honeycomb, here are some of my favorite ice cream shops that always hit the sweet spot!

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Salt & Straw – Anaheim & Newport Beach

One of the best ice creams I’ve had, every visit to Salt & Straw feels like stepping into a sweet-smelling art studio for a sweet treat. The cozy shop is filled with the scent of freshly baked waffle cones, the chatter of happy customers, and the vibrant colors of handcrafted pints in the display case. Their creative flavors are pure fun—think honey lavender, sea salt with caramel ribbons, or seasonal specials like strawberry honey balsamic. I always recommend getting the split scoop so you can taste more than one flavor in those crunchy cones.

Stella Jean’s Ice Cream – Costa Mesa

If you’re ever in the mood for sweet treats, this little Costa Mesa shop has the charm of a neighborhood café with the surprise of bold, imaginative ice cream flavors. The glass case is lined with creamy tubs of goodness—roasted banana, mango sticky rice, and the most decadent cookies & cream you’ll ever try. The friendly staff makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. My go-to order is a scoop of ube pandesal with a scoop of brown butter pecan.

Wanderlust Creamery – Irvine

Walking into Wanderlust feels like flipping through a passport made of ice cream. The sleek counter and pastel colors set the stage for globally inspired flavors like Japanese milk tea, Vietnamese coffee, and Thai tea cookies & cream. Each handcrafted ice cream scoop tastes like it was made for a memory. I always tell friends to get the flight—six small scoops in a tray—so you can take a “world tour” in one sitting.

 

Joe’s Italian Ice – Anaheim

Joe’s is pure nostalgia wrapped in bright red awnings and the sound of kids laughing with cones in hand. The menu is a mix of delicious cool treats, including silky soft serve ice cream and refreshing Italian ice in rainbow colors. The magic happens when you layer the two together—my absolute favorite is the strawberry Italian ice swirled with their rich vanilla soft serve. Grab it to go and enjoy while strolling under the palm trees.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream – Irvine & Laguna Niguel

Handel’s feels like an old-fashioned ice cream parlor brought into the present. There’s always a line, but it’s worth every minute. The air is filled with the smell of fresh waffle cones, and the portions are huge—like “two hands needed” huge. If you love rich, creamy textures, try Graham Central Station or the black cherry. I’m a sucker for their chocolate peanut butter ripple in a waffle cone.

Gelato Paradiso – Laguna Beach & Newport Beach

 

Hidden down a cobblestone alley in Laguna Beach, Gelato Paradiso feels like you stumbled into a tiny Italian piazza. The cold case is packed with jewel-toned gelato—pistachio, hazelnut, and fresh berry sorbetto. It’s smooth, silky, and bursting with flavor. I can’t resist ordering a cone piled high with dark chocolate gelato and a scoop of stracciatella.

Bacio di Latte – Newport Beach & Irvine

 

Bacio di Latte is all white marble counters, soft lighting, and the heavenly aroma of fresh waffle cones. This spot takes classic Italian gelato seriously, with flavors like creamy fior di latte, nutty pistachio, and rich gianduja. I love pairing their fresh strawberry gelato with a scoop of their peanut butter chocolate—it’s like a little trip to Milan without the airfare.

Kansha Creamery – Fountain Valley

 

Kansha Creamery feels like a labor of love, with small-batch ice cream made right behind the counter. The space is simple, but the flavors speak for themselves—fresh matcha, black sesame, and seasonal fruit sorbets that taste like they came straight from the farm. Their cookies & cream has the perfect crunch, and I always ask for it with their house-made waffle cone.

Rich Farm Ice Cream – Placentia

 

Rich Farm is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re in a country creamery. The portions are enormous, the texture is ultra-creamy, and the flavors are old-school done right. My personal favorite is their butter pecan—loaded with nuts and buttery sweetness. If you’re going with friends, get the banana split and share—it’s a mountain of ice cream goodness.

Honeymee – Irvine & Buena Park

Honeymee is sunshine in a cup. The minimalist shop focuses on just a few perfect things: creamy “true milk” soft serve, golden honey, and chunks of real honeycomb. It’s light, sweet, and refreshing without being heavy. I love getting their Sweetie—a cup of soft serve drizzled with liquid gold honey—on a warm OC afternoon.

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Howard Chung

Hey Orange County, I’m Howard Chung! I'm here to share weekly information about the best events, restaurants, shopping and activities in and around Orange County, California. Plus, the best hiking, biking, health and wellness options, new hot spots, and more! Click below to follow us.

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