Freeze! Here’s the Best Ice Cream in Oakland and Beyond

Guess who has the scoop on the best ice cream in Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and everywhere in between? We do! And we are willing to share.

We have taken our licks and discovered a sweet cross-section of creative gourmet creameries for adventurous foodies and family parlors for ice cream traditionalists.

Check out these favorites…

Best Ice Cream in Oakland and Beyond:

1. Lana’s

The owners of Cookiebar Creamery have rebranded as Lana’s in Oakland. But don’t worry – they’re still scooping up the outrageous flavors Cookiebar was known for, like “Fruity Pebbles” and “1606” (peppermint, house-made cookies ‘n cream cookies, Oreos, and chocolate fudge). For the more sophisticated palate, flavors include  toasted black sesame and chrysanthemum tea sorbet. Lana’s also serves smash-style burgers and fried chicken sandwiches.  517 8th St., Oakland

2. Curbside Creamery

Curbside is a hometown scoop shop in Oakland’s popular Temescal Alley. What makes this little artisan creamery so special is the expansive vegan menu. Seriously, it’s a dream-come-true for lactose-intolerant and allergic ice cream lovers. Curbside uses cashew milk in its vegan ice creams. They’re also famous for their ice cream sandwiches. Cinnamon ice cream between snickerdoodle cookies – yum!  482 49th St., Oakland

3. Fentons Creamery

Fentons has more than 120 years of ice cream experience and is a beloved Bay Area institution. Step inside for the traditional parlor vibe, cane chairs and all. There’s a hot fudge sundae with your name on it. Locations: 4226 Piedmont Ave., Oakland and at the Nut Tree in Vacaville at 1669 E. Monte Vista Ave.

4. Little Giant  

Competing for the big title of best ice cream in Oakland is Little Giant. This stylish shop in Uptown serves ice cream made from locally sourced ingredients (Clover Stornetta Farms in Petaluma). Bonus: The glass-enclosed kitchen allows your kiddos to watch the Little Giant team craft new flavors. 1951 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

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5. Nieves Cinco de Mayo

Nieves Cinco de Mayo is where you go to taste what a true mom-and-pop shop has to offer. Located at the Fruitvale Public Market, Luis Abundis serves his sweet ice creams and traditional Mexican treats, such as sandia-loca (a.k.a. crazy watermelon) and mangonada (a sweet/sour/spicy drink made with mango, mango sorbet, chamoy sauce, chili powder, and ice). 3340 E 12th St., Oakland

6. Smitten

At Smitten in Rockridge, every scoop has been hand-churned and frozen in Smitten’s patented “Brrr” ice cream machine that uses a liquid nitrogen process. Cookie dough ice cream with pretzels and chocolate chips? Yes, please! 5800 College Ave., Oakland

7. Mr. Dewie’s Cashew Creamery

Vegans rejoice! Here’s another East Bay spot serving cold ‘n’ creamy stuff for you. Mr. Dewie’s makes all the classics plus some creatives like Chocolate Orange Chip and Golden Spice with turmeric, cinnamon, anise, and cardamom. Located in Oakland at 4184 Piedmont Ave., in the Emeryville Public Market at 5959 Shellmound St., and in Albany at 1116 Solano Ave.

8. Milkbomb

Ready for an explosion of quirky flavors and colors like blue vanilla cookies n cream or banana rocky road? Visit Milkbomb’s Berkeley shop or get it delivered straight to your door. Their signature sandwich consists of ice cream stuffed in a donut and loaded with toasted marshmallows. A serious blast. 2079 University Ave., Berkeley

9. Cream

Cream is a small chain specializing in ice cream sandwiches, tacos, sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes. Customers can create the perfect ensemble by selecting a favorite ice cream flavor, a fresh-baked cookie (or brownie, donut, waffle taco shell), and toppings. Owners Jimmy and Gus Shamieh started Cream with one shop in Berkeley (two blocks from the University of California campus) and have since spread the sweetness throughout the East Bay, San Francisco, and even Fresno. Locations

10. Guanatos

Guanatos is a family-owned company whipping up fruity flavors of Mexican-style ice cream in Contra Costa County. Some family recipes go back 80 years! Flavors range from cookie dough to chongos zamoranos (sweet curdled milk with cinnamon) and lucuma (a South American super fruit). Locations in Bay Point and Oakley.

11. iScream

iScream in Berkeley uses seasonal organic ingredients, including dairy from Marin County’s Straus Creamery. Their popular small-batch ice creams are made daily. 1819 Solano Ave., Berkeley

12. Loard’s

Loard’s is a traditional ice cream chain with locations throughout the East Bay. They’ve  been whipping up the classics and winning awards since 1950. They haven’t changed their recipes since founder Russ Salyards dreamed them up! Unfortunately, the first parlor on MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland has closed. But you can find other locations in Alameda, Castro Valley, Dublin, Moraga, Livermore, Concord, San Pablo, and San Leandro.

13. Lottie’s Creamery

Lottie’s makes small-batch treats and changes up the flavors frequently, so keep going back to see what’s new on the blackboard. The craft creamery loves to play with seasonal fruits, and we hear the pluot flavor is a must-try. Nearly 700 happy reviewers on Yelp can’t be wrong! Scoop shops are located in Walnut Creek at 1414 N Main St. and Danville at 145 E Prospect Ave.

14. Tara’s Organic Ice Cream 

Tara’s is very “Berkeley” and very delicious. You’ll see artisan recipes like Kaffir Lime Leaf, Tasmanian Honey, and Saffron Pistachio alongside traditionals like chocolate and vanilla. Gluten-free ice cream brownie sandwiches, too! 3173 College Ave., Berkeley

15. Tucker’s Ice Cream

Tucker’s has been serving scoops on Alameda island since 1941. The all-time favorite? Salted Butter Caramel. Other featured flavors have included Red White and Blueberry (created for the USCGC Stratton commissioning ), Lemon Custard, and Maple Bacon. 1349 Park St., Alameda

16. Uji Time Japanese Fusion

Ready for something different? Uji Time serves ice cream (scoop and soft-serve) in a fish-shaped taiyaki cake or waffle cone. Try flavors like matcha, black sesame, passion fruit, and red velvet. Locations include 1679B Willow Pass Rd., Concord and 2575 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley.

Did we miss your fav ice cream shop? Drop us a line, and we’ll add your pick to a list of readers’ favorites: hello@abioproperties.com

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