The Best Ice Cream in San Mateo
Sicilian cannoli and gelato since 1968, a froyo institution since 1985, rolled ice cream made to order, dairy-free scoops, and house-made Asian flavors. Where to get a cold one in San Mateo.
San Mateo does ice cream a few different ways, and a lot of the best of it is old and family-run. Here are the local spots worth the calories, from a parlor that has been scooping since the sixties to dairy-free scoops made in-house downtown. All independent, all San Mateo.
San Mateo's ice cream spots, from a 1968 Sicilian parlor to dairy-free and rolled ice cream, hand-picked by a local. Nobody pays to be on it.
The local favorites
Romolo's Cannoli
The one to beat, and it has been here since 1968. A family-run Sicilian parlor on 37th Avenue with proper gelato, spumoni, cassata, and the famous ice-cream cannoli. Old-world, no shortcuts. Start here.
Yumi Yogurt
A San Mateo froyo institution since 1985, over in Hillsdale and open late every night. A whole wall of self-serve flavors and toppings, the after-dinner move for two generations.
Icicles
Rolled ice cream made to order downtown. They pour the base on a cold plate, chop in your mix-ins, and scrape it into rolls right in front of you. As fun to watch as it is to eat.
Simple Delights
A family-run sweets shop in the Laurelwood center on West Hillsdale, scooping ice cream and frozen yogurt alongside gelato, shakes, parfaits, and made-to-order ice cream cakes. A quiet neighborhood favorite at 4.8 stars.
Chill Spot Rendezvous
Dairy-free ice cream done right, on Baldwin downtown. Ube and other flavors made in-house on almond, oat, and coconut bases, plus community events. The spot for anyone skipping dairy but not the scoop.
Cruel Donuts & Ice Cream
The 25th Avenue outpost of Cruel Donuts, where the draw is house-made Asian ice cream like taro right alongside the donuts. Homemade, not scooped from a tub.
Frequently asked
What is the best ice cream in San Mateo?
Local favorites include Romolo's Cannoli, Yumi Yogurt, Icicles. Browse the full guide above. Nobody pays to be on it.
How many ice cream spots does San Mateo Local recommend?
3, all added by hand and refreshed regularly.
Is San Mateo Local a paid directory?
No. Nobody pays to be listed here, and nothing was scraped or bought. A business can sponsor a guide, and if one does, it is clearly marked as a sponsor.
That is the cold-treat shortlist for now, and more get added as I try them. If your favorite scoop is missing, tell me. The ice-cream cannoli at Romolo's is where I would start.