Best of Washington, D.C.
The best ice cream in Washington, D.C.
Start with Dolcezza in Georgetown and other shops for gelato in rotating flavors like black sesame and cardamom, Dolci Gelati in Shaw for gelato made daily in small batches, and gelato on a stick and Ice Cream Jubilee in Navy Yard for small-batch scoops in unusual flavors, at 301 Water St SE by the river. Here are all 4, with what to get at each.
- DolcezzaGeorgetown and other shops · Ice cream
Get: Gelato in rotating flavors like black sesame and cardamom
DC area gelato chain known for fresh fruit flavors and espresso drinks, popular Georgetown stop for a quick treat.
- Dolci GelatiShaw · Ice cream
Get: Gelato made daily in small batches, and gelato on a stick
Small batch gelato shop in Shaw known for rotating seasonal flavors and rich, creamy texture.
- Ice Cream JubileeNavy Yard · Ice cream
Get: Small-batch scoops in unusual flavors, at 301 Water St SE by the river
Modern DC ice cream shop in Navy Yard known for creative flavors like honey ginger and bourbon.
- Thomas SweetGeorgetown · Ice cream
Get: Ice cream with blend-ins mixed in, at 3214 P St NW
Georgetown ice cream shop and sweet spot known for its blend-in mix-ins and classic sundaes.
Save the places you want and Chef remembers them for your trip: what to order, how to book, on a map with everything else you love in Washington, D.C.. Free.
Save the whole listAsk Chef for morePlan my Washington, D.C. food tripPlan it with your groupThe best ice cream in Washington, D.C.: questions people ask
Where is the best ice cream in Washington, D.C.?
Chef Amazing’s picks start with Dolcezza (Georgetown and other shops), Dolci Gelati (Shaw) and Ice Cream Jubilee (Navy Yard). All 4 places are on this page with what to get, where they are and a map.
What should I order?
At Dolcezza, get gelato in rotating flavors like black sesame and cardamom. At Dolci Gelati, get gelato made daily in small batches, and gelato on a stick. At Ice Cream Jubilee, get small-batch scoops in unusual flavors, at 301 Water St SE by the river. At Thomas Sweet, get ice cream with blend-ins mixed in, at 3214 P St NW.
How does Chef Amazing pick these?
From Chef Amazing’s city guide and lists for Washington, D.C.: the places critics, chefs and locals keep recommending, checked and kept current, with what to order at each. Nobody pays to be on them.
More in Washington, D.C.
Ice cream in other cities
Places change: check hours before you go. Pins come from addresses and OpenStreetMap and can be a little off. Updated November 14, 2026.