Il Laboratorio del Gelato
Ice Cream Parlor$$$$
Lower East Side, New York
This ice cream parlor is famous for their gelato. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"try the amaretto crunch and buttermilk together... delicious!"(7 Tips)
"Try the olive oil and don't underestimate the amazing gelato cakes."(95 Tips)
"Best seasonal flavour so far; apple sorbetto 🍏 Pumpkin was also ok"(41 Tips)
"Mexican cinnamon and dark chocolate is an excellent combination."(22 Tips)
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This place has the sterile feel of a lab that churns out delicious gelato via the magic of icecream science! Love the plethora of flavors. Whatever you may have a taste for you're sure to find it here
With over 300 flavors, you can have a different flavor combination every time you visit. I really liked the basil, pink peppercorn, and zabaglione. Next time I will probably leave with a "pint" or 2.
Upvoted 1 week ago
Nina LoSchiavoJuly 9, 2015Best spot in New York for some creamy gelato. The dark chocolate is so deliciously rich that it pairs perfectly with just about any 'light' flavor.
Noah WeissJune 7, 2015Worthy of being in consideration for the best ice cream in NYC. 9/10 on execution, 7/10 on creativity. Honey lavender and orange dark chocolate were standouts.
They have lots of wierd flavor!! But they all taste awesome!! Last time I tried root beer flavor hmmm awesome!! And the decoration is different from other gelato shop.
The best black sesame gelato/ice cream that I've ever had! Passion fruit, dark chocolate & toasted white sesame are delicious as well! Flavors change daily so get the black sesame if you see it.
lemon basil sorbet is one of the best things I've ever tasted 🍋🌱 basil gelato also kills the game (how much do I love basil? more than most things).
Hey PeopleJuly 17, 2015Oh, hell yes! A great gelato place in the fantastic SoHo area. At first, it seems as four bucks for a small container is too much but with the sophisticated plastic spoon, it actually makes me full.
I'm a devoted fan. Found this gem when it first opened & before it moved to another location. It's still the best gelato NYC has to offer. I say it without hesitation. I want to try all the flavors.
ShahSeptember 19, 2014Mind blowing. With amazing rotating flavors that include saffron, basil or espresso, you really can't go wrong. Take a chance on something that sounds too crazy to be good.
Fantastic and ever-changing roster of inventive flavors. I'm partial to the olive oil and the dark chocolate sorbet, but everything I've tried has been amazing.
Of course everyone knows about their unique gelato, but swing by for a coffee. They do a good espresso, but if you're in the mood for coffee, try it iced with coffee ice cubes for some extra zing.
Lauren MacAugust 21, 2015Take a number -- it's worth it, promise! The kahlua and salted caramel combination was creamy and flavorful, and they don't cut corners with their ingredients. Cute serving tins too!
Shashi JanardhanMarch 2, 2014While the gelatos are great ,the coffee is a real surprise. Try the Anericano made from freshly ground coffee beans - just delicious. The staff is very friendly too.
Theresa RoldanAugust 11, 2013The options can seem overwhelming but if you go with your gut, I'm sure you won't be disappointed! If you really can't decide, the Avocado and Mocha Choc Chip were deliciously awesome.
Victoria GMay 2, 2017Grab a squad. Make 'em all grab scoops on cones. Bonus: @ If you're adventurous, try Sage! It's light and grows on you.
Wejdan ✨April 8, 2017Turkish fig and salted caramel are the best. I love that some of the flavors are mixed with fresh fruit chunks or like shredded coconut.
I had the ricotta and black sesame gelato and it was divine 😍
Earn NichaDecember 22, 2016The best dark choc ice cream in the whole world. Fuji Apple is also great. I'm a big fan of ice cream and this one is among my fave.
Patricio MAugust 26, 2012Great place for the adventurous sweet tooth! There are more than 20 different favors to enjoy from the average (vanilla) to the weirdest (black pepper corn). Give yourself a treat and get there ;-)
ToshieAugust 27, 2013With a ton of options to choose from, there's no doubt you will find 'the' flavor to please even the most sophisticated palate... And while you make up your mind, ask for samples!
pipituAugust 18, 2022I guess it’s the best gelato you can get in an ice cream shop. But to get the best gelato go to Italian restaurants like Misi.
They always give out 2 samples a person so give Thai Chili Chocolate a try!!! Only for the brave!! But other than that everything is delish!
Vaidehi KJune 30, 2015Unusual flavors. So delicious! Love the rectangular cups with their side by side scoop serving idea.
Sofia PapastamelosAugust 15, 2016The dark chocolate is amazingly rich and flavorful! Pair that with one of the unique lighter flavors like tarragon, basil, etc.
Susanna SooApril 8, 2019Best gelato in nyc, even in Italy it’s hard to find such quality. With 300+ flavours developed, my fav is mascarpone.- Emma KleinMay 1, 2015The honey lavender gelato was heavenly! Such subtle yet delectable tastes. Very modern industrial atmosphere. Cute and tiny spoons help you savor the gelato!
New York HabitatNovember 7, 2011White everything at this lab-like ice cream shop. A cool, modern atmosphere serving up unique and delicious ice cream. We love the honey lavender and black sesame!
StuartJuly 29, 2013Best gelato I've ever eaten! Flavored are inventive and creative. The price is so reasonable! When I go back to New York! I am DEFINITELY coming back!
Esther ChoiOctober 14, 2015Everythinggggg. Amazingly delicious, perfect, melt-on-your-tongue gelato crafted in small batches in a wonderful variety of flavors.
Neta ShlezingerDecember 8, 2014Amazing green tea gelato! The honey lavender was excellent too. Can't wait to try all the other exotic flavors they produce.
Max BpmApril 15, 2016You must get the pomegranate sorbet flavor, it's so good, you'll be coming back for more!
- Thomas MoJuly 22, 2013Thai chili chocolate was amazing. Olive oil is a must for 3+ scoops, as its clean subtle taste clears strong flavors from your taste buds
Geoffroy BablonJuly 21, 2015This place looks eerily sterile, but the gelato flavors are so good it makes sense there's an army of mad scientists operating behind the counter. Try the basil.
Sam ElliottJune 15, 2017Their flavors are so distinct and pure that there's a huge difference between their green grape sorbet and their red grape sorbet. Yum!
Collette SNovember 17, 2015LOVE this place - best gelato on the LES. GET: the lavender honey, but try as many flavors as you can!
Honghui YuJuly 6, 2015So many amazing and unique flavors of gelato here! Recently tried a blackberry and black mission fig combo that was simply divine.
Christina ChinJuly 26, 2015Rich and creamy and tasty! Got amaretto crunch and salted caramel. Portion is small and a bit pricey
Had the Salted Caramel (customer favorite) and I see why! Also Black Currant sorbet was so good, tart and fruity!
Gansevoort Hotel GroupApril 8, 2011Seriously one of the best gelateria's around! You have to try the black mission fig, the thai chili chocolate, chestnut honey and macadamia. You'll definitely be screaming for more!
The Corcoran GroupJuly 14, 2011This gelato spot is known for its interesting ice cream flavors. The Thai Chili Chocolate is not for those with a timid palette. Prepare yourself for small yet pricey portions.
Can't go wrong. Try the flavor that you're curious about and ask for a recommendation for what it would pair well with.
Serious EatsMarch 8, 2013Some of the city's best gelato in a series of inventive rotating flavors. There's an ice cream here for everyone.
Isabel ZapataJune 28, 2013Favorite ice cream in the city. Try the grape sorbet and flor di latte gelato.
Meredith BlechmanAugust 28, 2015It may not call out to you, but the watermelon gelato is absolutely delicious. Very refreshing on a hot summer night.
Curtis ShoungApril 24, 2017Great fresh flavors here. Mint is actually mint! Green team when they have it is rich and intense.
George WallaceOctober 20, 2021Got the pumpkin and cinnamon ice creams. Velvety texture and packed with flavor, best of all not too sweet.
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Il Laboratorio del Gelato
188 Ludlow St (at E Houston St)
New York, NY 10002
United States
New York, NY 10002
United States
Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 7:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Fri
- 7:30 AM–Midnight
- Sat
- 10:00 AM–Midnight
- Sun
- 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
(212) 343-9922
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Parking
Street
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer
See More
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"Wonderful ready-to-go meals, snacks, pastries and absolutely spectacular soups!"
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