The Scoop on Arlington Ice Cream

When temperatures heat up, locals head to Arlington’s ice cream shops for some chilled sweet treats.

Arlington is home to several homegrown ice cream shops that are making headlines for their inventive flavors, fresh ingredients and unique styles. Top off your vacation with one of these frozen desserts that will be sure to leave you smiling.

Credit | @icecreamjubilee via Instagram

Ice Cream Jubilee in Ballston’s Quarter Market

Topping lists for the best ice cream shops in America, Ice Cream Jubilee specializes in hand-made ice cream conceived by lawyer-turned-ice-cream-maker Victoria Lai. Ice Cream Jubilee uses all-natural, local ingredients to create unique flavor concoctions inspired by Lai’s Chinese roots, her travels, cocktails and more. Try whimsical ice creams like Whiskey Toasted Marshmallow, Gin & Tonic Sorbet and Cookies & Cookie Dough when you stop into their shop in Quarter Market.

La Moo Creamery on Langston Boulevard

Tucked in a shopping center on Langston Boulevard, locally owned La Moo Creamery specializes in made-to-order, rolled Thai ice cream with fresh ingredient mix-ins. Try one of La Moo's menu items like Key Lime Pie with pie crust and lime zest or the S-Moores with brownie, graham crackers and marshmallows. Everything can be customized, as the cups are made fresh for you without preservatives and stabilizers. You can also try their fun milkshakes, dairy-free chopped ice, and Japanese-style crepes.

Nicecream at The Crossing Clarendon

Some of the freshest ice cream around, the flagship location of Nicecream literally freezes its ice cream before your eyes. The brainchild of college sweethearts, Gil Welsford and Sandra Tran, Nicecream started as a push-cart at farmers markets and grew into a celebrated local chain with four locations. Each flavor starts with fresh, grass-fed cream and ingredients from nearby farms, and is flash-frozen to order using liquid nitrogen. Try mainstays like salted caramel or dark chocolate, or check out seasonal flavors like Peachy Keen and Sweet Corn. Indulge in the brownie sundae or score a cup of locally roasted Swing’s coffee to go with your creamy confection.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Crystal City

This New York-based ice cream company has brought its famous ice cream flavors to National Landing! Stop by to grab a scoop at their new location at the Crystal City Shops. Take your pick from a variety of their signature flavors, from their classic Vanilla Bean to the delicious Marionberry Cheesecake ice cream, there's something for every taste bud!

Pupatella in Bluemont

Pupatella might be known for its award-winning pizza (the lines out the door at dinnertime prove it), but few know that Pupatella also makes its own delicious gelato. Husband-and-wife team Enzo Algarme and Anastasiya Laufenberg are the force behind this Neapolitan pizzeria, which also started out humbly as a food cart. Try the pizza and save room for the gelato, because it’s the perfect complement to their homemade pies. Anastasiya whips up the seasonal and traditional flavors with fresh ingredients onsite at their Arlington location. Grab a scoop of the gelato staples like Nutella, hazelnut or biscotti made with ricotta cheese, or opt for seasonal flavors that change out regularly.

Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee in Westover

The quintessential neighborhood ice cream shop, Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream & Coffee in Westover goes back years. The teenagers who work the shop now tell us they remember coming in as kids. This cozy ice cream shop focuses on creating small-batch ice cream with natural ingredients made on the premises. Try tried-and-true flavors like cookie dough, indulge in Coffee Oreo, or sample some of the Filipino flavors like the colorful Ube made with taro. They also make milkshakes, hot fudge sundaes, ice cream cakes, real fruit smoothies, and locally roasted coffee drinks.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream in Shirlington

This famous Ohio modern ice cream chain has landed in Arlington! Founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton this shop offers one-of-a-kind flavors with Direct and Fair-Trade ingredients and super fresh milk from family dairy farms. Stop by one of their newest locations in Shirlington to enjoy a creamy and delicious, sweet treat!

Mimi's Handmade Ice Cream in Pentagon City

This family-owned handmade ice cream shop is one of Westpost's newest additions! Enjoy ice cream, sorbet, sherbets and more in a variety of flavors all made with locally sourced products. Shop owner, Rollin Amore, was inspired by his travels through Europe and Asia to create unique ice cream flavors alongside his two daughters Mimi and Alexandra.

Ravenna Pizza in Rosslyn

As the newest spot on this list, Ravenna Pizza in Rosslyn not only serves up delicious Roman style pizza but also makes authentic Italian gelato! Their gelato is made in-house and is the perfect creamy treat to indulge in after you finish your meal.

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