Summer Scoops in Lincoln Square

Even a few days of 70-degree weather transforms Lincoln Square. The crowds slow down, the sunglasses come out, and suddenly, nothing sounds better than a scoop of gelato. Here’s the scoop on where to cool off this summer in the neighborhood!

There are tough choices to make at Amorino (44 W 63rd Street between Broadway and Columbus Ave)—which of the over 20 flavors of sorbet and gelato will you choose? The small shop, which specializes in natural gelato and Italian coffee, also serves daintier options, like gelato-filled macarons, or more indulgent sundaes like the inimitable gourmet cup—vanilla and inimitable (chocolate hazelnut) gelati, creamy gianduja sauce (a blend of chocolate and hazelnut paste), crunchy dark chocolate pearls, and freshly made whipped cream.

Épicerie Boulud (1900 Broadway at W 64th Street) is another great spot to grab gelato. Year-round, the French eatery serves small containers of gelato (flavors include vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, raspberry, and mango). Starting in early May, vanilla and chocolate soft serve in cones will also be available at their front window. 

Italian flavors have also arrived at The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle), where you can find L’Artigiano gelato being served out of a Fiat 500 car now through June 30. Located on the ground floor, stop by for a scoop of gelato or sorbet made using Italian-sourced ingredients. Options include Sicilian pistachio, mango, cookies and cream, and more.

Another gelato favorite returns to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts this month—the L’Arte del Gelato seasonal cart. Head to the Lincoln Center Plaza between May and October, and you’ll easily spot the pink and white cart with several classic Italian gelati flavors alongside two sorbet options. This is the perfect spot to cool off with a sweet treat before or after a summer performance.

Although these Italian gelato spots all have excellent treats to choose from this summer, you can find even more ice cream and gelato options at our local supermarkets and convenience stores: Whole Foods Market (The Shops at Columbus Circle), Gourmet Garage (155 W 66th Street between Amsterdam Ave and Broadway), Morton Williams (2015 Broadway between W 68th W 69th Street), Alan’s Marketplace (27 Columbus Avenue between W 60th and W 61st), Target (1863 Broadway between W 62nd and W 61st), and Gourmet Square (201 Amsterdam Ave between W 70th and W 69th). When it comes to gelato this summer, if you’re not on the Amalfi coast, the next best place is Lincoln Square!

Photo Credit: Amorino