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Ici
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
2948 College Ave(between Ashby Ave & Russell St)
Berkeley, CA 94705
Neighborhoods: Elmwood, Claremont
(510) 665-6054
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri 12 pm - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1897 reviews for Ici
Review Highlights
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"I highly recommend the Earl Grey as well." In 188 reviews -
"OH, and let's not forget that wonderful cone." In 622 reviews -
"Candied meyer lemon ice cream, you are my sunshine." In 30 reviews
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1894 reviews in English
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Review from BABY M.
Sunnyvale, CA
Probably the best ice cream in the bay area.
Earl grey bon bon was amazing. -
Review from Kelly H.
San Gabriel, CA
This place doesn't need another review but too bad!
It's like an adventure here with all the flavors. (which are kind of a hit or miss depending on your tastes, of course.)
1. wait in a long long line in the cold weather at night
2. get super excited as you get closer to the door
3. stare at other people sampling all the flavors and hope that they decide soon
4. timidly ask to sample too and then become one of the people who cannot decide
5. make faces at how strong some flavors are (ahem*rose*ahem)
6. panic as you get closer to the counter because you still haven't decided
7. settle for strawberry or chocolate or caramel something flavors. :D
8. enjoy!
But it's fun, and refreshing, and surprising to try the different flavors. Oh, and the decor and signs inside were all nice to look at while you wait in the long long line that doesn't seem to move fast enough when you're excited. :P -
Review from Donna M.
Milpitas, CA
Walk down College Ave and see a long line - yep, it's probably for Ici.
Honestly, I don't quite understand the hype. Yes it's good ice cream and yes, the flavors are innovative but it's not worth standing-in-line-under-the-hot-sun-for-20- minutes kind of good - trust me, I know my ice cream. Each day they serve about 11 different flavors that range from earl grey to coconut curry and each time I go there I find myself ordering an affogato (shot of espresso + 2 scoops vanilla) or a more common flavor (i.e. vanilla, green tea, coffee). Although I will say, they're homemade sugar cones with the chocolate are amazing.
It's not that I'm not adventurous, I just don't understand the appeal of this shop. If you're willing to stand for more than 15 minutes for ice cream try Bi-Rite in San Francisco instead. Otherwise, I'd opt for some Haagen-daz or Ciao Bella from your local Safeway. -
Review from Roger M.
San Rafael, CA
Well worth the wait. Go, wait in line. Enjoy. Great Ice Cream, Great Flavors, and it makes you feel super important.
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Review from Alexander Y.
Rowland Heights, CA
I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get to try the super awesome cones that I was told about before I rolled here because the menu outside they ran out. Nonetheless, that didn't keep the super long line at 9:30 PM from going anywhere. And me neither, because I needed some dessert after that huge dinner I had about two hours before.
So apparently this place makes its own ice cream, if you haven't noticed by the almost 2000 other reviews this place has. I'm just trying to figure out what the hell candied Meyer lemon or coconut saffron taste like, but I was like...damn, I'm not being THAT adventurous tonight.
Still, you come to a place like this, you're not gonna bitch out and get cookies and cream. And don't get me wrong, cookies and cream is awesome, but seriously. My rule of thumb is that if you go somewhere you've never been before, get something you can't get anywhere else. So honey rosemary it was. I honestly can't say that I ever thought rosemary was ever a good flavor for ice cream, but surprisingly it was really really good. Like, blown my mind good. I don't even know how that happened.
Either way, I need a cone next time. -
Review from Jonathan S.
Berkeley, CA
The ice cream is DELICIOUS, made with great ingredients and inventive flavors and a variety of cones/cups. The prices are more than reasonable and you can sample any&all flavors you desire without any eye rolling.
The line is always halfway down the block but moves faster than I'd expect, and it looks like they've been improving the way they serve to make it faster. -
Review from Ray C.
San Pablo, CA
Great "different" flavors. Be prepared to stand in line, however it's totally worth it. Highly recommend the Earl Grey bon bon and rose sherbert.
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Review from Ana G.
Alameda, CA
I've always wanted to try this place, but never wanted to go because 1) I hate driving to Berkeley and 2) I hate long lines. I finally sucked it up and embarked on the dreaded journey for some delicious ice cream. I got lucky that day because I found parking AND there was no line. I even walked past the place because there was no line!
Anyway, I tried the horchata ice cream and it was the best thing I ever ate. I'm kinda sad I only got one scoop, because even though I wasn't hungry when I ordered it, I craved even more after the first bite. I also loved the little chocolate chips buried in the cone! -
Review from Kayla V.
Ici was disappointing. I've had it bookmarked for quite a while and finally had the chance to try it yesterday before pub quiz night. I guess my expectations were too high :(
There was a short line around 7:30, but our transaction took forever. It was chaotic inside and unorganized. The employees were so nice and helpful, so it's not really their fault. Management need to implement a better system to help expedite the line. You got three employees scooping ice cream on top of each other, one person at the cash register, crowds of people in the parlor, and no sense of order. The ice cream parlor is too small for the kind of traffic it's attracting. I can see why people get upset about waiting 30+ minutes for dessert.
Ici is beautiful inside and out. It has a lot of feminine touches and everything is cute. Not sure how this appeals to men, but I sure love the décor. Cookies and candies are wrapped in pretty plastic and tied with ribbons. From the main room, I could see the kitchen and it was spotless (and cute)! Ici is tiny, so you won't have a place to sit inside.
I tasted chocolate, malted vanilla, and maple salted pecan before deciding on chocolate. The Ici ice cream girl was very nice and didn't seem to mind getting me 3 samples. It seems like they all encourage customers to sample different ice cream flavors, so that's pretty cool. Scoops are small and the appropriate portion size for weight watchers (thank God). Textures vary between flavors, so I highly recommend sampling before buying. Ici is definitely pricey for what you're getting, but all the ingredients are locally sourced and certified organic. You get what you pay for and you are what you eat.
Chocolate - 4.5 Stars
Creamy, not too sweet, great chocolate flavor, well-churned ice cream, super yummy
Malted Vanilla- 3 Stars
Not too creamy, sweet, and nothing special
Maple Salted Pecan - 2.5 Stars
Too icy, way too sweet, and nuts were very large and chunky
Handmade Cones - 5 Stars
Winner! Seriously, the best ice cream cones ever. For 80 pennies, you have to get one. Cones are filled with a bit of chocolate at the end.
So delicious! -
Review from Henry S.
Dublin, CA
2.5 Stars
I have a theory that they are deliberately serving everyone really slow to get a line outside so people will think their ice cream is good. Yes, their flavor concoctions are good but they're not "wait over 30 minutes" good.
Skip it if you have to wait over 5 minutes. -
Review from Jonathan M.
Mahwah, NJ
Within the town of Berkeley, Ici can usually be located by the massive line of people waiting to indulge in this sugary goodness. Ici had some great original ice cream flavors! I definitely used my fair share of tasting spoons to make ensure I selected the best flavor of the evening. I've heard their cones (lined with chocolate) are a great addition. Unfortunately, they didn't have any when I was there.
When you evaluate Ici as a whole, I give it 3 stars. It's a cute place with great ice cream, but when you factor in the long slow-moving line, and the fact that it's on the pricier side it takes the rating down a bit.
Definitely try it if you are in the area. -
Review from meshell c.
Oakland, CA
How can you NOT like this place? It's fresh ice cream with some very unique flavors. The mango chili sorbet was spicy but in a very good way. I got the burnt caramel the other day and it was simply divine.
They have sparkling and flat water for your pleasure. That's a super bonus! I love sparkling water. Oh yes, and make sure you taste all their flavors, they are happy to give you a sample! -
Review from Audrey G.
Berkeley, CA
Super cute gourmet ice cream shop! They have different exotic/unique flavors every day, and though the wait can be pretty long, it's a lot of fun sampling different flavors! Though the ice cream is delicious, I took off one star because of the wait time and limited sampling.
I highly recommend getting your ice cream in a cone. The cones are homemade, and so delicious! And my current favorite flavor is Molasses Gingersnap. -
Review from Ash S.
When you arrive to get your ice cream fix, the first thing you will see is the ginormous line outside the store. Even on a regular ol' weekday, there is a long line. I've been on a weekday evening (not even a warm day) and the line was 30 deep. I went again this past Saturday evening and the line was 60 deep.
Being a known line hater, I expressed my distaste of waiting in line to my wife, but she wasn't having it. She desperately wanted some ICI. Since she is pregnant, my vote was pretty much meaningless and so the great ice cream wait of 2012 began. To make matters worse there were some unruly 10 year olds in front of us who insisted on reenacting a WWF match the entire time while letting off ear piercing screams. Painful....
So back to the ice cream...after waiting for nearly an hour and being close to the front of the line an ICI employee came out, handed us some menus and asked us if there were any flavors we wanted to try. He returned with our requested flavor samples a few moments later, and after some taste tests we decided which flavors we were going with. Normally I am a one scoop kind of guy, but after waiting in line for so long I felt like I needed at least two scoops to justify the wait. I ordered a double cone with Mint chip and Maple Walnut.
Having lived in San Francisco for 5 years and being exposed to such ice cream greats such as Bi-Rite, Humphrey Slocombe, and Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous I have become a bit of an ice cream elitist. I'm like the Grey Poupon mustard snobs, but for ice cream and without the limo. With that said, I was underwhelmed by this ice cream and the experience.
First the experience. Obviously the line was damn long, but my Momma always told me that good things come to those that wait. In this example, she was way wrong. Once inside you expected the staff to be this magical group of passionate ice cream lovers who were thrilled to hand you a scoop of their creation. Unfortunately, it was more like busy workers who were tired of being there and it showed with their lack of smiles. Not to say they weren't busting butt and working hard, but it felt more like Baskin Robbins than some place famous for their gourmet ice cream. Again not magical.
So now about the ice cream itself. It was ok. Was not creamy and lacked any kind of strong flavor. It was simply just ok. There is no way I would wait an hour for that ice cream ever again. I wouldn't even wait 10 minutes. The only way I would eat there again is if I could walk up and just order on a super hot day. However the way the lines form their early and often, walking up and ordering is a pipe dream. -
Review from Jen B.
Union City, CA
I've heard nothing but good things about Ici and whenever I pass by there's always a huge line out the door. Finally having tried the ice cream I can say this place lives up to the hype!
My boyfriend and I beat the line on a Wednesday night and I ordered the burnt caramel and he got the malted vanilla and coffee. Just the fact that they had a burnt caramel flavored ice cream merits 5 stars. I have a strange affinity toward burnt food, don't judge me. The malted vanilla was also an interestingly delicious flavor and you can never go wrong with coffee ice cream.
One of the best surprises was the chocolate at the bottom of the ice cream cones! Definitely opt for a cone here as they are like no other. They're soft and almost resembling a fortune cookie. The best cones I've ever had! -
Review from Nikki C.
Even with their unpredictable menu and long line (75% of the time), I still don't have any complaints. Actually, I have more compliments which merit the upgrade in Ici's rating.
I've tried several new flavors since my 1st visit and I've narrowed my favorite to two, thus far: 1st - Candied Cacao Nib and 2nd - Coffee N' Cookies. Orange Creamsicle Sherbet came as a very close 3rd. I also really liked Horchata Ice Milk and Honey Lavender.
I tend to stick to generic flavors, like Coffee and Rocky Road, when buying pints at the grocery store so it's definitely a treat to try the unique flavors at Ici. Some of their offerings sound totally off the wall (ie. grapefruit-mint mojito and coconut thai tea) but those are the ones that are worth trying. Ici offers unlimited tastings so keep an open mind and taste away!
MUST get the cone! If you want 2+ scoops you can get a cone with cup. Just don't cheat yourself out of these divine cones. They're made fresh daily and available in small packs for purchase.
In addition to scoops of heavenly goodness, my hubby continues to try their different flavors of ice cream sandwiches. I also love their Vanilla Bean Shortbread which is available at check-out. At only $0.75 each, they are a steal!
Don't be intimidated by the long line - it really is worth the wait.Listed in: East Bay finds
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2011
My hair salon is located around the corner from Ici and every time I'm in the area there's always a… Read more »
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2/14/2011
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Review from Chia L.
Berkeley, CA
You can go in here, pick out the grossest sounding flavor, and still leave with a happy tummy. There is a reason why Ici is listed as one of the ten best ice cream parlors in the nation.
Some flavors I've really liked:
- Chocolate- so simple but not. The only way to get good chocolate ice cream is to use good chocolate, and boy, is their chocolate gooooood.
- Vanilla milk ice
- Everyone's favorite: Earl Grey
I've been here so many times I can't really even remember the flavors I've had. Their waffle cones are very buttery and milky. Though I'm not a fan of the chocolate filling at the bottom of the cone that prevents melted drippings, the cone completes the ici experience.
Plus this place is just so cute! -
Review from Dilys Y.
Oakland, CA
This ice cream shop is not only unique but everything is made there from scratch. Each week they change their menu and the flavors of ice cream change. I've tried many flavors before and each one have always been delicious.
Remember to order your scoop of ice cream on a cone, the homemade waffle cone is crunchy and eggy. So bomb. -
Review from Eila S.
San Jose, CA
You definitely have to wait. On a relatively cold night we still had to wait about an hour before even stepping foot inside. The great thing is that they give you as many samples as you want! They post that the limit is five but I don't think that they're that strict about it. They are kind of limited on the flavor but they are really unique and delicious. I would suggest trying samples before ordering because some of the items are a hit or miss.
I love the fact that they have a huge variety of baked goods and candies! The customer service is really great as well. Prices are a little high but I feel that its well worth it. I can't imagine how long the wait is when its actually hot out! -
Review from Stephanie W.
Berkeley, CA
I love going out for Ici's because of the unique flavors, but the wait can be soooo long, especially if you come after dinnertime (up til closing!). Sometime I walk past it in the mid-afternoon and there's no line, so I would avoid the evenings if possible. However, they do try to get their line to move as quickly as possible, by serving groups together, and letting you try samples in line. I came once with a group of friends, and one of the workers came out and memorize like twenty+ of our sample requests.
They have a new menu everyday, and they only make enough to be sold in the next couple days. The bright side is that the ice cream will always be fresh, but sometimes they'll run out of a flavor you want before you get to the front of the line :/. Some flavors I've tried are Thai Ice Tea, Honey Graham Cracker, and Chocolate w/ Cacao Nibs. They let you try up to three samples when you reach the front of the line, so I'd definitely take advantage of that to try all the unusual flavors that you probably wouldn't get a whole scoop of. ALSO: they have bacon ice cream! Or something like that. I came once with my friend, and she got a scoop of ice cream with candied bacon, which we thought tasted like toffee. I was too weirded out to get a scoop at that time, but I've had my eye out for it ever since! Try ittt! It's goooood! -
Review from Anna W.
San Leandro, CA
After a huge dinner with friends at Kansai, we all decided that dessert was in order (I'm not entirely sure why, considering the fact that we all had to be rolled out of the restaurant to start with). After some deliberation, we decided that Ici would be the place to go in order to satisfy that dessert craving.
First off, let me say that, as a former Cal student (GO BEARS!), I have often seen lines going out the door and down the street for this place. But never once in my four years there did I step inside and find out what all the hype was about. The employees were incredibly patient, letting us linger in the store, sampling one flavor after another before we made our decisions. They also made no move to kick us out once we'd placed, paid and received our order. Despite the huge crowds moving through the store, we were allowed to monopolize our little window seat corner and take ridiculous photos, even after we had finished our ice cream.
I would give them more stars, but honestly, I felt that they were a bit overpriced for what they were. They have a wider variety of flavors than any other place that I've seen (excluding gelato places; gelato tends to come in some straaaange flavors) but that's not really enough to push them into my "rave" category. -
Review from Maya H.
Santa Clara, CA
Fabulous ice cream with amazing flavors! And their Bombe is the bomb! Worth the long lines.
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Review from Linda L.
San Jose, CA
When I get married, I want to have Ici cater dessert! It's pricier then other ice cream places but so worth it.
I seriously love this place. I love their crepe/cookie cone. I pretty much always get the three scoops and get three different flavors. What I do is put my favorite flavor at the bottom and whatever else on top. I ask for a cup and put the other two scoops in the cup and finish the cone first. I pretty much get anything with crunch stuff mixed in it.
It's clean and cutesy inside. The fat girl inside of me loves this place! -
Review from Samuel C.
Berkeley, CA
Oh Ici. How I love you so. How the sweet splendor of your ice cream sits on my taste buds. How the crunch of your golden-brown cone with the bit of semi-sweet dark chocolate inside plays a symphony to my yearning ears...
Anyways.
Service/Decor: Very, very clean place. It's usually packed at most times of the day, especially after dinner time. The staff are very friendly and are very generous with letting you taste the ice cream before you order what you want despite the humongous line outside.
Food: Now, why would you want to taste the ice cream before you get it? Flavors. Extraordinary flavors. Awesome flavors like vanilla malt, rose vanilla, burnt caramel, cilantro (didn't have the guts to try this one), strawberry rhubarb, orange-grapefruit sorbet, and so many many more. They almost always have different flavors whenever you go, and it's exciting to try new ones. My favorite is definitely the rose vanilla (classic flavors are always the best), and even though I'm disappointed when it's not there the next time I go, I'm definitely OK with trying new ones. The textures and flavors of the ice cream have always been spot on.
Normally I wouldn't, but I MUST mention the magnificence of the waffle cone. My goodness, it is to die for. The cone itself is made at the restaurant, and there is a spiral of dark chocolate inside with a tiny, hardened puddle of dark chocolate on the bottom. Eating the rest of the cone and finally getting to the bottom is worth the wait. That one bite of ice cream, dark chocolate, and cone is something I start drooling at just thinking about it. Heck, I think the cone is as much the star of the dessert as the ice cream is.
If you have not come here, and you're a Cal student, SHAME. SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME. Some say portions are small for the price, but you should know that ice cream should NOT be consumed in large quantities. The effect of flavors on your taste buds typically experience decreasing marginal utility when eating anything of the same flavor. In this case, less is more.Listed in: Best Desserts
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Review from Jeannie M.
Oakland, CA
I've been here several times when there's been no line and would rate their ice creams as "pretty good." It's good quality, with varied flavors, but it still generally disappoints me.* It is certainly not worth waiting for.
*One noteable exception: the amarena ice cream. It's damn good. -
Review from Joanna R.
Woah their cones! HAND&HOME MADE CONES. Woah. That had to be the best part.
The three flavors I tried were interesting. Cardamom, Strawberry Sorbet, and Burnt Caramel. They were. Interesting. Hahah. I don't know what else to say.
I can't say I fell in love with the flavors, but I went ahead with the Cardomom on a cone. If it weren't so busy (and if I really didn't care....), I would have asked to sample all their flavors.... Haha. The chocolate-y parts of the Cardamom was good, and as I kept eating I got used to the taste so it got better.
The spotlight should be on the cones though. I don't understand.. It was so good. Cones deserve the five stars. I'm not sure if I'd be willing to wait in line again for the flavors though. Regardless, FOUR STARS!
P.S. Their memories are note-worthy. You can ask them to get you six different samples from multiple people and they will remember them.. Woah. -
Review from Kiki H.
Their cones are to die for good and are what make this ice cream shop really special. All of their flavors look fantastic...but I am a fan of the basic chocolate!
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Review from Chris T.
San Francisco, CA
I thought the ice cream/sorbet here was pretty good. It's fresh and the flavors change daily (could be bad if you like only one flavor though). It's a small shop and there was a long line the night I went (thankfully it was after I had purchased my sorbet).
I had the mango-pineapple sorbet, which I found was refreshing and tarty. Definitely would go back here when I'm in the area. -
Review from Veronica C.
Cerritos, CA
I don't need to add any more general praises to Ici's. A fantastic treat on a sunny afternoon or for an evening dessert. The cones are a little expensive but they are hand-rolled and have chocolate in the bottom, so if you're into that.. Also, get free samples! They suggest you only ask for 3 out of respect to other guests, but 3 is so little for all the different flavors they have..
Last time I came here I fell in love with the molasses gingersnap flavor. So damn good. I generally enjoy most of the chocolate/spice ones.
Will update more as I remember which flavors are my favorites. -
Review from Daisy T.
Always a line on the sidewalk!
Everytime I come to Berkeley, I HAVE to come here. I scream for Ici ice cream!
They have a nice variety of ice cream. And they're all made in small batches daily! They have unique flavors like rose pistachio and burnt caramel. The first time I came here I had to try their bacon maple ice cream. The bacon bits were candied and were complimented by the maple ice cream. If you want something a little more traditional, their coffee ice cream is AMAZING. They use the infamous Blue Bottle Coffee in it. Yum.
If you're into sugar cones, they make their own amazing sugar cones with dark chocolate inside.
They also make other goodies like huge ice cream cakes, marshmallows and cookies... but that will have to be for another day. =) -
Review from Carmen L.
Berkeley, CA
The first time that I've been here, We waited like 30 minutes, but was TOTALLY Worth IT! the Lemon sorbet was like if you take a leaf from a lemon tree, smash it and smell it right away... All flavors were unique and awesome,! The service really cool.
They have a stand in the Farmers market on Tuesday, and is really cool because you don't need to wait. I had one cone on Tuesday, Honey lavander, so fresh, soft and delicious! -
Review from Ruel D.
Fremont, CA
Super long lines and no bathroom! Don't go if you just left the gym and haven't eaten yet or else you'll find yourself drinking an espresso down the street at the coffee spot so that you can use their bathroom with no shame.
Back to Ici. The staff walk out with menus, and bring you samples! As many as you like, and on tiny metal spoons. So fancy. Ici is known for their unique flavors, and they do not disappoint. I tried a few, but rather than read a recommendation, I would just go up and sample them yourself.
However, I impulse bought the burnt caramel, and I didn't particularly like it. Also, they do have a lot of other cool things like Ice Cream Sandwiches (no, not the Android OS), and Bombes and Bon Bons.
After having had Ici, I feel so hipster! -
Review from James O.
Livermore, CA
Tasty no doubt but rather pricey. Whenever I passed by this place there was always a big line. Big line doesn't always equal Delicious, but the place was popular, no doubt! So, I finally went in. Cute, small, simple. I really liked the specialty ice cream flavors they carried, we had the honey lavander. Maybe 4 years ago these would have been super unique but since there are a lot of "gourmet" ice cream shops, they seemed pretty standard; burnt carmel, cardamum, etc.
Anyway, very nice service, but I was kind of disappointed by the size of my treat. Should have got a double for $1 more, my small scoop was really delicious but just too small for the price. The flavor was exquisite and I can't praise that enough. If specialty ice cream is your calling, definitely check out Ici! -
Review from Samsudin K.
Santa Clara, CA
They have very unique selection of gourmet style ice-cream flavor and the ice-cream menu changes every day. After dinner on Saturday, our friends suggested we try Ici since we are in Berkeley. The line is very long and we waited like 30-40 minutes.
The service is great, they let you sample ice-cream while waiting in line so you can make decisions when you are at the counter. Do you think that will make decision faster and easier for the customer? You are wrong.....customer still ask for sample again when they reached the counter since they cannot make up their mind. If every customers asked for sample before they make an order, it will take 5-8 minutes to serve each customer and if you have them in a group of 3 or 4, this would 20-30 minutes to serve each group and if you are line on a good sunny day, be prepare to wait for an hour or more to get an ice-cream.
The ice-cream is great and the staff are amazing, they are super friendly and remember what you have sample.The reason the line is long because each customer want to sample 3 different ice-cream flavor while in line and then re-sample again while at the counter, that is just crazy. If customer only get 1 sample and make an order while in line, they can just go to the cashier to collect and pick up the their order...hopefully the line will be shorter. Don't think I will come back again but worth to try at least once. -
Review from Matthew B.
Oakland, CA
Always see a huge line, and now I know why. Great ice cream. The line moved fast and the associates were quick to offer samples of the home made ice cream. Probably lots of great flavors, I tried the lemon and chocolate. Fantastic! Will defentiely go back when I have a sugar jones!
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Review from Rodney A.
El Sobrante, CA
Best ice cream in the Bay Area hands down. Forget Mitchells, forget Bi-Rite, forget Humprey-Slocombe, forget Fenton's. This is the place to get ice cream. Do yourself a favor and come several times, the flavors never stay the same, and it's just that much better to try out the things they do with ice cream. My main recommendation is to always go with the house-made waffle cone. SImply amaazzzinngggg!
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Review from Salvina B.
Berkeley, CA
This place is effing amazing. You have not had ice cream until you've eaten it from here. Their flavors change daily, and you can see it posted on twitter. I had a mandarin chocolate concoction, along with coconut. My friend had earl gray and a cardamom rose (I think)...either way, all sweet, creamy, and delicious. the cones are the perfect compliment, with a little surprise of chocolate at the bottom.
Coming here is my happy place. really. *sigh* I want ice cream. -
Review from Mansi A.
I expected no line on a rainy day. Wrong. Ici (pronounced ee-see) still had a line out the door (although not as bad as the lines at Bi-Rite across the Bay). I should've known better.
A scoop of the chocolate-caramel ice cream (also tasted the malted banana which was great too!) in a handmade cone satisfied my sweet tooth for the night! Every lick of the ice cream was a burst of flavor, and seriously...don't skip the cone. I've never tasted one like it, and I just can't describe it either. The small burst of chocolate at the very bottom of the cone is like confetti raining down upon you at a surprise party!
Take solace in knowing that the ice cream is purely organic and that the brains behind this tasteful little shop is a former pastry chef from Chez Panisse!
The bottom line: The wait is worth it. Probably my favorite ice cream I've had to date. -
Review from Jocelyn R.
Long Beach, CA
I don't usually say these three little words but here it goes..... I love you. Ici is the best place to go and get your ice cream fix. Yes, there is always a line, rain or shine. But just know that it's because it's worth it. I love that you can try as many flavors as you want before having to commit. And every time you go you basically have a different experience because the flavors change constantly. Go now!
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Review from samantha p.
Cupertino, CA
AMAZING !
I got the orange-grapefruit sorbet and I think it had a hint of mint in it? SO GOOD.
Seriously the best frozen dessert I've ever had. SO flavorful but not too sweet. It also tasted SO REAL, no artificial taste at all. It also definitely had that homemade kind of taste. It honestly is the yummiest sorbet/ice cream experience I've ever had. Next time I come I think I'll get 2 or 3 scoops or definitely stop again on the way home.
Service was really good too, my friends and I wanted to sample a bunch of flavors and she was so patient and helpful. The samples are also given out in normal spoons, that way it's a little more green. Bonus points for being environmentally conscious.
Prices are a little steep for just a little bit of ice cream, but the taste really compensates. Hate looking for parking though..
Ici beats Cream for sure.
