NYC's Best Italian Ices: Lemon Ice King, Rita's Water Ice, More
Summer has arrived in New York City! With summer comes warm weather and yummy treats such as ice cream, hot dogs and picnic barbecues. Italian ice has a long history in New York City and can be found at some truly wonderful places. Read on, where we'll give you some of the very best.
The Lemon Ice King Of Corona
52-02 108th St.
Corona, NY 11368
(718) 699-5133
www.thelemonicekingofcorona.com
The Lemon Ice King has been in business for over 60 years. If anyone knows how to make amazing Italian ice in New York, then it would be the dedicated staff of the Lemon Ice King of Corona. It is Zagat rated and has received numerous awards. The best thing about Lemon Ice King is its wide assortment of flavors from "bubble gum" to "sour apple." You can order treats in individual sizes or you can take home larger, family-sized varieties.
Pasticceria Rocco
243 Blecker St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 242-6031
www.roccos.nyc
Pasticceria Rocco has been in the business nearly as long the Lemon King! It's been around for over 40 years. Unlike other shops on this list, a visit to Pasticceria can include a delectable Italian ice, but also some great breakfast and lunch choices as well. Do note their Italian ices are only available seasonally from May through September. It's also on Grubhub, so you can pre-order or have it delivered.
Ben's Pizza
177 Spring St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 966-4494
www.famousbenspizzaofsoho.com
Located in SoHo, Ben's Pizza is well known through New York. It has been featured in the film "Men in Black 2" and on the popular television show "Sex in the City." Ben's Pizza has been around since 1977 and has even branched out to a second location on W 14th Street. During the summer months, Ben's Pizza served Italian ice made fresh at the restaurant. There are ten different flavors to pick from and daily specials as well.
Related: NYC's Best Chocolate Chip Dishes: Ice Cream, Cookies, More
Ralph's Famous Italian Ices
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
(718) 351-8133
www.ralphsices.com
Ralph's has been around for 85 years. It was opened in 1928 by Ralph Silvestro and was then passed down to his daughters and eventually their sons. It now has spread to different locations throughout New York City and across Long Island. At Ralph's, there is just about any flavor combination that one could possibly want. There's traditional Italian ice, sherbet or what they call a "twister," which is Italian ice with soft ice cream.
Rita's Water Ice
2486 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
(212) 362-5880
www.ritasny.com
Rita's on Broadway in New York has been in existence since 2010. Gardi and Georges Armand have operated it since 2013. This tasty treat can be enjoyed all year 'round and be ordered online or delivered catered at your next event. Rita's offers a variety of flavor combinations in different varieties, like traditional ice, milkshakes or their "Misto" blended drinks. Check out their complete menu for what they have to offer.
Related: The 5 Best Ice Cream Shops In NYC
Tracy lives in the downstate area of New York. Some might call her an avid graduation affectionate (MA, Fordham University & MLS, SUNY Buffalo). She'd say she's just waiting for the right degree to come along with a promise and a ring someday. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.