Review: Smitten Ice Cream

Smitten Ice Cream in Hayes Valley. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

I've been wanting to try Smitten Ice Cream for a long time and am glad I finally did! We went to the flagship location in Hayes Valley, which looks a bit like a pop up store. It's quite charming. There's a beer garden near by, so maybe we'll try that one of these days without the kids.


Smitten Ice Cream uses special ice cream makers where they pour in the ice cream base and use liquid nitrogen at -321 degrees F to freeze it. The super cold freezing means fewer ice particles in the ice cream. Yes, it tasted super creamy.

Smitten Ice Cream menu. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

They have different ice cream makers, each with one of the flavors above. They then add the pairings you ask for, like sauces and toppings.

Smitten Ice Cream made with liquid nitrogen. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

The Smitten ice cream is almost done. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

the final result - Smitten ice cream. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Mine - with almonds and a spicy caramel sauce at Smitten Ice Cream. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan

Smitten Ice Cream in Hayes Valley - copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan