Best Ice Cream & Desserts in Cambridge, MA
Ice cream, pastries, and the Cambridge dessert scene
Overview
Cambridge might be known for Nobel laureates and biotech, but its dessert scene deserves its own award. Toscanini's has been called the best ice cream in the world by The New York Times. Van Leeuwen brought its cult following from Brooklyn. And the bakeries — from Sofra's Middle Eastern pastries to Flour's sticky buns — are world-class. This is the sweet side of Cambridge.
Our Picks
From scoops to pastries to full dessert experiences, these are the sweetest spots in Cambridge.
Toscanini's Ice Cream
The New York Times called it "the best ice cream in the world," and locals have fiercely defended that title ever since. Inventive flavors (burnt caramel, Khulfee, cocoa pudding) in a no-frills Central Square shop. Two locations — the original on Main Street is the pilgrimage site. Cash or card.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Brooklyn's cult-favorite artisan ice cream landed in Cambridge with its signature colorful shop. Vegan options that actually taste great alongside classics like honeycomb and Earl Grey. Harvard Square location makes it the perfect post-dinner stop.
Sofra Bakery
The pastry case at Sofra is a revelation. Turkish-inspired sweets — rose pistachio cookies, tahini shortbread, morning buns with orange zest — that you won't find anywhere else in New England. Everything is baked in-house daily.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Joanne Chang's sticky buns won a Throwdown with Bobby Flay and became a Boston legend. The pastry case is impeccable — fruit tarts, cookies, brownies — and everything is made with a perfectionist's attention to detail.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Israeli-inspired pastries that are as photogenic as they are delicious. The halva croissant, pistachio rose cake, and chocolate rugelach are standouts. Multiple Cambridge locations.
Union Square Donuts
Artisan donuts with creative flavors that rotate seasonally. The maple bacon and brown butter hazelnut are perennial favorites. Worth the detour to their Cambridge location for the best donuts in the area.
Mamaleh's Bakery
The rugelach, babka, and black-and-white cookies at Mamaleh's are some of the best Jewish bakery items in New England. The chocolate babka alone is worth a visit. Available at both their Kendall Square deli and their bakery counter.
Ice Cream Season Guide
Toscanini's and Van Leeuwen are open year-round, but Cambridge ice cream culture peaks from May through September. Summer lines at Toscanini's can stretch out the door — go on weekday afternoons for the shortest waits. Van Leeuwen's Harvard Square location stays busy as long as students are in town. For winter dessert cravings, shift to Sofra's warm pastries or Flour's sticky buns with a coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toscanini's is the most iconic — The New York Times called it the best ice cream in the world. Van Leeuwen offers a different style with artisan flavors and excellent vegan options. Both are worth trying; locals are passionate about their preference.
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This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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