When it comes to summer treats, there will always be the childhood favorites we all know and love: rocky road, chocolate chip cookie dough, mint chocolate chip. But when you have a hankering for something new, it’s time to turn your attention to something more inventive. At these NoVA spots, you’ll find treats that incorporate out-there ingredients to create dynamic, unconventional ice cream flavors to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Keep in mind that many flavors are served on a rotating basis and may not be available every day.
Amoo’s Restaurant
The saffron ice cream at this McLean Persian restaurant is a must-try for the adventurous sweet tooth. The housemade treat is delightfully vibrant in color and infused with saffron, rose, and pistachio. Try it alone or sandwiched between thin wafers. 6271 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Jake’s Ice Cream
The ice creams at Jake’s are crafted with 14 percent butterfat, making for a creamy and indulgent final product. There are plenty of decadent options, but one stands out: lucuma, a South American fruit with a sweet, creamy flavor. 6353 Columbia Pk., Falls Church
Mimi’s Handmade Ice Cream
When flavors like fennel, wasabi peas, and sweet corn are on the menu, how can you resist? There are two NoVA locations of this ice cream parlor, where uncommon flavors of indulgent ice cream reign supreme. If you’re not feeling quite so brave, don’t worry — classic flavors are available, too. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington; 2985 District Ave. Ste. 160, Fairfax
Pitango Gelato
For those who prefer gelato, Pitango is the place to be. Vibrant flavors of the dense, creamy treat such as turmeric ginger, saffron pistachio, star anise, and halvah grace the menu. And, for those avoiding dairy, there’s an impressive list of sorbets, including tamarind, Concord grape, and hibiscus blossom. 11942 Democracy Dr., Reston
Snocream Company
Try something that’s as novel in texture as it is in flavor. At Snocream, flakes of creamy Taiwanese shaved ice are adorned with toppings like boba, jellies, and red bean, then drizzled with condensed milk or chocolate sauce. For your base ice, opt for taro, pandan, milk tea, or Thai tea flavors. 4221 John Marr Dr., Annandale
Toby’s Homemade Ice Cream
Toby’s specializes in ultra-rich ice creams with plenty of flavor. Try the macapuno sherbet (it’s similar to coconut), the purple ube, and a sorbet made with calamansi, a Filipino citrus fruit that tastes like lemon and lime. 5849 A Washington Blvd., Arlington; 280 Cedar Ln., Vienna
Feature image of saffron ice cream at Amoo’s Restaurant by Rey Lopez
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food & Drink newsletter.
