Oreo Brittle, Cinnamon Latte, Nutter Butter Crunch and Dubai Chocolate are just a few of the exceptional flavor combinations crafted by Caffè Panna, the renowned New York ice cream shop. Founded in 2019 by Hallie Meyer, daughter of famed restaurateur Danny Meyer, Caffè Panna brought her Italian dessert training to New York and redefined the ice cream experience in the city.
Before Caffè Panna opened, the city lacked an ice cream shop that matched the creativity demanded by its vibrant culinary scene. When its doors opened, crowds lined up and Meyer set a new standard for ice cream in the city.
Today, they serve their signature scoops, sundaes and pints at their Gramercy Park and Greenpoint storefronts for $5.50 to $13, depending on size and addendums. They also offer pints online and in local markets across the city.
Caffè Panna first appeared on my Instagram Explore page during my sophomore year in 2022. I shared it with my friends – how could we say no to trying ice cream that looked that good?
I made the trek on a warm September day to try it for the first time. While long lines are inevitable on a sunny 80-degree day like mine, the wait was worth it. This ice cream was the best I’ve ever had, and trust me, I have high standards as a sweets lover.
When I reached the charming corner in Gramercy, the lines wrapped around the block, but they moved quickly and we only waited about 20 minutes. On my first visit, a few flavors were sold out, but I went with the Oreo Brittle topped with whipped cream. It was the creamiest, most decadent, delicious cookie-based ice cream I have ever tried. The whipped cream was light and homemade, making each spoonful the perfect refreshing treat on a late summer day.
Fast forward to February 2025, and I decided to buy a pint of PB Black Bottom, which features peanut butter, peanut brittle, dark fudge and Oreo. Once again, I was wowed by the rich, chocolaty, nutty flavor combination this ice cream delivered.
Their Gramercy Park location in particular is nestled at the most stunning intersection of New York townhouses covered in ivy, making it feel like the ultimate neighborhood spot in the city.
After grabbing your sundaes and scoops, I highly recommend strolling around Gramercy Park, as long as you have a key to enter. It is a serene spot, and the walk adds to the experience.
I have not yet had the chance to visit the Greenpoint location, but from what I have seen, it looks like a larger storefront. This shop offers more specialty menu items, like their Granita, a frozen dessert that blends fruit with crushed ice. The larger space also has more seating, making it a great spot to linger and enjoy ice cream.
Caffè Panna has created a space where ice cream is more than just a treat, offering an innovative culinary experience focusing on craftsmanship. I look forward to the warmer days ahead when ice cream is more of a daily ritual. But there is no wrong time of year to try Caffè Panna.
