Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream

"After closing last October, and leaving a scoop-shaped hole in our hearts, popular gelato shop Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream has reopened at a new location in the Outer Sunset right by the beach. Expect the same menu of beloved, mostly Asian flavors like lychee, durian, and black sesame. " - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1

"SF has its fair share of gelato spots, as well as scoop shops with Asian flavors. But Asian gelato? That's what's happening at this Sunset spot. Their creamy gelato, in flavors like red bean and pandan to coconut and durian, is incredible. If you're torn, go for the black sesame, which has a not-too-sweet nutty taste. This stuff is thick enough to frost a cake—a sign of a scoop done right in our books." - patrick wong, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream is a well-loved sweet shop known for its smooth and creamy gelato made in Asian flavors such as lychee, pandan, and durian. It served its final scoops on Taraval Street in October 2023 and plans to relocate to 3886 Noriega Street in spring. The shop opened in 1982 and continues to serve Thai tea and black sesame ice cream at its San Jose location." - Lauren Saria

"Named for the explorer said to have introduced Italy to ice cream by way of China, Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream serves its frozen treat the other way around, with scoops of gelato-like creaminess with Asian flavors. Try lychee, green tea, black sesame, or durian, made from the fruit that’s famously banned on public transit in Singapore for its strong smell. Opened in 1982, Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream is a favorite gathering spot in far-flung Parkside, and a second location opened in San Jose in 2015." - Dianne de Guzman, Stefanie Tuder, Eater Staff

"SF has its fair share of gelato spots, as well as scoop shops with Asian-inspired flavors. But Asian-inspired gelato? You’ll find that at this Sunset spot. Their creamy gelato—which features (mostly) Asian ingredients ranging from red bean and pandan to coconut and durian—is incredible. Our favorite is the black sesame, which has a not-too-sweet nutty taste that we now crave at least once daily. This stuff is so thick that you can turn a cup upside down and it won’t fall out. That's a sign of success in our book. photo credit: Brit Finnegan" - Julia Chen