Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Ice cream shop · San Diego ·

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Ice cream shop · San Diego ·

Dairy and vegan ice cream, unique flavors, shakes and sundaes

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream by null

Information

4301 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 2035, San Diego, CA 92122 Get directions

$$

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Trendy
Good for groups
Good for solo dining
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted

Information

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4301 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 2035, San Diego, CA 92122 Get directions

+1 718 701 1630
vanleeuwenicecream.com
@vanleeuwenicecream

$$ · Menu

Features

•Trendy
•Good for groups
•Good for solo dining
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Coffee
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Dec 13, 2025

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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Melo Melo Are Opening in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"Founded as a street-roving ice cream truck in 2008 by brothers Ben and Pete Van Leeuwen and Laura O’Neill, the brand's Brooklyn R&D kitchen dreams up custardy French ice cream alongside dairy-free options; with long-running bestsellers like honeycomb, Earl Grey tea, and Sicilian pistachio and pints that rank among the priciest in the freezer aisle, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is opening its first San Diego outpost at Westfield UTC — near the Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar and Ramen Nagi — scheduled to open in November." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2024/8/26/24228726/van-leeuwen-ice-cream-melo-melo-dessert-new-opening-westfield-utc-mall-san-diego
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Krystal H.

Google
I absolutely love Van Leeuwen! Their ice cream is incredibly creamy and rich, with so many unique flavors you can’t find anywhere else. The staff was friendly and patient while we sampled a few flavors, and the shop had a cozy, welcoming vibe. My favorite was the honeycomb flavor—it was perfectly balanced between sweet and crunchy. Prices are a bit higher than regular ice cream shops, but the quality really makes it worth it. Definitely a spot I’ll come back to again and again!

Angela P.

Google
It was a hot summer day in San Diego, and the weather practically begged for ice cream! This was my first time at Van Leeuwen, and I decided to try the Wild Cherry Sundae. It hit the spot perfectly - topped with fresh, fluffy whipped cream that tied it all together. The staff was friendly and patient, happily answering our questions, offering thoughtful recommendations, and helping us decide what to get without making us feel rushed. Overall, it was a sweet experience in every way. I’ll definitely be back!

P S.

Google
Hands down THE BEST ICE CREAM!!! No filler crap, and homemade taste. So exciting to come in and see/taste all the flavors. We always buy in the grocery but it was fun to see all the different flavors!! Highly highly recommend!!!!!

Ryan R.

Google
Updated review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 Updated review — I’ve been coming here regularly for the past couple of months, and it’s officially my go-to ice cream spot! Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is consistently amazing. Every single time I visit, the staff are so kind, patient, and genuinely welcoming. They never rush or judge, even when I sample flavors I’ve already tried before (yes, I’m that person 😅). I’ve had their shakes, pints, ice cream sandwiches, and even the dog ice cream—for my pup, of course—and he absolutely loves it. Everything is made with care and high-quality ingredients, and the flavors are always creative and delicious. They offer special flavors now and then, and not a single one has ever disappointed. The shop itself has a friendly vibe with plenty of open seating and tables. Especially in the summer, it’s the perfect place to cool down, hang out, or stroll through the mall with a cone in hand. Hands down the best ice cream shop at Westfield. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out! —————- Previous review: They just moved in and ive been here more than the other ice cream shops in utc. They are the best priced and their ice cream is flavorful, light and delicious!

Brandon N.

Google
Tried the Sweet Corn and Blueberries ice cream and I’m obsessed — it might be my favorite flavor in all of San Diego. The sweet corn has a rich, slightly savory, nostalgic vibe (like Captain Crunch), and the bold, tart blueberries cut through it perfectly. It’s an incredible summer combo. I’ve had Van Leeuwen’s cookbook for years and buy their pints at the store, so I’m obviously biased — but I’m thrilled they finally opened in San Diego. Really hoping they start selling this flavor in stores or make it a regular. Don’t miss it!

Momo Z.

Google
7$ for one scoop, 10$ for three scoops. So getting three scoops is definitely the best deal. We suggest going with two other people. The staff will serve the three scoops in separate cups — that's great value for money.

Deborah K.

Google
So good! Every flavor that I sampled did not disappoint. Each flavor is unique and potent, not watered down at all. I got the early grey, but wish I could split scoop with other flavors. A little pricey.

Zihao S.

Google
Absolutely loved the Strawberry and Earl Grey Milkshake here! The balance of flavors is incredible — the creamy strawberry is rich but not too sweet, and the subtle floral notes from the Earl Grey add such a unique twist. It’s like a dessert and an elegant tea in one. Super refreshing, perfectly blended, and beautifully presented. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something different from your usual boba or milkshake. Will definitely be coming back for this!
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Cristina B.

Yelp
So excited a location opened up in San Diego! Cute little ice cream shop in UTC mall near Raised by Wolves. Small location, but so cute! The staff were nice and my ice cream craving was satisfied. Will definitely be coming back!
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Linh Y.

Yelp
I love ice cream! When I saw Van Leeuwen Ice Cream at Westfield UTC, San Diego, I knew I had to pay them a visit. Very cute shop with good amount of bright yellow decor. Lots of outside patio seating and limited inside seating. Staff lady was welcoming, but not the smiliest. She didn't ask us if we wanted to sample any flavors. We didn't care to sample anyway since we knew exactly what we wanted. Both my daughters picked cookies & cream and I went with honeycomb (one of their popular flavors). Very smooth in texture. Not too sweet... just perfect! Ice cream goes down very nicely as it's very light. I liked the honeycomb for its simplicity more than the cookies & cream. I would get the honeycomb again. Van Leeuwen ice cream is different compared to other ice cream due to its "French-custard style recipe which uses a high amount of egg yolks for a thick, "toothsome" texture, and its commitment to simple, good ingredients, like real vanilla beans and high butterfat content." Two words to describe them are simple and healthy. It's all good stuff! If you're looking for great tasting lightweight ice cream, Van Leeuwen is it! Highly recommend them. They are primarily located on the West Coast of So Cal. I recently found out they are also sold in stores. Find them in Whole Foods, Sprouts, etc. I'll be seeking them out in the stores myself. Enjoy your ice cream!
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Annie W.

Yelp
Beautiful surroundings in the UTC mall, one of the most beautiful malls I've visited for sure. Faintly reminiscent of the mall near Stanford in SF, in terms of outdoor setting and upscale stores. Outdoor seating at Van Leeuwen, and the weather was great. We had tried this brand ice cream before from the grocery store so we were excited to visit the store in person. Slightly disappointed they didn't have our favorite flavor the strawberry Matcha latte, which is available in pints. We sampled around four or five flavors, and the worker was patient, before landing on Sicilian pistachio and Coffee Affogato. Not many of the flavors really stood out to us. Our two scoops was around $9, quite pricey ! The coffee was good, not super special though. The pistachio was also good but average, nutty and milky flavor. Personally don't believe it was worth the price, but alright icecream and beautiful surroundings to eat in and shop.
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Brian D.

Yelp
There is no longer a shortage of ice cream in the UTC area. Van leeuwen being the most recent addition and making it more difficult to choose! They have an abundance of flavors and offer samples. They have some basis but also some more intriguing flavors. The peanut butter brownie honeycomb is my favorite and can't wait to try more.
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Salman S.

Yelp
Stopped by Van Leeuwen Ice Cream at UTC Mall in San Diego for a sweet treat, and their strawberry ice cream was an absolute delight! This scoop was pure perfection--silky smooth, ultra-creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. It's not overly sweet, which I loved; the natural fruitiness shines through without being cloying. Every bite felt indulgent yet fresh, like a summer day in a cone.
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Karen M.

Yelp
Loved the customer care. The girl behind the counter (sorry for not getting her name) was amazing and allowed us to try different flavors and also explained some of the interesting ingredients for their ice cream. It's located inside of UTC tucked away in the corner, with outdoor seating. What a better way to enjoy some fantastic ice cream than Al fresco in our beautiful weather here in San Diego! Brought a friend with us from out of town and said it's the best ice cream he's ever had! Win win!
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Annie C.

Yelp
My favorite ice cream to buy by the pint now has a physical storefront in San Diego!!! French gourmet ice cream with very unique flavors such as strawberry yuzu cheesecake and earl grey.
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Nolita N.

Yelp
The ice cream, customer service, and vibe here are all really great! There is some seating indoors, and outdoors, the vibe is clean, and the yellow was really cute. The people working were really friendly, and offered us samples so we could figure out which one we wanted. We went with a 2 scoop cup with brown sugar cookie dough brownie and malted cookie dough. The ice cream was really good, smooth, creamy, and sweet. I feel like these days, ice creams are priced about the same now, with everything starting around the $5-6 mark (correct me if I'm wrong). With that being said, this spot was also within that price range, if I remember correctly.
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Allison P.

Yelp
Van Leeuwen has finally made its way to SD and they're scooping up some seriously scrumptious flavors! I've been to their locations in OC and LA, so I was no stranger when they opened up their doors. Being located at UTC, they're up against some pretty steep ice-cream shop competition, but they hold their ground with unmatched quality, taste, and super cute branding! On this particular visit, we got the Honeycomb and Cookies & Cream. Honeycomb is a cult favorite and you really can't go wrong with this flavor. It tastes like the real deal- sweet, but in a very natural way. Not artificially tasting at all! As for the Cookies & Cream, it was a classic flavor done right. Their ice cream is extremely creamy and has a slight chewy quality. Highly highly recommend if you're in the mood for a sweet treat!
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Roger P.

Yelp
The first time I've had Van Leeuwen was in New York and never thought they would open a location so close to home! So of course we had to check it out and they were doing some amazing Grand Opening deals! ~Food/Drinks~ Strawberry Matcha: Seasonal flavor so we had to try it! I like that their ice cream has a thicker consistency, it's not too soft and creamy. The strawberry flavor didn't shine as much as the matcha though but, being a fan of matcha, I still enjoyed this one. It's not as sweet as their other flavors. Honeycomb: This is a vanilla base with pieces of honey, making it way sweeter compared to the Strawberry Matcha. Also, I want to point out that one scoop pricing here is really two scoops of ice cream. And you can sample flavors! The waffle bowl and cone are extra but it's surprisingly not too much. ~Service~ Since we visited during Grand Opening and the deal was $1 scoop, there were a lot of people. The staff stayed friendly through the crowds and moved everyone along pretty fast. You can even sample the flavors so the fact we didn't wait too long with all the sampling speaks a lot to the service. ~Atmosphere~ It's very small inside with a couple of counter stools. If you're the only ones in there, it's nice just sitting along the windows and people watch. Plenty of outdoor seating in their makeshift patio but it's a problem during rainy days. ~Logistics~ They're located inside UTC so there's a lot of options for parking. Reminder that it's free for the first two hours and Van Leeuwen doesn't provide any parking validation. ~Conclusion~ Overall, really happy that they opened one in San Diego. It's pricy compared to other ice cream shops but they're pretty generous with their scoops. Besides ice cream, you can also order floats and cookie sandwiches too!
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Bernadette T.

Yelp
Definitely come by for Topping Tuesdays!! Your first topping is FREE! Van Leeuwen's ice cream is SO rich and creamy with some really creative flavors. It was so hard to choose what to get! The staff is awesome with letting us sample many of the flavors. I got a single scoop of strawberry with cone pieces on top. It was a perfect strawberry creamy flavor with just enough tang and sweetness. I am picky with my sweet treats, so this had a great flavor without it being sickeningly sweet. The cone pieces added a nice crunch! I would definitely stop by again to get my ice cream fix next time I'm at UTC.
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Isaiah A.

Yelp
Came here after dinner because my partner and I can never resist a sweet treat. It's always a plus when you can sample the ice cream before committing, and trust me, that's a big decision I ended up going with cookies and cream and honeycomb in a waffle cone. Cookies and cream might seem basic, but if you can't nail the classics, I'm skeptical. Thankfully, Van Leeuwen absolutely delivered. Smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. And the honeycomb? Easily one of the most unique and flavorful scoops I've had in a while. It took the whole experience to another level. Safe to say, this definitely won't be my last visit.
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vanessa c.

Yelp
After our lovely dinner my partner and I needed a sweet treat and I have been wanting to try this spot! We were able to sample some flavors which is always nice and I got the two scoop cup (gooder) with early grey and honeycomb. Honeycomb was one of the best flavors I've had and so so good, the earl grey I really enjoyed but for others who may not like it may think it was too bold There is some seating inside and outside and service was quick and kind, will definitely be coming back!
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Alan S.

Yelp
I mean, the flavors are unique and I would say that after having Wonderlust in Irvine, it feels like many of these places are not as good in comparison, but I get it. They are trying to create some new flavors, but I have to say this spot in particular seemed more pricier for a kids scoop at $6.50 that so small. It didn't really hit the spot. Maybe it was an off day, but the person serving us also said they didn't really know what was in the flavors but just to scan the code on the glass
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Jake T.

Yelp
Really nice Dessert shop that opened up recently(?) in UTC. I have been here twice after dinners and both times, I really enjoyed the food here! I got the cup with the matcha strawberry and the mango sticky rice flavors both times and it was consistently good throughout! The portions are pretty good for the price as well and you can also get milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches if you would like The service is really good and they do not hesitate to let you try any of the flavors that you want. There are both seasonal and permanent flavors so when you come back there may be a different set of flavors to choose from! Both times that I went, there was not too crazy of a crowd however I think for both times I went after 8-9pm. Inside the shop is nice, it smells like waffles from the cones and is also really clean. Parking for the store is pretty easy, its located inside UTC so all you have to do is get parking within the mall. Im not sure if they validate parking but that is something that you can check up on. I hope you enjoy this restaurant as much as I have!
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Saleen M.

Yelp
Their flavors are amazing! I have seen them at grocery stores & was super excited to see them open up shop at UTC. The workers are friendly & they encourage you to try many flavors. My favorite is their Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie, so, so flavorful!
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Minji K.

Yelp
Service was quick and we got to try a couple of flavors before picking. Ended up picking black cherry chip, it reminded me of one of my favorite ice cream flavors from Graeters!
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Linda C.

Yelp
After dinner, my husband and I wanted to get something sweet. This is a new ice cream shop located right next to the ramen shop. There are a variety of flavors to choose from. We tasted some ice cream flavors and they were ok not as creamy as we expected. We decided to go with their milkshakes and opted for the basic cookies and cream milkshake (you can never go wrong with a good old fashioned classic). You get an option to choose between whole, 2% or oat milk for your milkshake. The service was ok, the young lady in the front didn't seem too excited or welcoming when we first walked in. Now on to the cookies and cream milkshake, it was terrible. It's like drinking melted ice cream, extra liquidy and no flavor whatsoever. Might as well just order a cup of milk instead. The milkshake was $10, definitely on the pricier side. Unfortunately, we will not be coming back.
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Roz E.

Yelp
Needed to get my dessert fix after lunch, so I ended up here! Took my cup of ice cream and sat near the koi pond since it was a nice day out! I want to go back and try all the flavors!
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Audrey C.

Yelp
Oh how I've missed Van Leeuwen in NYC and now we have it in SD! Located next to Ramen Nagi, this place has a spacious storefront and some outdoor seating tables. Staff here Are so nice and friendly and patient as you're picking and choosing your flavors. Be sure to try some samples! While the price of their ice cream seems a tad higher than competitors for the size, their flavors are unique as well as flavorful. I had the strawberry matcha latte and it has strong strawberry flavor with a subtle hint of matcha that was perfect. The Earl Grey Tea was spot on in flavor and we also loved the cookies and cream which according to the kiddo was the best.
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Ryan B.

Yelp
Van Leeuwen is a French gourmet ice cream company that has taken the frozen aisle by storm in grocery stores, and it just so happens they have a shop in San Diego. Does it live up to its expectation as a local creamery rather than just a freezer staple? The ice cream shop is tucked away in the corner of the Westfield UTC mall across from True Food Kitchen and around the corner from the Apple Store. There was no blaring music or crowd of guests, just a powerful reminder on the wall that "A Life Without Anything Good is Bad." I was kindly greeted by their wonderful staff and as it was my first time, they offered me to try some of their favorites. There was no line on a midday weekend and it allowed for a quiet and undisturbed experience of flavor exploration. All of the flavors are relatively rich and sweet so prepare your tastebuds for an experience. I thoroughly enjoyed all of them, but the standouts were the Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Chunk flavor (9/10) and their Honeycomb (10/10). I would definitely recommend the Honeycomb to any future patron. They make their own waffle cones fresh and I highly recommend it as a pair for whatever flavors you choose. The two scoops in a cone came out to about $10. It's a little on the pricier end, but you can tell it is for a quality ice cream. Overall, Van Leeuwen is a great addition to the San Diego ice cream scene. While it is a little expensive, the kind staff and fresh flavors guarantee an indulgent experience.
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Grace L.

Yelp
I was so excited to see that Van Leeuwen opened up in UTC. I've heard a lot about it, so it's nice that we have a location in SD. They were nice to give out samples, and I loved all of the flavors that I tried. I decided to get the strawberry matcha latte since it was listed as a limited winter special flavor. My friend and I both wanted the same flavor so the worker suggested that we split a two flavor cup ($8.95). It is a good deal, compared to the 1 flavor cup which is already $7.45. However, I thought that it would be two full scoops for $8.95, but it was definitely two small scoops. Despite the steeper price point compared to some other ice cream shops, I would still return because the other flavors I sampled (peanut butter brownie honeycomb and earl grey tea) were also delicious.
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Stephanie H.

Yelp
Salt and straw has a new competitor! I love the huge variety of flavors Van Leeuwen offers and I was really hoping to try their viral strawberry matcha latte but they didn't have it. Nonetheless, the strawberry yuzu cheesecake was phenomenal! Flavors were on point and they were nice enough to let us sample several flavors. Pricing is fairly reasonable and they were generous with their scoops!
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Kevin T.

Yelp
Stopped by for a sweet treat while shopping and the ice cream itself was solid. We shared two scoops of honeycomb and earl grey tea and both were creamy, not too sweet, and tasted exactly like what you'd expect from the descriptions. That said, the service left a lot to be desired. It was empty and we weren't greeted when we walked in or even when we stepped up to the counter. When we asked for samples, the staff just handed us tasting spoons without saying a word. The whole interaction felt a bit cold and honestly made me uncomfortable.
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Cathee C.

Yelp
Van Leeuwen is very popular on the ice cream subreddit lol (yes, I'm a fattie). Even though I've seen this brand in stores, I was excited to visit the storefront as they had so many flavors!!! I loved all of the ones I tried especially the large amount of vegan offerings, which were so tasty and creamy. I went with the single scoop of the limited edition strawberry matcha and it was heaven. The strawberry tasted fresh and the matcha flavor was pronounced. I will say it was very expensive for a single scoop. As for the double scoop, you don't get 2 full single scoops, it's 2 smaller single scoops which sucks. With lots of other ice cream competitors in the area, I hope Van Leeuwen makes it, but with the high cost, I can see people gravitating towards others.
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George P.

Yelp
Finally got to try this place a few days ago, and I really enjoyed my visit. I'm glad they're open really late, cause sometimes it does take some planning to go to UTC and find where a place is after parking in the garage. The staff was really helpful and got to try multiple flavors before deciding on which to get as scoops. Got the black cherry chip (good!) and the earl grey (so tasty!) scoops, and the texture for both were so well done. Place itself has a nice modern feel, and there was seating indoor and outdoors. It does feel a bit cramped inside when large groups come in though. Had a great time and ca5 wait to try more flavors.
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Emmett T.

Yelp
The Westfield UTC Mall has become the local mecca of gourmet gelato/ice cream with the debut of Van Leeuwen. This NYC-based chain is now operating in a suite where Sweetfin Poke used to be located (between Sushi Nagi and the former Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar). It's at least the third high end business at the mall dishing out frozen treats. The inside had limited countertop seating for about eight customers while several tables were available on the patio in front of the shop. Approximately two dozen flavors were on the menu with three to four of them that were rotating specials. For those who want vegan options, there were at least six choices. Sampling of flavors was allowed so take advantage of that perk before deciding. The scoop prices looked to be slightly higher than the competition ($7.45 one flavor, $8.95 two flavors, $10.45 three flavors). Six regular toppings cost $1.25 each; caramel, hot fudge, and whipped cream were $1.50 apiece; and a housemade waffle bowl or cone would set you back $1.75. After trying three flavors, I selected the Banana Bread Pudding with Fudge Swirls and Dulce de Leche Caramel Truffle in a cup. The first was a vegan variety that had a strong banana flavor. The second was decadently sweet with so much caramel. It was disappointing to see that the scoop sizes were not as generous as I have experienced elsewhere, especially for the premium pricing. Other than that, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has a solid product lineup.
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David Z.

Yelp
Came here after work to get myself a sweet treat. They are next to Ramen Nagi, and their storefront was very easy to find. The attendant was very good explaining all the different flavors. All of the ice creams were amazing I had a hard time picking. I had the honeycomb and the affogato combination. Amazing. Service was quick and easy. The inside is very clean and well decorated. Would visit again.
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Joyce L.

Yelp
Overall, wasn't very impressed with their sorbet flavors. They weren't particularly refreshing, when I wanted something light on a warm day. Their honeycomb and coffee affogato flavors weren't bad though! Would go for those next time. But nice seating area outside, so a good hangout spot.
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Samantha W.

Yelp
We had been fans of Van leeuwen ice cream for awhile. Have bought and tried a good number of pints/flavors. This newly opened shop is very pretty and the service was exceptional. Very patient and very friendly. I will say my husband was surprised at the price for each little scoop lol it was about $16ish for 2 single scoops lol...but it's also Westfield UTC...I'm sure their monthly lease isn't cheap. So it does make sense. My fave flavor of theirs is the big face affogato but I decided to try a new flavor - the dulce de leche caramel truffle. Upon sampling it - it was good but walking away with a scoop it got boring and overly sweet really quick. I unfortunately didn't eat much of it. My husband got strawberry - which we've had before and it's good but I do think it would be better with more strawberry. Because I've been sticking to a whole food diet with essentially no refined sugars - I don't know if I'll be back honestly. But if you like/love ice cream and aren't on a diet, I'd say it's still fun to try.
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Christine B.

Yelp
There are so many options to try so I recommend ask for some samples! All the flavors that I tried were so yummy and rich. One of the best ice cream spots I have been to for sure, and I would like to return when I am in the area. We got a single scoop of the Marionberry Cheesecake which has a very strong berry flavor and cheesecake chunks. It was super creamy and rich. We also got the Vegan Strawberry Shortcake which tasted like the blue bunny version. It was pretty tart and not too sweet! * Marionberry Cheesecake - 8.6/10 * Strawberry Shortcake - 8/10
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Steph L.

Yelp
Located next to Ramen Nagi. They have lots of different flavors and staff were very friendly and encouraged us to try as many as we wanted! Some of the flavors tasted icier than others, like the vegan ones. We settled on the coffee and strawberry matcha. Cost for two scoops was around $10 after tip. Both were good, I think the coffee had a caramel ribbon? They have some stand up bar seating inside and lots of seating outside.
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Danielle H.

Yelp
Located in UTC, this is a great spot to take a break from shopping and walking to get a sweet treat! There's some outdoor seating, but nothing inside. Workers are really friendly and helpful in suggesting flavors. I love that they let you have so many samples and that those samples are quite large haha! I ended up going with the mango sticky rice and maybe regretted it a little just because of how insanely sweet it was. A little too sweet for my liking, but really great flavor. Van Leeuwen's ice cream never disappoints.
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Diane Y.

Yelp
This is always on our list when in NYC but now we have one closer at UTC mall. Vanleeuwen ice cream has many vegan options and seasonal variations. Really good quality. Great addition to San Diego.
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Abby ..

Yelp
Stopped by on a Thursday evening in hopes to try the matcha strawberry flavor but they didn't have it. The workers are super nice and let you try all the flavors you'd like. Cute interior and decor. Very bright inside. Ended up ordering the Bigface Coffee Affogato and it was SOOO GOOD! I'll probably buy a pint if I see it at the grocery store.
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Jessica D.

Yelp
I've always enjoyed their pints but so I'm so happy this opened up a location! I love that you can sample any flavor. I recommend honeycomb if it's your first time!
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Annie H.

Yelp
They offer samples! I was curious to try the ice cream from Van Leeuwen since I've heard all the hype about it. It is pricey, though! One scoop/flavor cost $7.45. If you want to do a two flavor split, it's $8.95. For a three flavor split, it's $10.45. You can also purchase their ice cream by the pint, and Van Leeuwen offers vegan flavors. We settled for a single scoop of their mango sticky rice. Since it was a Tuesday, we were informed that toppings were complimentary and chose the honey almond slivers. The mango sticky rice was not overly sweet and paired nicely with the honey almonds.
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Elisa L.

Yelp
Came here on a weekday after dinner and it was pretty quiet. The worker let us sample many flavors and I was pretty indecisive since so many were good! We eventually decided on the honeycomb and strawberry matcha flavors. I loved the honeycomb, as it was light, refreshing, smooth and perfectly sweet. The strawberry matcha was a bit bitter for me but I'm not the biggest fan of matcha. It was pretty pricey but it was delicious and the portion a good size. And on Tuesdays they offer a free topping! Cute and clean interior with a few seats but plenty more outdoors. Service was fast and nice. I would definitely come back to get their other flavors!
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Sharon L.

Yelp
Line doesn't look super long but moves slow. There were only 2 staff members working and 1 mostly did pints/online orders. The staff that helped us was very friendly and nice even though she is busy and overwhelmed. Lots of interesting flavors. Loved the honeycomb - natural and refreshing. The texture of the ice cream does seem to "fall apart" easily though and not as creamy as I expected. They make the waffle cone fresh upon order, which seems inefficient but amazingly fresh. Really enjoyed the waffle cone!
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Renee H.

Yelp
Many flavors to choose from including a handful of vegan flavors. I sampled many and all were very tasty. Dark chocolate brownie vegan, regular dark chocolate brownie, brown sugar cookie dough brownie, cookies and cream..I love the variety and quality of life creams. The only negative thing is it's on the expensive side. 8$ for a single flavor. I wanted a waffle cone but decided against because it was another $2.
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Jasmine C.

Yelp
New ice cream shop at UTC mall! It's right next to ramen nagi. My friend told me this is from NYC. The worker said they have been open since the end of December. I asked for a few samples but I love the strawberry matcha! It was a nice blend of sweet and earthy. Definitely coming back. They are open late too, until 11pm.
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Cindy C.

Yelp
The shop looked really cute and the workers were nice! We tried the mango sticky rice but it tasted more vanilla than mango. We also got a root beer float with brown sugar cookie dough brownie and it was really good. You can ask the workers for samples which is nice before committing to a flavor.
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Why-Tie Z.

Yelp
Good ice cream but very pricey. Had the peanut butter brownie fudge. Very peanut buttery and good.
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Amanda N.

Yelp
Yummy strawberry matcha ice cream! Make sure to check ingredients online if you have allergies, as the labels in store are not up to date! Scoops are also giant here so definitely only need 1 flavor, but two is perfect if you are sharing!
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Allison L.

Yelp
Came in after a weekday dinner at Din Tai Fung and there was only one party in front. The worker was very nice when we were sampling all the different flavors. We settled on honeycomb & the seasonal strawberry matcha. The honeycomb was light and sweet, and the strawberry matcha was a perfect mix of sweet and earthy. Pretty pricey - almost $8 for 2 scoops but they were decent sized. Also you get a free topping on Tuesdays! Plenty of seating outdoors and some indoors
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Ayham D.

Yelp
Since I started going for dairy free ice cream, I've been hunting for something similar to the classic strawberry shortcake popsicle I had as a kid. This has always been one of my favorite ice cream flavors/combinations. When I walked into Van Leeuwen yesterday and saw it my mind was blown. I had to try it and it turned out to be just as good as my favorite childhood treat. I can't recommend Van Leeuwen enough, there's lots of other great flavors to keep you interested as well. But for me, I'm coming back for this strawberry shortcake.
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Terri L.

Yelp
Yummy!!! Sicilian Pistachio sundae was delicious... pistachio bits were crunchy and nutty. Spoonful of Mango sticky rice was delicious as well.. That will be my choice for our next visit. Service was prompt and friendly. Will definitely come back for our dessert cravings.

Soo L.

Yelp
Great service and delicious flavors! They let us sample a few options before we decided on pistachio and honeycomb. Both were super smooth and flavorful yum! We were sharing, and they even gave us an extra cup
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Momo Z.

Yelp
7$ for one scoop, 10$ for three scoops. So getting three scoops is definitely the best deal. We suggest going with two other people. The staff will serve the three scoops in separate cups -- that's great value for money.