Yala Greek Ice Cream

I love Greek yogurt, so when I heard there was a Greek ice cream shop in Georgetown, I knew I had to check it out. This place felt like a little taste of the Mediterranean tucked into the neighborhood (love the blue and white decor with pumpkins) and it did not disappoint. The offer two flavors made with Greek yogurt, and of course, I had to try both. I got Yia Mas, a tangy Greek yogurt ice ream topped with tart wild cherries, and Mornings with Thea, a creamy Greek yogurt base swirled with traditional organge preserves. Both were sooooooo good! The texture is rich and velvety, the flavors are bold without being overly sweet, and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients. They emphasize using high-quality ingredients like farm-fresh milk, premium imports from Greece and the Mediterranean, and no artificial sweeteners, hormones, or antibiotics. It's the kind of ice cream where every bite feels intentional. I appreciate how they incorporate Greek language and culture into the experience. It's such a charming touch and makes the visit feel more meaningful than just grabbing dessert. You can tell they genuinely want customers to learn a bit about the traditions behind their ice cream. I can't wait to try other flavors next time! :)

Finally checked out Yala and was greeted with warmth after a cold winter day in Gtown. Ordered Yia Mas and the mystico surprise mystery flavor which was a traditional Greek christmas cookie. So happy with our choice, its a different kind of ice cream that is not super heavy, easy to devour and doesnt sit heavy in your stomach since its a lighter milk/less fat and less sugar. The texture is not as creamy as a French custard base ice cream , reminiscent of an italian ice. Its delicious because of the fresh ingredients and it doesnt leave you feeling sick after you eat it. Such a welcome addition to the DC Ice cream scene! Thank you to Chris for sharing his family’s story and Danny for all the samples. The perfect winter treat 😉

Had such a lovely experience here! Chrys gave us some samples and walked us through the flavors to help us make a decision. He and the staff were awesome. The Greek Blue Summer and Mornings with Thea flavors are incredible -- super light and refreshing, and a great introduction to traditional Greek ice cream/yogurt!

Have I’ve been transported to Santorini? Ingredients used in the ice cream are sourced from Greece and are beautifully blended together to create flavors that can only be found in the Mediterranean. For my cup of deliciousness, I got a scoop of Mornings with Thea which is made with greek yogurt and mixed with orange preserves. No matter where I go I have to get the pistachio ice cream. And the Pistachio Odyssey at this shop is top tier. So good! Even though parking is a little bit of a nightmare in Georgetown, I definitely can see myself making this Greek excursion a priority whenever I’m in the area.

Also reviewed on Instagram @ryrythefoodie ✨️ I was very fortunate to have visited during their soft and grand opening and to have met the co-founders there in person. Yala Greek Ice Cream is a fantastic little ice cream shop with clear passion behind their vision. It's also in a really perfect spot (Wisconsin Ave x N St NW) of Georgetown, right on the corner where many people meander past shops and restaurants. Just as well, of course, since they have excellent quality ice cream. They use high quality ingredients and dairy, and many of their flavorings are imported from Greece and the Mediterranean. We ended up trying several flavors, including their versions of vanilla, cookies & cream, pistachio, strawberry sorbet, Greek yogurt with orange zest, and a walnut baklava ice cream. All were truly amazing. I had about 8 scoops of their ice cream over the course of 2 days and I absolutely don't regret it. The textures were divine and each item was noticeably light and not at all dense with excessive sugar, as is common with more commercial ice cream. My personal faves: "Papou's Promise" (vanilla from Tonga), "Americanaki Cookie" (cookies and cream), "Pistachio Odyssey" (pistachio), and "Mornings with Thea" (Greek yogurt ice cream w/ orange preserves). That's SO FAR. Looking forward to coming back to try more. I highly recommend stopping by Yala. It is well, well worth the visit into Georgetown alone. One other bonus is that it's an LGBTQIA+ friendly business and a queer safe space. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🍦

If you love ice cream, head to Georgetown for Yala Greek Ice Cream. Using the recipe of his grandfather, Chrys, the owner, creates unique Greek ice cream. Like many shops, they let you taste them all and staff are well trained to guide you through each option. Compared to other ice cream, I found Yala's to be more light. Each scoop has Greek-inspired ingredients like Greek yogurt, cherries, or pistachio. After tasting a few, I went with one of their premium flavors- Kataifi. The filo strips made it stand out!

This Greek ice cream is outstanding—smooth, creamy, and with just the right touch of sweetness (not sure what type of water the other reviewer is drinking to make the comparison). Each scoop feels fresh and authentic, never overpowering. Prices range from $7.95 for a small, $8.95 for medium to $9.95 for a large, which is very fair for the quality and quantity. The only thing I didn’t agree with was the up charge of $2 for signature flavors such as pistachio (I’m sure the ingredients cost more) Regardless, A must-try treat if you’re in the area!

Such a gem in Georgetown! The owners greeted us so warmly at the door and even offered samples while we waited. Inside, the staff so patient, helpful, and happy to let us try as many flavors as we wanted. Every flavor was delicious, but Mornings with Thea was hands-down our favorite. A great addition to the neighborhood, and the prices are 100% reasonable for the area. We will definitely be back!! 🍨🇬🇷

Yala Greek Ice Cream is such a gem! The Mornings with Thea flavor instantly reminded me of a creamy orange creamsicle -- light, bright, and so refreshing. I'm a caramel lover, so the Yia Yia Karamela was an instant favorite. It's rich without being heavy, with that perfect smooth Greek-style texture. The staff was warm and welcoming, offering samples and helping us choose between all the tempting flavors. And the branding? I love it -- the colors, the vibe, the whole aesthetic makes the shop feel cozy, quaint, and inviting. A must-try spot if you're in the area and want a treat that feels both nostalgic and elevated. I'll definitely be back!

I love Greek yogurt, so when I heard there was a Greek ice cream shop in Georgetown, I knew I had to check it out. This place felt like a little taste of the Mediterranean tucked into the neighborhood (love the blue and white decor with pumpkins) and it did not disappoint. The offer two flavors made with Greek yogurt, and of course, I had to try both. I got Yia Mas, a tangy Greek yogurt ice ream topped with tart wild cherries, and Mornings with Thea, a creamy Greek yogurt base swirled with traditional organge preserves. Both were sooooooo good! The texture is rich and velvety, the flavors are bold without being overly sweet, and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients. They emphasize using high-quality ingredients like farm-fresh milk, premium imports from Greece and the Mediterranean, and no artificial sweeteners, hormones, or antibiotics. It's the kind of ice cream where every bite feels intentional. I appreciate how they incorporate Greek language and culture into the experience. It's such a charming touch and makes the visit feel more meaningful than just grabbing dessert. You can tell they genuinely want customers to learn a bit about the traditions behind their ice cream. I can't wait to try other flavors next time! :)

Great yogurt but ridiculously expensive for the small size. I tried the Yia Mas and Mornings with Thea, which are the two yogurt options available. Both were very refreshing and unique flavors, and I especially like how there's real fruit chunks in it. There are so many ice cream shops but few yogurt shops, so I'm glad to have found this place. However, I really dislike their practice of pricing the smallest size super expensive to try and make the other options look way better. Like seriously, $7.75 for the 4oz and then only $1 more for 8oz? $2 more for 12oz? I get that it's "Georgetown pricing" but I would want to come by way more often if the small size was more reasonably priced. Instead, I now only want to come if I get the medium or large size and share it with other people, because there's no way I'm can finish 8oz+ by myself.

Actually very good! This is part of my Yelp Elite review. I was very excited to try a new froyo place. I really love their orange creamsicle version. Really smooth and tasty and tart but in just the right amount. I also really enjoyed their version of chocolate. In the shop I also did a sample of the chocolate cherry which I wasn't too crazy about bit too tart for me. Counter service was great. Very friendly. Parking is on the street or you walk it I definitely would come back!

We saw all the hype online and wanted to try Yala for ourselves. One of the owners was outside greeting customers and thanking them for waiting in the line that stretched down the street. It was a nice touch and made us feel very welcome. Staff handed out menus to people in line to keep things moving. My wife and I enjoyed the Mint Chip Mou and American Dream flavors. To be honest, I'm not sure I could tell the difference between this and regular ice cream, but it's very tasty ice cream nonetheless.

Yala can have different meaning based off the language. In Greek, Yala means milk; in Arabic, it means let's go; and in Turkish it means lick. Cute small spot in Georgetown for ice cream. It's nestled away, and up a steep set of stairs. There is a bench for eating inside for maybe two to three people, but the also have a couple of seats and benches outside on the street in front of the sidewalk. In terms of ice cream, It's less on the creamy and more on the ice-y side but they let you try the different flavors. They also had some specialty ones that cost a little extra like Yasou Dubai chocolate, pistachio odyssey, and Kaitaifi It's pretty good overall and a good refreshing after lunch/dinner snack, or just a nice break from DC's humid summers/falls/random heat waves.

I have never tried Greek ice cream, so had no idea what to expect. Upon entering, the man behind the counter was very friendly and willing to let me sample any flavors I was interested in. It was a warm day, so opted for the refreshing mint chip (I can't remember the actual name of the flavor), and it was great! The ice cream is very light and airy. It's not too sweet, and feels like having light treat! It's not too sweet or heavy, which I appreciate because I still felt good afterwards. I highly recommend giving Yala a try, especially if you are looking for a light and refreshing dessert!

Such good ice cream! The person who helped was so great and identifying what would be yummy to try and offered me to try all the flavors... talk about customer service! It was such a cute shop right in Georgetown, a great stop after a day of shopping.

It wasn't clear to me that there was some specific version of ice cream that is distinctively Greek that the world needed, but the flavors offered here are compelling. It is a small and very Georgetown location; note that it is up a set of stairs and one likely has to wait outside before traversing them, which may pose challenges for some people. They list detailed ingredients for their ice cream, which initially used the word gelatin, which causes all sorts of dietary concerns, but was revised to state that it is "veg"; there are vegetarian substitutes for this but I didn't see a 100% clear explanation for what's going on there and perhaps they can enlighten me. At least for me, that was enough to give it a go. They have wisely tapped into the Dubai chocolate trend, and their crispy noodle ice cream did offer an interesting taste and texture experience. Getting a mint chip yielded a ton of flavor but also an alcoholic aftertaste. The price, for which you add $2.00 to in order to get the same amount of a premium flavor, was high, even for Georgetown. They've marketed hard, and I like new and interesting things, so I wish them the best.

Their greek yogurt ice cream is so good. I tried many flavors but my fav was Mornings with Thea! Very light, tart, orange peel flavor! I ordered a small scoop with two flavors. Mornings with Thea paired with the cherry choco-cherry bliss. I'd def go back. They have seasonal flavors, to keep me coming.

This Greek ice cream shop stands out to me because of the incredible customer service we were shown. It was a hot day and members of the Yala team came over with water cups for us while we waited in line outside. Once we got inside everyone was very friendly and the service was fast. Cute interior too. My friend ordered a certain flavor and upon having a sample of a different one, the employee said it was no problem to just switch out one of the scoops for the new flavor (this was before he had given it to her). I felt like this was above and beyond customer service to make sure everyone feels great about their purchase. The icecream was good!! They also have Greek soda/juice so if you don't want ice cream you can still get something refreshing - the sour cherry was delicious.

Stopped by Yala Greek Ice Cream on their second day after opening. Luckily, we went during the day and avoided any crowds. First impressions? The interior is beautifully decorated. Colorful and themed with classic Greek colors. The menu is posted and easy to read. I was a bit surprised to see that they only offer one gluten-free option, which also happens to be dairy-free. I'm celiac, and the owner, Chris, informed me that he imports all his ingredients from Europe. While their ice cream does contain wheat, he mentioned that it's imported from Germany. From my experience, when I've consumed gluten in Europe, I typically don't get sick, so I decided to take the risk and try the pistachio ice cream. My husband ordered the strawberry sorbet. Thoughts? Both were very sweet. The pistachio was creamy and smooth, but honestly, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Did not get sick, so that's a plus! Would I go again? The staff was super friendly, and I appreciate that they offer outdoor seating. So yes, I'd definitely meet a friend here in the near future.

Came to get the free scoop offer through YelpDC! Georgetown is one of our go to hang out spots so we love the location. Also love the interior and that they were open til 11pm. The servers were patient and friendly with us as we were decided what to get. We tasted a few flavors and loved them all. We decided on the cookie and cream and blueberry lemon flavors (the actual names aren't easy for me to remember lol). We immediately understood the hype about this place and will definitely be back

Interesting flavors but wasn't blown away, had the American dream and it had almost no mix ins and was mostly just an ok chocolate, and had the burnt caramel flavor which was nice but too icy

If you love ice cream, head to Georgetown for Yala Greek Ice Cream. Using the recipe of his grandfather, Chrys, the owner, creates unique Greek ice cream. Like many shops, they let you taste them all and staff are well trained to guide you through each option. Compared to other ice cream, I found Yala's to be more light. Each scoop has Greek-inspired ingredients like Greek yogurt, cherries, or pistachio. After tasting a few, I went with one of their premium flavors- Kataifi. The filo strips made it stand out!

We waited 15 minutes on a Friday night to try Yala's. The guy that was manning the line had the best customer service and friendly demeanor. The outside is super cute with blue and white signage and decor everywhere - an upbeat icecream shop. I tried the black cherry opa and the Dubai featured one - I missed the cherry taste in the black cherry opa, but the Dubai flavor was fantastic! It was chocolatey and sweet but almost more whipped than standard ice-cream and with a slight crunch. Delicious! I'd 100% recommend - BUT do note that it costs extra since it's a featured flavor. The price is my only negative. It is EXPENSIVE for ice cream. Like we paid over $23 for 2 small bowls and a water (and tip). The owners were in the shop scooping and were so inviting and eager to talk about the ingredients and origins. Super cool and I hope they do well!

choco cherry bliss and American dream --- as a duo these were great, however a few notes: the ice cream is not rich, it is more so tangy, which was a surprising but not totally disappointing twist but it was a little "icey" at first and second, we would of preferred a greater mix-in to ice cream ratio (as they also don't have the option to add any toppings) as for price point ~$9 for a small which is kind of steep

We visited Yala on opening day. Yala is in the heart of Georgetown at Wisconsin Ave NW & 31st Street. Parking is challenging but not impossible. There are steep steps out front. The shop is cute and stocked with yummy flavors you can take home in pints or purchase at the counter. It is hard choosing a flavor. Thank goodness you can sample several. I adored the mint chip mou & pistachio odyssey. Hubby enjoyed the kataifi & mornings with Thea. Two scoops were $8.75. The other cup was $10.75. T-shirts are $25.00. Check social media for hours. The shop was open 11a-11p when we visited. We'll be back!

Great quality ice cream. Also available for home delivery. Friendly staff. Definitely will return.

I mean... I dont know if ice cream is the right word. Its more like ice milk. Very icey texture, not so much creamy going on there. The individuals working couldnt have been nicer - so kind and knowledgeable. The store is also quite darling.

Cute new shop in Georgetown. Ice cream has good texture, but flavors were mostly a miss (tried 3) - they were subtle and I did not feel worth the premium (the smallest size starts at $7.something). Everyone is friendly, line moves quickly enough, street seating is adjacent to a neighboring restaurants trashcans which isn't a great smell while eating ice cream

Amazing Greek ice cream! I've never had Greek ice cream, but I found it to be absolutely delicious, novel, and refreshing here. I tried choco-cherry bliss, mornings with Thea (AMAZING and incredibly refreshing), American Dream (chocolatey), and mint chip mou. The Greek ice cream seems to be a bit less creamy than your typical American ice cream and more focused on (fresh, bold, and authentic) flavors.

YIA MAS by YALA Greek is honestly the most delicious ice cream in all of DC. The texture is super creamy, the flavor is rich and authentic, and you can truly taste the quality in every bite. It feels like a Greek dessert made with love -- perfectly balanced, sweet, refreshing, and unforgettable. Plus, Daniel and Sebastián are super friendly and make the experience even better! Their kindness and great energy make you feel so welcomed every time you visit. It's not just ice cream... it's an experience. If you're looking for something unique, premium, and absolutely irresistible, YIA MAS from YALA Greek is the one you must try. Pure deliciousness!

I am so happy about this new addition to G'town! It's delicious and the staff is super nice. I really enjoyed the Black Cherry! Can't wait to go back and try some more flavors!!

We stopped by since we saw a long line and reviews were good. I ordered the cookies and cream Greek yogurt and it was not as creamy as I thought it would be - a bit crystalline. It's not my favorite but gave this place a chance.

Welcome to Georgetown, Yala! 'Yala' means 'Let's go', and that's what we just did - we went to try out their Pistachio Odyssey ice cream! Other flavor offerings include: Papou's Promise, Choco-Yala, Yiyia's Karamela, Yia Mas, Mornings with Thea, Black Cherry Opa!, and Choco-Cherry Bliss. They also have featured flavors, such as Yasou Dubai and Kataifi. If not feeling the unique flavors, they also have the classics, such as the Mint Chip Mou, the Americanaki Cookie, Ego Thelo Strawberry, the American Dream, and the Greek Blue Summer. The names of the flavors were super fun and creative! Staff were friendly and welcoming, and were more than happy to make recommendations or sample any of the flavors you were curious about - they also had the line moving along, which we all appreciated! Look for the super cute different-colored handled ice cream scoopers as decor! You can also have their ice cream delivered or procure their catering services! Metered and restricted street parking can be found in the area. +pistachio ice cream +friendly service

I recently went to Yala Greek Ice Cream get ice cream on a weekend afternoon after reading about its opening. I was able to get my ice cream quickly. I got the Dubai chocolate, which tasted like chocolate-I couldn't taste any pistachio or kaitafi. The ice cream itself was fine, nothing notable, and the waffle cone was solid. The ice cream was also expensive even by DC standards-$11.50 for one scoop in a waffle cone with tax and tip. Given the cost and taste, I would recommend other places.

I had heard that this is the only authentic greek ice cream place in America so obviously it was a must try. I went on a Sunday afternoon and there were plenty of people eating outside and the line was not too long. I was able to try some of the flavors and I got the small size but it does come with 2 scoops you can mix. I ordered the american dream and karamela but they gave me the americanaki cookie instead. It is all good ice cream, smooth and made fresh daily and lighter than a typical ice cream. It was good and I would definitely go back.

The first traditional Greek scoop shop in all of the US! The owners are so kind and absolutely love their customers. It's in the cutest spot in Georgetown and it has outdoor seating. I love the Greek Blue Summer and Americanaki Cookie flavors

Came on a late Monday night and there was a 5 min line outside. This place is really overrated. Well certainly is some flavors are really good. It's kind of wild to be paying nine dollars for a tiny scoop of ice cream that should be worth seven dollars at best. The service is great. It has the ambience of a normal ice cream shop. Anyway, if you're in the area, you want ice cream certainly come here, but there's no need to travel across town for this ice cream. The flavors are delicious, but the texture feels cheap.

Wow wow wow- this is THE new ice cream spot in Georgetown. My husband and I were blown away with the customer service, the vibes and of course the flavors of the ice cream. They asked if I had any allergies before we tasted a few flavors and I couldn't decide on just one. The strawberry sorbet was FRESH and great if you want something lighter. I'm normally never one to get "vanilla" but Papous Promise, their version of a "vanilla" was truly mind blowing and so creamy. We will absolutely be back for the delicious ice cream in such a cute and convenient location. +100 brownie points for also offering a sweet treat for our black Lab, Loudoun on this 100 degree summer day.

I was eager to try Yala and see what all the hype was about. We came on a Tuesday afternoon and the line was only about 10 minutes so that was good! The employees were nice and made sure that we were able to try any flavor we wanted. We got a large which came with three scoops, we did the original ones which are cherry and baklava and then our third scoop was a cookies and crème. All were delicious but the cherry Greek yogurt one was our favorite. It felt healthier and had that underlying Greek yogurt taste which I find delicious.

I would give Yala 3 stars for the actual ice cream (which is kind of icy in consistency, and not very flavorful), and 5 stars for the service and the energy. I don't think I'll come back, but it was a nice customer experience and good to try something new!

Quite tasty! I loved trying this new place out. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. I definitely want to come back and try more flavors. I do wish this flavor, the Dubai chocolate, had a pistachio drizzle on top.

the ice is delicious and the space is inviting. So slide in, grab a waffle cone, ask for that hard‑shell chocolate drizzle, and let Yala take your palate on a Mediterranean joyride. It's creamy without guilt, heritage with freshness, soulful sweetness done the Greek way. Yala means "milk" in Greek and "let's go" in Arabic--so let's go, fam.

I would give this spot a 3.5, but I've rounded up for great service! I visited with a friend after we had brunch nearby and we really ended up enjoying their yogurt-based ice cream. It had a nice tartness that paired well with the orange zest, and it was clearly ice cream and not just froyo. We tried quite a few, including the lovely blueberry ice cream. The overall texture isn't what I prefer (I like a richer, creamier base), but it was still solid and I loved how many of the flavors featured berries and citrus and cherries - lots of good, real mix-ins. Staff was so friendly and they kept us try tons of flavors before settling on what we wanted. The shop is small, but there's seating outside. I will say that I think the price is too high at $8 for a small. It was a good size of scoop, but these are very high prices for what I thought was good but not outstanding ice cream. I do realize that Georgetown rents are crazy, though, and I think it's a fun addition to the local ice cream scene. I would consider going back another time when they rotate their flavors; I just think it's priced too high to be a regular spot.

First time here and it was pretty good! I tried the Yiayia's Karamela ice cream. definitely recommend. The vibe is super welcoming and the staff were really knowledgeable.

We went there on their grand opening day. Their ice cream is so worthwhile for waiting in the line! The best ice cream we ever had. We tried four flavors and all of them are good!!! Can't wait to try more soon!!!

Very accommodating and nice employees! I had practically every flavor shoved into my face as a sample. The Papou Promise was such a light vanilla, and the flavor with the orange curd tasted like yogurt with a fresh fruit rind. Really refreshing. They have a beautiful storefront too.

Yala Greek ice cream is the best! The flavors are unique and the texture is just right. Everyone who works in the shop obviously believes in the product and the hospitality mission. The whole experience makes waiting in line worth it!

Friendly owner and employees. We loved getting to taste all the different flavors. Best ice cream with great service!

Great ice cream flavors, but expensive for the size. Passive aggressive staff behind the counter on our first visit...not a great initial impression. Very small inside, so if people are sampling every flavor taking up space at the counter, it makes sense that the lines are long. Not sure if I would go back.

It's hard to call Yala just ice cream--because it's so much more. Every bite is a rich, indulgent experience. The flavors are wildly creative and unlike anything you've seen (or tasted) before--think out-of-this-world delicious. I'm not usually someone who goes out of my way for ice cream, but Yala completely changed that. It's not just a treat, it's a destination. An absolute must-try!

This was so tasty. It was the perfect combination of tart and sweet. The store is clean and bright. The staff is very welcoming and offering samples so you get something you really love.

The BEST ice cream, the place is super cozy, the people are quite friendly, is Georgetown all is nice.

Ice cream texture is below average. More Icy than creamy. Flavors are good, people are nice, but bad ice cream

This place is amazing--from the moment you step in, the warm welcome, attentive service, and inviting vibe set the tone. As for the ice cream, the quality surpasses most gourmet options I've tried. It's creamy, perfectly balanced in sweetness (which I love), and the creativity in both the flavors and the rotating mytico selections is out of this world. It's an absolute must-try--I even travel from Fairfax, VA just to restock.

They were encouraging me to try different samples. I ended up going with Yasou Duabi flavor. Really good. Staff was really nice and professional. I went on a Tuesday early afternoon. Only 3 tables outside. I don't recall seeing any inside. So that might pose a disappointment if you go during peak hours, and want to have a seat with friends or family. We had no problems getting a table when we went. Otherwise, strolling in Georgetown with some of their delicious ice cream is a nice alternative. I predict they will stay in business for a long time.

Great ice cream, great people! Chris was the best at keeping the line moving and I'm super excited to come back!