Caffe Panna
NYC's beloved gelato shop, famous for daily rotating flavors, signature soft serve, and creative collaborations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more flavor options
Caffe Panna
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more flavor options
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's beloved gelato shop, famous for daily rotating flavors, signature soft serve, and creative collaborations.
"This is my favorite ice cream in the world. You can't go wrong with anything!"
🎯 Daily Menu is Key
Flavors change daily & sell out fast! Check their socials or go early.
✨ Try the Soft Serve
Beyond scoops, their soft serve and affogatos are legendary.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tiramisu Soft Serve
Gramercy Park
A beloved seasonal special, often featuring a candied lady finger garnish. A must-try for coffee and dessert lovers.
+1
Inventive Seasonal Scoops
Gramercy Park
From Frosted Butter Cake to Double Stuffed Oreo, their rotating flavors are a testament to creative, delicious ice cream.
Signature Affogato
Gramercy Park
A perfect blend of rich espresso poured over their house-made gelato. A sophisticated treat for coffee aficionados.
Phil Rosenthal's 'Somebody Scoop'
Gramercy Park
A special collaboration featuring peanut butter, chocolate fudge, Oreo brittle, and Twix bars. A celebrity-endorsed delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Daily Specials
Navigating the Lines
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Daily Menu is Key
Flavors change daily & sell out fast! Check their socials or go early.
✨ Try the Soft Serve
Beyond scoops, their soft serve and affogatos are legendary. +1
🚶♀️ Lines Move Fast
Don't be deterred by the queue; it usually moves quickly!
🤝 Collab Flavors
Look out for exciting collaborations with bakeries like Levain! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Daily Menu is Key
Flavors change daily & sell out fast! Check their socials or go early.
✨ Try the Soft Serve
Beyond scoops, their soft serve and affogatos are legendary. +1
🚶♀️ Lines Move Fast
Don't be deterred by the queue; it usually moves quickly!
🤝 Collab Flavors
Look out for exciting collaborations with bakeries like Levain! +1
🍦 Panna Topping
Their signature 'panna' (whipped Italian cream) adds a velvety finish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Caffè Panna is widely praised for its inventive, high-quality gelato and popular soft serve, with many highlighting the daily specials and efficient service despite long lines. Some find the ice cream a bit too creamy or lacking in distinct flavor compared to other top-tier spots, and certain sundaes have received mixed reviews for being overly salty or not tasting as expected. [^Review]
"I've been spoiled with stellar ice cream lately, with my two favorites in the world being Leopold's in Savannah, GA and Il Laboratorio in the Lower East Side.
I felt my taste buds were primed to finally try Caffe Panna, as New Yorkers talk about it like Jesus Christ himself is back there whipping up the ice cream.
My girlfriend and I arrived on a Sunday and it was PACKED, but they have the ordering system so dialed in that a line that looked like it was going to take 45 min only took 8. Fair play.
I went with plain vanilla with olive oil drizzle, as I feel this is the best way to taste test an ice cream. Pure. No frills. The real deal.
It was really really good, I'm not going to sit here and lie to you my dear reader. It was some high level cream, but it just didn’t hit the same as Leopold’s or Il Laboratorio. It was just a tad too creamy for my personal preference. Texture is everything to me.
If you listen to nothing else I say before I kick the bucket, please get down to Savannah, GA to try Leopold’s ice cream. It’s just different down there.
IG @johnny.novo
Tiktok @jnov
Substack @johnnynovo"
Johnny Novo
"This is my favorite ice cream in the world. There are daily flavors that typically sell out pretty quickly so go early but the regular flavors are still so amazing. The affogato, soft serve, and specials are insanely good as well. Overall, this place is the best and you can’t go wrong with anything!"
Andrew Berto
"I just don’t get the hype. For me, the ice cream lacks flavor and has a type of “stick to the roof of your mouth” feel. Always a line (that moves quickly), but with so many incredible ice cream places nearby I really don’t get the appeal. I got the pretzel sundae which I found excessively salty. Oreo crumble in my friends for me didn’t taste like Oreo."
Cami Tussie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Caffè Panna is located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan at 77 Irving Place. The closest subway stations are the 6 train at Astor Place or the N, Q, R, W trains at Union Square-14th Street. Many visitors also find it convenient to take a bus or rideshare service directly to the location.
Street parking in the Gramercy area can be challenging to find and is often metered. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or a rideshare service to avoid parking hassles.
From Midtown Manhattan, you can take the 6 train downtown to Astor Place or the N, Q, R, W trains downtown to Union Square-14th Street, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare will provide a direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need to purchase tickets in advance. Caffè Panna operates on a walk-in basis. You'll join a line to order and pay at the counter.
Hours can vary, especially for seasonal specials. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times, as they often stay open into the evening.
There is no admission fee to enter Caffè Panna. You only pay for the ice cream, gelato, affogato, or other treats you purchase.
Caffè Panna does not take reservations. It's a popular spot, so be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak hours.
Yes! Caffè Panna is famous for its daily changing specials, collaborations with other brands (like Levain Bakery), and seasonal flavors. Keep an eye on their Instagram for announcements.
🎫 🍦 Onsite Experience
The best approach is to check the daily specials board or menu as soon as you get close to the counter. Popular items, especially soft serves and sundaes, can sell out quickly.
While their daily specials are highly recommended, don't miss the Tiramisu Soft Serve (when available), their signature affogato, and any unique seasonal gelato flavors. The 'panna' topping is also a signature touch.
Absolutely! The ice cream is beautifully presented, and the shop has a charming aesthetic. The vibrant colors of the gelato and toppings make for great shots.
It's a lively and bustling spot, especially when busy. The atmosphere is casual and fun, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat.
While known for their creamy gelato and soft serve, it's always best to inquire directly about specific dairy-free or vegan options available on the day of your visit, as their menu is dynamic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Caffè Panna serves both traditional scoops of house-made gelato and a popular soft serve. They are known for their inventive flavors and seasonal specials.
Yes, they offer delicious sundaes with unique toppings and their signature affogato, which is gelato with a shot of espresso.
Popular combinations often involve their seasonal specials, like Tiramisu soft serve, or collaborations featuring cookies and cakes. The 'panna' topping is a classic addition to most orders.
Yes, Caffè Panna offers pints of their gelato and soft serve for takeaway. They also have options for nationwide shipping through platforms like Goldbelly. +1
The 'panna' is a lightly whipped Italian cream that is a signature topping at Caffè Panna, adding a velvety finish to their scoops and sundaes.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant colors of the gelato, the artistic presentation of the sundaes, and the charming exterior of the shop all make for great photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the iconic soft serve swirls!
Daylight hours are generally best for capturing the true colors of the ice cream and the shop's ambiance. However, evening shots can also be atmospheric.
Try overhead shots of your sundae or scoop, close-ups of the texture, and wider shots that include the shop's facade or the bustling atmosphere. Capturing the 'magic shell' cracking is also a popular TikTok trend.
Popular hashtags include #caffepanna, #caffepannanyc, #nycicecream, #nycfood, #softserve, and #gelato.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The soft serve options are often a big draw for children, and the variety of flavors means there's likely something to please even picky eaters. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid the largest crowds. Pro-tip: If you're visiting with very young children, consider ordering a few different flavors to share, allowing everyone to sample the diverse offerings. The sundaes, with their fun toppings, can also be a special treat.
🍦 Ice Cream Aficionados
Don't shy away from the more unconventional flavors; they are often the most rewarding. The affogato, a perfect marriage of espresso and gelato, is a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate the nuances of both coffee and dessert. Pay close attention to their collaborations with renowned bakeries and chefs, as these often represent the pinnacle of their creative output.
📸 Instagrammers & Foodies
The Tiramisu Soft Serve and any visually striking seasonal specials are particularly popular for photos. Don't forget to capture the iconic soft serve swirls and the signature 'panna' topping.
Using hashtags like #caffepanna, #nycicecream, and #nycfood will help your photos reach a wider audience. The buzz around their daily specials and collaborations also makes it a trending topic for food bloggers and influencers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Flavor Creation
This dedication to novelty extends to their collaborations. Caffè Panna frequently partners with other beloved New York institutions, such as Levain Bakery and Jenny's Cookies, to create limited-edition pints and specials. These collaborations often sell out quickly, adding an element of urgency and excitement for patrons. Following their social media is crucial to stay updated on these special releases.
The result is an ever-evolving dessert experience that encourages repeat visits. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or adventurous with your palate, Caffè Panna offers something to delight everyone. The constant innovation ensures that each visit can be a new discovery, making it a true destination for dessert enthusiasts.
Understanding the Caffè Panna Experience
The menu itself is a key part of the experience. Beyond traditional scoops of house-made gelato, Caffè Panna is famous for its soft serve and affogatos. The soft serve, in particular, often features unique, rotating flavors that are highly sought after.
For those who can't get enough, Caffè Panna also offers pints to-go and has even expanded its reach through nationwide shipping via platforms like Goldbelly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit