ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Trend Takes Over New York Restaurants

other · 2026-08-12

This summer, a notable increase in soft-serve ice cream has been observed in both upscale and local eateries across New York City, moving away from its usual connection with ice cream trucks. At Cote 550, Simon Kim's new Korean BBQ steakhouse in Midtown, patrons can enjoy vanilla soft-serve topped with soy sauce caramel. Other unique selections include pistachio rabri kulfi at Ambassadors Clubhouse, chocolate profiterole sandwiches at Cleo, and vanilla cassis-red berry swirl at La Tête D'Or. Chef Daniel Boulud prioritizes authentic ingredients. Since 2019, Leo in Williamsburg has been a popular spot for soft-serve. The trend features innovative items like soft-serve margaritas and dirty martini soft-serve from Unnecessary. Food writer Emily Wilson highlights that restaurants are now serving some of the finest ice cream, thanks to soft-serve's appealing flavors.

Key facts

  • Cote 550, Simon Kim's new Midtown Korean BBQ steakhouse, serves vanilla soft-serve with soy sauce caramel.
  • Simon Kim has offered soft-serve since Cote Flatiron opened in 2017.
  • Ambassadors Clubhouse offers pistachio rabri kulfi soft serve topped with rose petals and gold leaf.
  • Cleo offers a chocolate profiterole vanilla soft-serve ice cream sandwich.
  • La Tête D'Or offers a vanilla cassis-red berry swirl with a sundae bar of toppings.
  • Daniel Boulud says La Tête D'Or uses real ingredients and authentic flavors.
  • Leo in Williamsburg has served soft-serve since 2019, currently with corn and blueberry flavor.
  • Unnecessary, from the Double Chicken Please team, offers dirty martini soft-serve.
  • The article lists 20 New York restaurants offering soft-serve.
  • Soft-serve is easier to prepare and serve than elaborate pastries.

Entities

Artists

  • Simon Kim
  • Daniel Boulud
  • Mike Fadem
  • Emily Wilson

Institutions

  • Cote 550
  • Cote Flatiron
  • Ambassadors Clubhouse
  • Cleo
  • La Tête D'Or
  • Leo
  • Double Chicken Please
  • Unnecessary
  • Milk Bar
  • Mimi's
  • Myka
  • Birdie's

Locations

  • New York City
  • United States
  • Midtown
  • Williamsburg
  • downtown

Sources