Best Gelato in Cook County

"The wildly over-the-top ice cream confections at BomboBar are Chicago’s answer to Black Tap’s milkshakes. These colorful creations are topped with all manner of sprinkles, mini bomboloni, and candy, and the dozen or so flavors of gelato on rotation are all made fresh from scratch daily. Flavors like birthday cake, banana split, and cookie monster dough are especially kid-friendly."

"BomboBar is the place to be for the best desserts in Chicago. These guys serve a variety of different sweet treats, but the Gelato Shakes are not to be missed. Far from a regular shake, these intense milkshakes are piled high with chocolates, Oreos, gummy candies and much more."

"Navy Pier, Beverly, Lombard, & Darien Five flavors in one—that’s really all you need. A Chicago institution since 1926, the Original Rainbow Cone is known for serving a thick stack of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (AKA vanilla with walnuts and cherries), and pistachio ice creams plus orange sherbet atop a sturdy cake cone. While you can get your paws on the prized classic at the spot’s Navy Pier stand, it’s worth making your way to the OG South Side location to marvel, if briefly, in its timeless charm while waiting for your order."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Original Rainbow Cone is an iconic seasonal ice cream shop in Chicago that serves a wide array of desserts including banana splits, cones, sundaes, and shakes. This long-standing ice cream parlor offers layers of delectable orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry, and chocolate flavors in a deliciously looking sugar cone."

"The Rainbow Cone might be Chicago’s most colorful (and Instagrammed) treat. The cone is piled high with five signature ice cream flavors: orange sherbert, pistachio, strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla with walnuts and cherries, just like it has been since 1926."

"BucktownFounded in 1921, the original Margie’s Candies comes with tales of visitors like the Beatles and Al Capone (we also named it one of the best ice cream shops in America.) This Bucktown staple has maintained the old-fashioned decor and vibes, as well as a knack for serving handmade confectionery candy, chocolate, and fudge. On the ice cream side, you can go for classic scoops or make room for any of the shop’s famous banana splits. Bring a group for “the world’s largest terrapin,” a gargantuan indulgence featuring 15 scoops of French vanilla ice cream topped with a deluge of hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, nuts, and banana before being crowned with a cookie.How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating."

"When it comes to vintage ice cream nostalgia in Chicago, it doesn't get any better than Margie's Candies. Any ice cream parlor that cites The Beatles as one-time customers is bound to be fantastic, especially when said parlor looks like it hasn't been refurbished since the Fab Four broke up in 1970. The best backdrop for wheel barrel-sized sundaes and splits is an ice cream shop lined with squishy booths, antiquated music machines, and a time-worn candy counter."

"Sit in the same chair where gangster Al Capone enjoyed homemade ice cream and toppings. Marshmallow is the best addition to any one of Margie’s 13 ice cream flavors. #SpoonTip: Try to avoid going on weekends where wait times can be over an hour."

"Regardless of what certain chains might say, Jeni Britton Bauer is the real "dairy queen." The woman who ignited an ice cream renaissance in Columbus, Ohio with her namesake ice cream shop has become synonymous with seasonal and innovative ice creams. With several locations in Ohio, she brought her charming wares to Chicago via a sleek scoop shop on Southport. What sets Jeni apart is her unique approach to flavor combinations and textures."

"Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Jeni’s now has six locations in Chicagoland including the newest on Randolph Street in the West Loop. This spring, Jeni’s launched a new dairy-free line made with coconut cream that’s as luscious and full-bodied as traditional ice cream. Flavors include cold brew with coconut cream and roasted peanut butter and strawberry jam."

"Multiple locationsInitially started in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio, this “splendid” venture entered the Chicago market in September 2013 with its first scoop shop on Southport and hasn’t looked back since."

"ChinatownThai-style rolled ice cream had a moment a couple years back, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s still the belle of the sweet, sweet ball. This Chinatown hotspot was one the first to introduce Chicago to the curious confection, curling luscious portions of Matcha Queen (green tea and strawberry), Double Trouble (Oreo and Nutella), Key Lime Pie, and other originals into neat rolls by hand to the delight of admiring onlookers.How to book: Stop by for counter service, order take-out online, or get delivery via GrubHub, Postmates, DoorDash, and Uber Eats."

"If you’re a fan of hand rolled ice cream then you should definitely check out Legend Tasty House. At this Chinatown ice cream shop, employees hand roll the ice cream in front of you and finish it off with mix-ins such as fresh fruit, oreo cookies, taro and a bunch of other amazing toppings!"

"Buzzed Bull is the latest addition to the Chicago ice cream shop scene. This Wicker Park creamery works with liquid nitrogen to create incredibly creamy and smooth ice cream. And if you’re looking to spice things up when it comes to your ice cream, Buzzed Bull also has booze-infused options!"

"Evanston & Navy PierAfter relocating to the States from Buenos Aires, cousins Sebastián Koziura and Enrique Schcolnik missed the moments they shared indulging in dulce de leche gelato with their grandmother. Thus, they decided to transport the sweet treat to Chicago with FRIO, a family-owned gelatería featuring Argentine favorites like Sambayon, Malbec Wine with Berries, Tramontana, and, of course, Dulce de Leche. The offerings range far beyond these, though, with up to 36 flavors in the portfolio including hyper seasonal musts like avocado, pumpkin, and white chocolate.How to book: Stop by for counter service or order delivery via GrubHub, DoorDash, or UberEats."

"Must Try: Fragola Camarosa This boutique gelato shop off State Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood boasts exotic, European flavors. They serve gelato in ice cream sandwiches, cones, and there are even dishes where the ice cream is scooped and molded into the shape of a rose served with a mouth-watering macaron on top. This popular spot just opened a brand new shop in Water Tower Place making gelato a perfect snack to grab after an afternoon of shopping along the Magnificent Mile."

"Little VillageWhat you’re getting: Fried smelt fishThis family-owned and operated establishment that’s been open since 1917 has been serving medium-breaded and fried shrimp and Great Lakes smelts that can be popped in your mouth with ease, just like French fries. Order with a side of clams and hush puppies..."

"South DeeringWhat you’re getting: Smoked or fried shrimpThis family-owned smoke shack fed hungry day laborers of Chicago’s once-thriving steel industry, and a trip down to the historic waterfront today still offers the quintessential seafood eating experience in a paper bag. The little white box at the base of The Blues Brothers bridge churns out fried and oak-smoked shrimp, salmon, trout, catfish, and sable -- all of which you can eat while gazing out at the river barges from the hood of your car."

"When you think of the South Side, quality seafood probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. However, Calumet is one of only a few authentic smokehouses in Illinois. Make the trek for one of their fried fish or shrimp dinners, and pick up some smoked seafood while you're at it."

"Sushi The beautiful interior and the equally beautiful presentation of sushi by Chef BK Park are the obvious reasons that Juno is always on Chicago’s best sushi list. However, just like that pretty girl you have crush on happens to be also kind, smart and funny, you’ll pleasantly discover that Juno’s food is also amazing from their appetizers to the omakase menu. The Omakase requires a 24 hour advance reservation, but you are in for a treat."

"Juno frequently ranks on top sushi joint lists because of its sleek decor, fish quality, and excellent staff, including sushi chef BK Park. You can opt for an a la carte meal, or splurge on the omakase (chef’s choice) menu for $150 per guest (and an additional $75 for wine pairings)."

"BYOB Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill is known for its colorful sushi presentations, as well as its equally colorful sushi roll names, like the #ThugLife2 roll with salmon, jalapeño, avocado, cucumber, and cilantro. Every sushi order is a work of art with chefs using colorful sauces in an array of patterns and shapes. Sign up here for our daily Chicago email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town."

"Description: This casual restaurant definitely wins for the most beautiful sushi accompanied with beautiful designs. Be sure to try the Avocado Mango Salad and one of the Special Rolls (like the one featured above.) You better have a camera on hand, because these dishes CANNOT be eaten without snapping a pic on Instagram or Snapchat, trust me. #SpoonTip: Yuzu is BYOB!"

"Yuzu also made our list of the best restaurants in Chicago, and that’s because the chefs there put as much attention into aesthetic as it does taste. The sushi platters at Yuzu are decorated beautifully, and you’ll have a hard time resisting the urge to bust out the iPhone for a quick photo before diving in."

"Find your way to this cute cafe and you’ll be forced to leave all your cravings at bay. Order their Concord grape and salty brown butter walnut tarts, honey pie, coffee cake, almond croissant, or even pecan roll, and you’ll find your senses thanking you for such a lovely reward. The cafe is well lit, and the environment is clean and chic, service too, is friendly and quick."

"Floriole is home to some of the best desserts in Chicago, and they always aim to go organic and local with their ingredients where possible. What we love about this spot, is that their menu is constantly changing according to the availability of produce. While this vibe may not be for everyone, there’s something exciting about this potluck experience."

"This bright cafe and bakery is known for their rustic French pastries, made using fresh ingredients sourced from local, sustainable farms. Head straight to the dessert case to choose from a rotating selection of from-scratch goodies, like croissants, Basque cake, fruit galettes, and more."

"Here since the 1970s and continuing to sustain their vintage vibes, this American restaurant in Chicago has a long history of dishing out the best diner eats, for a pretty awesome price. Juicy burgers, shakes, famous wings, great appetizers, and a large salad bar that actually makes eating salad sound fun. This is one of the best affordable restaurants in Chicago because of the large selection of food to choose from."

"RJ Grunt’s is the original Lettuce Entertain You entry, and its longevity means you might wait in long lines for its extensive weekend brunch buffet."