Fulton Ferry Landing (betw. Old Fulton & Water Sts.), Dumbo, 718-246-3963

Stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge and swing under for premium ice cream at this waterfront shop. The half-dozen or so flavors are all made by hand and utilize natural and local ingredients.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

65 Bayard St. (betw. Bowery & Elizabeth Sts.), 212-608-4170

Though China invented the stuff, Chinatown isn't the first place you go looking for licks. This below-Canal take on an American scoop will change that.

Ciao Bella

27 E. 92nd St. (betw. Madison & 5th Aves.), 212-831-5555

Although the lines here can get tiresomely long, your patience will be rewarded with the gelato.

Cones

272 Bleecker St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-414-1795

The Argentinean brothers who run this store put out a first-rate product that, with its soft consistency, is more evocative of gelato than of ice cream.

Eddie's Sweet Shop

2105-29 Metropolitan Ave. (72nd Rd.), Forest Hills, 718-520-8514

Not much has changed at this mom-and-pop soda fountain. Traditional flavors like tutti frutti are still churned out, as are classics like banana splits or hot fudge sundaes with a cherry on top.

Emack & Bolio

389 Amsterdam Ave. (betw. W. 78th & W. 79th), 212-362-2747. 56 7th Ave. (betw. W. 13th & W. 14th), 212-727-1198

One of the first ice-creameries to kick off the "gourmet" trend, this Boston pioneer has staying power. The signature Chocolate Moose is a blast from the 80s past, as is Original Oreo, which these guys invented in 1975.

Fauchon

442 Park Ave. (56th St.), 212-308-5919

Sorbet and ice cream flavor combinations such as mango curry and lavender honey might have you scratching your head at this high-end Parisian patisserie, but have faith—they work.

Il Laboratorio del Gelato

95 Orchard St. (betw. Broome & Delancey Sts.), 212-343-9922

This relative newcomer has won over Lower East Siders and foodies alike with mercilessly rich hand-made gelatos and fresh sorbets.

Ronnybrook Farm Dairy

75 9th Ave. (betw. W. 15th & W. 16th Sts.), 212-741-6455

Go to Chelsea Market and sample the wares of this upstate dairy farm's herd of well-cared-for Holsteins. Try the ginger ice cream or the Coconut to Die For, a mild coconut taste studded with chocolate-covered almonds.

—Gabriella Gershenson