Novel Ice Cream Named Best Ice Cream Shop in the U.S.

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Novel Ice Cream offers a variety of unique and vibrant flavors that have captivated local and visiting ice cream lovers.

News Summary

Novel Ice Cream, located in Phoenix, has been recognized as the top ice cream shop in the United States by Yelp. With a stellar rating of 4.9 stars from over 1,200 reviews, the shop is known for its innovative flavors and artisanal quality. Established in 2017, Novel Ice Cream offers small-batch, texture-driven creations, including unique combinations like Dough Melt and Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch. Its three locations in Phoenix reflect its popularity, while community engagement has solidified its status as a culinary gem in the region.

Phoenix has gained recognition in the culinary world as the home of the best ice cream in the United States. Novel Ice Cream, located in Phoenix, Arizona, has been announced as the top ice cream shop in the nation according to Yelp’s annual rankings published on July 5, 2025. This accolade underscores the shop’s popularity and commitment to innovative ice cream creations that have captivated local customers and visitors alike since its opening in 2017.

Yelp’s annual list, which ranks ice cream shops across the country, features Novel Ice Cream prominently at the number one spot. The shop boasts an exceptional rating of 4.9 stars based on more than 1,200 customer reviews, a testament to the quality and satisfaction associated with their unique offerings. Patrons of the shop commend the vibrant flavors and the artisanal quality of the ice cream.

Distinctive Features

Novel Ice Cream specializes in texture-driven, small-batch handcrafted ice cream, creating products with a distinct focus on quality and creativity. The shop prepares its flavors in small batches—only two pans at a time—allowing for dedicated attention to detail and unique recipes for each flavor. Among its signature offerings is the Dough Melt, a delightful dessert that features rich ice cream sandwiched between glazed doughnuts, showcasing the shop’s inventive flair.

The ice cream shop offers a rotating selection of flavors, maintaining eight staple flavors along with four rotating varieties at any given time. Some popular flavors include Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch, Cookie Monster, and PB Wasted, each crafted to tantalize the taste buds and deliver a unique experience.

Locations and Community Engagement

Novel Ice Cream operates three locations throughout the Phoenix area, including shops in downtown Phoenix, downtown Mesa, and a food truck stationed in Old Town Peoria. This expansion reflects the shop’s growing popularity and the increasing demand for its unique products.

The successful rise of Novel Ice Cream can be attributed to its strong community engagement and a robust social media presence. The business strategy emphasizes building connections with customers, allowing them to feel a part of the Novel Ice Cream experience.

Recognition Beyond Phoenix

While Novel Ice Cream stands at the top of Yelp’s 2025 list, other Valley ice cream shops have also made a name for themselves. Dessert in Desert in Scottsdale ranked 27th, and Lix Uptown Ice Cream secured 52nd place on the top 100 list, showcasing the region’s vibrant dessert scene and strong penchant for artisanal ice cream.

Customer Satisfaction

Customers consistently express their satisfaction with Novel Ice Cream’s quality and unique flavor combinations. Many are eager to recommend the shop to friends and family, contributing to a strong word-of-mouth reputation that continues to attract new guests. The high level of customer engagement and the unique product offerings have firmly established Novel Ice Cream as a beloved destination in Phoenix’s culinary landscape.

In conclusion, the recognition as the number one ice cream shop by Yelp in 2025 highlights Novel Ice Cream’s dedication to quality, innovation, and community connection in serving one of America’s favorite desserts. As the ice cream shop continues to grow and evolve, it remains a hallmark of culinary excellence in the Phoenix area.