A Hidden Gem for Persian Ice Cream in Del Mar
Rating: ★★★★☆
Tucked away in Del Mar, this tiny Persian ice cream shop offers something truly special that you won’t find at your typical ice cream parlor. While they do offer familiar favorites like Nutella, vanilla, mint chip, and chocolate walnut, it’s their Persian-inspired creations that truly set them apart.
The saffron and rose ice cream is an absolute standout – a beautifully crafted flavor that perfectly balances the exotic floral notes of rose with the luxurious, honeyed complexity of saffron. The green pistachio is rich and nutty, while the saffron and pistachio combination creates an indulgent Middle Eastern experience. For the more adventurous, flavors like guava, passion fruit, and mango transport you to tropical paradises, while the fig and cranberry offers a sophisticated sweet-tart balance.
The lavender adds an elegant floral note that’s surprisingly refreshing, and the banana provides a creamy, nostalgic comfort. Each flavor feels carefully crafted rather than mass-produced, offering an authentic glimpse into both Persian dessert traditions and creative ice cream artistry.
The Experience Don’t let the small space fool you – what this shop lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character and authenticity. The intimate setting actually adds to the charm, creating a cozy atmosphere where you can truly appreciate these unique flavor profiles. The staff’s knowledge and enthusiasm for their craft really shines through in every interaction.
Service The customer service here is exceptional. The staff are genuinely passionate about their extensive flavor lineup and happy to guide you through everything from traditional options like vanilla and mint chip to the more exotic saffron and pistachio or tropical guava selections. Whether you’re curious about the floral lavender, the rich chocolate walnut, or the unique fig and cranberry combination, they offer thoughtful recommendations and are patient with questions about their diverse flavor profiles.
The Reality Check Fair warning: parking is extremely limited, so plan accordingly. You might need to circle the block a few times or walk a bit from wherever you can find a spot. The tiny space also means it can feel cramped during busy times, but the quality of the ice cream makes it worth any minor inconvenience.
This is destination ice cream – the kind of place you seek out for flavors ranging from comforting classics like Nutella and vanilla to adventurous combinations like passion fruit and mango. The Persian specialties like saffron and rose or green pistachio are worth the trip alone, and the genuine hospitality makes it a memorable experience. Whether you’re in the mood for familiar mint chip or ready to explore something completely new like lavender or fig and cranberry, this little Persian ice cream haven delivers both authenticity and...
Read moreI had heard great things about this place, but my experience was the complete opposite. The customer service was unbelievably disappointing. My friends and I walked in excited to try the ice cream, and we were met with one of the staff. We asked the staff member if she knew one of our old friends because she worked there and she said yes so we called her to show her we were trying the ice cream just for fun. I’m not going to go too much into details but that’s pretty much all that happened. No negativity. We exchanged names with the girl at the front and then left after getting our ice cream.
Shortly after leaving, we were contacted by someone affiliated with the store who made wild accusations (such as accusing us of harassing her employees). She didn’t even hear our side of the story and became unnecessarily aggressive, which left us totally shocked and confused. It felt like we were being attacked for simply showing up and being polite. We came in with good intentions, but walked away completely turned off by the way we were treated. Definitely...
Read moreSaffron Rose Ice Cream has officially arrived in Del Mar, and it’s everything we’ve been waiting for! This beloved brand has long been known for its rich, traditional Persian-inspired flavors especially their signature saffron rose and the quality is truly unmatched. I used to drive all the way to Orange County just for a scoop, so having a location right across from the beach in San Diego feels like a dream come true.
From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed with warm smiles and outstanding customer service. The staff is consistently kind, professional, and genuinely happy to share this sweet experience with everyone who visits. It’s no surprise there’s always a joyful line of people eager to get their hands on this incredible ice cream.
Saffron Rose Ice Cream brings a unique charm and cultural richness to the area. It’s more than just dessert it’s a taste of tradition, made with love and care. We’re so grateful to have them in the neighborhood. Highly recommend for anyone looking to indulge in something...
Read more