Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

Yummy ice cream sundaes with a history in Cali. Started in San Francisco delicious back then and still to this day. Gas lamp district is fun anyway but the Ghirardelli place lured us in with free chocolate samples

Ordered the World Famous and Treasure Island Hot Fudge Sundae. It was out of this world delicious.
We also got free chocolate candy from the shop.
It was worth every penny. $ 11.95 each.

Great atmosphere and diverse menu. The warm brownie with vanilla ice cream is my favorite item.

My family wanted to get ice cream after dinner and saw the Ghirardelli ice cream shop across the street. I am a big fan of Ghirardelli chocolates and thought this was going to be amazing. After walking in, we were given a free piece of chocolate-​score! I probably should have walked out after that. My husband was craving a banana split and I almost crapped my pants when I saw that they were $ 12.95! In my head, I was thinking that it better be huge! Well it wasn’t. Just three normal sized scoops of ice cream. I was in a simple mood and just wanted two scoops of ice cream. None of their flavors we unique or impressive. I would say that this place is a complete tourist trap.

Very cool store! They have all the different types of ice cream just like the one in San Fran but in a smaller scale. They have a selection that you can choose different chocolate flavors and tons of selections of small gifts for anyone.

It feels like a deep betrayal to go to Downtown San Diego without making a pit stop by Ghirardelli! It’s every dessertarians dream. Mounds of colorfully wrapped chocolates and samples! Their menu is pretty epic and their portions are perfect for two to share! Definitely food coma status every time I leave here, but I never regret it. Perfect fudge with creamy ice cream can cheer up any day!

This chocolate shop sucks said no one ever! I mean c’mon how can anyone say anything bad about this place. I had the black cherry vanilla ice cream on a waffle cone and it wasss deelissh. My son had a medium vanilla shake and we both agreed the flavor is rich and tasty. I especially loved the young lady that gives out samples of chocolate… yes please.
Cute Ghirardelli shop. Will def return when I’m back in downtown.

Free samples while waiting in line, yes!!!
I recommend the warm brownie sundae. Honestly brownie anything is always great.
The seating is limited and the pick up area gets packed.

I was SUPER excited last night when I found out that SD has a Ghirardelli — I only buy my chocolate at the official stores (I’m weird like that, ha) plus they have great ice cream. We showed up right before it closed at 11pm.
First off, the sample girl was busy so I had to actually ask her for a sample square — caramel-​filled, yum. I bought two bars, one for myself (dark chocolate w/​raspberry) and one for my mom, as a gift. They’re doing a buy 4 get 1 free promo but at $ 3.99 each (and I’m on a diet, although not this past weekend!) I just bought two.
Would love to come back sometime for some ice cream, it was a little too late for that but I’ve had their concoctions in their Chicago store and elsewhere and they’re always delicious.

The place is huge and immaculate. And I was immediately greeted with a complimentary chocolate square. But considering my hot fudge brownie sundae was $ 11.95, that’s the least they could offer. That’s their cheapest sundae. But hey, at least I got a $ 1 off with a Unilocal check-​in.
Outdoor seating is a plus.

Really neat soda shop
Had a Carmel macchiato as I was full from dinner
It was very rich and honestly over filled me. Had to über out as I could not walk anymore after a long day at a trade show and the Turkish meal we just ate before finding this place.
You really need to try a sundae here — wish I could have fit it in.

Stopped in to get a hot chocolate on a chilly weekend night. I was very excited since I love all ghirardelli chocolate!
Service was fast but I was a little underwhelmed with the hot chocolate for the price. Next time I’ll try the salted carmel hot chocolate and see if it’s wowing.
It’s nice they give chocolate samples at the door upon entering.

I went here on a Thursday night and was so very happy.
I’m not usually a big desserts person but my date and I finished the whole dessert we shared.
We ended up getting the sundae that has a brownie with ice cream.
While we were in line they have us a free caramel chocolate and that got my taste buds going.
It was so delicious and I’m very happy that we ended up going there.
It’s a must try desserts place

It seemed to me that they were over staffed the Wednesday afternoon I came it, there was less than a handful of customers in the shop, but everyone of the 5 employees and one manager I encountered had excellent customer service. I split a Golden Gate with my friend and it was super cute and tasty. My baby made a mess of the whipped cream and Francisco was awesome about it. Desiree was super nice at the register the greeters were super nice and informative. If I had more of a sweet tooth I would definitely come back more often.

You don’t have to ask me twice if I want any chocolate ice cream. Check my freezer, I have enough homemade stuff that I can start my own company. Needing to take a break from walking and to suppress some vampire vaporizing breath from garlic fries eaten earlier, my wife and I enjoyed a dark chocolate sundae and a couple of scoops of ice cream at Ghirardelli.
After we got our chocolate sample and ordered, we took a seat outside and we had less than 5 minutes of people watching before our ice cream came out. They’ve figured out a pretty efficient system here. The Midnight Reverie was loaded with creamy chocolate ice cream, dark chocolate fudge, and chocolate chips. This was gone in no time. My wife ordered two scoops of ice cream, which as previous reviewers have mentioned, was too much. Of course I reluctantly and unhappily disposed of the remains of her cone also.
$ 17 for dessert is a bit on the steep side, but expected if you’re smack dab in the middle of the Gaslamp. Next time, my wife and I will just split a sundae. Don’t get sucked back or stuck in the store buying the chocolate or souvenirs you can get anywhere. Just enjoy your treats and move on.

Even though this place is a tourist trap, how can you not love the free chocolate sample when you walk through the door? Thanks Ghirardelli for helping that chocolate fix when it’s that special time of the month!
Sometimes a little chocolate sample just won’t do, so that’s when it’s time to look at the menu and get serious! I highly recommend the warm chocolate brownie sundae. I barely had enough time to find a seat before it was brought out. After one bite… ahh… all was right in the world just in that moment!
When warm boyfriend snuggles just won’t do, thanks Ghirardelli for helping out with the PMS!

Loved my mint chocolate chip ice cream and the gooey soft brownie on top. It was a great dessert especially since it was my first time and I was unfamiliar with the menu. Simple yet satisfying! The amount of the ice cream was more than enough! Would recommend this place to anyone with a sweet tooth! The service was fast and efficient as well, so can’t complain!

love coming here for dessert on date night! wouldn’t come here during the weekend bcuz it’s in the middle of the gas lamp…
perfect for chocolate lovers and ice cream lovers! would recommend splitting one between 2 people (they’re big!)
super cute place, great vibes, sweet service :-)

If you ever been to Austin this area is like 6^th Street. Hot chocolate and butter pecan icecream 10 bucks wtf. I thought I was in vegas! Lol jk love the places I’m sweet tooth!

Please take the following as a warning if you are coming here with just yourself and another:
DO NOT ORDER MORE THAN ONE ICE CREAM.
My girlfriend and I both ordered individual treats. I got the hot fudge brownie sundae and she got the banana split. We also ordered a chocolate chip cookie that was PHENOMENAL and a hot salted caramel cocoa which was good but extremely sweet.
I was literally afraid I was going to get diabetes this very same night do the the uninformed order. I spent $ 40.00 here on dessert.
Definitely went overboard and next time we will share one item. Nevertheless, good stuff.
–Mikey P.

In short: A well-​run extension of the Ghirardelli family that’s sure to please your sweet tooth. Stop in for a free chocolate sample!
Should you try it? Yes
A sweet ice-​cream shop aroma as you enter. Mountains of bags of chocolate, and super busy — even on a Sunday night. The line started way over on the left side of the entrance, and we missed it upon entering at first. Eventually we figured it out.
Very courteous, fast service. They bring your order out to you once it’s ready. The chocolate ice cream was super rich and delicious (as expected from Ghirardelli). We were in an out in less than 20 minutes.
Perfect location for dessert after dinner in the Gaslamp District!
3 Key Tips:
1) Generous 1 scoop ice cream cones :)
2) Free chocolate sample when you enter
3) Come hungry — their desserts are incredible and HUGE!
If you want something small, go for a single scoop of chocolate ice cream in a chocolate-​dipped waffle cone. A perfect dessert! Get 2 scoops if you’re sharing. Also, they have root beer floats!

Extra whip cream please! You can smell this place from a mile away! It’s pretty pricey but boy it is worth every shinny quarter! I purchased the banana split, the price
Is normally 12 bucks but with the 15% military discount saves you a couple of dollars! Ghirardell chocolates are to die for! If you are here on Gaslamp in San Diego stop by

My mom and I had dessert here one night while in San Diego. You get a free chocolate square sample on your way in. You order at the counter and they give you a number. You then sit and they bring your sundaes to you.
The sundaes were delicious, definitely rich but yummy. I had the Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae — Butter pecan ice cream smothered with butterscotch and golden almond nuggets under a layer of vanilla ice cream and our handmade hot fudge. Topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and a cherry. All my favorites in one sundae. Their hot fudge was warm, ice cream seemed fresh.
Mom had the Sea Salt Caramel Sundae Vanilla ice cream smothered with creamy caramel,
handmade hot fudge and sea salt. Perfectly topped with whipped cream, creamy caramel,
sea salt and a Ghirardelli SQUARES Milk Chocolate. She really enjoyed her sundae too. Lots of good caramel and chocolate.
This is great treat once in awhile. Definitely can’t do this often. Its just too rich and caloric.

Mint N Chip Brownie Sundae is to die for. I love it. The brownie seemed fresh and didn’t seemed old tasting like normal ice cream stores. I can’t wait to get another one of these bad boys. All that hot fudge just makes it even taste better.
I can’t wait for peppermint bark samples~!

Free samples! If you go into the store, they usually hand you a piece of chocolate. I loved coming here because they have the best ice cream sundaes. They also have an assortment of ice cream dessert that are really decadent and delicious. If you’re in town and want to buy some souvenirs for your family/​friends, you can also buy some chocolate gift packages.
I usually park at Horton Plaza and buy something small so I could validate parking. Then, I walk around gas lamp and make a stop at this shop. If you are looking for a cute and affordable date spot, I highly recommend this place!

Visited here as my last stop on my last night on a first time visit to San Diego. After dinner in Little Italy, my friends and I decided to walk around the Gaslamp District to make some room for dessert. We were surely happy that we did!
When you walk in, the aroma of chocolate and waffle cones engulfs you into a sweet euphoria. There was a lady at the front door handing out samples of the new caramel minis which satisfied defied my immediate candy craving. After eyeballing some of the more «exclusive» flavors I have not seen in stores, I wandered over to the ice cream area.
You really get the feel of an old school ice cream parlor. The short line moves quickly, and I decided to pick the Ghiradelli’s chocolate ice cream in a chocolate dipped waffle cone as my poison. I was quickly handed my dessert before having time to get distracted by the chocolate selection again and called to retrieve it by name (the credit card gave them a hint… but it was a nice touch). It was just on the verge of chocolate overload but I finished right before I got there. The ice cream was rich and creamy, the waffle bowl was crispy and fresh, and the chocolate dipping was nothing short of what you would expect of Ghiradellis.
I opted for a simple choice given the location, but there is a whole menu of treats to select from… floats, milkshakes, sundaes or hand dipped creations. There are at least 20 ice cream flavor options as well. Items are priced slightly above cold stone, but worth it for the atmosphere and quality. If you’re in Downtown San Diego and needing a chocolate or ice cream fix, this is your place!

As a chocoholic, this place is not the preferred place, but if you are in for a tasty ice cream then you are at the right place.
They are open till late so it’s a good choice for getting the evening dessert.

i felt like a tourist in my own town! I’ve rarely felt that when I’m in SD (going to Old town or Seaport gives me that same feeling)…
I’ve only been to Ghiradelli in SF… when I’m actually a tourist.
so we had some time to kill downtown… and it was freakin HOT OUTSIDE… so wherever we killed time had to be in AC… so why not get the kids some ice cream!!!
we stood in line… ordered a couple of large milkshakes and grabbed a table in the back. milkshakes were brought out quickly… kids loved them! I snuck a few sips of their minty goodness shakes… DELISH! yes it’s a bit pricey… but in this case i was also paying for an air conditioned table and smiles on my babies faces.
yup…i may come back.

Went here 4^th of July weekend
After a late night for a quick ice cream
Got the banana split with wifey we both killed it !!
Good place great service and fast!

I just want to say that I fell in love. It’s that sweet, true love. I will never have a a hot fudge brownie sundae that will come close to tasting as good as the one I had here.
The cool ice cream, the hot, soft, brownie. It was absolute perfection. $ 10 might seem like a lot for a hot fudge sundae, but it was enough to share with my boyfriend. You get a lot! And it’s such a high quality of chocolate and ice cream. I could rant and rave about it. This place was huge! I really wasn’t expecting there to be that much seating inside, and all of the rows of chocolate that they had on display. I was really impressed.
I will be back! Their brownies are the BEST.

I might be biased because I am a fan of Ghirardelli Chocolate. I’ve been to at least 5 of them ranging from the outlets, Ghirardelli SQ all the way to Las Vegas. I wouldn’t expect the quality and service under par anywhere. I’m usually never disappointed.
If you don’t know if you like Ghirardelli Chocolate, walk in and grab a free sample. Its that easy, you either like it or not. No pressures.
Ghirardelli ice cream and milkshakes may be a bit pricey but for the quality its worth it. I love ice cream, so ill pay for quality. Why go all the way to San Francisco, when we have our own Ghirardelli shop in San Diego?
Check my tips: There is free map of downtown SD in the back along with a free water fountain.
Recommend: Ghirardelli Chocolate Ice Cream with waffle cone.

The aroma of ice cream and baked goods titillates your senses as you enter this place. There was a gal handing out mini Ghirardelli chocolate squares by the front door and I didn’t need to be asked twice to accept ;P
Having never been to a Ghirardelli’s ice cream parlor, we naturally opted for an ice cream; a scoop of chocolate in their chocolate dipped waffle cone. A scoop is 4 bucks and change and the waffle cone is another dollar something. I wish the chocolate dipped waffle cone had been dipped more than just ¼ way down (it’s even less that that, actually). The ice cream was good, chi lately, but I was expecting mind-​blowing (the Ghirardelli name and all), and it wasn’t that, but still good. I don’t discriminate too hard against ice creams.
I’d like to try their sundaes next time. There’s a $ 1 off a sundae coupon if you check in with Unilocal

Yaaaaaaas!
I love sweets and sugar and most importantly DESSERTS. I search out high and low good stuff and this was one of them.
Went in late on a week night got the cookie bits sundae. It was big and came with a lot of toppings. I opted for the cookies and cream ice cream. There is also a Ghirardelli store in there too so you can buy chocolates and all sorts of stuff. It’s kind of an old school ice cream shop so the décor is all really neat to look at.
Respectively priced at $ 10 for a pretty big sundae — easily split between two, three, or four people.
Employees were all nice and the place was clean.
Check in here and you get a $ 1 off coupon!
Great place to stop for a late night dessert stop in Gaslamp — would be nice to have something like this in Seattle!