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Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop
Master Critic Review
Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop
8.3
San Francisco's legendary chocolatier brings their world-famous hot fudge sundaes to Ocean Avenue with handmade fudge prepared in-store daily. Premium ice cream meets heritage chocolate craftsmanship in sundaes that have satisfied sweet tooths since 1852.
Must-Try Dishes:
World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, Gold Rush Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Heritage chocolate brand with handmade hot fudge prepared in-store
Who should go: Chocolate lovers and sundae enthusiasts
When to visit: After beach visits for the ultimate treat
What to order: World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, any specialty sundae
Insider tip: Ask for extra hot fudge on the side - it's made fresh daily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Ocean Ave, paid lots 2 blocks away ($3/hour)
Dress code: Come as you are - beachwear and flip-flops welcome
Noise level: Lively family atmosphere - expect excited kids on weekends
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line on summer weekend evenings
Weekday lunch: 5 min max, usually walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all ice cream and chocolate options are vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited - sorbet options available, no vegan hot fudge
Gluten-free options: Ice cream yes, but cross-contamination risk with cone fragments
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual afternoon dates - sharing a sundae is classic romance without the dinner pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - indoor/outdoor seating is first-come, many take orders to-go for beach
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, kids' portions, and staff used to ice cream excitement meltdowns
Best For
Better for: Premium chocolate experience with heritage recipes - beats generic chains for special occasion sundaes
Skip if: You want artisanal small-batch flavors or exotic options - they stick to classic American favorites