Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard

An ice cream counter with a twist sits below street level on South Street. Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard serves up layered desserts that pair creamy custard with bright, granular ice—two textures in every cup. The shop occupies LL Space 206 at 4 South St, New York, NY 10004, a short walk from the East River piers where the Financial District meets the Seaport.

Tables are set for sit-down orders, making it easy to linger over a cone or a sundae. The casual setup works well for families; high chairs are part of the furniture. Kids can choose between simple scoops or more elaborate treats without the worry of sticky fingers on upholstery. A small menu keeps decisions quick, while the staff moves efficiently behind the counter.

Call (212) 943-1800 to confirm same-day flavors or check last-minute seating. For directions, pull up the map on your phone—South Street’s cobblestones and historic storefronts make the walk as pleasant as the dessert that follows.