Best ice cream in Greater Boston, according to chefs and bartenders

Ice cream culture reigns supreme here in Massachusetts, where it’s not uncommon to see a line wrapped around a locally-owned ice cream shop even in the dead of winter. 

Sure, Bay Staters are a different breed who enjoy cold things even through freezing temps, but maybe that just speaks to the the quality — and the history — of this sweet treat in Massachusetts.

Thankfully, it’s not winter, and nothing sounds more appetizing in this heat and humidity than an ice cream cone to cool down. 

Where does one start in search of the perfect ice cream? Let’s ask chefs, bartenders, and restaurant owners.

Two customers share a creamsicle shake at Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant. John Tlumacki/Boston Globe Staff

Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant

“I adore Cabot’s! It’s always packed with families, and we marvel at all the kids demolishing their towering sundaes and frappes. The service is super friendly and fast. You can’t go wrong here. You will walk out with a huge smile.” — Joanne Chang, chef and co-owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe and Myers + Chang

Go-to flavor: Cherry vanilla and peach frozen yogurt

743 Washington St., Newton

Gracie’s Ice Cream in Union Square. (Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff)

Gracie’s and Honeycomb Creamery

“[I] have to give local love to Gracie’s Ice Cream in Union Square in Somerville. I love getting one of their Oreo flavors in their famous Fluff cone. But I also love Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge, I always get their signature Salted Caramel Crackle because the texture of the Honeycomb candy bits is unreal.” — Sam Treadway, bar director of Backbar 

Go-to flavors: Gracie’s Oreo ice cream and Honeycomb Creamery’s Salted Caramel Crackle

Gracie’s: Multiple locations; Honeycomb Creamery: 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge. (Mim on Roseway Photography)

A small sundae from Rancatore’s. Dina Rudick/Globe Staff.

Rancatore’s Ice Cream and Yogurt

“My favorite spot is Rancatore’s (the Newton one). Why I like it: [Their] Kulfi is a traditional Indian version of ice cream flavored with cardamom, saffron, and pistachio. I have very fond childhood memories of eating it on hot summer days in Delhi, and it’s not a flavor you find everywhere here! Rancatore’s Kulfi tastes authentic and delicious.”

Go-to flavor: Kulfi

Multiple locations

Salty caramel, B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies), and cocoa pudding ice cream from Toscanini’s. Photo by Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Toscanini’s

“Toscanini’s was my go-to from my days living in Cambridge. B3 is awesome!” — Matt Gaudet, culinary director of Sidell Hospitality, Saltie Girl, and Stephanie’s on Newbury

Go-to flavor: B3 (brown butter, brown sugar, and brownies)

Multiple locations

An assortment of ice cream flavors is shown at a Van Leeuwen shop. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

“I dream of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. My wife and I have been crushing pints of Van Leeuwen for years. It’s how I maintain my dad bod while busting my butt off with my daily workout routine and crazy work schedule. What makes Van Leeuwen the best is the simple philosophy of using the best ingredients. From eggs, cream, chocolate to vanilla beans, they simply use higher-quality ingredients than the competitors.” — Nick Dixon, culinary director & partner of Prima Italian Steakhouse, Capo Restaurant & Supper Club, Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant

Go-to flavor: Black Cherry Chip and Triple Chocolate Chunk bars

Multiple locations

Vinal General Store

“I go to Vinal General Store for soft-serve. They change up their flavors and coordinating toppings just enough that I get to go back a few times for the twists I really love before they switch to something new and beautiful. I love Vinal General because the team is the sweetest, [and] the sandwiches are perfect beach food.” — Danielle Pattavina, owner of Momma’s Grocery + Wine and Zusammen

Go-to flavor: Black Raspberry and Vanilla

220 Somerville Ave., Somerville

Ice cream that’s worth the drive

Captain Dusty’s

“Local to home [in] Manchester-by-the-Sea, Captain Dusty’s is the go-to with the kids after a beach day or afternoon in the park.” — Matt Gaudet, culinary director of Sidell Hospitality, Saltie Girl, and Stephanie’s on Newbury

Go-to flavor: Rocky Road

Multiple locations

Brownie sundae with black raspberry ice cream, strawberries, whipped creams, and nuts at Kimball Farm. Wendy Maeda/Boston Globe

Kimball Farm

“I love Kimball Farm in Westford. What I really appreciate is that you can taste the quality of the milk. I love that it’s a farm that uses its own fresh milk and makes everything in-house.” — Julio Hernandez, head chef at Mamma Maria

Go-to flavors: Combining the blackberry, vanilla, and banana flavors

Multiple locations