Ralph's Italian Ices Valley Stream: A Long Island Tradition of Frozen Delights

Ralphs Italian Ices Introduce

Ralph's Famous Italian Ices is more than just a dessert spot; it’s a genuine slice of New York history and a beloved tradition for generations of locals, especially when the summer heat is on. For residents in the Long Island area, the Valley Stream location at 1091 Rockaway Ave offers a convenient and friendly outpost to experience a classic regional treat. Since its founding nearly a century ago, Ralph's has earned its reputation for quality, offering an overwhelming variety of flavors and frozen concoctions that go far beyond the classic Lemon or Cherry ice.

The story of Ralph's begins back in 1928 when founder Ralph Silvestro, a young immigrant from Italy, started selling his famous Italian Ices across Staten Island. His commitment to using only the finest ingredients set a high standard that the business, which later expanded to Long Island and other locations in the New York Tri-State area, continues to uphold. The first retail store opened in 1949, and the brand's enduring popularity, managed by succeeding generations of the Silvestro family, has cemented its status as a New York summertime favorite. When you visit the Valley Stream shop, you're not just getting a scoop of ice; you’re tasting a piece of the city's sweet history.

The atmosphere at the Valley Stream location is typically clean and welcoming, designed to facilitate a quick and pleasant experience, especially during peak seasons. As a local New Yorker, finding a reliable, high-quality, and community-focused establishment like Ralph’s is always a win, and this location serves that purpose perfectly for those living or traveling through Nassau County.

Ralph's extensive menu can feel daunting for first-timers, boasting well over 100 flavors. These are primarily categorized into Water Ices and Crème Ices, though the offerings have expanded significantly over the years to include other popular frozen treats. The sheer scale of the menu ensures that there is truly a flavor and texture for every preference, from the intensely fruity to the rich and decadent.

The commitment to quality and variety is evident in the rave reviews the shop receives for its diverse selection. Customers frequently mention the friendly staff who, in true neighborhood style, are often happy to let you sample a flavor before you commit to a full cup or cone—a very helpful service given the hundreds of choices. Whether you are craving the fat-free, cholesterol-free refreshment of a classic Water Ice or the dairy-rich indulgence of a Crème Ice (often referred to as sherbet), Ralph’s covers all bases.

For Long Islanders and all New York residents, Ralph’s is an essential experience that defines summer. The Valley Stream location maintains the charm and quality of the famous franchise, making it a reliable destination for a cold, sweet escape from the city heat.

Location and Accessibility

The Ralph's Italian Ices location serving the Valley Stream area is strategically situated to be easily accessible to local residents of Long Island. The address places it right in Nassau County, a perfect stop for those returning from a day trip or simply looking for a neighborhood treat.

Address: 1091 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA

Accessibility Notes:

Being on Rockaway Avenue, the shop is a notable fixture in the community. Customer feedback mentions that the location is generally clean, though parking might be limited, which is a common characteristic of popular local establishments in the area, especially during busy evening and weekend hours. We recommend planning your visit with this in mind, but the convenience and quality make the trip well worth the effort for a true Long Island frozen dessert. The shop accepts both cash and card payments for convenience.

Services Offered

Ralph's Italian Ices provides a comprehensive menu of frozen treats, ensuring that every member of the family finds something to enjoy. Their offerings include:

Water Ices

Water Ices are the classic, original Italian ice offering—fat-free and cholesterol-free, featuring vibrant, intense fruit flavors like Cherry, Mango, Watermelon, Lemon, and the popular Blue Hawaii. They also offer more unique water ice flavors such as Caribbean Splash, Strawberry Margarita, and Cherry Cola.

Crème Ices (Sherbet)

These are dairy-based ices that offer a creamier texture than the traditional water ice, yet are generally lighter than ice cream. Popular Crème Ice flavors include Pistachio, Rainbow Cookie, Graham Cracker, Cannoli, and Peanut Butter.

Soft Serve and Hard Ice Cream

The shop also offers a selection of soft-serve and classic hard ice cream flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chip, and Cookies 'N Cream.

Twisters

A favorite combination: Italian Ice layered with creamy soft-serve ice cream. This creates a balanced treat with both tart and sweet elements.

Signature Sundaes

Elaborate sundaes such as Hot Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Crunch, Strawberry Shortcake, and Apple Cobbler, often built with layers of ice cream, sauces, and toppings.

Doughnados

A newer, popular specialty item combining edible cookie dough layered with soft-serve ice cream, available in flavors like Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter, and Birthday Cake.

Arctic Shakes and Smoothies

A selection of thick milkshakes and blended drinks, including classic milkshakes, fruit smoothies (Mango, Peach, Strawberry), and specialty "Ralphaccino" coffee-based shakes.

No Sugar Added / Fat Free Options

Ralph’s caters to various dietary needs by providing no sugar added and fat-free Italian Ices and Crème Ices in flavors like Lemon, Cherry, and Cappuccino.

Features / Highlights

Ralph's Italian Ices has maintained a loyal New York following for nearly a century due to a few key features that set it apart from typical ice cream parlors.

A Long Island & NY Tradition Since 1928

Founded by Ralph Silvestro in Staten Island, the brand carries a rich history and has been a staple of New York summers for generations. This long-standing reputation is built on consistency and high-quality ingredients, with original recipes for flavors like Lemon and Orange remaining unchanged.

Vast Flavor Selection

With well over 100 flavors offered across Water Ices and Crème Ices, there is a literal ice for every taste. This incredible variety encourages customers to try something new on every visit.

Popular and Signature Flavors

While everyone has their favorite, some flavors consistently receive high praise and are considered must-try items. These include Rainbow Cookie (popular for its colorful presentation and authentic baked good flavor), Graham Cracker (praised for its rich and authentic taste), and Blue Hawaii (noted for being smooth and refreshing). Other highly regarded flavors include Mint Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Cannoli, and Spumoni.

Sampling Encouraged

The ability to sample flavors before committing to a purchase is a highly valued customer service feature, especially given the extensive menu. This ensures you find the perfect flavor combination.

Innovative Menu Items

Beyond traditional ices and sundaes, Ralph's introduces creative items like the Doughnado (edible cookie dough with ice cream) and the Twister (layered ice and soft serve), offering modern twists on classic frozen treats.

Contact Information

For those in the Valley Stream area looking to enjoy a refreshing treat, here is the direct contact information for the local Ralph's:

Address: 1091 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA

Phone: (516) 568-3763

What is Worth Choosing

For local New Yorkers and visitors to Long Island, Ralph's is a true summertime ritual, and what's "worth choosing" often comes down to personal preference. However, based on the shop's history and customer favorites, there are a few selections that truly showcase what Ralph's does best.

If you are visiting for the first time, you must try a few of the most celebrated Crème Ices. The Graham Cracker Crème Ice is an absolute standout; it tastes exactly like the real thing and is consistently hailed as a top flavor by long-time customers. Similarly, the Rainbow Cookie Crème Ice is a wildly popular, vibrant choice that beautifully captures the flavor of the classic New York rainbow cookie in frozen form. For a dairy-free option that’s still packed with flavor, the Blue Hawaii Water Ice is praised for its smooth texture and incredibly refreshing, tropical taste—perfect for a hot summer day.

Customers who prefer a classic dairy treat should look into the signature sundaes or the new Doughnados. Items like the Peanut Butter Crunch Sundae or a Chocolate Chunk Doughnado offer a decadent, multi-layered experience that combines different textures and rich ingredients like soft-serve ice cream, cookies, and sauces. For the adventurous New Yorker, Ralph's offers a wealth of flavor combinations to mix and match. A popular recommendation is mixing a tart fruit water ice, like Lemon or Key Lime, with a creamy option like Graham Cracker to create a frozen "pie" experience.

Ultimately, the vast menu means that your ideal choice is waiting to be discovered. The generous variety, from the light and fat-free water ices to the rich ice cream specialties, ensures that Ralph’s Italian Ices remains a beloved, high-quality, and iconic dessert destination in the New York landscape. Stop by the Valley Stream location and find your new favorite flavor—or perhaps a flavor you loved years ago—and continue a long-standing New York tradition.

Ralphs Italian Ices Photos

Ralphs Italian Ices Location

Ralphs Italian Ices

New York Nassau County Valley Stream Rockaway Avenue

1091 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA

Ralphs Italian Ices Reviews

Visiting family in New York, I was introduced to Ralph's. Wow what a treat!! Small, clean location, with friendly staff and limited parking. You can sample the flavor before purchasing. I tried the pistachio (green color pistachio) creme ices. Sooo good 😋 I can see this becoming an addiction 🤭 They accept cash and card.
September 05 · God's Good Grief
I had a medium pistachio icy. It was delicious. However, two scoops for $6 is absurd. It was my daughter who told me about the place. When I told her what I paid for two scoops, she was shocked. She shared that when she bought a medium pistachio icy, she spent six dollars for three scoops. 😒
June 25 · Annquenetta D.D. Thompson
A local institution. Nothing like a cold Ice on a hot day. Lot's of flavors. Usually a friendly staff. Overall, one of my favorite local spots. However, cards don't always work properly, so just bring cash. No big deal really. However, only 2 cars can park at a time, max. And pulling onto Peninsula Blvd, around crowds of kids, can be difficult to say the least. If not for the parking, 5 stars. Walk or ride your bike.
August 28 · Thomas Dowling
The rudest and most unprofessional two workers I ever encountered. Walk into this place, and these two workers just stared back at me and didn't say hello back! Why go to work and be unprofessional? Stay home next time if you don't want to be there. I will never return to this location ever again. 11/08/24. Manager, do not hire these two ladies for the new season.
November 09 · S Warren
I’m super disappointed this is usually my go to ice cream location. Tonight my Fiance and I checked Google it stated the store closed at 10:30pm. We walk 15mins since we are in the area and arrived at the door at 9:55pm just to be turned away. When we arrived the doors were already locked. There were 2 young ladies inside working making an order for a gentleman, his family was already outside enjoying their ice cream on the benches. The young ladies didn’t want to open the doors nor take our order through the window (actually didn’t have the deceny to address us through the window to atleast tell us they were closed, they just waved us off) I literally just wanted a scoop of ice cream, nothing complicated. There were more cars that also arrived with us and were shocked to see the doors were locked already. If Google states a 10:30pm closure it’s hard to imagine the doors already should be closed at 9:55pm on a Saturday night.
October 06 · Jennifer Goris