Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

- 88 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, located in the heart of New Canaan, Connecticut, is a distinguished Dessert shop that brings a truly artisan experience to Fairfield County. Unlike conventional ice cream, Van Leeuwen is famous for making its signature products in the French style. This method involves using substantially more egg yolks—often double the amount found in standard ice cream—resulting in a product that is exceptionally rich, dense, and creamy, providing a custard-like decadence that connoisseurs across Connecticut appreciate.

The shop’s commitment to quality extends beyond its French-style base. It is a dual-focus establishment, equally celebrated for its extensive and innovative line of high-quality vegan ice cream. These non-dairy options, crafted with a base of cashew milk, coconut cream, and oat milk, are not mere afterthoughts but a core part of the menu, ensuring that customers with all dietary preferences can enjoy a gourmet treat.

The friendly atmosphere and exceptional customer service have earned high praise from local patrons. Customers note the presence of "Friendly guys at the counter" and the overall "delicious ice cream." A particular highlight often mentioned is the dedication to serving products at their peak, with one reviewer enthusiastically noting that the staff "Made the waffle bowls fresh in store!! Would definitely come back again!" This emphasis on freshness and warmth makes Van Leeuwen a standout destination for a sweet treat in New Canaan.

Location and Accessibility

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is centrally located at 88 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840. This prime location on Elm Street makes it easily accessible for pedestrians shopping or dining downtown, as well as for those traveling by car through the area. The shop is intentionally designed to be an accessible and welcoming space for the entire community:

• The location is fully equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring ease of access for all patrons.
• Dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot space is available nearby, simplifying the visit for customers with mobility considerations.
• The indoor space offers comfortable, inviting tables inside to sit, perfect for enjoying a cone or sundae.
• The store’s commitment to quick service makes it ideal for a Quick visit, whether you are dropping by for a single scoop or picking up pints for an event.

Services Offered

As a specialized Ice cream shop and Dessert shop, Van Leeuwen offers a flexible range of services to accommodate every customer’s preference:

• In-store Shopping and Scooping: Providing the full experience of choosing from dozens of signature and seasonal flavors in person, served in cups, cones, or the popular fresh-made waffle bowls.
• Takeout Service: Offering efficient packaging for single servings, sundaes, or pre-packed pints for customers who want to enjoy their treats at home.
• Delivery Service: For maximum convenience, the shop offers Delivery through third-party platforms, allowing New Canaan residents to order pints and treats directly to their homes.
• Pints and Party Packs: Customers can purchase pints of their favorite flavors, including the signature Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie, for at-home enjoyment.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts most standard payment methods, including major Credit cards and Debit cards.

Features / Highlights

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream distinguishes itself in the Connecticut dessert landscape through several unique and high-quality features:

• True French Ice Cream: The core product is a decadent, ultra-creamy, custard-style ice cream made with high-quality ingredients and extra egg yolks, providing a signature texture and richness.
• Pioneering Vegan Options: The shop is equally famous for its delicious, non-dairy vegan flavors, which use a carefully formulated blend of cashew milk, coconut cream, and oat milk. Popular vegan options include Vegan Strawberry Shortcake and Vegan Sicilian Pistachio.
• Fresh-Made Waffle Bowls: A highly-rated highlight is the practice of making waffle bowls fresh in store, which provides a warm, crispy, and aromatic complement to the cold ice cream.
• Signature and Unique Flavors: The menu features creative and well-loved flavors such as Honeycomb (made with caramel candy, not honey), Marionberry Cheesecake, Earl Grey Tea, and the customer-favorite Brown Sugar Cookie Dough Brownie.
• Warm and Casual Vibe: The shop maintains a clean, Casual atmosphere with a focus on friendly service, making it an inviting place for a solo treat or a group outing.
• Family and Kid-Friendly: Explicitly noted as Good for kids and Family-friendly, making it a perfect spot for parents to take children for a high-quality treat.

Contact Information

For New Canaan residents planning a visit or needing to inquire about services or delivery, please use the following contact details:

Address: 88 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840

Phone: (203) 594-1288

What is Worth Choosing Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Choosing Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is choosing an artisan, high-quality dessert experience distinct from what is commonly found in the Connecticut region. It is worth visiting for the sheer quality of the ice cream base—the French style ensures a level of richness and creaminess that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Beyond the superior texture, the commitment to variety is a major drawing point. Whether you adhere to a vegan diet and want a decadent, flavorful non-dairy scoop, or you prefer a traditional milk-based option with exotic inclusions like the brown sugar brownie pieces, Van Leeuwen delivers.

Finally, the combination of customer-praised service—highlighted by the friendly guys at the counter—and the delightful touch of freshly made waffle bowls ensures that every visit is a memorable treat. For anyone in New Canaan looking for a sophisticated, yet entirely accessible, dessert destination, Van Leeuwen provides an unparalleled experience that caters to both the traditionalist and the adventurous eater.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

88 Elm St, New Canaan, CT 06840, USA