Summer in New Jersey can be wonderful, but it can also be a challenge, especially if your body is more built for winter like mine is! I often find myself craving an air-conditioned retreat and a frozen dessert when the temperature hits 90, but that’s not always easy to find given that I’m dairy-free due to allergies. That’s why I’m always glad to find a place serving excellent sorbet or Italian ice—and the best Italian ice in New Jersey is served at DiCosmo’s, a 110-year-old New Jersey institution. While it began its life in Elizabeth, it’s currently holding court in Metuchen, one of my favorite small towns in the state. Plus, it’s still owned and operated by the same family that founded it way back in 1915! This is the fifth summer in Metuchen for this seasonal dessert spot, and a recent visit was just as delicious and nostalgic as every review indicates.
Located just off Main Street, across the street from beloved breakfast spot Hatch 44 Cafe, DiCosmo’s looks like it’s been holding court here for a century! However, while the original location in Elizabeth (under new management and awaiting a reopening date) might be truly old-school, this location just opened five years ago. But that doesn’t mean it’s not packed with old-school charm.
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Inside, this pint-sized seasonal dessert shop is little more than a counter, although there is a seating area outside under the awning. The menu is old-school, and so are the flavors! If you’re worried about another generic Italian Ice place with more color than flavor, don’t be; the menu here is vegan, gluten-free, and made with real fruit.
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The DiCosmo family has been running this Jersey institution since 1915, and the traditions that guide it have stayed much the same since then. I really appreciate the family photos and history on the walls—they add a great homey feel to the place.
The price is still right here—for $3.75, you get a small ice cube, which still provides plenty to eat. I decided to sample two. The blueberry is more of a traditional Italian ice cube, refreshing with a bit of crunch and flecks of real blueberry throughout. The Pina Colada is the star attraction. Made with real coconut milk, it’s incredibly creamy and flavorful. It’s now among my favorite summer treats.
Italian ice is the star attraction here, of course, but don’t miss the candy counter! You can get organic cotton candy, or bags of Swedish gummies that pack some serious flavor if you want a sweet treat that won’t melt in the summer heat!
Have you visited DiCosmo’s Italian Ice in Metuchen? If not, tell a friend about the best Italian ice in New Jersey and sample it for yourself! You can see more information about the history and current offerings on DiCosmo’s website, and DiCosmo’s Facebook page is the best place to get all the latest updates. If you’d like spend the day in Metuchen, there’s so much to do here—you can easily keep the nostalgia rolling with a few hours at Yestercades of Metuchen, an incredible retro arcade, and then have dinner at Hailey’s Harp and Pub, one of the most authentic Irish hotspots in New Jersey.
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