What Is Water Ice?
Italian water ice is a traditional summer dessert in the Eastern United States, especially in the Philadelphia and South Jersey regions. The major difference from ice cream is the lack of any dairy products. The creamy consistency comes instead from the process of freezing and mixing the ingredients. The three base ingredients are simple: water, sugar and flavoring (typically fresh fruit or syrup).
While Italian ice has spread across the United States, its roots are strong in the Philadelphia region. The history of the dessert isn’t certain, but we do know that it’s based on the popular Italian dessert, granita. Once Italian immigrants brought that recipe with them to the U.S., it was modified over the years to become the iconic frozen delight we all enjoy.
To get a taste of this chilled sweet treat, try out one of these many popular shops across the First State.
Fusco’s
Fusco’s has been serving up Italian water ice since 1957, making it Delaware’s oldest stop for the popular regional treat. The Wilmington mainstay boasts fresh-squeezed lemons daily and does water ice the old-fashioned way: just water, pure cane sugar and lemon. Since opening a new storefront on Kirkwood Highway, Fusco’s is flourishing with an expanded menu and cozy indoor seating. The new location added house-made soft serve ice cream, root beer floats and affogato to the selection of chilled treats. Soft serve also makes a great addition to any water ice. Order any flavor of water ice at the Kirkwood location topped with vanilla soft serve for the best of both worlds.
Prefer to drink your sweets? Fusco’s also collaborates with Delaware’s own Big Oyster Brewery for an Italian Ice Shandy perfect for summer sipping. Find it at the brewery or liquor stores across Delaware.
610 Union Street, Wilmington | 757-6984
3926 Kirkwood Highway, WilmingtonÂ
View this post on Instagram
Rita’s
You can’t talk Italian water ice without mentioning Rita’s. The chain started with a small Italian ice stand in a Philadelphia suburb. Over the years it has grown into the massive Italian ice and frozen custard chain that it is today. You can find a Rita’s near you online. The brand has a presence in over 30 states and serves up water ice, custard, gelati and more. Each shop has a diverse list of flavors, and the selection changes every day.
Multiple locations
Nana & Pops Ice Cream & Italian Water Ice
This Long Neck ice cream shop serves up homemade water ice in a variety of classic and innovative flavors. Go for the classic lemon or mix it up with flavors like cotton candy, banana creme, root beer and more.
32369 Long Neck Road, Millsboro
View this post on Instagram
Dino’s Ice Cream
Dino’s Ice Cream truck specializes in catering and special events. It has both a permanent store in Wilmington and a truck that travels all around Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. The list of flavors is also extensive, covering everything from mint chocolate chip to tropical fruits.
6 South Union Street, Wilmington | 983-1666
View this post on Instagram
Lo Scoop
This Italian café serves up gelato, Italian ice cream and, of course, water ice. This menu of sweet frozen treats is served alongside typical café and bakery fare. Enjoy espresso, teas and coffees, muffins and pastries, bagels and more with an indulgent cup of gelato or fruity Italian ice.
7344 South Dupont Highway, FeltonÂ
View this post on Instagram
Cool J’s
Cool J’s was founded in 2016 by a 17-year-old Charter School of Wilmington student. The shop offers premium water ice, smoothies, cleverly named “J’Lati” and more. It also serves foods like chili cheese fries and hot dogs and has a spacious dining area to sit down and escape the heat.
1857 Pulaski Highway, Bear | 595-4252
View this post on Instagram
Reno’s Homemade Ice Cream & Water Ice
With eight flavors of water ice, 16 flavors of homemade ice cream and the option to mix them into indulgent gelati, Reno’s is a must-stop if you’re craving something chilled and sweet.
4748 Limestone Road, Wilmington | 357-9046
Bernie’s Original Italian Water Ice
Bernie’s offers old-fashioned Italian water ice made fresh with real lemons. It also has an extensive list of other flavors. The shop always makes an appearance at St. Anthony’s Italian Festival and also sells five-gallon buckets of water ice for parties.
1701 West 8th Street, Wilmington | 429-8985
Uncle Mike’s Ice Cream & Water Ice
This family-owned ice cream shop serves up soft-serve ice cream, hot dogs and, of course, water ice! With a new combos menu, you can stock up on water ice for the whole family.
400 West Main Street, Middletown | 378-4011
View this post on Instagram
Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream & Italian Ice
Head to Tre Sorelle for ice cream, Italian ice and mini-golf all in one stop. Designed after old-school ice cream parlors with atmosphere in mind, Tre Sorelle is a great place to stop and enjoy an Italian water ice. The flavors are mostly fruits, featuring lemon, strawberry, sour apple and more.
27 South Railroad Avenue, WyomingÂ
LJ’s Water Ice
This traveling Italian ice cart dishes up delicious treats all over Kent and Sussex counties. The Italian ice it serves is only 15 calories per scoop and contains no high fructose corn syrup—only fresh fruit and natural flavors. Visit LJ’s online to book the cart for your next event.
Related: 15 Ice Cream Shops to Visit for Irresistible Scoops in Delaware
