Tourists may travel to New York City to see the sights, and I guess the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are pretty cool, but here are at delicious. we travel to eat. And there’s no greater joy than when we bite into something we’ve never tasted before and it blows us away. My recent discovery on a trip to the Big Apple? Italian ice. 

Now, I’ve travelled around Italy before and consumed my fair share of sweet treats. Especially cold ones. Gelato and granita are my primary source of nutrition during the summer months in Italy, so I don’t know how it took a trip to New York City to discover this icy-cold dessert, but here we are. 

For those of you, like me, who have never heard of Italian ice, it’s basically like Italian granita, but smoother. The semi-frozen treat is made up of finely granulated ice that is sweetened with fruit concentrates, juices, purees or other natural flavours and there’s no better spot to get a taste of it in New York City than in Queens. 

Related story: You could soon be swimming in New York City’s river thanks to this floating pool 

Located in Corona, The Lemon Ice King of Corona has been scooping up Italian ice to locals and tourists alike for 80 years. In fact, the shop is credited with bringing Italian ice to New York City. Italian immigrant and New Yorker, Nicola Benfaremo, started making Italian ice and serving it from his garage in 1944. In 1964, along with his son Peter, Nicola opened the store front you see today, which has changed very little. Just like its recipe. 

The Lemon Ice King of Corona has been making Italian ice the traditional way since the day it opened, using only natural ingredients, real fruit and no dairy, which is surprising considering how creamy it is, but that’s what sets Lemon Ice King of Corona apart from the rest. Today, there are 36 flavours to choose from, but Lemon and Peanut Butter remain cult favourites. 

So if you happen to be schvitzing on the subway in New York and keen to cool down, jump on the 7 Train and off at 103rd St./Corona Plaza station, which is just an 8-minute walk from The Lemon Ice King of Corona. Hungry for more? If you’re in New York City and keen to try the city’s most iconic eats, here are 6 dishes that are worth travelling to New York City for. 

What is Italian ice? 

Originating in Italy, predominantly Sicily, Italian ice is similar to granita and sorbet but not the same. It is smoother and creamier. The semi-frozen treat is made up of finely granulated ice that is sweetened with fruit concentrates, juices, purees or other natural flavours. Traditionally, it is dairy and egg free. 

Related story: Toasted with lox! Here are the best bagels in New York City