TL;DR: Outstanding artisan gelato with incredible customer service and an awesome hat-shop aesthetic. The full flavor tour, generous heavy-handed scoops, and fresh-made waffle cones make it an absolute must-visit spot. I've heard so many great things about this spot for a while now, so since we were in the area, we finally had to check it out. The interior aesthetic is super cool, featuring vintage hat decorations everywhere and a creative menu board styled around hat-making terms. They set up two separate lines so both employees can serve people at the same time, keeping things moving smoothly. There were two girls working when we walked up, and both were very friendly. The worker who helped us (unfortunately we didn't catch her name) was so energetic and truly made the experience a blast. She clearly loves what she does. She took us through a full "flavor tour" where we got to sample every single gelato option on the menu before deciding. I ended up going with the matcha and pistachio flavors, and I loved both. The pistachio wasn't overly sweet at all, contained real pistachio pieces, and felt super light and refreshing. My girlfriend got a cone with their mango and strawberry sorbet flavors which were so refreshing. The staff was kind enough to offer my girlfriend an extra bowl on the side since we were worried it might melt fast once we stepped outside. A nice perk here is that any size you choose allows you to mix two flavors free of charge. They are also very heavy-handed with their portions (the worker even used that exact phrase herself!), which is super accurate because they really pack each cup or cone to the brim. Keep that in mind when picking a size because you definitely get a lot of gelato. You could also see one of the workers making waffle cones completely fresh from scratch right in the back. The cone was super delicious and crisp, not stale at all. Between the incredible flavors, generous portions, and top-tier service, I am definitely coming back here next time I'm craving a sweet treat! read more

I honestly think this was the best gelato I've ever had. I used to live in Italy and this is the only gelato I've had in San Diego that comes close to when I lived there. They put on a popup collaboration event and served a mojito flavor, chai flan, tamarindo margarita, olive oil & rosemary, and german chocolate cake. They let me try all the flavors and my favorites were the mojito and the olive oil and rosemary. The flavors were fresh, balanced, and not overly sweet. I got to meet one of the owners owner and the person in charge of events. They were both very friendly and told me that the reason for the name (An's Hatmakers) is they wanted to do something special for the community of Del Mar that paid homage to the city's history. Because Del Mar is so closely tied with the race track, they thought the hat shop was the perfect fit. My wife and I loved the concept and cannot wait for them to open. They said probably mid-December. read more

The Vibe & Interior An's Hatmakers is an absolute gem. The vintage hat shop theme transports you back in time, and the meticulous attention to detail delivers major Disneyland magic. Every corner is intentional and beautifully executed. The Standouts You genuinely cannot go wrong here. While "Leather" is our usual go-to, we changed it up with "No Signal" and "Cypress" this time. The Service A flawless 10 out of 10. The tasting tour is a must-do. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable, genuinely friendly, and they never rush the experience. Parking Easy and convenient. There is plenty of street parking available, plus a paid parking structure nearby for a guaranteed spot. Tips head up to the third floor of the building for additional seating to enjoy your treat. For the ultimate experience, grab a cone and take a short walk over to Sea Grove Park to enjoy your ice cream by the water. read more

A Sweet Time Travel Treat at An's Hatmaker! An's Hatmaker Ice Cream Shop in Del Mar is a charming, delicious little gem that you don't want to miss! Styled after a 1900's hat shop, this cute beachside spot offers a unique experience that blends vintage charm with modern ice cream perfection. The flavors are absolutely amazing--each scoop is bursting with creativity and taste. I especially loved the delectable waffle cones that are the perfect complement to the ice cream. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, and it shows in every bite. Located right on the beach, it's the ideal stop after a day in the sun. Whether you're a local or just visiting, An's Hatmaker Ice Cream Shop is a must-visit. I can't recommend it enough. Five stars for the wonderful flavors, delightful atmosphere, and friendly service! read more

I have been here frequently over the past 2 years. Their gelato does not disappoint and their flavors are different from other gelato/ice cream shops. They often have vegan flavors too which is nice, so there is something for everyone to try. Their cones are also sugary and delicious, worth trying! One thing I will say is that the size of gelato scoops varies GREATLY. Often times when it is busier, I have received much smaller portions compared to the times when it was slow. It also depends on the employee scooping it. Overall, it doesn't seem like there is a standard size they follow for scoop portions. Service is always welcoming and friendly, and they take their time for samples and answering questions you may have. This is definitely a go to dessert place for when friends/family visit here in SD. read more

I absolutely love the experience here! They offer both permanent and seasonal gelato flavors, so there's truly something for every craving. During my first visit, I loved the touch of their flavor tour. I really appreciated how the staff took the time to elaborate on each flavor and what to expect. I was craving something refreshing and opted for the Visor (pistachio) and their palette cleanser. Both were amazing! The shop itself is a bit small, so it can feel crowded at times, but everything seemed well-organized. I loved the charming interior, with the hats displayed on shelves and plants adding a lively and cozy touch. My only wish is that there was a location closer to home. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in the area! read more

This place opened up just a couple of months ago and I've gone a few times already. I have to admit, I am a huge fan of their first concept in North Park - An's Dry Cleaning. This shop feels very different - it's a little fancier which matches with Del Mar very well. The best part is that the gelato is just as good as the first one. They have completely different flavors at this location, which is a big incentive to still go to both shops. They also make their gelato on site here -- as opposed to making it all in one shop and then sending it to both -- so it's always fresh and absolutely delicious. This is hands down the best dessert in Del Mar and just what we needed! Thank you, Ans!! read more

An's Hatmakers is a gelato paradise! Lexi, one of their exceptional employees, provided unparalleled service. Her knowledge of flavors and genuine enthusiasm made our visit truly special. Lexi's recommendations led us to delightful combinations we wouldn't have discovered otherwise. Every scoop was a masterpiece, crafted with precision. The cozy ambiance and elegant decor added to the experience. An's Hatmakers offers a sample "flavor tour" and thanks to Lexi, we left with smiles and a newfound love for gelato. If you seek an extraordinary gelato adventure, visit An's Hatmakers and ask for Lexi. You won't be disappointed! read more

This place is really cute, but I thought the gelato was just okay. Out of all the flavors I tried, I liked the watermelon sorbet the best. Halfway through eating, I kind of got sick of the flavor and couldn't finish it. It's a fun experience getting to try all the different flavors that they had to offer, but I probably wouldn't come back unless a friend came out of town to visit and we were specifically in this area. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high for this place being named a top ice cream shop in the nation. Parking was a little difficult to find when we went during the weekend. read more

I recently visited An Hatmaker's and was eager to try their ice cream, especially since I had wanted to check out their original spot at the cleaners location. This location was convenient as it was near a lunch spot we were at. The ice cream did not disappoint! It was creamy and packed with flavor, definitely living up to my expectations. While it might not replace my favorite spot in San Diego, it's still a decent choice for a sweet treat. I'll definitely be back to explore more flavors! read more

An's Hatmaker Gelato in Del Mar is a must-visit! The Panama (Cinnamon Roll) gelato was absolutely delicious - a unique flavor that's now one of my favorites. The location is perfect, right in the heart of Del Mar, making it an ideal spot to stop and enjoy a treat. The service was excellent, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who clearly care about the quality of what they're serving. Highly recommend An's Hatmaker Gelato for anyone looking to indulge in a memorable dessert experience! read more

Stopped in here after grabbing lunch upstairs at Monarch. The employees were super friendly and took the time to explain the concept and all the flavors on their menu. I settled on Scally Cap, which was fantastic. The espresso gelato tasted super fresh and it was cool to learn that the espresso was made by Hawthorn, one of my favorite spots in North Park (and the neighbor of An's Dry Cleaning). I went for a stroll with my gelato down to the beach, which is only a block away. read more

The name is a bit confusing but the pictures explain why the hat. I am not a big fan of Gelato and prefer real creamy ice cream. This place offers about six flavors and the flavors are similar to other gelato places. Kudos to their marketing team. Staying in line for 20 minutes wasn't really worth the experience, especially where they keep the door closed and make people wait outside, not very welcoming. read more

We went out to try An's Hatmakers new collaboration flavors with Tamarindo, the neighboring restaurant. They had a mojito, a chai flan with bunuelos, and a margarita. All three were amazing, but my favorite was the chai with Tamarindo's bunuelos. To top it off, they were giving away the gelato for free!!! Can't wait for this new location to open up. I was told it would be within a few weeks. read more

"I recently visited this ice cream shop and had a wonderful experience. The employee, Sid, was incredibly kind and patient-he made choosing flavors fun and stress-free. His warm personality really added to the experience, He was just one of the best personalities I have ever encountered just phenomenal ,I left with a smile. Highly recommend visiting and asking for Sid if you get the chance!" read more

The ice cream here is so delicious and the service is great! Went in for a sweet treat for my bf's birthday and right at check out Zach heard and offered him a celebratory scoop! They also provided such a helpful flavor tour. The shop has got a nice ambiance too! Loved every moment of my experience there. read more

You guys do not know how to do business!! I tried many times in the past three months to try your ice cream and get scared by the crazy line and leave. If you are smart, you would have added more employees delivering ice cream super fast to customers. YOU ARE LOSING SO MUCH MONEY.,. read more

Absolutely loved this place! Everything was fresh, beautifully made, and so delicious. The quality really stands out, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every detail. Such a cute spot with a lovely atmosphere too. Definitely one of my new favorites I'll be coming back! read more

Gabby C and Kaitlyn B were PHENOMENAL!!!! Absolutely perfect service, super knowledgeable about the menu and the vibes are great. So worth the wait after my first time here. If you can wait in the line, make sure to ask for Gabby and Kaitlyn! Such a pleasant experience. read more