Nasto's Ice Cream Co. — Old World Desserts

Nasto's Ice Cream Co. — Old World Desserts, located at 236 Jefferson Street in the vibrant Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, is far more than just an ice cream shop; it is a living piece of history and a cherished institution. Founded in 1939 by Frank Sr. and Angelina Nasto, this family-owned and operated business has been delighting generations of customers for over 86 years. What started as a quaint neighborhood mom-and-pop shop has evolved into a leading manufacturer of premium ice cream and frozen dessert specialties, all while retaining its authentic "Old World" charm and commitment to original recipes from Nocera, Italy. It's a place where tradition meets taste, offering a truly unique and memorable experience for anyone seeking high-quality frozen treats.

Nasto's stands out for its dedication to crafting delectable desserts using only the finest ingredients, from fresh milk and cream delivered daily by local dairies to premium Madagascar Vanilla and Belgian cocoa. Their unique approach, which once included an ice cream batch machine visible to passersby in the front window, has cemented their reputation for homemade excellence. Beyond their retail storefront, Nasto's also supplies many of the finest restaurants, hotels, and caterers across the tri-state area, a testament to the consistent quality and widespread appeal of their products. For New Jersey locals, visiting Nasto's is not just about enjoying an ice cream; it's about stepping into a piece of Newark's rich heritage and savoring authentic Italian desserts that have been perfected over three generations. The sheer variety and exceptional quality of their offerings make it a destination worth seeking out, promising a sweet journey into history with every bite.

Nasto's Ice Cream Co. is prominently located at 236 Jefferson Street in the bustling Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey. The Ironbound is renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse culinary scene, and lively atmosphere, making Nasto's an integral part of this dynamic neighborhood. Its location on Jefferson Street, a well-known thoroughfare within the Ironbound, ensures that it's easily discoverable for both local residents and visitors exploring the area. The neighborhood's unique character adds to the charm of visiting this historic establishment.

For those traveling by car, Nasto's benefits from the fact that there is often plenty of street parking available in the vicinity. This is a significant advantage in an urban area like Newark, where parking can sometimes be a challenge. The shop's presence in a pedestrian-friendly district also makes it easily accessible for those walking from nearby homes or public transit stops. The Ironbound is well-served by public transportation, including NJ Transit train and bus lines, further enhancing the accessibility of Nasto's for a wider audience across New Jersey and even from New York City, as noted by enthusiastic patrons. The ease of access, whether by foot, car, or public transport, contributes to Nasto's enduring popularity as a convenient and enjoyable destination for authentic "Old World" desserts.

• Premium Ice Cream, Gelato, and Sorbet: Nasto's offers a vast array of homemade ice cream flavors, as well as authentic Italian gelato and refreshing fruit sorbets. Reviewers frequently praise the quality, unique options like "Sweet Corn" and "Watermelon Ice," and traditional favorites like "Vanilla Cherry" and "Rum Raisin." All are made with fresh ingredients.

• Authentic Italian Ices: A long-standing specialty, their Italian ices are made with natural juices and are celebrated for their refreshing taste and presentation, often served in hollowed-out fruit shells.

• Old World Desserts: Nasto's is famous for traditional Italian frozen desserts including:

  • Tartufo: Their original Tartufo, a blend of vanilla and chocolate ice cream with sliced almonds and a cherry, coated in dark bittersweet chocolate, is highly acclaimed. Other flavors like White Chocolate Mango Coconut, Peanut Butter, Pistachio, Pumpkin, Cappuccino, and Hazelnut are also available.

  • Spumoni: A classic Italian ice cream with an outer cushion of vanilla surrounding a rum bisque ice cream center, laced with fruit and nuts, alongside Dutch cocoa chocolate ice cream.

  • Bisque Tortoni: A subtle amaretto ice cream blend topped with toasted macaroon crunch and a ruby red cherry.

  • Reginetta: A chocolate lover's dream with chocolate sponge cake, raspberry sauce, and amaretto ice cream, rolled in crushed almonds and topped with dark chocolate and marzipan.

• Gourmet Cakes and Cheesecakes: Beyond frozen treats, they offer a selection of non-ice cream cakes, including moist Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Fudge Cake, and a full line of cheesecakes (e.g., NY Style, Ricotta, Pumpkin).

• Ice Cream Cakes: Fabulous ice cream cakes are available for any occasion, with traditional options like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream with toasted almonds and chocolate syrup, as well as nut-free options.

• Cannolis, Tiramisu, and Other Specialties: Freshly filled cannolis (large and mini), Tiramisu (in cups or trays), Cake Rolls, Nut Logs, Lava Cakes, and seasonal Snowballs (vanilla scoops dusted with coconut) are also part of their extensive dessert menu.

• Wholesale and Retail: While serving individual customers at their retail storefront, Nasto's also supplies products to fine restaurants, hotels, and caterers across the tri-state area.

• Historic and Iconic Status (Established 1939): Nasto's has been a beloved establishment for over 86 years, making it a truly historical and iconic part of Newark's culinary landscape. This long-standing heritage adds to its unique charm and draws customers, even from outside New Jersey.

• Authentic "Old World" Italian Desserts: The shop specializes in traditional Italian frozen desserts like Tartufo, Spumoni, and Bisque Tortoni, made from original family recipes passed down through generations. These unique offerings set it apart from typical ice cream shops.

• Exceptional Quality and Fresh Ingredients: Customers consistently praise the high quality of the ice cream and other desserts, noting the use of real fruit in flavors like "Peach Ice Cream" and the rich elegance of their "chocolate gelato." Fresh milk, cream, and premium ingredients are used in their products.

• Diverse and Unique Flavor Selection: Beyond traditional flavors, Nasto's offers an impressive array of unique and memorable options, including "Watermelon Ice" (described as the "best ever"), "Sweet Corn ice cream," "Holy Cannoli," and "Rum Raisin" (hailed as the "best ever" by one customer's mom). This vast selection encourages repeat visits to explore new tastes.

• Family-Owned and Operated: Now in its third generation, Nasto's remains a family-run business. This family foundation and dedication are often felt by customers, contributing to a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

• Great Staff: Multiple reviews highlight the "greatest staff" and describe workers as "SO sweet and patient," enhancing the overall customer experience and contributing to the shop's positive reputation.

• Made In-House: All the ice cream, Italian ices, and other treats are made on-site, ensuring freshness and quality that resonates with patrons.

Address: 236 Jefferson St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA

Phone: (973) 589-3333

For the discerning residents of New Jersey, particularly those in Newark and the surrounding areas, Nasto's Ice Cream Co. — Old World Desserts is an absolute must-visit destination. It’s a place that transcends the typical ice cream shop experience, offering a deep dive into genuine "Old World" Italian confectionery traditions right in the heart of the Ironbound. Its nearly nine decades of operation speak volumes about its enduring quality and its irreplaceable role in the community. Locals can take immense pride in having such a historical and iconic establishment in their backyard, a testament to Newark's rich cultural tapestry.

What makes Nasto's exceptionally suitable for locals is its unparalleled commitment to quality, a vast and unique flavor selection, and its authentic Italian heritage. From their unbelievably refreshing "Watermelon Ice" and ice cream with real fruit like "Peach," to the mind-blowing "Tartufo" and "Rum Raisin" that customers claim are the "best ever," every visit promises a taste sensation. The friendly and dedicated staff, combined with the charm of a multi-generational family business, ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits. Whether you're craving a classic scoop, an exotic gelato, or a celebratory Italian dessert like Spumoni or a custom cake, Nasto's delivers. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s an experience that connects you to Newark’s past and present, making it a beloved and essential stop for any New Jersey local with a sweet tooth.

Nasto's Ice Cream Co. — Old World Desserts

236 Jefferson St, Newark, NJ 07105, USA