Ray's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Richmond's Sweet Escape

If you’re searching for a delightful summer treat that’s perfect for all ages, look no further than Ray's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in Richmond, VA. This beloved ice cream shop is not just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s a haven where nostalgic flavors and creative concoctions come together to create memorable experiences.

Located at 3039 Lauderdale Dr, Ray’s specializes in delicious and cool desserts that are bound to lift your spirits. Take a moment to explore their tantalizing menu that features an innovative combination of Italian ice and frozen custard. One of the stars is their Rocket, a joyous layered treat of vanilla soft frozen custard enveloped by your choice of refreshing Italian ice. For a unique creamy drink, try the Freezie, where Italian ice is blended with liquid custard, topped with whipped cream — a truly satisfying sip on a hot day.

Those looking for a satisfying cone should check out the Hand Scooped Custard, prepared with care for takeout, or indulge in their iconic Brownie Madness Sundae. This dessert features luxurious vanilla custard studded with brownie chunks, crowned with hot fudge and whipped cream — a chocolate lover's dream come true for only $8.48.

The ambiance at Ray's is both cheerful and inviting, featuring outdoor seating that allows you to enjoy your treats al fresco, making it a perfect stop for families or even a quick romantic date. As customer Cameron Lawson beautifully states, "This is one of our favorite sweet treat spots!" It’s clear that both locals and visitors are enchanted by the extensive menu and the generous portions, which might tempt you to share — but we understand if you choose to keep it all to yourself!

Staff here are noted for being friendly and patient, particularly when it comes to accommodating dietary needs, as recounted by Emily Jovanovic. The commitment to excellent customer service adds to the comforting atmosphere, ensuring that every visit feels special. Furthermore, pet lovers will be thrilled to learn that Ray's offers 'pup cups' for your furry friends, as Honey Anant mentioned, adding an extra layer of joy to your family outing.

No visit to Richmond is complete without a stop at Ray's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. Whether you’re a classic vanilla devotee or a daring adventurer ready to try flavors like horchata, this local gem promises to delight your senses and leave you craving more. Be prepared for an ice cream experience that might just become your new weekly ritual!

In-store pick-up
Takeaway
Delivery
Dine-in
Same-day delivery

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Cameron Lawson

31/10/2025

This is one of our favorite sweet treat spots! Whether you’re a purist and stick to a cone with vanilla or chocolate (or dare I say the vanilla chocolate swirl ) or want to venture out with a rocket or unique flavors like horchata or oatmeal crème pie this is the place to go! Portions are huge (see pictures for reference) my son ordered a chocolate vanilla swirl cake cone with rainbow sprinkles and side of dragon fruit boba (kids will be kids) and I tried the single scoop of oatmeal crème pie custard with chocolate sprinkles in a waffle cone. His was literally as big as his head, he happily squirreled away three quarters of it in the freezer for other days and price wise we only spent $14, tax and tip included, for the both of us. Taste wise his answer was “the best as always” and “could eat the boba just poured in a cone with the ice cream on top” which is an interesting choice and if we try that next time I’ll be sure to update. As for mine…it took me right back to childhood, oatmeal crème pies were my pool day dessert after that basic bologna and cheese sandwich with chips that always hit the spot during the obligatory sit out for “adult swim”. I will ten thousand percent be back for this flavor. Something new I learned this trip is that they will let you try a sample before you are locked in on your order so if there is a flavor you see and want to try without the commitment definitely let them know. They have ample outdoor seating with benches and Adirondack chairs. It is a walk-up location so don’t expect to be indoors. With the warmer weather (and TikTok/IG/Facebook influences) it is also located directly across the street from fire station if that’s your sort of entertainment haha Either way worth the try whether you’re a come here or a from here!

Emily Jovanovic

07/10/2025

I’ve been coming here for about 20 years, crave it weekly, and drive from the city just to get it. My most recent visit was especially awesome because we had my boyfriend’s nephew with us who has a severe allergy, and the folks at Ray’s were incredibly knowledgeable about their products and accommodating to the nephew’s needs. They were so patient while he was choosing what he wanted to order, too. Thank you a million times over to the people at Ray’s

Fiona Stokes

26/09/2025

the rockets (pictured on the left) are awesome! the vanilla custard on the bottom and the top sandwich a generous amount of italian ice. i recommend the orange italian ice, though mango is good as well. the portions are very large, so i might recommend sharing because the italian ice flavoring can taste a bit artificial after a while. the collection of potato heads on display kept me very entertained while in line!

Honey Anant

14/09/2025

Such a great place for ice cream. Brownie Madness Sundae is my favorite. We also took mint and butter caramel pecan scoop. Mint was little too overwhelming for me but it was good overall. Definitely going to try other flavors as well next time. There are enough benches there for you to sit & enjoy your ice cream. Bonus point: If you have a dog, they do give a pup cup as well. Our puppy enjoyed it as much as we did

Vanessa Barnett

12/09/2025

1 word. Obsessed. Listen .. dairy may bother my stomach here and there but Ray’s doesn’t upset it. They have so many options and flavors but my top two favorites are Oreo and Birthday Cake! Our experience today was CHEF’S KISS. The cashier was patience as I asked for samples of Cookie Dough just to confirm if I should switch it up .. and I didn’t. I got a waffle cone and my husband did soft serve vanilla. Ray’s is so much better than any custard spot we’ve had in Northern VA L. It’s smooth, rich, creamy and just the perfectttttt treat for a summer (or any) day haha! The spot itself is an outside space. They have a few chairs and benches that you can sit outside but honestly sitting in your car with the windows open hits the spot too. I can’t wait to go back !

Katie Grasser

07/09/2025

Great staff, very friendly and patient. Lots of varieties to choose from. Prices are good. Absolutely delicious! Only wish they could extend their outdoor seating in nice weather. However, they do offer outdoor seating.

Chip Cates

03/09/2025

I have been getting custard from Ray's since they were at their original location. My family loves their custard and ice. I have moved out of state and had to come to Ray's while visiting Short Pump.