On July 4th—America’s birthday and National Ice Cream Month—Washington, D.C. will welcome a bold new addition to its culinary landscape: Yala Greek Ice Cream, believed to be the first authentic Greek ice cream shop in the United States.
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown at 3143 N St. NW, Yala Greek Ice Cream is more than just a scoop shop. It’s a celebration of family, heritage and philoxenia. Behind it all is founder Chrys Kefalas, a Greek-American and longtime executive at the National Association of Manufacturers who grew up inspired by the legacy of his Papou, a Greek immigrant who worked in restaurant kitchens in Baltimore, Md. and Yorktown, Va.
“The one thing I always wanted to do was make something my papou would be proud of,” Kefalas told the Washington Business Journal.
Chrys Kefalas’ Grandfather / Photo Credit: Yala Greek Ice Cream
The word “Yala” is a play on the Greek word for “milk,” and fittingly, Yala Greek Ice Cream is made using hand-crafted techniques passed down through three generations of Greek ice cream makers. “This is not frozen yogurt, just inspired by Greek flavors or a trendy twist on gelato—this is true Greek ice cream, finally making its American debut,” Kefalas told the Pappas Post.
“Yala Greek Ice Cream is crafted with farm-fresh milk from Maryland, Greek yogurt and honey, fruit preserves from the Mediterranean, and ingredients sourced directly from Greece, Italy, and the Middle East—including premium pistachios and sustainably harvested vanilla,” said Kefalas. “Each scoop delivers the creamy, velvety texture and deep, natural flavor characteristic of traditional Greek-style frozen desserts.”
Kataifi Ice Cream / Photo Credit: Yala Greek Ice Cream
Among the standout flavor offerings is Kataifi ice cream, made in collaboration with family-owned Classic Bakery. Kataifi ice cream blends Yala Greek’s classic vanilla with crispy thin strands of filo, walnuts and hints of cinnamon and honey.
Other flavor highlights include Pistachio Odyssey, made with Mediterranean pistachios, and several that incorporate fresh Greek yogurt and add wild cherries and orange preserves. The initial menu also has “Fresh, Greek, Better” takes on American classics, such as mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream.
Chrys Kefalas in the kitchen / Photo Credit: Yala Greek Ice Cream
“This is our community’s moment to show the world that Greece has a frozen dessert legacy just as rich and authentic as our cuisine and music–and it’s a responsibility that weighs heavily on our shoulders,” said Kefalas.
The store’s design—led by acclaimed designer Maggie O’Neill—channels the charm of an old-world Greek village with the joy of a classic American ice cream parlor. The goal? “To create a space that feels like home, whether you’re from Kalamata, Karpathos or Kalamazoo,” said Kefalas
Don’t forget to sign up for the Yala Greek’s waitlist at yalagreekicecream.com for the latest updates and follow @yalagreekicecream on Instagram and TikTok for sneak peeks, giveaways, and flavor reveals.
