Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Frio Rico

    4.4 (66 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Frio Rico Photos

    Business Info

    FRIO RICO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Frio Rico

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    a variety of pastries for sale
    James D.

    I recently visited Peru this year and have been searching for a market back in Massachusetts that offers a variety of products from Peru. Thankfully I came across Frio Rico and today was my first time visiting and let me just say....I'm so pleased! They have so many spices, dried goods, and frozen produce from PERU!! A woman by the name of Luz "like Lucy" but without the y, was super helpful and offered some recommendations because I was clearly out of my element when trying to figure out what to by due to my lack of knowledge and my Spanish isn't very good. I will definitely be a repeat customer and fair warning...the desserts are definitely a hit!

    10/2012
    Vivian C.

    Thanks Yelp for leading me to this treasure! Masquerading as a tiny ethnic food shop lies a source of tasty frozen treats called minutas - basically shaved ice packed generously into a styrofoam cup in a heaping mound, holes are poked into the hill of ice, then generous amounts of fruit nectars are poured over it, with patience to allow the juice to slowly soak in... condensed milk? Sure! Topped with a chunk or two of fresh fruit, with a straw and a spoon stuck in, we were ready to go to town for $3.75. Barely a bit of unflavored ice, this was an intensely fruity treat that took two to consume before it melted. Yum! I spoke with the shopkeeper of the similarities between this and the Taiwanese shaved ice dessert. Which came first? Her best guess was that it was adopted by her country from their Chinese immigrants. It is a short walk from the Wood Island T stop on the Blue line. Tip - if the store says it is open, yet the door is locked, hang around for a bit if you have the time, and they'll probably be back shortly. *** 6/2018 *** I really wanted a minutas (now $4.50), but it wasn't the right time for a sweet frozen treat, so instead, I picked up a single rather large alfajor to go for $1.90 after tax ($1.79 each) of 3.5 inches in diameter. Alfajores are delicate, crumbly cookie sandwiches filled with a creamy dulce de leche. They also have smaller alfajores by the plastic clamshell for $5 or $6 depending on how full you want the container to be. The cookies were reminiscent of American shortbread cookies in that they break easily between the teeth, which is great since the filling does not gush out the other end in a rapid escape. Neither cookie nor the caramel filling were too sweet, so it made for a nice treat.

    Best imported groceries from Peru you'll find here.
    Melissa L.

    Looking for imported groceries from Peru? Frio Rico has all the goods you are looking for. It is tucked away in a small corner on Bennington st... although it is tough to find parking, you find what you need right away, making it a quick stop. If you love shaved ice (minutas), ice cream and natural fruit juices, they have delicious and authentic flavors all typically eaten in Peru. Flavors such as Lucuma, Chirimoya, Guanabana, Maracuya are just (some) of the popular flavors in Peru. Chirimoya is my fav for sure, perfect for the summer time. If you are a dessert type of person, try the alfajor (or) alfajores if you want more than one-which in this case I encourage more than one, they are so so good. I became a fan of the alfajores sold here because they were massive and had a thick amount of dulce de leche (manjar blanco) in the middle. They also have Peruvian candy, desserts, ingredients used to make Peruvian dishes, frozen foods and a lot more. You will undoubtedly find what you need at a great price, even if you are simply just in search for some great ice cream during the summer.

    Emily R.

    This is such a great place for a cold treat on a hot day, which is exactly what we did. The line was literally out the door and we had to wait about 20 minutes, but it was well worth the wait. The Minutas were amazing for $4.73 and I got the Diablito (lime, chii, salt). It was a unique and refreshing taste that felt very authentic. I would love to come back and get some groceries from here on a less crowded day!

    Pina colada minutas
    Dan G.

    Looking for a new and delicious way to cool down during the summer heat? Try Frio Rico's Minutas. Basically, its a shaved ice in a cup topped with your favorite tropical fruit. Mango, Coconut, Pineaple, Banana (or all three mixed YUM), Lucuma, Soursop (guanabana), Tamarind ( my fav), Maracuya (passion fruit), Guayaba (guava) and I think strawberry too. Its home made syrups, not that chemical crap we are so used to, so this is a thick and creamy ice dessert, top it with condensed milk and voila. A couple dollars later, you have a delicious dessert. Their budin is lovely as well as their tres leches cake. If you are in search of Peruvian or other south american groceries, check them out, they pack a lot in such a small space!

    Alfajores
    T R.

    This adorable little store has THE most delicious alfajores I've had in Boston!! So so so good, super fresh and they're a great value for the price you pay! They also have the large, single sized alfajores as well - love both sizes This has become a regular stop for me - I go almost weekly lol!

    Lucuma Minuta- shaved ice with lucuma fruit
    Karin B.

    Okay, so this place has the most amazing, freezing cold treats! It's like a snow cone made with finely shaved ice and exotic tropical fruits. I guess they call it a "minuta", and you can get stuff you've heard of like mango or passion fruit (that's one of my faves) but they also have fruits you never heard of. Lucuma is delicious! You have an option to have them put a little sweetened condensed milk on the top- just do it! Also, the portions are huge. (At a Boston ice cream place this would be considered a size extra large.) I am introducing all my friends to it. Although there is always a line, it seems mainly unknown outside of locals and Peruvians. Also, its a great place to get my ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow pepper sauce) now that the Hi Lo in JP is closed.

    Mango minuta and diablito minuta
    Astra G.

    Definitely try their minutas (shaved ice). It is a quick tasty healthy (well healthier than ice cream) summer treat! They use freshly made syrups and top each shaved ice with a piece or two of fresh fruit. I basically inhaled my mango minuta and also enjoyed the diablito minuta which has lime, salt and a lil hot sauce.

    Virginia C.

    After dinner in the area, you have to come to a family own ice cream parlor for Peruvian shaved ice! Must try cocunut and mango combination! It is a little sweet for my taste but it hits the spot. And the portion is huge, so remember to share!

    Storefront

    See all

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of James D.
    271
    26
    6

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R P.
    2
    12
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeffrey L.
    82
    462
    347

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kamryn D.
    171
    33
    6

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vivian C.
    169
    2212
    26894

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T R.
    1
    25
    1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan R.
    96
    1615
    5634

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bubu K.
    134
    33
    5

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jasmine N.
    185
    45
    41

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R P.
    23
    823
    119

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jonathan N.
    83
    261
    691

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Frio Rico Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Frio Rico

    You might also consider

    Mike's Pastry - Inside the shop

    Mike's Pastry

    4.2(9.5k reviews)
    1.8 miNorth End
    $$

    Okay, after returning to Boston, I managed to try the actual Mike's (and its rival across the…read morestreet, Modern). The huge lines seem intimidating, but they go by quite quickly, and it spreads into 3 separate lines inside. Bear in mind they are CASH ONLY. They do box your orders nicely with their iconic string. :) Although they're known for their cannoli, you can also order other pastries like eclairs, whoopie pies, brownies, cheesecakturnovers, florentines, scones, croissants, cookies, and even Dubai chocolate. Their pastry variety is endless. I ordered the Mint chip and Pistachio cannoli. Both were decadent but not too heavy or sweet. One downside is that I felt they were a bit drier than Modern, but otherwise comparable. Each was $8, although you can get "kits" for cheaper (some flavors like Dubai chocolate are more expensive). I'd love to come back and try the rest of their cannolis and pastries!

    Mike's Pastry is worth trying, especially if you're visiting Boston for the first time. When we…read morearrived, the line was out the door, but don't let that discourage you. It moved fast! One thing we didn't realize beforehand is that it's cash only, so be prepared. Thankfully, there was an ATM nearby so we were able to get cash. We tried the lobster tail, chocolate chip cannoli, Boston cream puff, and Florentine cannoli. The Florentine was my favorite!

    Photos
    Mike's Pastry - How cute is this!! Mascarpone cheese in this super cute tangerine/orange

    How cute is this!! Mascarpone cheese in this super cute tangerine/orange

    Mike's Pastry - Dubai Chocolate Cannoli

    Dubai Chocolate Cannoli

    Mike's Pastry - Seated in Paul Revere Park near Mike's Pastry

    See all

    Seated in Paul Revere Park near Mike's Pastry

    Toscanini's Ice Cream

    Toscanini's Ice Cream

    4.4(1.9k reviews)
    2.8 miEast Cambridge, Kendall Square/MIT
    $$

    The Grape Nut flavor is my absolute favorite. I also love when they have rice Krispy treat…read moreanything! I have had a ton of their scoops and the only flavor I have ever not liked was Burnt Caramel. I always make sure to take visitors here!

    I've heard folks raving about this place for years, so finally decided to swing by and try it out…read more First off, must say I'm a bit of a skeptic regarding specialty ice cream shops: with one exception (a now-defunct "frozen custard" shop in Friendswood, Texas of all places, where you could see the super-dense/rich stuff glacially oozing out of the machine, and one milkshake's worth of it kept me full for the rest of the day!) I have yet to find any that are significantly better than ordinary Haagen Daz from a supermarket. In fact, most ice cream parlour ice creams aren't even as good, while costing orders of magnitude more than supermarket H-D! Toscanini's is close to equal to H-D in my book...and mainly for the fact that they offer some truly unusual and original flavors: we had the Mango Sticky Rice, Burnt Caramel, and Kulfi. My friend who enjoyed the first one the most, quickly tired of the second, and the third was my favorite by far, mainly because I love cardamom and saffron so much. I was somewhat conflicted with the Burnt Caramel...first taste was delightful, but halfway through the novelty faded away for the most part. We both appreciated that the ice cream was not hyper-sweet like JP Licks, though. HOWEVER, the extreme creaminess, density, and dry mouth-feel of H-D was just not there, as usual. I'd describe the texture of Toscanini's ice cream to be fairly ordinary, like a typical soft/smooth gelato texture. Not bad, but not anything I would really write home about. YMMV of course. Otherwise, service was good and the place is clean and pleasantly modern inside, with 3 nice new steel benches to sit at outside. The benches are curiously turned AWAY from the street, I suppose to foster more of a "communal" vibe and people-watching opportunities. I've walked by during peak hours and seen it quite full, so this place clearly is still quite popular. At $8.25 for 3 scoops (albeit fairly generous sized scoops) of oh, 8 out of 10 ice cream, I don't see myself ever becoming a regular here despite the undeniably interesting/unique flavors, unless I came mainly for the people-watching opps on a nice weather day.

    Photos
    Toscanini's Ice Cream
    Toscanini's Ice Cream
    Toscanini's Ice Cream

    See all

    Frio Rico - icecream - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...