Los Angeles is a city that is famous for its sunshine, beaches, and Hollywood glamor, but it also has a reputation for delicious and unique ice cream. From classic flavors to unconventional creations, Los Angeles has an ice cream scene that can satisfy any sweet tooth.
The top ice cream stores in Los Angeles will be reviewed in this article, along with a list of their must-try varieties. This list will assist you in finding some of the best frozen delights Los Angeles has to offer, whether you are a local or a visitor.
Must Visit Ice Cream Shops Around L.A
If you’re a fan of ice cream and happen to be in Los Angeles, you’re in luck! With so many amazing ice cream shops in the city, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. However, this list provides an excellent reference point to guide you in your search for the best ice cream in town.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic flavors or unique and creative combinations, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, grab a friend or two, and set out on a delicious adventure to discover some of the best ice creams that Los Angeles has to offer!
Antico Nuovo
A charming Italian gelato shop that offers a delightful taste of Italy. Located in the heart of the city, this gelato shop serves some of the most authentic and delicious gelato you will find outside of Italy.
Using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, Antico Nuovo makes their gelato using traditional Italian methods, which gives their gelato a unique texture and flavor that is hard to find anywhere else.
Their most popular flavor is the Stracciatella, which is a vanilla gelato with chocolate shavings throughout. This flavor is a classic Italian gelato that is loved by many and it’s not hard to see why.
The creamy vanilla gelato combined with the rich and chocolatey shavings is a match made in heaven. Other classic flavors like Pistachio, Hazelnut, and Chocolate are also available, each with its own unique twist that sets it apart from the rest.
Salt & Straw
An innovative ice cream shop that prides itself on its inventive flavors and commitment to using locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. Their unique flavors are inspired by the local community and the seasonal produce available, making their menu constantly changing and exciting.
Customers can choose from a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, including the ever-popular Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, which features a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors with ribbons of rich caramel throughout.
Another customer favorite is the Honey Lavender, which has a delicate and floral taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the ice cream. For those who love fruity flavors, the Roasted Strawberry Coconut flavor is a must-try with its sweet and tart strawberry taste and the tropical essence of coconut.
Salt & Straw also offers seasonal flavors that rotate throughout the year, incorporating the freshest ingredients and flavors of each season. With their commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavors, Salt & Straw is a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers looking for something new and exciting.
Kansha Creamery
What sets Kansha Creamery apart from other ice cream shops is its commitment to using traditional Japanese ingredients and flavors. Their Black Sesame flavor, for example, is a standout favorite among customers, with its nutty and slightly sweet taste that perfectly captures the essence of this beloved Japanese ingredient. Meanwhile, their Matcha flavor is made using finely ground green tea leaves, resulting in a bright green color and a delicate, earthy flavor that is simply divine.
For those who love the smoky taste of roasted green tea, Kansha Creamery’s Hojicha flavor is a must-try. And for those who want to explore the bolder side of Japanese cuisine, the Wasabi flavor is a real treat. With its spicy kick and cool, creamy texture, it’s a flavor that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Awan
An Indonesian-inspired ice cream shop that offers a truly unique ice cream experience. Located in the heart of the city, Awan serves a variety of ice cream flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. Their signature Avocado ice cream is a must-try, with its rich and creamy texture that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Made with fresh and natural ingredients, this ice cream is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for those who want to indulge in something sweet while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
For those who have dietary restrictions, Awan also offers vegan options that are just as delicious and satisfying as their regular ice creams. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking for a healthier option, Awan has got you covered. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Awan is a great place to visit with friends and family, and experience the unique flavors and culture of Indonesia.
Pops Artisanal Creamery
Pops Artisanal Creamery is an ice cream shop that takes pride in offering a unique and flavorful experience for their customers. All of their ice cream is handcrafted with locally-sourced and organic ingredients, ensuring that every scoop is fresh and bursting with natural flavors.
Their Brown Sugar Cinnamon flavor is a favorite among locals, featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. For those looking for something more adventurous, they offer a variety of unique flavors like Honey Lavender, Pineapple Jalapeno, and Cookies & Cream. Pops Artisanal Creamery is the perfect destination for anyone seeking delicious, high-quality ice cream.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co.
Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co. has been a beloved institution in the ice cream world for over 100 years. This family-owned shop offers classic ice cream flavors that have stood the test of time and are still favorites among their loyal customers.
Their Chocolate Chip, Mint Chip, and Butter Pecan flavors are rich and creamy, providing a satisfying experience with every scoop. They also offer seasonal flavors that are only available for a limited time, making Fosselman’s a must-visit destination for ice cream enthusiasts.
Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars
A family-owned ice cream shop that serves refreshing fruit bars made with fresh fruit and natural ingredients. Their fruit bars are perfect for those who want to indulge in something sweet without the heaviness of traditional ice cream.
Their Mango, Coconut, and Strawberry flavors are customer favorites, and for those seeking something more exotic, they offer unique flavors like Tamarind and Guava. Mateo’s also serves ice cream and other frozen treats, making it a great place to cool off and enjoy something sweet.
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
A restaurant that takes pride in serving artisanal ice cream made in-house. Their ice cream is created with care, using only the freshest ingredients to provide the perfect balance of flavors. Their Brown Butter Almond Brittle flavor is a customer favorite, featuring a rich and nutty taste that is hard to resist.
For those looking for something unique, they offer flavors like Thai Tea and Blueberry Basil, providing a refreshing and adventurous experience. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is the perfect destination for those seeking high-quality ice cream with a touch of creativity.
Happy Ice
A shaved ice and ice cream shop that offers colorful and visually appealing treats. Their shaved ice is perfect for those looking for a refreshing dessert on a hot day, and their ice cream is creamy and delicious.
Their Blue Hawaii and Strawberry Lemonade flavors are the most popular, featuring a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess. They also offer vegan [1] and sugar-free options, making Happy Ice a great destination for anyone looking for a healthier dessert option.
Monty’s Good Burger
A plant-based fast-food chain that also serves vegan milkshakes made with coconut ice cream. Their milkshakes are creamy and delicious, providing a guilt-free indulgence for those seeking a sweet treat.
Their classic Vanilla Shake is a customer favorite, but they also offer other flavors like Chocolate and Strawberry, providing something for everyone. Monty’s Good Burger is the perfect destination for those seeking a vegan-friendly dessert option.
Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
Offers Persian-inspired ice cream flavors made with natural and fresh ingredients. Their ice cream is bursting with flavors, providing a unique and exotic experience for their customers. Their most popular flavor is Saffron Pistachio, which features a creamy and floral taste that is unlike anything else.
They also offer unique flavors like Orange Blossom, Rosewater, and Faloodeh, providing a range of exciting and adventurous options. Saffron & Rose Ice Cream is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind dessert experience.
Honeymee
A delightful ice cream shop that is dedicated to serving soft-serve ice cream made from natural and locally-sourced ingredients. They pride themselves on providing a truly authentic and high-quality ice cream experience that is both delicious and healthy.
Their most popular flavor is the Classic, which is a rich and creamy milk flavor topped with a generous drizzle of golden honey. The honey not only adds a delicious sweetness but also offers a host of health benefits, such as boosting energy and improving digestion.
In addition to the Classic, Honeymee offers a variety of other toppings that can be added to customize your ice cream, including the Honeycomb, which is a crunchy and sweet honeycomb candy, and the Matcha, which is a green tea powder that adds a delicious and refreshing taste.
For those who prefer a vegan option, Honeymee also has a variety of vegan toppings and flavors, making it a perfect choice for all ice cream lovers. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat on a hot day or a healthy snack that satisfies your cravings, Honeymee is the perfect destination for delicious and natural soft-serve ice cream.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Sweet Rose Creamery is an artisanal ice cream shop that uses organic and locally-sourced ingredients to make their delicious ice cream. Their most popular flavor, Salted Caramel, has the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This flavor is made by adding fleur de sel to a rich and creamy caramel base.
Sweet Rose Creamery also offers other unique flavors such as Earl Grey Tea, Honeycomb, and Mint Chip. Their ice cream sandwiches are made with freshly baked cookies and are a must-try for any ice cream lover.
Mashti Malone’s
Mashti Malone’s is an ice cream shop that specializes in unique and exotic flavors inspired by Persian cuisine. Their most popular flavor is Rosewater Saffron, which has a delicate and floral taste. This flavor is made by infusing rosewater and saffron into a creamy ice cream base. Mashti Malone’s also offers other unique flavors like Ginger Rosewater, Lavender, and Orange Blossom. If you’re looking for something different and exciting, Mashti Malone’s is the place to go.
Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen is an ice cream shop that offers classic and vegan ice cream flavors made with high-quality and organic ingredients. Their most popular flavor is Honeycomb, which has a sweet and crunchy taste. This flavor is made by adding pieces of honeycomb to a rich and creamy ice cream base. Van Leeuwen also offers other unique flavors like Black Sesame Ash, Earl Grey Tea, and Vegan Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll find something delicious at Van Leeuwen.
Bennett’s Homemade Ice Cream
Bennett’s Homemade Ice Cream is an ice cream shop that makes classic and delicious ice cream flavors in-house. Their most popular flavors include Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Butter Pecan, and Mint Chip. These flavors are made with high-quality ingredients and have a rich and creamy texture. Bennett’s also offers seasonal flavors that are only available for a limited time. If you’re looking for classic and traditional ice cream flavors, Bennett’s is the place to go.
Angelini Alimentari
Angelini Alimentari is an Italian deli that serves artisanal gelato made in-house. Their most popular flavor is Stracciatella, which is a creamy and refreshing vanilla gelato with chocolate shavings. This flavor is made by adding finely shaved chocolate to a creamy vanilla gelato base. Angelini Alimentari also offers classic flavors like Pistachio and Chocolate. If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian gelato, Angelini Alimentari is the perfect spot.
Magpies Softserve
Magpies Softserve is an ice cream shop that specializes in soft-serve ice cream made with natural and organic ingredients. Their most popular flavor is Corn Almond, which has a unique and nutty taste. This flavor is made by blending sweet corn and almond milk to create a creamy and delicious ice cream.
Magpies Softserve also offers other unique flavors like Matcha Mint Chip, Ube, and Vegan Chocolate Malt. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, Magpies Softserve is the place to go.
Le Mirage Pastry
Le Mirage Pastry is a French pastry shop that also offers homemade gelato with a variety of classic flavors such as Pistachio, Chocolate, and Vanilla. Their Raspberry Sorbet is a popular choice with its refreshing and fruity taste. Le Mirage Pastry is a great choice for those looking for authentic French pastries and gelato made with high-quality ingredients.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is an artisanal ice cream shop that uses locally sourced and organic ingredients to create unique and delicious flavors.
Their Eureka Lemon & Marionberries flavor is a popular choice, with its tart and sweet taste. Other unique flavors like Churros Con Leche, Turkish Coffee, and Sea Salt Cream & Cookies are also popular and offer a unique twist on classic ice cream flavors. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is a great choice for those looking for high-quality ice cream made with fresh, local ingredients.
Diddy Riese
Diddy Riese is a popular cookie and ice cream shop that serves delicious ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies. Their Chocolate Chip Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream sandwich is a customer favorite, but customers can also create their own custom sandwiches with their choice of cookies and ice cream flavors. Diddy Riese is a great choice for those looking for a fun and customizable ice cream experience.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a well-known ice cream brand that offers unique and delicious flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Their Brambleberry Crisp flavor is a standout, with its perfect balance of sweet and tart. Other unique flavors like Gooey Butter Cake, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, and Wildberry Lavender are also popular and offer a unique twist on classic ice cream flavors. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a great choice for those looking for creative and flavorful ice cream options.
Sonny’s Amazing Italian Ices & Cremes
Sonny’s Amazing Italian Ices & Cremes is an ice cream shop that specializes in refreshing and delicious Italian ices and ice creams made with natural ingredients. Their Rainbow flavor is a popular choice with its colorful and fruity combination of different flavors. Other popular flavors like Lemon, Cherry, and Strawberry are also available. Sonny’s Amazing Italian Ices & Cremes is a great choice for those looking for refreshing and natural ice cream options.
Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream
Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream is a small-batch ice cream shop that prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create unique and delicious flavors. Their Burnt Caramel flavor is a customer favorite, with its rich, smoky taste and creamy texture.
Other flavors like Banana Fosters, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Lavender Honey are also popular and offer a unique twist on classic ice cream flavors. Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream is a great choice for those looking for artisanal, handcrafted ice cream with a focus on quality ingredients.
Wanderlust Creamery
Wanderlust Creamery is a unique ice cream shop that offers global-inspired flavors made with natural and organic ingredients. Their Sticky Rice + Mango flavor is a standout, with its refreshing and tropical taste.
Other flavors like Ube Malted Crunch, Abuelita Malted Crunch, and Black Sesame Oreo are also popular and offer a unique twist on traditional ice cream flavors. Wanderlust Creamery is a great choice for those looking for exotic and adventurous flavors that are made with high-quality ingredients.
Midori Matcha Cafe
Midori Matcha Cafe specializes in matcha-based desserts, including matcha ice cream, parfaits, and soft-serve. Their Premium Matcha flavor is a customer favorite, with its smooth and creamy texture and strong matcha flavor. Midori Matcha Cafe is a great choice for matcha lovers who are looking for refreshing and delicious matcha-based desserts.
The Coolhaus Shop
The Coolhaus Shop is a unique ice cream shop that offers creative ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies and artisanal ice cream. Their Chocolate Chip Cookie with Brown Butter Candied Bacon Ice Cream sandwich is a customer favorite, but customers can also create their own custom sandwiches with their choice of cookies and ice cream flavors. The Coolhaus Shop is a great choice for those looking for a fun and creative ice cream experience.
Thrifty Ice Cream
Thrifty Ice Cream is a classic ice cream brand that has been sold exclusively at Rite Aid stores for decades. Their signature cylindrical shape and affordable prices have made them a household name. Their most popular flavors like Chocolate Malted Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Rocky Road are classic and timeless choices for ice cream lovers. Thrifty Ice Cream is a great choice for those looking for a classic and affordable ice cream option.
Conclusion
These shops are some of the best in Los Angeles for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they all offer high-quality and delicious ice cream that is made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Many of them also offer unique and creative flavor combinations that you won’t find anywhere else.
Another reason why these shops are so popular is their commitment to using natural and organic ingredients, as well as their dedication to accommodating different dietary restrictions. Many of these ice cream shops offer vegan and dairy-free options, as well as gluten-free and nut-free options. Many of these shops have a unique and stylish ambiance that adds to the overall experience. From minimalist and modern interiors to cozy and intimate spaces, these shops offer a range of atmospheres to enjoy your ice cream.