The Best Ice Cream Places in Los Angeles You’ll Love
Ice cream in Los Angeles isn’t just a treat; it’s a part of the city's culture, loved by everyone from locals to visitors looking for a sweet escape. With LA’s warm, sunny weather nearly year-round, grabbing a cone or a bowl is a perfect way to cool down and indulge in something delicious. Whether you’re out with friends, enjoying a family outing, or just treating yourself, the ice cream scene in Los Angeles has something for every craving and occasion.
From unique flavors like "Lavender Earl Grey" and "Honey Rosemary" to classic favorites and even vegan and dairy-free options, LA's ice cream shops offer endless possibilities for adventurous eaters. You can also find flavors inspired by global cuisines, like "Thai Tea" and "Miso Caramel." And for pet lovers, some creameries even offer special "pup cups" so that your furry friends can join in on the fun! With new flavors constantly popping up, Los Angeles is the ultimate city to explore if you're on the hunt for the best ice cream, creative gelato flavors, or simply a refreshing break.
So, if you’re in LA, these top ice cream spots are waiting for you to experience some of the city’s most delightful, imaginative scoops. From colorful macaron ice cream sandwiches to rich, creamy gelato, there’s a treat for everyone.
1. Salt & Straw
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 8949 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069)
- Price Range: $5–$8 per scoop
- Other Offerings: Milkshakes, affogato, sundaes
- Website: saltandstraw.com
Salt & Straw is the place for ice cream in Los Angeles when you’re craving bold, inventive flavors. Imagine tasting flavors like "Honey Lavender" or "Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons" in a cozy, rustic setting. Their artisanal ice cream is made in small batches, which means every scoop is fresh and delicious. Perfect for adventurous foodies or anyone wanting a unique dessert experience. It’s a must-visit for a real treat, plus they offer milkshakes and affogato if you’re in the mood to switch things up.
2. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams
- Address: 1234 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Price Range: $5–$9 per scoop
- Other Offerings: Ice cream cakes, pints, coffee
- Website: mcconnells.com
When it comes to best ice cream in Los Angeles, McConnell’s stands out with its rich, creamy texture and dedication to quality. Located in charming Santa Monica, McConnell’s uses only the finest local ingredients to create classics like "Chocolate Chip Cookie" and "Double Peanut Butter Chip." The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for families and friends. Don’t miss out on their coffee and ice cream cakes — they’re just as amazing as the scoops.
3. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 1954 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027)
- Price Range: $6–$9 per scoop
- Other Offerings: Pints, ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge sauce
- Website: jenis.com
For anyone looking for unique ice cream flavors in LA, Jeni’s is a must. This creamery is known for its seasonal flavors like "Brandy Banana Brulee" and classics like "Brown Butter Almond Brittle." Each scoop is crafted with love, and the warm, vibrant ambiance makes it even better. Grab a hot fudge sundae or an ice cream sandwich if you want something extra. A perfect stop after a fun day in Los Feliz or Hollywood!
4. Carmela Ice Cream
- Address: 750 North Palm Canyon DrivePalm Springs, CA 92262
- Price Range: $5–$8 per scoop
- Other Offerings: Coffee, tea, ice cream cakes
- Website: carmelaicecream.com
Carmela Ice Cream is a hidden gem in LA, famous for artisanal ice cream in Los Angeles with natural ingredients. The flavors here, like "Rose Petal" and "Salted Caramel," are delicate and full of taste. With a friendly and bright atmosphere, it’s a cozy spot to catch up with friends over some scoops. They also offer tea and coffee, making it an ideal place for an afternoon treat in West LA.
5. Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams
- Address: 12550 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
- Approximate Price: $5–$7 per scoop
- What Else to Try: Sorbet, vegan options, milkshakes
- Website: gingersicecream.com
Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams is a beloved gem in Los Angeles that takes creativity to the next level. With unique, handmade flavors like "Lavender Honey" and "Fig & Goat Cheese," this spot truly stands out. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed outing with friends or family. Known for their rich, natural ingredients and a variety of vegan choices, it’s a perfect spot for anyone seeking divine ice cream in Los Angeles. Don't miss out on their refreshing sorbets and milkshakes, which make Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams a must-visit for adventurous ice cream lovers in LA!
6. Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream
- Address: 1525 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Price Range: $4–$7
- Other Offerings: Persian sweets, tea, coffee
- Website: mashtimalones.com
Mashti Malone’s is a must-visit if you’re after unique flavors with a twist of Persian influence, offering some of the most unique ice cream in Los Angeles. Try their "Saffron Rosewater" or "Orange Blossom," which brings a refreshing, floral vibe to traditional ice cream. The atmosphere is cozy, friendly, and welcoming, and they also offer Persian sweets that complement the ice cream perfectly.
7. Wanderlust Creamery
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 3134 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039)
- Price Range: $5–$10
- Other Offerings: Coffee, seasonal flavors, gift boxes
- Website: wanderlustcreamery.com
Inspired by flavors from around the globe, Wanderlust Creamery is a top pick for world-inspired ice cream in LA. Each scoop brings flavors from countries like Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines. The shop has a cool, travel-inspired ambiance, and their pints make perfect souvenirs. For those looking to try something new, Wanderlust is truly one of Los Angeles’ best creameries.
8. Sweet Rose Creamery
- Address: 826 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Price Range: $5–$8
- Other Offerings: Sorbet, espresso, sundaes
- Website: sweetrosecreamery.com
Sweet Rose Creamery brings a homemade touch to organic ice cream in Santa Monica. This cute shop uses local ingredients to create flavors like "Fresh Mint Chip" and "Salted Caramel." The vibe is laid-back and charming, perfect for enjoying a sundae or espresso after a beach day. It’s a staple in the Santa Monica area for anyone who appreciates high-quality, organic treats.
9. Little Damage
- Address: 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Price Range: $6–$8
- Other Offerings: Vegan options, coffee, colorful toppings
- Website: littledamage.com
Little Damage is known for its striking black cones and edgy flavors, making it a must for creative ice cream in Los Angeles. The vibe is funky and fun, attracting a young crowd who love their vegan and bold-colored options. They even have fun toppings to spice things up. If you’re in the Arts District, this spot will add a unique twist to your dessert plans.
10. Cauldron Ice Cream
- Address: 124 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
- Price Range: $5–$9
- Other Offerings: Nitro cold brew, waffles, coffee
- Website: cauldronicecream.com
At Cauldron Ice Cream, they shape the ice cream into a flower in a fluffy puffle cone, making it one of the most photogenic ice creams in LA! The flavors are as delightful as the presentation, with options like "Earl Grey Lavender." The ambiance is trendy yet relaxed, perfect for a date or a fun outing with friends. Nitro cold brew and waffles add to the experience.
11. Scoops
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 712 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029)
- Price Range: $4–$7 per scoop
- Other Offerings: Dairy-free options, seasonal flavors
- Website: scoopsicecream.com
Scoops is a casual spot with ever-changing, innovative flavors that make it one of the most beloved local ice cream spots in LA. The environment is relaxed, and they’re known for accommodating both dairy and non-dairy preferences. From "Guinness Chocolate" to "Brown Bread," Scoops offers LA’s most unexpected flavors, making every visit a new adventure.
12. Rori's Artisanal Creamery
- Address: 1521 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Price Range: $5–$10
- Other Offerings: Floats, coffee, pints
- Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Rori's is a hidden paradise for artisan ice cream in Santa Monica. The setting is relaxed and beachy, perfect for cooling off with flavors like "Honey Lavender" or "Brown Sugar Banana." They also offer fun floats and coffees, making it ideal for a sweet afternoon escape by the beach.
13. Gelato Bar
- Address: 4342 1/2 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
- Price Range: $5–$8
- Other Offerings: Italian espresso, affogato, pastries
- Website: gelatobar-la.com
Gelato Bar brings a taste of Italy to Los Angeles’ gelato scene with authentic Italian flavors and creamy textures. The café has a warm, European vibe and is the perfect spot for an affogato or a pastry. If you’re near Studio City and craving a taste of Italy, Gelato Bar is a must-visit.
14. Afters Ice Cream
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 1200 Wilshire Blvd #104, Los Angeles, CA 90017)
- Price Range: $5–$10
- Other Offerings: Ice cream-filled donuts, coffee
- Website: aftersicecream.com
Famous for its Milky Bun (a donut filled with ice cream), Afters is the spot for fun ice cream in LA. The vibe is playful and trendy, attracting dessert lovers who enjoy experimenting with flavors. With locations all over, it’s easy to swing by and try their creative combinations for a sweet treat on the go.
15. Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars
- Address: 4929 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230
- Price Range: $4–$7
- Other Offerings: Mexican paletas, fruit bars, fresh fruit smoothies
- Website: mateosicecream.com
Mateo’s is a colorful, family-friendly spot for Mexican ice cream in LA. Their fruity paletas (fruit bars) and fresh scoops like "Tamarind" and "Guava" are refreshing and unique. The vibe is cheerful and inviting, ideal for a casual dessert outing with friends or family.
16. Honeymee
- Address: Multiple locations (e.g., 3377 Wilshire Blvd #116, Los Angeles, CA 90010)
- Price Range: $5–$8
- Other Offerings: Coffee, honey-topped ice cream, tea
- Website: honeymee.com
Honeymee’s focus on honey-infused soft serve makes it one of the sweetest spots for honey-topped ice cream in Los Angeles. The ambiance is minimalistic and inviting, with delicious coffee and tea options to complement the creamy, honey-drizzled ice cream. A must-try for anyone who loves soft serve with a unique twist.
17. Awan Ice Cream
- Address: 637 E 15th St, Los Angeles, CA 90011
- Approximate Price: $5–$8 per scoop
- What Else to Try: Milkshakes, sundaes, traditional desserts
- Website: awanicecream.com
Description:Awan Ice Cream is a hidden gem in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant, artisanal flavors like "Taro," "Ube," and "Pistachio." The inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for enjoying delicious scoops with friends or family. With a focus on fresh, authentic ingredients, Awan crafts rich, creamy ice creams that celebrate diverse cultures. Don’t miss their indulgent milkshakes and sundaes, making Awan a must-visit for anyone seeking the best ice cream in Los Angeles!
