Best of 21 ice cream shops in Los Angeles
Ice cream shops in Los Angeles offer a delightful escape from the city's sun-soaked streets. These establishments serve a variety of artisanal and classic flavors, catering to every sweet tooth. From vegan options to inventive toppings, these shops provide unique experiences that reflect the city's diverse palate. Explore the best of LA's ice cream scene today.
- 1. Salt & Straw
- 2. Little Damage
- 3. Ginger's Divine Ice Creams
- 4. Jean's Ice Cream
- 5. Dear Bella Creamery
- 6. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
- 7. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - GCM
- 8. Holy Roly Ice Cream
- 9. Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
- 10. J & F Ice Cream Shop
- 11. Fluffy McCloud's
- 12. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- 13. Honeymee Wilshire
- 14. Wanderlust Creamery
- 15. Local Ice
- 16. ecco un poco | Natural Italian Gelato
- 17. Bennett's Ice Cream
- 18. Holy Roly Ice Cream
- 19. Mashti Malone's
- 20. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
- 21. Paradis Ice Cream DTLA
1. Salt & Straw
Seasonal menus, collaborations with local businesses

This is a popular destination for those with a sweet tooth, particularly for ice cream. However, it is important to note that the prices here are on the higher side. Despite this, the establishment does switch up their flavor offerings with the seasons, which helps to keep the menu fresh and interesting. At the same time, they also continue to offer some of their classic, perennial flavors, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Currently, as the holiday season is in full swing, the ice cream chain has introduced some festive flavors to their lineup. These fun and festive options are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit, and complement their standard offerings which include both classic and innovative flavors. This makes it a great spot to visit year-round, as there is always something new and exciting to try.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
2. Little Damage
Stylish boutique offering unique products

If you're looking for a guaranteed parking spot in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), be prepared to pay a premium at the numerous shady lots available. These lots, while providing a solution to the area's limited parking, can be expensive and may not be the most trustworthy option.
When it comes to food, one of the standouts is the ice cream shop with its regularly changing and innovative flavors. Among their unique offerings is the charcoal cone, which has been praised as the best cone tasted by many. The shop's commitment to creativity and quality has earned it a loyal following.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Free Events
3. Ginger's Divine Ice Creams
Vegan and dairy-free options available

The staff at this establishment are highly praised for their friendliness and attentiveness. They are known for being helpful and creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
The ice cream selection is varied and fantastic, with over 25 flavors to choose from. The coffee ice cream is a standout, with sweet Vietnamese and classic strong options. Other unique flavors available include vegan almond joy.
4. Jean's Ice Cream
Seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients

Jean's Ice Cream is a charming establishment that brings back memories of the classic ice cream truck experience, particularly Thrifty. The staff, notably the young man who takes orders, is commendable for their politeness and efficiency. The ice cream they serve is homemade, and they offer a range of menu options easily accessible through a QR code.
5. Dear Bella Creamery
Seasonal small-batch flavors

The ice cream shop is known for its staff's friendly and patient service, with employees going above and beyond to answer customer questions. The shop's offerings, including vegan options, are a big draw for many.
However, one customer's experience was not so positive. Despite their excitement to try the vegan ice cream, they were disappointed to find that their delivery order had arrived melted. It was especially disappointing for the customer since they had been looking forward to trying the ice cream for a long time.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
6. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients

Jeni's is an exceptional ice cream shop known for its unique and exciting flavors. Customers are invited to try samples before making their selection. While seating is limited indoors, the backyard patio, fitted with umbrellas for shade, offers a pleasant seating alternative.
Larchmont is a vibrant neighborhood with much to explore. After a long hiatus, I recently revisited Jeni's for a cool ice cream treat on a sweltering day. The dark chocolate flavor was particularly noteworthy, offering a rich and refreshing taste.
7. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - GCM
Sustainable and socially responsible business practices

McConnell's is a popular ice cream destination in Grand Central Market, known for their exceptional take on classic flavors and innovative creations. Their vanilla bean ice cream, in particular, stands out for its high quality. For those seeking something more unique, McConnell's offers options like boysenberry rosé milk jam.
Located in the heart of Grand Central Market, McConnell's is a purveyor of artisan ice cream. While the delicious flavors make for a satisfying treat, be prepared to pay a premium for the experience. Despite the cost, McConnell's remains a beloved choice for ice cream enthusiasts looking for a high-quality dessert experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
8. Holy Roly Ice Cream
Mobile food truck service available

The matcha and French toast were the standout items at this establishment. The matcha was described as tasty and creamy, while the French toast was noted for its authentic flavor, tasting just like traditional French toast. On the other hand, some customers believe that the prices are overpriced, while others argue that they are worth it.
In summary, the matcha and French toast are must-tries at this place, with the former being praised for its delicious and creamy taste and the latter for its authentic flavor. However, opinions are mixed regarding the prices, with some finding them too high and others considering them reasonable for the quality of the food.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
9. Bumsan Organic Milk Bar
Popular late-night spot with unique flavors

During an afternoon visit, I had the opportunity to try the much-talked-about croffle sundae at a small, walk-up establishment that allowed only one ordering group inside at a time for social distancing. The interior was clean and had a calming atmosphere, making it a pleasant experience.
Upon arrival, my daughter recommended we try the ice cream at Bumsan, claiming it was excellent. Although the shop was tiny, it offered a wide range of flavors. My expectations were high due to my daughter's enthusiasm.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. J & F Ice Cream Shop
Cozy family-owned shop, lively atmosphere, community events

J&F Ice Cream Shop is a cherished establishment in Boyle Heights, renowned for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere. The shop is particularly famous for its tender and juicy tortas, which are prepared with care and presented beautifully.
The pierna torta is a highly recommended dish at the shop. The friendly locals also contribute to the positive atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. In addition to the delicious food, the staff is awesome and adds to the overall amazing experience.
11. Fluffy McCloud's

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic vibes of this quaint ice cream spot, featuring a jukebox and a warm, welcoming staff. Take your taste buds on a journey with delightful samples of the velvety ice cream, catering to all, including those who are lactose intolerant. Experience the joy of savoring a creamy treat without worries at Fluffy McCloud's, where every scoop is a moment of bliss waiting to be enjoyed.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
12. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Features unique flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and artisanal presentation.

This establishment is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with staff who are consistently polite and helpful. The exterior of the building features artwork, adding to the overall charming ambiance of the place.
One standout feature of this establishment is their vegan ice cream, which has a remarkably authentic texture and taste that sets it apart from other vegan ice cream options. Customers rave about the quality and flavor, making it a must-try for ice cream lovers who follow a vegan lifestyle.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
13. Honeymee Wilshire
Rotating seasonal flavors, local sourcing

The honey at this location is authentic and delicious. We tried the matcha affogato and yuzu soft serve with corn flakes as toppings. These icy treats were not overly sweet and had a velvety texture. The corn flake toppings added a nice crunch to contrast the soft serve.
Additionally, we were wowed by the milk ice cream with liquid honey. This combination was a perfect blend of rich and creamy ice cream with the natural sweetness of real honey. Overall, the honey-based options we tried were a delight and made for a satisfying dessert experience.
TOPICS
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan Options
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
14. Wanderlust Creamery
Seasonal and globally inspired flavors

Wanderlust Creamery is a popular ice cream shop in Los Angeles, offering unique and international flavors that are sure to impress. The menu includes signature flavors as well as seasonal limited edition options, all inspired by various sweets and treats from around the globe. My boyfriend and I stopped by for a quick bite and were blown away by the unique selection.
The shop is known for its Asian-inspired ice cream flavors and has friendly staff who are generous with sampling. This makes it easy to try before committing to a scoop. The shop's focus on unique and international flavors sets it apart from other ice cream shops, and the option to try before buying makes it easy to discover new favorites. This would be an ideal destination for ice cream lovers looking to expand their palate and try something new.
15. Local Ice
Offers delivery and convenient online ordering

We stumbled upon a fantastic ice cream spot, Wonderful Ice Cream, during our outing. The flavors are delightful and the Italian ice is particularly impressive.
If you're visiting the Original Farmers Market, make sure to check out Local Ice. Their sundaes are a must-try, known for being creamy and full of taste. The sight of Local Ice is hard to miss and definitely worth stopping by, especially on Sundays for a special treat.
16. ecco un poco | Natural Italian Gelato
Rotating seasonal menu and vegan options
Bennett's Ice Cream offers a unique and delicious dessert option with their pumpkin ice cream. This flavor stands out from traditional ice cream options and features exciting combinations that customers can try. The pumpkin ice cream is highly refreshing and recommended for anyone looking to try something new.
In addition to the pumpkin ice cream, the frozen raspberry lemonade at Bennett's Ice Cream is also a must-try. This refreshing and great-tasting beverage is the perfect complement to the pumpkin ice cream or any other dessert option. Both the pumpkin ice cream and the frozen raspberry lemonade come highly recommended and are sure to satisfy anyone looking for a delicious dessert or drink.
17. Bennett's Ice Cream
Small-batch production, unique local flavors

The ice cream under discussion has received much praise for its delightful taste and texture, which is just the right level of sweetness and chewiness. Among the many tempting flavors available, vanilla is highly recommended. When it comes to choosing their own flavors, the speaker's companion, referred to as Hubs, opted for pistachio. Meanwhile, the speaker had difficulty deciding between the Fancy Nancy and their own personal favorite, Butter Pecan.
Ice cream is a popular dessert enjoyed by many, and this particular brand or flavor is no exception. Its sugary sweetness and chewy texture are just two of its many appealing qualities. Vanilla is a classic flavor that comes highly recommended, but there are many other options to choose from as well. The speaker's friend, referred to as Hubs, selected pistachio for himself. The speaker, on the other hand, found themselves torn between the more adventurous Fancy Nancy flavor and their own personal standby, Butter Pecan.
18. Holy Roly Ice Cream
Interactive and entertaining ice cream experience

The staff at this establishment are generally viewed as friendly and dedicated individuals who work hard to ensure guests have a pleasant stay. However, there have been a few isolated instances where guests found the staff to be slightly awkward or uncomfortable to interact with.
In terms of cost, the prices have been met with mixed reviews. Some visitors feel that the charges are inflated and not justified, while others believe that the quality of service and amenities provided merit the higher price point.
19. Mashti Malone's
Popular Iranian-owned ice cream parlor

Mashti Malone's Ice Cream, located in LA, is known for its unique and delicious Persian ice cream. It has been featured on many lists of the best ice cream spots in the city. The ice cream is quite different from the typical brands found in supermarkets, such as Ben & Jerry's.
The flavors offered at Mashti Malone's are one of the main attractions. While the author's personal favorites are orange blossom pistachio, lavender, and herbal snow, there are many other delicious options to choose from. The distinctive and exotic flavors make for a memorable ice cream experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
20. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Sustainable practices, community engagement

The author frequently enjoys a vegan sundae, specifically one that features a delightful combination of matcha and caramelized banana nut. This sundae is a clear favorite, providing an incredibly satisfying and delicious experience.
In addition to the matcha and caramelized banana nut sundae, the author has also tried and enjoyed other flavors. The honeycomb flavor stood out as exceptional, ranking high in the author's preferences. Another notable option is the earl grey flavor, which proved to be a strong contender and a close second in the author's taste test.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
21. Paradis Ice Cream DTLA
Handcrafted ice cream in a vibrant setting

Craving something sweet to beat the heat, I was thrilled to discover a variety of unique ice cream flavors available online. One option that immediately caught my eye was the taro or purple sweet potato flavor. I decided to visit the nearest shop to satisfy my ice cream craving.
Even at 1:1
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner