Top 18 desserts in Downtown Los Angeles
Discover the sweet side of Downtown Los Angeles through its diverse and decadent dessert offerings. From artisanal ice cream shops and gourmet doughnut stores to upscale bakeries and trendy dessert bars, the options for desserts in Downtown Los Angeles are endless. Indulge in unique and delicious treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and make your taste buds dance.
- 1. Little Damage in Downtown Los Angeles
- 2. Salt & Straw
- 3. SOMISOMI
- 4. Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles
- 5. Gourmet LA Bakery
- 6. Beard Papa's
- 7. Pitchoun!
- 8. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - GCM
- 9. The Dolly Llama
- 10. Honeymee Japanese Village
- 11. The Pie Hole
- 12. Bottega Louie
- 13. Angella's Sweet Spot Bakery
- 14. Little Tokyo Ice Cream And Yogurt
- 15. Big Man Bakes
- 16. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Downtown Los Angeles
- 17. Paradis Ice Cream DTLA in Downtown Los Angeles
- 18. La Churreria
1. Little Damage in Downtown Los Angeles
Instagrammable charcoal- activated foods and drinks

The Carmel Coffee signature black ice cream, also known as Carmel Coffee's hard choice, offers a unique dessert experience. This ice cream, which is made with activated charcoal, gives off a striking black appearance that makes it stand out from traditional ice cream flavors. The activated charcoal not only gives the ice cream its distinct color but also adds a subtle smoky taste to the dessert.
Overall, the Carmel Coffee's signature black ice cream is definitely worth trying. Its unique appearance and taste make it a memorable dessert experience. Whether you're looking to try something new or just want to indulge in a delicious treat, this ice cream is a great choice. So if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to make a hard choice between desserts, consider giving the Carmel Coffee's signature black ice cream a try.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Chinese Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- Free Events
2. Salt & Straw
Small-batch, locally-sourced ingredients, seasonal and collaborative flavors

This destination is an excellent choice for indulging in a delectable treat, but be prepared for high prices. They offer a variety of flavors that change with the seasons, as well as classic options to ensure customer satisfaction. During my visit, two flavors stood out to me: sea salt caramel and roasted strawberry.
I chose the roasted strawberry flavor, which was incredibly delicious and refreshing. The unique taste of roasted strawberries was a delightful surprise, making my visit to this establishment worthwhile.
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TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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3. SOMISOMI
Combines Japanese and Korean dessert traditions

This establishment offers a unique and delightful experience for customers. The ice cream is incredibly smooth and flavorful, with a variety of options to choose from. One standout choice is the cookies and cream ice cream, which is highly recommended. The taiyaki, a fish-shaped waffle, is a delicious and unique addition to the ice cream. It can be filled with a variety of options, including Nutella, adding an extra element of flavor and texture to the treat.
The prices at this establishment are very reasonable, making it an affordable option for a high-quality dessert. Customers can choose up to two toppings for their ice cream, including options like fruity pebbles. The taiyaki itself is a tasty and enjoyable treat, and when paired with the ice cream and toppings, creates a truly memorable dessert experience. Overall, this place is a great choice for anyone looking for a delicious and unique dessert option.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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4. Sprinkles Downtown Los Angeles
Offers vegan and gluten-free options

The vegan red velvet, carrot cupcake, banana, triple cinnamon, and classic dark chocolate are some of the most delightful options at the bakery. Each cupcake has its own unique flavor and appeal, but they all share certain qualities that make them stand out. They are moist and not overly sweet, which makes them satisfying without being overwhelming.
The frosting to cupcake ratio is also expertly executed, ensuring that each bite has the perfect balance of flavors. The vegan red velvet, for example, has a rich and creamy frosting that complements the subtle flavor of the cake. The carrot cupcake is moist and packed with shredded carrots, giving it a hearty texture that is perfectly offset by the tangy cream cheese frosting. The banana cupcake is sweet and flavorful, with a fluffy frosting that melts in your mouth. The triple cinnamon is a delight for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon, while the classic dark chocolate is a rich and decadent treat that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. Overall, these cupcakes are a perfect example of how quality ingredients and careful preparation can create delicious and satisfying desserts.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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5. Gourmet LA Bakery
Uses locally sourced ingredients, Rotating selection of desserts

A 3 leches cake was recently tried and enjoyed. The cake, which was picked up yesterday, was a hit at the office. Everyone who tried it loved it, and asked where it was purchased. As a result, orders for cakes from the same bakery are soon expected from the office.
The Tres Leches Cake is highly recommended. The cake is extremely moist and full of flavor, making it one of the best desserts tried in LA. The cake's unique and delicious taste is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
6. Beard Papa's
Freshly baked goods, unique flavors

The desserts offered at this establishment are nothing short of amazing. The cream puffs, in particular, stand out as a must-try item. They are consistently fresh and boast a delightful taste that keeps customers coming back for more.
There are several key words that come to mind when describing these desserts: tasty, refreshing, and popular. One of the reasons they are so popular is that they are not overly sweet. The whipped topping, in particular, has a cool taste that provides a refreshing end to any meal.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Pitchoun!
Artisanal French bakery using traditional techniques and ingredients

An amazing assortment of French pastries and desserts are available to delight your taste buds. The establishment offers a range of options, from classic marble cake to innovative turkey and cheese croissants. Each item is skillfully prepared, with the marble cake boasting moist textures and the croissant featuring a satisfyingly flaky consistency. Complementing these treats is a vanilla latte that provides a delightful finish to the culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
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8. McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - GCM
Small batch, family-owned ice cream shop in Downtown LA

McConnell's Fine Ice Cream in Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, is highly regarded for its high-quality ice cream, with a wide range of flavors from classic vanilla to innovative creations like boysenberry rosé milk jam. The establishment is well-liked by customers, ranking #14 out of 194 dessert spots in the city, and has received 72 reviews. In addition to their excellent ice cream, McConnell's also offers cooked sandwiches, and standout options include caramel ice cream, biscuits, and cream caramel.
Overall, McConnell's Fine Ice Cream is a top choice for ice cream in Los Angeles, with a great balance between classic and contemporary flavors. The establishment's popularity is well-deserved, with a range of delicious options to choose from, such as their perfectly cooked sandwiches, rich caramel ice cream, and other tasty treats. Whether you're in the mood for a classic favorite or something more adventurous, McConnell's is sure to have something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
9. The Dolly Llama
Instagrammable desserts, Colorful and fun atmosphere, Late-night hours

The Dolly Llama is a dessert shop that focuses on ice cream and bubble waffles, providing a range of choices for customers to create their own unique treat. They offer a fun and delicious dessert experience, with one popular option being the Dolly's Dream waffle, which comes with sun mint n' chip and cookie butter sauce.
This dessert spot is known as The Dolly Llama, and they are popular for their ice cream and bubble waffles. Customers can craft their own dessert, combining various options to suit their taste. A highly recommended choice is the Dolly's Dream waffle, featuring sun mint n' chip and cookie butter sauce.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Honeymee Japanese Village
Uses fresh milk from their own dairy farm, Honey-infused ice cream

A delightful encounter with a new dessert spot occurred when I stumbled upon Honeymee, a newly opened ice cream shop located in the Japanese village. The velvety and smooth texture of the ice cream was like nothing I had tasted before, reminiscent of eating suede. But it was the drizzle of honey that truly made the dessert stand out, adding a touch of sweetness that elevated each bite.
As I savored my honey affogato, a perfect afternoon snack, I found myself taking pause with each bite to fully appreciate the rich flavors. The combination of the smooth ice cream, the sweet honey, and the subtle kick of coffee created a truly unforgettable taste experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Honeymee.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
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11. The Pie Hole
Handmade pies baked fresh daily, Unique and creative pie flavors

For Christmas, my niece sent me a gift box of 24 count little round monsters, with flavors including lemon curd, fig, apple, and chocolate. However, many of the flavors were difficult to discern and some were not enjoyable, with a sugary, crisp shell replacing the expected crust.
Despite the underwhelming monsters, there were other delicious desserts to enjoy. The Earl Grey with white chocolate mousse was light, creamy, and just the right level of sweetness. The Mexican chocolate dessert stood out with its subtle heat and pistachio sprinkle on top of a rich chocolate ganache. Lastly, my mother's apple dessert was a highlight with its dense, barely tart fruit and cinnamon crumble topping.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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12. Bottega Louie
Upscale ambiance in a historic building; Full-service restaurant and gourmet market

Bottega Louie is an impressive destination known for its beautiful pastries and desserts. A standout offering is their celebration cake, which features strawberry jelly, vanilla sponge, and gorgeous macarons. The desserts at Bottega Louie are not only visually appealing but also delicious.
The staff at Bottega Louie adds to the overall positive experience. They are friendly and eager to help customers, contributing to the establishment's welcoming atmosphere. In summary, Bottega Louie is a must-visit location for anyone seeking delicious and stunning pastries and desserts, with friendly and helpful staff to enhance the experience.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
13. Angella's Sweet Spot Bakery

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Personal Celebrations
14. Little Tokyo Ice Cream And Yogurt

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
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15. Big Man Bakes
Known for their homemade desserts using high-quality ingredients and unique flavors

My husband is a big fan of carrot cake, and he was amazed by the carrot cake cupcake from Big Man Bakes. After hearing many positive reviews about their highly rated cupcakes, we decided to visit Big Man Bakes. Upon arriving, we were impressed by the variety of delicious-looking cupcakes.
When we tasted the carrot cake cupcake, my husband was thoroughly impressed. The cupcake was moist and full of flavor, with a cream cheese frosting that was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The portion size was just right, leaving us satisfied but not too full. We also tried a few other flavors and were not disappointed. Overall, our experience at Big Man Bakes was excellent, and we will definitely be back to try more of their delicious cupcakes.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
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16. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in Downtown Los Angeles
Small-batch, handmade ice cream, environmentally friendly packaging

This place has an impressive selection of vegan desserts that any sweet tooth would appreciate. One standout option is the peanut butter honeycomb flavor, which is a must-try for those who enjoy classic peanut butter combined with the sweet crunch of honeycomb.
If you're more of a chocolate lover, you won't be disappointed either. The vegan chocolate chip cookie is a delightful choice, offering a rich and gooey chocolate flavor that's sure to satisfy. Both of these desserts showcase the high-quality ingredients and attention to detail that make this establishment a great spot for treats.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
17. Paradis Ice Cream DTLA in Downtown Los Angeles
Small-batch, handcrafted ice cream using locally sourced ingredients

The selection of ice cream flavors at this establishment is exceptional, with unique options such as taro or purple sweet potato. This flavor is a rare find, and for those who are fans, it's not to be missed. The last time the speaker had this ice cream was in Tokyo, making it a special and nostalgic treat.
The customer service at this ice cream shop is a highlight, with staff offering samples to customers before they make their purchase. The quality of the ice cream is consistently delicious, with standout flavors such as taro and horchata. Despite the difficulty in finding parking, customers agree that the ice cream is worth the extra effort. It is highly recommended to give this place a try.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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18. La Churreria

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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