LA is renowned for its abundance of exceptional ice cream parlors. So, there’s no need to settle for lackluster supermarket fare when you can indulge in a delightful frozen treat. Utilizing the results of our rigorous taste-testing (yes, we devoured copious amounts of ice cream), we’ve curated a list of our absolute favorite spots in the city. From iconic establishments that have stood the test of time to trendy newcomers turned dessert havens, here’s where you can find the crème de la crème of ice cream in LA.
Explore a World of Flavor
Awan – A Vegan Haven in West Hollywood
Awan tantalizes taste buds with its silky plant-based ice cream served from a small West Hollywood takeout window. This Indonesian-inspired dessert shop offers a refreshing array of flavors, including blood orange, lemongrass, and rhubarb pie. Expect the unexpected, like their tortilla-flavored vegan ice cream that genuinely tastes like a hand-pressed blue corn tortilla. Sourcing their vanilla beans from Bali and strawberries from the renowned Harry’s Berries farm in Oxnard, Awan consistently delivers something wonderful and surprising in every cup.
Mashti Malone’s – A Persian Delight in Hollywood
For nearly four decades, Mashti Malone’s has been a beloved institution in LA, serving Persian-style ice cream in the heart of Hollywood and now Westwood. This petite shop offers an extensive menu boasting nearly 50 flavors, each exuding fragrant notes that linger on your palate. Indulge in unique varieties such as ginger rosewater, saffron, and roasted pistachio-infused heaven. Mashti Malone’s ice cream possesses a perfume-like quality that will leave you yearning for more, and you’ll find it difficult to go back to ordinary ice cream after experiencing their extraordinary creations.
Salt & Straw – Portland’s Gift to LA
Salt & Straw, hailing from Portland and known for its innovative flavors, has firmly secured its place among LA’s best ice cream purveyors. Despite unexpected combinations like avocado sherbet and black olive brittle with goat cheese, Salt & Straw manages to transform unusual ingredients into delectable delights. With multiple locations across the city, you’re always within reach of their glorious creations.
Paleteria La Michoacana – Mexican Magic in Every Bite
Paleteria La Michoacana enchants customers with its exquisite Mexican desserts, including tantalizing Oaxacan-style paletas, creamy gelatos, and sorbets bursting with the essence of freshly juiced strawberries. With numerous locations throughout the city, each storefront brims with over 30 unique paleta flavors, such as watermelon, chile-dusted mango, and leche quemada—a creamy smoked milk concoction that imparts the essence of a perfectly charred dairy treat. This Mexican dessert shop never fails to deliver exceptional flavors.
Kansha Creamery – a Japanese-Inspired Gem
Tucked away in North Torrance, Kansha Creamery, owned and operated by siblings, is the ideal ice cream destination when you’re seeking a more balanced and refined experience. Kansha’s flavors shine by emphasizing star ingredients, such as intense dark chocolate with roasted barley tea, nutty black sesame, and milk ice cream infused with caramel and fresh-baked oatmeal cookies. Keep an eye out for their seasonal fruit flavors, which often source from local growers at the Torrance Farmers’ Market. After enjoying a satisfying ramen lunch, suggest Kansha Creamery for dessert and revel in your culinary expertise.
Bacio di Latte – A Slice of Serenity at the Mall
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Century City Mall, Bacio di Latte provides a serene respite. This all-white gelato shop offers a rotating menu of a dozen flavors, including red velvet, biscotto with generous chunks of spice cookies, and passionfruit cream. However, their standout offerings are the not-too-sweet pistachio and the namesake flavor, bacio di latte. The latter embodies pure cream with a subtle hint of vanilla, satiating your sweet tooth without overwhelming your taste buds.
Saffron & Rose – Persian Perfection
Among the largest brands of Persian ice cream in America, Saffron & Rose holds its original location in Westwood close to its heart. Nestled in Persian Square, this tiny shop has been crafting rich, Persian-style ice cream for nearly four decades and continues to draw long lines of eager patrons. While the saffron and pistachio flavor is a perennial crowd favorite, be sure to treat yourself to a scoop of orange blossom as well.
Pops – A Latin American Escape in Santa Clarita
Pops, a family-run ice cream shop in Santa Clarita, brings the vibrant flavors of Latin America to your cone. Indulge in their insanely sweet zapote, nutty lucuma, or heavenly coconut ice cream that you’ll wish you could fall asleep beside every night. For an added touch of whimsy, enjoy your ice cream nestled within a hollowed-out, half-coconut husk and revel in the envy of your friends who haven’t yet discovered this hidden gem.
Embrace the Classics
Fosselman’s – A Timeless Pleasure
Welcome to the granddaddy of all LA ice cream parlors. Since 1919, Fosselman’s has epitomized classic ice cream, making it a must-visit destination for any ice cream connoisseur. Situated in Alhambra, Fosselman’s crafts rich, creamy, and old-school ice cream that satisfies your cravings as you binge-watch your favorite show. Be sure to indulge in their fudge sundae, but don’t forget to bring cash—Fosselman’s is a cash-only establishment.
Fatamorgana – A Taste of Rome
Prepare to lose track of time at Fatamorgana. With locations in Beverly Hills and Studio City, this gelato haven imported from Rome spoils you with over 60 divine flavors. You’ll want to sample as many as possible, from classics like stracciatella to their luscious chocolate collection, Mexican-inspired sorbettos, and luxurious creations that could grace the most elegant dessert menu. Don’t miss their creamy ricotta with fig jam, incredibly fragrant basil, and the utterly decadent baklava flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
Magpies – Soft Serve Paradise
Magpies, a beloved ice cream shop originating from Silver Lake (with additional locations in Highland Park and Tarzana), is renowned for its perfect soft serve. Don’t be discouraged by the long weekend lines—simply order in advance and savor their signature sweetened cream on your first visit. With each subsequent visit, dive into their tantalizing daily flavors, such as maple French toast. One taste, and you’ll find yourself becoming a devoted regular. Trust us, there will be many return trips.
Wanderlust Creamery – A Global Ice Cream Affair
Wanderlust Creamery takes your taste buds on a journey around the world with their ice cream inspired by various countries. Indulge in unique flavors like olive oil with chocolate-dipped baguette (Catalonia), Thai Tea, or pretzel and rye crumbs (Iceland). Don’t miss their signature purple flavor, Ube malted crunch (Philippines). While it may seem excessively whimsical, the ice cream itself is truly extraordinary. With several locations across LA, each rotating their menu monthly, Wanderlust Creamery consistently delivers flavors you’ll fall in love with.
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams – A Santa Barbara Classic
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams has been delighting palates for 70 years, and their mastery of the craft is undeniable. While their classic vanilla bean ice cream reigns supreme, McConnell’s also offers a range of fancier flavors, such as boysenberry rosé milk jam. With locations in Grand Central Market, Studio City, and Pacific Palisades, you’re never too far from their delectable creations. If you can’t make it to one of their shops, fear not—they offer nationwide shipping. Treat yourself to their Turkish coffee flavor—it’s an absolute must-try.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – A Midwest Sensation Arrives in LA
Ohio-founded Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has made a significant splash in LA with its locations in Los Feliz, Larchmont, Calabasas, and Playa Vista. Explore their vast selection of flavors, which can be overwhelming in the best way possible. Try their brambleberry crisp or indulge in the richness of their darkest chocolate. Be adventurous and sample flavors they’re testing out—after all, feeling like an ice cream lab rat happens to be quite delightful.
Ginger’s Ice Cream – A Corner Shop with Endless Possibilities
While Ginger’s Ice Cream is a newcomer to the LA ice cream scene, this charming Culver City establishment has quickly garnered a dedicated following. With an extensive range of flavors, including delectable vegan options, Ginger’s has something for everyone. Indulge in raspberry panna cotta or Vietnamese coffee, but don’t resist the allure of their “Billionaire Brownie.” Whether you opt for an ice cream sandwich or an ice cream pop, Ginger’s will provide you with a truly delightful experience.
The Quest for LA’s Finest Ice Cream
With this comprehensive guide, you’re primed to embark on a quest to discover the finest ice cream in Los Angeles. Whether you’re seeking bold flavors from around the globe or classic indulgences that evoke nostalgia, LA’s vibrant ice cream scene has it all. So say goodbye to freezer-burnt pints and venture into a world where frozen bliss awaits you.
For more ice cream inspiration and to explore the fantastic Ice Cream brand, visit Ice Cream.
