Best Ice Cream Los Angeles

Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles

LA is an ice cream paradise—I’m not kidding! This city seriously knows how to churn up some frozen magic, with flavors as quirky and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re a local or just breezing through, there’s always a scoop waiting to delight your taste buds.

Unique Ice Cream Shops

Some ice cream joints in LA aren’t just shops; they’re full-on experiences! Let me share a little insider info on the must-visit spots:

Each stop is like opening a new chapter in my ice cream adventure book, with settings that turn the experience into more than just a treat but a small escape from the usual.

Popular Ice Cream Flavors

On my sweet exploration around LA, I’ve come across some flavors that are simply unforgettable. Check these out if you want a slice of what makes LA, well, LA:

Seriously, don’t miss Wanderlust’s ube malted crunch or Fosselman’s coffee with Oreos. They capture LA’s love for mixing tradition with some quirky twists perfectly.

The adventure continues, as I scoop my way through LA’s vibrant ice cream scene, adding to my treasure trove of frozen favorites. Whether you’re an LA native or a wanderer like me, dive into these sweet treats—you won’t regret it. For more culinary tales and where to find the yummiest bites, head over to the best food in Los Angeles.

Local Favorites

Alright, let’s talk about ice cream in Los Angeles, ’cause who doesn’t love a good scoop? I’ve got some local gems for ya that are sure to hit the sweet spot. Whether you’re sticking to the classics or feeling a bit adventurous, these places have got the goods.

Fosselman’s Ice Cream Co.

Ah, Fosselman’s! Over a century old and still rocking it in Alhambra. This place is like a time machine straight back to a happy old soda shop. Their coffee and Oreo cookie flavor? It’s like caffeine and a cookie had a delicious baby. Rich history meets rich flavors, and that’s a combo I just can’t resist.

Dear Bella Creamery

Hollywood serves up the vegan-friendly Dear Bella Creamery. Their soft serve and ice cream sandwiches set the bar high, and they surprise me with new creations every season. It’s like an ice cream wonderland with ever-changing wonders that keep me eagerly trying their latest.

Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams

Now on to Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams, chillin’ in West Third and Culver City. If you fancy funky flavors like burnt sugar vanilla or the good old butter pecan, this is your spot. And their Thin Mint? Oh man, it’s the stuff ice cream dreams are made of! They’ve got full cream and dairy-free, so everyone’s covered.

Saffron Spot

Craving something a little exotic? Swing by Saffron Spot in Artesia. They’re all about Indian desserts, and trust me, they’ve nailed it. Their falooda’s a go-to with ice cream and noodles, yes, noodles. Cassata logs are sharable joy packed with fruity flavors. It’s a taste bud journey, and I dig it.

These joints are what makes the Los Angeles ice cream scene so tastily unique. Looking to treat yourself? You gotta hit these spots. And while you’re at it, check out the killer eats nearby—they’re part of the best food in Los Angeles scene, for sure!

Ethnically-Inspired Flavors

When you’re on the hunt for the top ice cream around Los Angeles, I’m all about giving a shout-out to the spots offering flavors with an ethnic twang that really jazz up the regular scoop. These ice cream joints are rolling out flavors inspired by Persian and Egyptian cuisines that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Mashti Malone Ice Cream

Mashti Malone Ice Cream takes the crown as LA’s go-to Persian ice cream haven—and man, do I dig their rose ice cream. This cozy little place has its scoops ready at La Brea, Griffith Park, and Westwood, so you’ve got options. Every scoop comes with a splash of sour cherry syrup that hits that sweet and tangy note just right. The ice cream itself is light but creamy, perfect for beating those blistering LA summers.

Saffron & Rose

Next up, let’s chat about Saffron & Rose—a family-run gem in Westwood that’s been scooping out Persian ice cream since way back in 1974. They bring some wickedly cool flavors like saffron pistachio, white rose, and orange blossom to the table. Their ice cream is thick with a stretchy twist, totally unlike what you’re used to in the usual ice cream scene. I can’t get enough of their quirky flavors, and if you’re into ice cream, it’s a total must-check-out.

Persian-Egyptian Flavors

For a spin through something truly wild and wonderful, Kinrose Creamery in Old Town Pasadena should be next on your list. They whip up these hand-crafted Persian-Egyptian flavors like honey walnut baklava, Egyptian mint chip, and saffron pistachio rose that’ll blow your mind. Their sour cherry ice cream sprinkled with Iranian cotton candy (called Pashmak) is an absolute treat. It’s like a party in a bowl every time you dig in.

These one-of-a-kind treats remind me why Los Angeles is where food lovers, like myself, get to experience pure joy in the form of ice cream. From floral rose notes to creamy saffron riches, this city has got it all and then some!

Vegan and Dairy-Free Options

When I’m craving something sweet and creamy, but gotta keep it vegan or ditch the dairy, I hit up some of the coolest spots in Los Angeles. Check out these gems for satisfying your sweet tooth sans dairy drama.

Wanderlust Creamery

Wanderlust Creamery is where magic meets ice cream. They have these wild and seasonal flavors that send your taste buds on a world tour. Think Ube Malted Crunch and the oh-so-delicious Sticky Rice + Mango — gotta try these. With seven spots scattered around SoCal — from Tarzana to Atwater Village and Venice — there’s always one nearby. New flavors pop up monthly, and get this, they even whip up their cones from scratch. How cool is that?

Dear Bella Creamery

Dear Bella Creamery in Hollywood is a paradise for vegan ice cream lovers. We’re talking soft serve and ice cream sandwiches, all plant-based. Their stuff is not just creamy, it’s dreamy, blending beautifully with classics reinvented each season. And the vibe? Perfect for kicking back with a scoop or two.

Awan Vegan Ice Cream

Awan, with homes in West Hollywood and Larchmont, crafts top-notch, coconut-based concoctions that are pure vegan delight. Their flavors hit the high notes, swaggering in gourmet style with ingredients like juicy Gaviota strawberries and decadent Valrhona chocolate. You wouldn’t even guess it’s coconut; it’s that smooth (Time Out Los Angeles). They’ve truly mastered quality over everything.

These vegan ice cream stops are just a peek into the mouthwatering variety LA has to offer. Whether I’m on the hunt for offbeat flavors or just need that classic scoop, I know there’s something to suit my needs. Got a thing for frozen delights? Don’t miss exploring more of the best eats in Los Angeles.

Artisanal Creations

When I’m out searching for the best ice cream in Los Angeles, I’m like a kid in a candy shop, especially when it comes to the artisanal treats at these cool spots. Let’s chat about some joints that flip the ice cream script with mouthwatering flavors and top-notch ingredients.

Wanderlust Creamery Flavors

Wanderlust Creamery is not just serving ice cream; they are serving joy on a cone. Their flavor game is wild, with seasonal scoops that are like a foodie’s dream. I can’t get over their ube malted crunch, pandan tres leches, or the Japanese Neapolitan that brings matcha, sakura, and Hokkaido milk together in a way that basically hugs your taste buds. They’ve got locations all over LA, in places like Tarzana, Atwater Village, and Venice, so a scoop is never too far away (Eater LA).

And just when you think it can’t get better, they roll out flavors like Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, or sticky rice with mango. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their homemade cones like ube and green tea—it’s like an extra layer of happiness around your ice cream (Time Out Los Angeles).

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams

McConnell’s is old-school cool, having been churned out since 1949 by Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen McConnell. They stick to the real stuff—fresh, local ingredients, and no shortcuts, ever. The punch of flavor in every scoop makes each bite an event. They’re especially big on using local fruits and nuts, keeping it flavorful and fresh (Appropriate Omnivore).

Their classics are anything but ordinary. Their salted caramel is like a sweet and salty dance, Mexican vanilla is loaded with authentic vanilla bean magic, and their chocolate chip is basically happiness in a spoon.

Kinrose Creamery

Kinrose Creamery is the new kid on the block, and they’re already making waves in the LA ice cream scene. Their small-batch charm comes out in every spoonful—reminding me why hunting down the best ice cream in Los Angeles is totally worth it.

Though the flavors change with the seasons, Kinrose never disappoints. I’ve tasted both twists on timeless flavors and fresh, quirky combos that leave you wanting more.

These artisan ice cream stars whip up not just crazy-good flavors but also focus on quality and local vibes—perfect for someone like me always on a culinary adventure in Los Angeles. Go hit up their spots and get a taste of their ever-changing menu for a seriously sweet experience!

Ice Cream Trends

Ice cream has really changed up its game, especially here in Los Angeles, where I’m constantly on the lookout for the ultimate scoop. Lately, I’ve spotted some cool trends that not only boost the ice cream vibe but also bring in some top-notch ingredients. Check out what’s been tickling my tastebuds.

Grass-Fed Dairy

I’ve noticed a major shift towards using grass-fed dairy in our ice cream treats. Unlike the regular stuff from mass-produced cows, grass-fed dairy comes from cows munching happily on actual grass. This results in ice cream that’s richer and creamier, with an extra kick of nutrition. I’m totally digging places like McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, where they pride themselves on using grass-graze milk and cream paired with local goodies for their flavors. Now that’s some real scoop (Appropriate Omnivore).

Real Sugar vs Refined Sugar

A sugary trend catching my attention? Ditching refined sugar for the real stuff. Many ice cream crafters are moving away from overly processed ingredients, choosing natural sweeteners instead. This means tastier scoops and vibes with those of us being health-savvy. Wanderlust Creamery is one spot that’s sticking real sugar into the mix, letting flavors speak their truth (Appropriate Omnivore).

Small-Batch Production

And hey, let’s chat about the comeback of small-batch ice cream. There’s a special magic in limited quantities—it’s fresher and crafted thoughtfully. This way, we get rare and seasonal flavors popping up all over LA. McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams has a solid history of small-batch goodness, focusing on primo ingredients and stand-out flavors (Appropriate Omnivore).

These trends are stirring up quite the scoop scene in Los Angeles. It’s a party for anyone who loves ice cream like yours truly! For more scrumptious spots, scope out my favorites in best food los angeles.

Exotic Offerings

Los Angeles is like an ice cream wonderland, with flavors from around the globe. Think of it as an edible passport—each scoop takes you somewhere new. Here’s a taste of what exotic treats you can find that I’m pretty sure will tickle your taste buds.

Thai-Inspired Flavors

Wanderlust Creamery adds some zing to your day with their Thai iced tea ice cream. Imagine everything you love about the drink—rich tea notes, creamy texture, and aromatic spices—all packed into a scoop. It’s like the drink but frozen and better. And with spots all over LA, like Tarzana and Venice, you’re always a quick hop away from this chilly delight (Time Out Los Angeles).

Australian Pavlova

You’ve heard of pavlova, right? That Aussie dessert that’s got meringue, whipped cream, and fruity yums? Wanderlust Creamery nailed it with their ice cream version. It’s like a fluffy cloud that makes you think of sunny beaches Down Under. Perfect for those days when you need to chill with a sweet that’s as airy as a breeze.

Sticky Rice with Mango

Feeling adventurous? Try Sticky Rice with Mango—it’s a game changer. Sweet mango ice cream paired with sticky rice chunks? Sounds odd, tastes divine. It’s fusion flavoring that surprises you in the best way and shows off Wanderlust Creamery’s creative chops (Los Angeles Magazine).

These quirky flavors are just a taste of LA’s buzzing ice cream culture. If you’re as big on dessert as I am, diving into these flavors is an adventure you can actually taste. Go ahead, give them a whirl—you won’t regret it!

Popular Ice Cream Locations

If you’re cruising around Los Angeles and craving something cold and sweet, I’ve got just the scoop for you with some ice cream joints that are absolute must-visits. These aren’t just spots to chill with yummy flavors but offer memorable experiences that’ll make your sweet tooth sing.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

First stop on my ice cream tour is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. They’ve got you covered across Venice, Los Feliz, Larchmont, Playa Vista, Beverly Hills, and Calabasas. So, no dodging this one—there’s bound to be one close by! Jeni’s throws down with over 20 interesting flavors like whiskey and pecan, brambleberry crisp, and cold brew with coconut cream. It’s ice cream with a gourmet twist, perfect for when you’re feeling fancy. For more deets on what I dig, hit up Time Out.

Wanderlust Creamery Locations

Rolling on, Wanderlust Creamery is another favorite around LA. Places like Tarzana, Atwater Village, Venice, Pasadena, Sawtelle, and Fairfax all have a scoop waiting for you. The flavors are a global trip for your taste buds with Thai iced tea, Vietnamese coffee, and sticky rice with mango. Adventurous? Don’t miss it. For a rundown of all their fun flavors, check Time Out Los Angeles.

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams Locations

When I’m hanging near one, I can’t pass up McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams. Whether you’re wandering through Grand Central Market, Studio City, Santa Monica, or the Palisades, you’ll find some creamy goodness. Their salted caramel and Swedish gingersnap are old-school with a twist and some serious comfort in a cone. Need more scoop deets? Check Time Out Los Angeles.

Awan Vegan Ice Cream Locations

Last but not least, for the vegans in the crew, Awan in West Hollywood and Larchmont delivers the goods. They’ve mastered coconut-based ice cream to perfection, with flavors like Gaviota strawberries and Valrhona chocolate scoring big thumbs-up from me every visit. It’s a cheat day without the actual cheating! Curious? Find more info at Time Out Los Angeles.

Classic, exotic, vegan, or fancy—no matter your ice cream jam, these LA spots serve up the goods. And, if you’re on the hunt for more tasty bites, don’t forget to peep the full list of best food in Los Angeles for more delicious discoveries!