The best ice cream in Los Angeles

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A post shared by All Chill Ice Cream (@allchillinc)

What is it? A from-scratch organic ice cream bakery (and shrine to hip-hop memorabilia) in Leimert Park that’s churning out the most unique and mouthwatering scoops in all of L.A.    

Why we love it: All Chill is a labor of love and service to the community that owner Genelle Brooks-Petty grew up in. Everything is small-batch with no stabilizers or gums, made with Strauss dairy, and cleared out within two weeks. Despite the top-notch ingredients and fast turnaround, Genelle is committed to keeping prices accessible, because “a scoop shouldn’t have to cost seven dollars!” The ice cream has been made by a team of just five since All Chill opened because, per Genelle, it has to be made with love. And it also has to be perfect—which, here, it is. The menu rotates regularly and seasonally, though you can always score their sweet cream and Biscoff, which became a mainstay following popular demand (Genelle wanted to breathe new life into the dry airplane cookie). Other creams include vanilla rose, cornbread caramel, and honey lavender. There are also vegan cremes on a pea-protein base (the cookies-and-creme is unreal) and sorbets from smoky lapsang and lime to Caribbean sorrel. Go for the waffle cone, obviously. And do take in the sights and sounds, namely Genelle’s husband Julian’s hip-hop swag collection on rotating display.  

Time Out tip: Don't skip Genelle’s nostalgic favorite—a lemonade peach tea sorbet that tastes just like Snapple.

Address: 3415 W 43rd Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Opening hours: Thu–Sun noon–7pm 

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A post shared by Henry’s Secret Ice Cream (@henryssecreticecream)

What is it? A once-a-week online-only, limited ice cream drop from former Eleven Madison Park pastry sous chef Bradley Ray, who was also responsible for Antico Nuovo's revered ice cream. Simply put, the ice cream here is absolutely insane. It may have taken the number one spot if you could walk into a storefront and buy it on command. (Which soon enough, you will.) 

Why we love it: Cult following is an understatement—Henry's Secret Ice Cream went from pints sold out of Ray's trunk in a Vons parking lot to over 10K followers in a matter of weeks. A reel teasing the special flavor of the week is released around 9am on the day of, with pints typically gone by 12:20pm. Pickup is that weekend (Sat–Sun 11am–2pm; 2:30–7pm), and the whole operation runs on one ice cream maker (as of writing) that spins just ten pints at a time, which means the machine hums for something like 60 hours (200 churns) to hit the 1,500 to 2,000 pints that sell out weekly. Flavors swing from comfort to chef-y. Recently, the aptly named "Getting Figgy With It"—mascarpone and fig (fig leaf and fig compote)—showcased Ray's Michelin roots without being cloying about it. One of the things that makes Henry's special (and worth the splurge; pints will set you back anywhere between $18 and $23 a pop) is the high-quality ingredients and farmers' market fruits. Case in point, a seasonal mango pint blends Wong Farms Valencia Pride mangos—a creamy, tart, citrusy, non-fibrous mango—with a vanilla and sweet cream base. Some flavors make repeat appearances, such as strawberry, made with a sweet cream base and Harry's Berries Gaviota strawberries. Or their third flavor to drop, an out-of-this-world Pistachio Brittle, which is slowly becoming a signature. Hopefully the same will become true for Milk & Honey—fior di latte base swirled with buckwheat honey caramel, oat shortbread and honey brittle—an homage to the NoMad dessert. The throughline in every pint is a distinct creaminess and richness that makes you want to try anything Henry's Secret Ice Cream churns out. Especially since you never know if the flavor will come back around. Choose wisely though—Henry’s Secret is limiting orders to two pints per customer so they can spread the ice cream love with more people.  

Time Out tip: Let your pint sit for five minutes for ideal texture, then get cozy with it on the couch. And for maximum enjoyment, Ray recommends consuming it within a two-week period, though pints are stable for a while.

Address: 9163 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Pickups for drops are currently set to weekends (Sat-Sun) from 11am-7pm. 

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A post shared by Gelato & Corgis • Los Angeles (@eccounpoco)

What is it? A quirky and intimate natural gelateria on West Third with a rotating selection of a dozen flavors. 

Why we love it: You’d be remiss to come to Ecco un Poco and not get the Bronte pistachio, made with special pistachios from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, where mineral-rich soil and a certificate of origin—champagne rules, essentially—give the nut a flavor you simply cannot reproduce anywhere else. The hazelnuts, too, come straight from Piedmont, another protected geographical indication producing “the best hazelnuts in the world.” Purists will appreciate the traditional and milky fior di latte (sweet cream), and those seeking novelty will appreciate sorbets centered around seasonal fruits. During my last visit, that included watermelon, melone (cantaloupe), and peach. What sets the sorbet here apart is the maximalist treatment: made with 45 to 50 percent real fruit when most shops settle for 15 to 25 percent. In other words, you can really taste the fruit. And look out for granita (Italian ice), only available during the summer months. Recently, strawberry, lime and almond were on deck. Come winter, keep an eye out for the pear-Parmigiano, a flavor Alessandro traces to his childhood as a picky eater, when his grandmother would pair a wedge of salty cheese with sweet pear so the two would balance each other out.  

Time Out tip: Weekends feature more involved Italian desserts like cannolis and tiramisu. If you see something, get something. 

Address: 8318 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 2:30-9pm; Fri 2:30-10pm; Sat 12:30-10pm; Sun 12:30-9pm

What is it? The best plant-based ice cream shop in Los Angeles—and one that’s so delicious it beats out most other dairy-based options.

Why we love it: Chef-driven, somewhat pricey and fully vegan, this artisanal ice cream shop with locations in Venice, West Hollywood and Larchmont (and a Chinatown in the works) serves high-quality, coconut-based ice cream made with gourmet ingredients: think scoops flavored with Gaviota strawberries from Harry’s Berries, Balinese vanilla beans and Rocky’s ceremonial matcha. Unlike other plant-based ice creams, Awan’s scoops completely disguise the taste of coconut for an ultra-smooth, creamy frozen base—the perfect blank canvas for Ong’s Indonesian-inspired flavors, seasonal produce and everything else in between. Flavors rotate out every three months or so, and the new season just rolled out, bringing back crowd favorite birthday cake (a faithful dairy-free rendition to the classic with gluten-free vanilla cookies). There’s also sudachi lime with juice from Yuzu Co., white peach made with peaches from Regier Farms, and Darjeeling tea and Amarena cherries. 

Time Out tip: While pints hold up surprisingly well, for maximum creaminess, it’s worth enjoying Awan at one of their cave-like locations freshly scooped.

Address: West Hollywood: 866 Huntley Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069; Larchmont: 5630 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038; Venice: 540 Rose Ave, Venice, CA, 90291

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm; Sat, Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A Tarzana-based artisanal creamery inspired by travel that also offers a standout monthly flavor series. 

Why we love it: There are plenty of artisanal scoop shops at our disposal in L.A., but Wanderlust is the first one that might inspire you to hop on a plane. Originally founded in 2015, this Tarzana-based ice cream shop now has locations in Atwater Village, Venice, Pasadena, Sawtelle and Fairfax, plus a few in Orange County and a soon-to-open outpost in San Diego. Over the years, I’ve tried almost every flavor here. Among the regular offerings, I love the Thai iced tea, ube malted crunch and smoky road, a Pacific Northwest-inspired flavor that uses alderwood-smoked sea salt. For those avoiding dairy, the sticky rice with mango is truly phenomenal. But where Wanderlust impresses me most is with its ever-changing monthly seasonal flavors. Every October, I look forward to the half-dozen or so options inspired by Filipino American History Month. 

Time Out tip: Check Wanderlust’s Instagram for other special items, including creamsicles, specialty sundaes and collab flavors.

Address: Multiple venues, including Sawtelle, Beverly Grove and Atwater Village

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A Santa Barbara-based scoop shop with an outpost in Santa Monica. 

Why we love it: Given all the superb ice cream options in L.A., it's easy to overlook this Santa Barbara-based scoop shop on Montana Avenue. But you shouldn't, because Rori's serves impossible-to-put-down artisanal ice cream that will have you hooked once you've tried it. Made with milk and cream from dairy cows raised along the Central Coast, the shop offers a blend of classic, occasionally seasonal flavors perfect for mixing into a hot fudge sundae or add-on toppings. The dye-free honey lavender offers the right blend of floral and sweet, and the chocolate options here (“serious” dark, coconut base, milk chocolate with chocolate shavings) are second to none. 

Time Out tip: Ask about the monthly flavor, which usually features local fruits or nuts from California farms. 

Address: 910 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Opening hours: Daily noon-9pm

What is it? An artisanal Iranian-Egyptian ice cream shop in Pasadena with a weekend-only outpost in Encino.

Why we love it: With a slew of Middle Eastern flavors and high-quality ingredients, Kinrose Creamery is serving some of the most unique, delicious ice cream I’ve had in a long, long time. Owners Maria Oveysi and Moe Kamal got their start at Smorgasburg, but their new home base is in Old Town Pasadena, where they serve a larger menu of flavors like sour cherry topped with Iranian fairy floss; a stretchy Egyptian-style mint chip; a crunchy, honey-sweet walnut baklava; and kunefe, also known as knafeh, which tops sweet cream with baked phyllo to mimic the traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Those who appreciate tangy desserts will appreciate the lavashak ice cream, which tops a blended tamarind-pomegranate base with strips of traditional Iranian fruit leather. 

Time Out tip: For those driving to Kinrose’s original location, I recommend skipping the immediate parking lot (it’s quite pricey) for the dirt-cheap public garage at nearby 33 East Green Street.

Address: Pasadena: 140 Mills Pl, Pasadena, CA 91105; Encino: 16915 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

Opening hours: Pasadena: Mon–Thu 1–10pm; Fri–Sun noon–10:30pm; Encino: Fri–Sun 4:30–10pm

What is it? An Ohio-based ice cream company founded by James Beard Award-winning cookbook writer Jeni Britton Bauer.

Why we love it: Milk and cream from family-run dairies, high-quality fruits and vegetables and more ethically sourced chocolate, vanilla and coffee—there’s a reason why Jeni’s Splendid has stuck around for over two decades and earned an official B Corp certification. Even compared to other gourmet ice cream heavyweights with outposts scattered across Los Angeles, the buttercream-esque body of the ice cream ensures Jeni’s stands out. Though you can now find Jeni’s in the freezer aisle, everyone knows that ice cream tastes best when made fresh, and L.A. is lucky enough to have five locations in Los Feliz, Larchmont, Playa Vista, Beverly Hills and Highland Park (RIP Venice). Plus, you’ll get to pick from over 20 eclectic flavors, including whiskey and pecan; a vegan-friendly cold brew with coconut cream; and frosé sorbet. Looking for something traditional-leaning? Even the Milkiest Chocolate is killer. You truly can’t go wrong. If there isn’t something on the signature menu, the limited-edition menu will surely have an option that will pique your interest. 

Time Out tip: If it’s your first time, order the brambleberry crisp—it’s one of Jeni’s bestselling flavors for a reason.

Address: Multiple venues, incl. Beverly Hills, Larchmont and Highland Park

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A critically acclaimed Portland-founded artisanal creamery known for its eclectic flavors and, at least in L.A., widespread availability. 

Why we love it: With wild monthly flavors found nowhere else, Salt & Straw puts an artisanal churn on the standard scoop. Their extensive menu boasts options both indulgent and curious—many of which feature ingredients exclusive to Southern California, reflecting the company’s “farm-to-cone” philosophy. The best part? You don’t have to choose just one: Guests can opt for an ice cream flight including your choice of four flavors from both classic and seasonal menus. Over the years, I’ve come to love perusing the line-up of Salt & Straw’s monthly flavors, from the out-there Halloween creations made with actual bugs to the return of their cereal-inspired series every March. In neighborhoods like Brentwood, West Hollywood, Glendale, Manhattan Beach and the Arts District, it’s my first pick for ice cream; in other parts of town with other ice cream options like Culver City, Venice and Larchmont, not so much. Despite the fact I’ve found the consistency here to be a little scattershot at times, Salt & Straw is still one of the best all-around  ice cream shops—and with every location open until 11pm, it’s the best option around once everyone else closes up shop at 10pm.

Time Out tip: The honey lavender is my favorite flavor here, but if you don't like floral sweets, I recommend the chocolate gooey brownie and the salted, malted chocolate chip cookie dough. 

Address: Multiple venues, including Culver City, West Hollywood and the Arts District

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? A Santa Barbara-founded creamery that’s won over local taste buds with some of the silkiest ice cream around.

Why we love it: Made with grass-fed dairy sourced from Central California (and still processed in Santa Barbara), McConnell’s is my go-to scoop shop whenever I’m in the mood for simple, elegant flavors done right. The creamery can trace its roots back to 1949, but it wasn’t until 2014 that the company expanded to Los Angeles by way of a stall inside Grand Central Market. Now you can also find McConnell’s in Studio City and Santa Monica; there’s also a location in the Pacific Palisades, but that remains shuttered due to the recent fires. Where else can you get a scoop of cookies and cream so decadent it should be illegal? Or flavors like banana and salted caramel, or lemon and marionberries? Best of all, unlike Jeni’s, Wanderlust and Salt & Straw, McConnell’s offers a slate of excellent toppings, including whipped cream and a standout chocolate fudge sauce. Plus, there are cookies and brownies if you’re in the mood to build yourself a sundae or a sandwich.

Time Out tip: If you’re in Downtown L.A. or anywhere near the Third Street Promenade, this is the best ice cream you’ll find.

Address: Multiple venues, incl. Downtown, Santa Monica and Studio City

Opening hours: Downtown: Daily 11am–9pm; Santa Monica and Studio City: Mon–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri, Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A decades-old family-run ice cream shop in Westwood that makes the best Persian ice cream in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Chunks of cream known as khameh make all the difference at Saffron & Rose, where fragrant flavors like saffron pistachio, white rose and orange blossom reign supreme—though you’ll find classics like chocolate and vanilla too. Compared to American ice cream and Italian gelato, the thicker consistency of Saffron & Rose’s ice cream stretches without breaking up, making it an iconic Tehrangeles treat dating back to 1974. If it’s your first time, I recommend the bright-yellow saffron ice cream studded with pistachios and anointed with rosewater and the vegan-friendly faloodeh, a chilled lime and rosewater sorbet that folds in rice noodles for a pleasing, slightly chewy, almost crunchy mouthfeel.

Time Out tip: If you see a parking spot along Westwood Boulevard, snag it and walk a block or two. Parking here can be difficult, particularly on weekend evenings.

Address: 1387 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Opening hours: Daily 11am–10pm

What is it? A beloved Silver Lake gelateria that happens to make the best gelato and sorbetto in Los Angeles. 

Why we love it: Since 2006, Pazzo Gelato has churned out artisanal small-batch gelato made with farmers’ market produce, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Of the nine different gelaterias in the city I’ve tried across Los Angeles, I liked Pazzo Gelato the best—the sorbetti here distill the essence of each respective fruit, and the creamy single-origin chocolate gelato offers the sort of intensely creamy-meets-cacao flavor one would expect from Italy’s most famous cultural exports. At any given time, Pazzo also carries roughly a dozen flavors, so you’re bound to find something you love.

Time Out tip: If you live on the Westside and don’t want to make the trek to Silver Lake, I recommend Dolcenero Gelato in Santa Monica or Capri Gelato in Marina del Rey as an acceptable substitute.

Address: 3827 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–10pm; Fri, Sat 10am–11pm; Sun 10am–10pm

What is it? A best-in-class Mexican paleteria with locations in Culver City, Mid-City, Pico-Union and West L.A.

Why we love it: On the hottest of days, sometimes regular old ice cream just won’t cut it—which is when I recommend reaching for an icy, refreshing paleta. Since 2000, Mateo’s has stocked over 30 different flavors of the Oaxacan-style frozen fruit bars, including juicy watermelon, tangy chile-dusted mango and the smoky, must-try leche quemada. The move here, of course, is to order a paleta—the mostly fruit-filled treats (some contain dairy) are just as delicious as your standard scoop on a cone. If you’re craving something creamy, however, Mateo’s stocks gelato in hard-to-find Latin American flavors like mamey, eggnog with raisins, yellow cherry and tequila, plus tropical sorbet options that include soursop, dragonfruit and guava. 

Time Out tip: Depending on which Mateo’s location you visit, you’ll also find frozen chocolate-covered bananas, smoothies and bionicos, a Mexican-style fruit salad drizzled with sweet cream and topped with raisins and shredded coconut.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Culver City, West L.A. and Arlington Heights

Opening hours: Varies by location

What is it? An Alhambra ice cream and candy shop that’s over a hundred years old.

Why we love it: A place that’s stuck around for over a century must be doing something right. This cash-only SGV institution, which first opened in 1919, feels like a leap back in time, with some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. Though Fosselman’s moved to its current location more recently (‘74, to be exact), the space still provides all the charm of an old-school ice cream parlor. The flavors are mostly classic, but the shop also offers newer flavors like horchata, lychee, taro and mango—a culinary reflection of the Asian and Latino communities who have gravitated towards the San Gabriel Valley over the last five decades. The third-generation owners also offer ice cream by the half-gallons, choose-your-flavors ice cream cakes, and six-packs of ice cream sandwiches featuring chocolate cookies. One of the most popular flavors is the Cookie Monster, which mixes Oreos, graham crackers and cookie dough into a bright blue vanilla base.

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the sorbet, specifically the black raspberry and red raspberry.

Address: 1824 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A Culver City ice cream shop with outposts in Beverly Grove and the South Bay that makes all its ice cream in-house. 

Why we love it: If your taste in frozen desserts runs more classic, head to Ginger's Divine Ice Creams. Under cheery bright yellow umbrellas, you'll find more than three dozen flavors, including the ultra-popular Billionaire Brownie and our favorite, the Chocolate PB Crack. All flavors feature a super creamy, smooth and ultra-sweet base, with plenty of delicious plant-based ice creams and sorbets as well. Unlike Salt & Straw (which also has an outpost in Culver City) and Wanderlust (which has a location down the street from Ginger’s on West Third Street ), Ginger’s also allows you to make your own sundae with hot fudge, caramel, marshmallows, sprinkles and candy. The tasty, colorful popsicles and ice cream sandwiches made with housemade cookies appeal to the kids—or the kids at heart. 

Time Out tip: At the Beverly Grove location, park at the Beverly Connection across the street, which costs $1 an hour.

Address: Culver City: 12550 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Beverly Grove: 8430 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048; El Segundo: 225 Main St, El Segundo, California 90245

Opening hours: Culver City: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm; Beverly Grove: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm; El Segundo: Daily noon–10pm

What is it? A late-night organic scoop shop in Echo Park with the best banana splits in town.

Why we love it: Some people like their ice cream with a side of apple pie, or maybe a shot of espresso. If you’re El Prado’s Nick Fisher, the perfect pairing just might be some horny goat weed or any of the other supplements available for sale at Fluffy’s, which is located just across the street. Nightly, neighborhood characters dressed in styles from every decade—from Y2K to the Roaring ‘20s—flock to Fluffy’s for vegan-friendly ice creams and the quirky interior, which draws inspiration from 1950s soda fountains and writer M.F.K. Fisher’s description of Downtown’s Pig ’n’ Whistle location (long gone). The gleaming all-mirror walls offset a giant Saturn-shaped lantern overhead; there’s a demonic juke box, a Lactaid candy dispenser and a horned ice cream case; and banana splits and scoops come in classic silver-hued ice cream dishes. Made with organic dairy and minimal stabilizers, the ice cream itself is delicious as well, from Thelma’s vanilla to the pistachio made with Italian pistachio paste. 

Time Out tip: Check Fluffy’s Instagram page to find out about the latest special flavors. Recent limited-time options include Jerry’s cherry ice cream.

Address: 1814 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 2pm–midnight; Fri 2pm–1am; Sat noon–1am; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? A longtime Persian ice cream shop in Hollywood with locations in Silver Lake and Westwood.

Why we love it: Saffron & Rose might have our hearts whenever we’re in Westwood, but anywhere else in the city, you’ll find us digging into a bowl of ice cream from Mashti Malone’s, a longtime Persian ice cream shop with locations in Hollywood, Silver Lake and Westwood. Similar to Saffron & Rose, Mashti offers delicately perfumed ice cream flavors in rare flavor combos, such as ginger and rose water; orange blossom with pistachio; Persian cucumber; date; Alfonso mango; and saffron rose water. Where they differ, however, is in the excellence of straightforward stalwarts like cookies and cream, strawberry, and mint chip, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. You can even get them blended into a shake or squashed between two wafer cookies (a Persian ice cream shop classic).

Time Out tip: If you’re ordering a bowl of ice cream for dessert at Raffi’s and a few other Persian restaurants in Glendale, chances are it’s from Mashti Malone’s. 

Address: Hollywood: 1525 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028; Westwood: 1898 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025; Silver Lake: 1529 Griffith Park Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Hollywood: Daily 11am–11pm; Westwood: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm; Sun 11am-10pm; Silver Lake Mon-Wed 11am-10pm; Thurs-Sun 11am-11pm

What is it? A fusion-style dessert shop in Thai Town specializing in creamy gelato made in unique Southeast Asian flavors.

Why we love it: Run by the couple behind Ruen Pair (the restaurant next door), Kanomwaan serves creamy, not-too-sweet gelato in flavors like candle-smoked salted egg yolk, butterfly pea coconut and durian black sticky rice. My favorite of the bunch is the pandan milk, which offers the lightly grassy, vanilla-like Southeast Asian flavor entombed in a sweet, creamy gelato. For a quirky, ultra-carby treat, order your ice cream wrapped in a Thai-style kanom pang—a hot dog bun topped with coconut jelly, sweet corn, sticky rice, grass jelly and palm seeds. If you manage to grab a table within the tiny, usually crowded shop, I recommend taking advantage of the extra surface area by ordering one of the Korean bingsu-inspired shaved iced desserts or one of the custard toasts, both of which come topped with gelato.

Time Out tip: On a weekend evening, it’s worth shelling out a few bucks for valet in the parking lot.

Address: 5261 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Mon–Thurs 3–10pm; Fri 3-10:30pm; Sat 12:30–10:30pm; Sun 12:30–10pm

What is it? A locally owned ice cream shop in the South Bay that serves a standout Japanese-style matcha parfait.

Why we love it: Named after the Japanese word for gratitude, Kansha Creamery offers a rotating selection of simple, well-balanced flavors like nutty black sesame, Earl Grey and creamy almond mont blanc, and donates a portion of all sales to charities. Always on hand, however, are Japanese-style matcha parfaits: generous scoops of matcha and vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, mochi, red bean and cornflakes. It’s not a dessert that’s easy to come by in Los Angeles, so if you’re craving a little taste of Japan, make a beeline for Kansha Creamery to make your dessert dreams come true.

Time Out tip: Though the daytime-only shop makes dozens of flavors, only about five are available daily, so plan accordingly.

Address: 18515 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat 12:30–6pm

What is it? The absolute best soft serve shop in Los Angeles.

Why we love it: Look: I’d never turn down a cup of soft-serve from Magpies, CVT or Milk Bar, but the pastel-colored swirls coming out of the machines at Koreatown’s Bumsan Organic Milk Bar approach an entirely different level of airy creaminess. Since 2017, the bright pink Koreatown stand has served soft-serve made with South Korean organic milk in a handful of flavors. The “true milk” flavor is slightly better at Honeymee, my other favorite L.A. soft-serve spot (which also has a location in Koreatown), but the taro milk tea, matcha, pink guava, chocolate and coffee flavors here aren’t just photogenic—they’re goddamn delicious.

Time Out tip: Bumsan also makes croffles—a croissant-waffle hybrid. Move over cronuts.

Address: Koreatown: 534 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020; Little Tokyo: 369 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Koreatown: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri–Sun noon–11pm; Little Tokyo: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri–Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm

What is it? An ultra-popular Arcadia soft-serve shop and ice cream company that specializes in Asian American flavors.

Why we love it: For years, 626 Ice Cream has made traditional ice cream in retail pints available at gourmet grocery destinations like Helms Bakery and El Sereno Green Grocer, but what I really loved were the half-dozen flavors of soft-serve at the company’s brick-and-mortar. First opened in late 2023 by Amber Tan and the late Waldo Yan, the pair decided to offer a different style of ice cream in Arcadia to pay homage to the previous occupant, Ace Yogurt. At any given moment, a half-dozen flavors are available at 626 Ice Cream, plus toppings like bubu arare (micro-sized Japanese rice crackers), mochi bites and chamoy-flavored gummies. On my visit, I loved the honey misugaru. The texture and consistency of every flavor, however, are top-notch, which explains the lines that stretch into the parking lot on weekend evenings. Fortunately, the line normally moves quickly, even with the generous sampling offered at the counter. 

Time Out tip: If you can find an open seat inside the tiny, extremely well-decorated shop, take a few moments to sit down and enjoy your soft-serve. 

Address: 160 E Duarte Rd, Ste E, Arcadia, CA 91006

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 7–11pm; Fri, Sat 7pm–midnight; Sun 7–11pm

What is it? A gelato shop run by two transplants from Hawaii, where they racked up awards for their coffee and dessert in Lahaina. 

Why we love it: Capri Gelato has the right idea. After a day at the beach or out sailing, there's nothing better than a refreshing scoop of gelato, especially when the quality of the ingredients is this high. I’m talking gelato made with pistachios and hazelnuts from Italy, locally sourced seasonal fruit and ultra-creamy milk chocolate. The vegan-friendly sorbetto selection is no slouch either, from dairy-free 70 percent dark chocolate to seaside pineapple and red raspberry. 

Time Out tip: Since Capri Gelato also operates an espresso bar, you can also order an affogato—and, if you arrive earlier in the day, freshly baked croissants to go with your ice cream.

Address: 1034 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs noon–10pm; Fri–Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11–10pm

What is it? An all-organic artisanal creamery that offers seasonal flavors inspired by the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. 

Why we love it: Even after all these years, Sweet Rose still manages to hit the spot. Since 2010, this artisanal creamery inside the Brentwood Country Mart has kept the Westside cooler than a cucumber. Almost everything is made from scratch, including the wonderful housemade marshmallows. These days, Sweet Rose also offers ice cream for pickup and delivery from Colony Cooks’ ghost kitchens in Venice and Santa Monica. While the classics here are excellent (think vanilla, salted caramel and fresh mint), the seasonal flavors are worth trying as well—recent options include summer corn, mango milk, and dairy-free peach sorbet.

Time Out tip: If all else fails, order Sweet Rose Creamery’s banana split topped with the marshmallows. Or their artisanal sundaes. You won’t regret it.

Address: 225 26th St, Ste 51, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Opening hours: Mon–Thu noon–10pm; Fri, Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon-10pm

What is it? A South Bay ice cream shop swirling up New Zealand-style ice cream.

Why we love it: If you can get past the oh-so-cheeky name, Creamy Boys is making some of the best ice cream in the South Bay. Inspired by the ice cream shops back home, co-owners Duncan Parsons and Joe Wedd blend together fruit with a milky (or vegan-friendly oat) vanilla ice cream base—and while that might not sound all that exciting, the end result is a cloud-light frozen dessert like nothing else you can find in Los Angeles. (In a pinch, you can go to Westfield Century City’s Hokey Pokey for similarly New Zealand-inspired ice cream, but I still think Creamy Boys is better.) Each order is blended fresh for every customer and can be modified to your exact specifications. In a cup or in a cone, the fresh fruit ice cream is a soft-serve lover’s dream—and a refreshing, lighter treat for hot days or whenever you find yourself at the beach.

Time Out tip:  For those who crave extra sweetness, there’s the Hokey Pokey (honeycomb toffee), but I still like the mixed berry variety best. 

Address: Hermosa Beach: 1136 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254; El Segundo: ​​118 W Grand Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245

Opening hours: Mon–Thurs noon–10pm; Fri–Sun noon–11pm

What is it? A local soft-serve chain serving luxuriously creamy, not-too-sweet organic “pure milk” soft serve with pure honey, matcha, chocolate and more. 

Why we love it: Honeymee is my go-to spot in Koreatown for a refreshing post-dinner dessert. The pure milk flavor (as opposed to the newer ceremonial matcha flavor) is some of the best plain soft-serve in Los Angeles, though I usually prefer it augmented with gorgeous amber swirls of raw honey (the Sweetie) or a giant chunk of honeycomb on top (the Honeymee). In fact, the Koreatown dessert window is so popular, it now has satellites in Little Tokyo, Downtown, Gardena, Buena Park and even Irvine. These days, you’ll find a slew of newer flavors like honey yuzu, chocolate sauce, matcha, caramel, passionfruit and strawberry as well as a newer ceremonial matcha soft-serve that can also be topped with honey. 

Time Out tip: If it’s your first time, however, I recommend sticking to the true milk flavor with honey—it’s in the shop’s name for a reason.

Address: Multiple venues, inc. Koreatown, Little Tokyo and Gardena

Opening hours: Varies by location