It's always ice cream season in LA and this selection is more than just your average cone. These shops are elevating ice cream to something you dream about and will gladly sit in rush hour traffic to get your hands on a scoop.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
There's a Jeni's camp that swear by this artisanal ice cream. It feels like pure quality in every ingredient. Flavors are interesting but not over the top--the taste take center stage. You can find a few Jeni's shops in LA but this one on Rose Avenue in Venice is very cute.
See MoreMcConnell's Fine Ice Creams- Pacific Palisades
Santa Barbara's McConnell's is super rich, decadent ice cream that has intensely delicious flavor. Cups may look small but it's always just enough. Their simple flavors are the best here--strawberry ice cream will knock your socks off.
This location in the Pacific Palisades is extra pretty. Enjoy your cone al fresco at the green and people watch in this trendy shopping hub.
See MoreMagpies Softserve
With a cult following, Magpies Softserve has make ice cream swirled out of a machine a true chef artform. All toppings and flavors are made in house.
It's the fancy version of Dairy Queen and we are here for it.
See MoreHandel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Locals love Handel's and will stand outside the window at the original Redondo Beach location for as long as it takes to get their fill. The decadent flavors like Banana Cream Pie, Coffee Toffee Oreo and bright blue Birthday Cake delight young and old. The sizing is VERY generous so don't plan on eating your next meal after your Handel's visit ;)
See MoreSalt & Straw
I'll be honest, I'm team Salt & Straw. The vibe is playful and fun--not taking themselves too seriously with monthly flavors that change along with their staples. One month, they ask local elementary schoolers to come up with flavor ideas and they actually make them--as wild as they may be. Halloween brings out some crazy ones--even with bugs. You may never have known that you like Goat Cheese & Marionberry together (yes it's actually great). But if you prefer the simple, no one makes vanilla or cookie dough the way Salt & Straw does!
This location on Abbott Kinney is super popular and fun.
See MoreVan Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen is well known in the US but it still has to be mentioned as it is such a pioneer in the flavor and texture. Their ice cream uses zero stabilizers or liquid flavors like many others--everything is from the actual ingredients. Yes, lots of super sweet strawberries go into their strawberry ice cream.
I love that commitment and it really shows in each bite here.
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