Top 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Los Angeles

An old-school California institution, Fosters Freeze on Whittier Boulevard delivers nostalgic soft-serve experiences that have been satisfying Angelenos since 1946. Their chocolate-dipped soft serve cone is pure Americana—simple, affordable, and exactly what you want on a hot LA day when you're not trying to impress anyone. The retro vibes and classic approach attract families looking for a affordable treat and anyone chasing that vintage California experience. With 345 reviews maintaining a 4.6 rating, Fosters Freeze proves that sometimes the classics endure for good reason.

Mateo's second location on Vermont Avenue serves the same beloved paletas and ice cream that made their Pico Boulevard spot famous, now bringing authentic Mexican frozen treats to a different neighborhood. With over 800 reviews and a solid 4.5 rating, this outpost proves the demand for their fruit-forward, traditionally-made paletas spans across LA's communities. The horchata paleta is a cult favorite here, capturing the essence of the beloved Mexican drink in frozen form. It's a straightforward, family-friendly operation where the focus is squarely on delivering refreshing, affordable treats without any pretension.

Donut Friend DTLA is where punk rock attitude meets vegan innovation, serving up plant-based soft serve and donuts that have converted even die-hard dairy devotees across 904 reviews. Their vegan soft serve is remarkably creamy—you'd never guess it's dairy-free—and pairing it with one of their creative donuts (try the X-Vice with coffee glaze) creates a dessert experience that's greater than the sum of its parts. The irreverent, music-inspired vibe and affordable pricing make it a hotspot for downtown's creative crowd and late-night adventurers. This is proof that dietary restrictions don't mean compromising on flavor or fun.

Holy Roly brought the rolled ice cream trend to LA's Koreatown, and while the novelty has worn off elsewhere, their execution keeps over 600 reviewers engaged with creative toppings and Instagram-worthy presentation. Watching your ice cream base get chopped, mixed, and rolled on a frozen steel plate never gets old, especially when you're customizing with everything from Fruity Pebbles to fresh fruit. The Nutella Banana roll is their most popular combination, delivering both visual appeal and legitimate flavor. It's a fun, interactive experience perfect for groups or anyone looking to spice up their social media feed.

Don't let the name fool you—Viva Cafe in Koreatown is a hidden gem that serves exceptional ice cream alongside their cafe offerings, maintaining a dedicated fanbase that's pushed them to 4.7 stars. The green tea ice cream here is a standout, benefiting from the neighborhood's access to quality Asian ingredients, while their affogato is perfect for those who can't choose between coffee and dessert. The cozy cafe atmosphere makes it ideal for studying, catching up with friends, or escaping the chaos of 8th Street. At the lowest price point, it's a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice quality.

Santa Monica's Rori's has cultivated a loyal following on Montana Avenue with their small-batch, handcrafted approach that prioritizes quality ingredients over mass production. The bourbon vanilla bean is a revelation—real vanilla pods create an intensity that makes you wonder why anyone bothers with extract—while seasonal offerings like brown butter sage show creative ambition. The charming storefront attracts everyone from families with sticky-fingered kids to couples on date night, and the Montana Avenue location means you can window shop before or after. With 376 reviews holding strong at 4.7, Rori's has earned its place among LA's ice cream elite.

Downtown LA's most futuristic ice cream experience comes courtesy of Uli's, where a 24/7 vending machine dispenses artisanal gelato alongside their brick-and-mortar manufactory. The convenience factor is unbeatable—satisfying late-night cravings when everything else is closed—but the quality is what keeps this spot at 4.7 stars across nearly 300 reviews. Their salted caramel is dangerously addictive, with a perfect balance that showcases why Uli's has become a DTLA staple. The industrial-chic space and innovative model make it a must-visit for gelato lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.

This tiny gelato shop on 3rd Street is where gelato purists go to worship at the altar of authentic Italian technique—and that 4.9 rating with 262 reviews proves they're doing something extraordinary. Ecco un poco uses natural ingredients and traditional methods to create impossibly smooth, intensely flavored gelato that tastes like it was airlifted from Rome. The pistachio is legendarily nutty and the stracciatella is textbook perfection, best enjoyed at their minimalist counter while people-watching on one of LA's trendiest streets. At price level 1, it's also one of the best gelato values in the city.

A Mid-City institution on Pico Boulevard, Mateo's has been serving LA's Mexican and Central American communities with authentic paletas and ice cream for years, amassing over 1,300 reviews in the process. Their fruit bars are the real stars—mango con chile and cucumber lime paletas deliver that perfect sweet-spicy-tangy combo that keeps locals coming back in the sweltering summer heat. The no-frills setup is all about the product, making it ideal for families grabbing a quick treat or anyone seeking authentic flavors without the artisanal markup. Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you go.

Tucked inside the Westfield Century City mall, Hokey Pokey LA brings New Zealand's beloved ice cream culture to LA's west side with rich, creamy flavors that rival any artisanal creamery. Their Hokey Pokey flavor—a honeycomb toffee sensation—is the signature move here, but adventurous eaters should explore their rotating seasonal offerings. The modern cafe vibe makes it perfect for a post-shopping treat or a casual date, with mall seating that's surprisingly pleasant. With nearly 250 reviews maintaining a stellar 4.8 rating, this Kiwi import has clearly won over Century City's discerning crowd.