There’s no better way to cool off in the City of Angels than with a scoop (or three) of some of the most inventive, mouthwatering, and visually stunning ice cream in the country.
Los Angeles is a paradise not just for foodies, but for dessert lovers who crave ice cream creativity. From classic flavors with a Middle Eastern twist to soft serves that look like they were made for your Instagram grid, LA’s ice cream scene is as vibrant as the city itself.
We’ve rounded up a list of our absolute favorite ice cream spots around Los Angeles that bring serious flavor, style, and flair.
Whether you’re on the hunt for exotic ingredients, outrageous cones, or just a great place to snap a summer selfie, this guide will take you to the coolest shops in town.
1 – Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream
Description:
Mashti Malone’s is one of LA’s most iconic ice cream destinations, offering a unique blend of traditional Persian flavors with modern American flair. Located in Hollywood, this family-owned shop has been serving scoops since the 1980s and continues to charm locals and tourists alike with its distinct offerings. It’s the place to go if you’re craving something exotic and unexpected.
The standout flavors here include Rosewater, Saffron Pistachio, and Orange Blossom, all made using the owner’s secret family recipes. The Ice Cream Sandwich with a Persian twist — ice cream wrapped in wafers and dipped in rosewater syrup — is a fan favorite and unlike anything you’ll find at a typical dessert parlor.
For those who want something rich and earthy, the Date Ice Cream is another hit, combining a natural sweetness with creamy texture.
What people love most about Mashti Malone’s is how deeply rooted it is in cultural tradition while also being incredibly Instagrammable.
The bright floral flavors and colorful scoops make for stunning pictures, and the retro signage outside the shop adds a nostalgic charm to any foodie’s feed.
It’s not just an ice cream stop; it’s a taste of history and heritage.
Location: 1898 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Pic Credit: @Patch
2 – Wanderlust Creamery
Description:
If your tastebuds love to travel, Wanderlust Creamery should be your next destination. This place is all about globally-inspired ice cream flavors, drawing influence from across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
With multiple locations across LA, it’s easy to embark on this international flavor journey without leaving the city.
Popular flavors include Ube Malted Crunch, inspired by Filipino desserts, and Sticky Rice + Mango, which tastes just like the Thai classic. Another standout is Japanese Neapolitan — a trio of Matcha, Black Sesame, and Hojicha — which is not only delicious but also a visual masterpiece in a cone.
Every month, the creamery rotates in new travel-inspired creations, keeping loyal customers coming back to taste what’s next.
Wanderlust is beloved not only for its flavor innovation but also for its dreamy pastel interiors and artful presentation. The cones and scoops are so carefully crafted, they look like they belong in a museum.
Instagram influencers flock here for that perfect snap, and every scoop tells a story from around the globe.
Location:2105 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
PIC Credit: @Theinfatuation
3 – Fluffy McCloud’s
Description:
Fluffy McCloud’s brings a whimsical, artistic touch to the LA dessert scene with soft serve ice cream that looks like it belongs in a dream. Located on Sunset Blvd, this retro-inspired ice cream parlor has quickly become a local favorite for its playful design and imaginative treats.
Flavors here include fun options like Blueberry Lavender, Strawberry Milk, and Earl Grey, often paired with inventive toppings like character-shaped marshmallows or served in pastel-hued cups.
One of the most talked-about menu items is the “Fluffy Cloud Cone” — a swirl of soft serve nestled in a cotton candy halo that looks (and tastes) like something out of a storybook.
What people can’t get enough of at Fluffy McCloud’s is the sheer joy it brings. From the larger-than-life marble run inside to the vintage jukebox and Lactaid dispenser, the experience is just as magical as the desserts.
It’s a dream destination for Instagrammers and dessert lovers alike, blending aesthetics, nostalgia, and flavor into every visit.
Location: 1814 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
PIC Credit: @Fluffymcclouds
4 – Hokey Pokey LA
Description:
For ice cream that’s as decadent as it is creative, Hokey Pokey LA delivers the goods. This boutique ice cream shop combines fun, funky flavors with premium ingredients to create scoops that surprise and delight.
Fan-favorite flavors include Ferrero Rocher Crunch, Honeycomb with Sea Salt, and Salted Caramel Pretzel. Their signature “Cookie Monster” — a bright blue vanilla base loaded with cookie dough and Oreos — is a hit with both kids and nostalgic adults.
Hokey Pokey also offers ice cream tacos and edible cookie dough if you’re in the mood for a different kind of sugar rush.
The decor is vibrant and playful, and the cones are often stacked high with toppings, syrups, and edible glitter. Customers love that Hokey Pokey combines high-quality ice cream with a sense of humor and boldness.
It’s a place where you’re encouraged to play with your food — and document every delicious bite.
Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd Unit 2625, Century City, CA 90067
PIC Credit: @Tripadvisor
5 –Turn Dough
Description:
Turn Dough takes inspiration from the streets of Central Europe with its delicious chimney cake cones, also known as “kürtőskalács.” These hollow, spiral-shaped pastries originated in Hungary and are baked fresh, rolled in cinnamon or sugar, and then filled with rich gelato or soft serve.
The result is a warm, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat that makes a perfect base for indulgent ice cream creations.
Some of their most popular combinations include Nutella Gelato in a cinnamon sugar cone, Cookie Butter Heaven, and the ultra-decadent Brownie Bomb, which is stuffed with brownies, fudge, and whipped cream. The menu changes frequently, giving repeat visitors plenty of reasons to return and try something new.
Turn Dough is a hit on social media thanks to its towering, decadent creations and visually stunning presentation.
The cones are often topped with candy, cookies, and colorful sauces, making them a dream for Instagram photos. It’s a place where dessert meets drama — and every bite is just as satisfying as the pictures.
We hope you enjoy all these tasty ice cream experiences as much as we do!
Location: 1425, Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
PIC Credit: @Turndough
Want LA’s Best Hacks Delivered to Your Inbox Free Every Week? SUBSCRIBE HERE!