Nicole’s Top 15 Little Sweet Treat Spots in Los Angeles
Uncover hidden gems and iconic spots for the ultimate dessert lover's guide to Los Angeles!
Disclaimer: I do use affiliate links in this blog meaning that if you purchase anything through my affiliate links I receive commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products that I have heavily researched, tested and loved, and/or used for several years.
If I had to pick only one dessert spot to eat for the rest of my life, it would be Bacio di Latte! It is the most authentic Italian gelato, with all the flavors your heart could desire. I especially love the hazelnut crema flavor!
The Bigg Chill is an LA institution, and has been the go-to froyo run since my college days at USC. They change their flavors daily, so you can look on their website prior to going or ordering online. I especially love their custard flavors, matcha (when they have it for a limited time), and scoops of cookie dough!
Go Greek has the most insanely good frozen greek yogurt — it almost tastes too good to be true! It is so rich and creamy, yet I feel like I am choosing a healthier option with the protein and probiotic benefits.
Mochidoki just opend on Montana this past year, but it has already become a favorite of mine! I love that I can pick as many little gems as I want! They have some really cool special flavors with coating and toppings like the chocolate berries, milk and cookies, and chocolate lovers!
If you are vegan, do not fret — there are plenty of delicious dessert options in LA! I believe the majority of the spots listed have vegan options, but Frozen Fruit Co. is 100% vegan. Even though it has been several years since I have been strictly vegan, I crave Frozen Fruit Co. all the time — it’s that good! All of their flavors are vegan, plant-based, made with minimal ingredients, and sweetened with fruit sugar only.
I trekked to Creamy Boys in Hermosa Beach after receiving an ad of their limited matcha flavor — and they were not kidding around with the creaminess! I was absolutely blown away and inhaled my cup in record time. The location is just a little window area for ordering and pick up, but located in a shopping area if you want to make a day out of it! They specialize in New Zealand style real fruit ice cream.
I first tried Fleurs et Sel when they were doing DM ordering and pick-up from Lara’s home. I am so happy that she has now opened her first location in DTLA — what an inspirational success story of a minority women-owned small business! These are not your average cookies — they are as homemade as you can get, and made of the finest ingredients. You can look on their website and social media for the weekly cookie drops!
This list would be amiss without a Salt & Straw! Whenever I pass by a location, the smell instantly draws me in. There are so many amazing flavors to choose from, and it is probably my favorite ice cream scoop shop! It is also much more accessible with a handful of locations across LA!
Levain finally arrived in LA in Larchmont, and this location did not disappoint! I love Levain’s story of women-owned founders and friends, who maintain the bakery’s integrity to this day of baking everything fresh daily and donating each day’s leftovers to charity. Their Chocolate Chip Walnut flavor is their iconic original flavor, but all of them are chewy, gooey goodness!
Magnolia Bakery forever holds a niche top spot for banana pudding! I honestly have not seen any other dessert shops even attempt at taking the title - Magnolia simply does it too well! I also love their cupcakes and have had plenty of their beautiful cakes to celebrate my birthday!
When the coconut soft serve first came out at Erewhon’s Palisades location, I was instantly on a mission to be the first to try it! It is honestly so good, and my favorite toppings are the chocolate sauce and strawberries (I would skip the Bieber style - and yes, I did try it). An amazing dairy-free option for the vegans out there!
If you are looking for the best matcha soft serve in LA, look no further than Tea Master! Yes, it was a trek driving to Little Tokyo but so worth it! There is a reason it has thousands of rave reviews — it is super creamy, the perfect matcha concentration, not too bitter and not too sweet, and topped with matcha powder!
I first discovered Uli’s Gelato at Bristol Farms, and upon doing my research discovered that there is a vending machine in DTLA! Though Bacio di Latte is my top pick, Uli’s is at a more accessible price point for a pint and she has some of the most unique and delicious flavors! My favorites are the strawberry balsamic and chocolate sorbet (both vegan flavors). You can also order a curated box online!
Cassetta has the most instagrammable, aesthetic ‘Soft-Serve Cassetta’ that comes with hot pink powder and flowers. As someone who needed soft serve/soft cream constantly from every Japanese market, restaurant, and trips to Japan growing up — it is so nice to have a location that specializes in it close by!
I recently discovered Pompadour, and they have an amazing selection of macarons, pastries, pies, and cakes. My birthday cake this year was from them, and it was such a gorgeous and delicious strawberry pink dome cake adorned with macarons.
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