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Guide to Costa Mesa

Ice cream shops

A simple scoop of cold, sweet cream is the only thing that makes sense right now.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Confetti Italian Ice & Custard image 1
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Ice cream shop offers unique flavors like Sea Salt Caramel Toffee and Thai Tea Oreo with a smooth texture. Friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere and provide free ice packs for takeout to keep desserts fresh.

Rich and smooth ice cream stands out with flavors like Sea Salt Caramel Toffee and Thai Tea Oreo offering a good crunch and tasty experience. Service includes thoughtful touches like providing ice bags to keep takeout ice cream fresh.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream here was amazing and unlike anything I had before."

"The unique flavor combinations here are delicious and keep the menu interesting."

"The service here is outstanding and customer-focused."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a huge variety of flavors and fun options.

2

Parking is available in a large lot next to the shop.

3

To use the restroom, request the key from an employee.

02
Strickland's Ice Cream, Costa Mesa CA image 1

Handmade small-batch ice cream shines with rich, creamy custard and rotating flavors. Family-based vibe welcomes all, though seating is absent. Enjoy classic sundaes or unique creations outside in a welcoming atmosphere.

Ice cream here is handmade in small batches with a variety of rotating flavors each month. The custard is rich and creamy, offering classic sundaes, unique creations, and to-go pints.

People are saying

"I found the ice cream here to be so creamy and delicious."

"The owner's passion makes the chocolate experience special."

"The pistachio ice cream is creamy with whole salty pistachios."

Good to know

1

They offer 4 homemade flavors daily, including Chocolate, Vanilla, and two custom flavors.

2

You can buy pints or quarts of ice cream to take home.

3

You can’t pick up the pies until after 5 pm since they need time to solidify, so plan in advance.

03
IKEA Restaurant image 1
Swedish restaurant

Bright upstairs space with a wall of windows offers a lively, school canteen vibe. Known for Swedish meatballs and affordable prices, it serves large portions in a relaxed setting. Soft serve ice cream is smooth and creamy, a simple treat alongside hearty meals.

Soft serve ice cream comes smooth, creamy, and mildly sweet. It serves as a simple, affordable treat alongside basic fare like meatballs and hot dogs.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the perfectly cooked and seasoned salmon."

"You can get an affordable pasta with meatballs for just $1.99."

"The soft serve ice cream is delicious, smooth, and creamy."

Good to know

1

Tuesday offers 50% off all adult entrees.

2

The restaurant is a cafeteria-style dining experience.

3

Sides are affordable at $2 or $3 each, perfect for kids.

04
Heybings Desserts image 1
Dessert shop

Small dessert shop offers a cozy vibe with Pinterest-style decor and plenty of outlets for work. Fluffy bingsoo and mochi waffles make sharing easy. Ice cream features unique flavors like Emerald Dream and pairs well with mango sauce.

Scoops come with light and fluffy texture unlike typical ice cream. Unique flavors like Emerald Dream blend creamy milk foam, crushed honey graham, and matcha ice cream. Mochi waffles pair well with house-made vanilla ice cream topped with mango sauce.

People are saying

"I thought the Ube Latte and Iced Latte were delicious and satisfying."

"The bingsoo here is light, fluffy, and delicious."

"The ice cream here is light and fluffy, unlike anything I've experienced."

Good to know

1

The store closes at 10 PM, which is later than other nearby stores.

2

There was plenty of parking at the shop.

3

They have limited seating during busy hours.

05
Wanderlust Creamery image 1
Ice cream shop

Offers unique global flavors like Vietnamese coffee and mango sticky rice with rich, creamy texture. Atmosphere is cute and stylish but not for long stays. Pricing lacks clarity and vegan options are limited compared to non-vegan choices.

Ice cream features unique flavors like Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk marshmallow and caramelized cacao nibs, plus rose, yuzu, passion fruit, and mango sticky rice. The texture stays rich and creamy, with a balance of crunch and smoothness.

People are saying

"I loved the travel-inspired Rocky Road and other unique flavors."

"This ice cream shop has unique flavors from all over the world."

"You'll find unique, creative ice cream flavors inspired by travel."

Good to know

1

Parking at Wanderlust Creamery is easy to find.

2

They let customers try as many flavors as they want before ordering.

3

Pricing is $6.50 for a half scoop and $7.50 for a full scoop.

06
Pop Pie Co. image 1
Restaurant

Small pie shop offers next-level pot pies in a cozy, sunlit space with metal pans and counter seating. Salted caramel apple crumble shines with Madagascar vanilla ice cream, adding rich flavor to classic and unique savory options. Casual vibe makes it a lively spot to enjoy.

Salted caramel apple crumble pairs with Madagascar vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert. Ice cream serves as a classic complement to various pies, though it can stick to the container paper when served à la mode.

People are saying

"The chicken pot pie here is unbelievably good."

"I enjoyed the great ice cream here."

"The vegan curry pop pie was so flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends due to nearby attractions.

2

The shop is open later than other pie spots in the area.

3

Coffee service ends an hour before closing time.

07
The LAB Anti-Mall image 1
Shopping mall

Open-air mall boasts an alternative retro vibe with vegan ice cream that tastes great. Unique shops and creative installations blend with live music and a relaxed, eclectic atmosphere. Sweet treats like ice cream paired with donuts add to the fun.

Offers vegan ice cream with a delicious taste. Combines ice cream with donuts for a sweet treat.

People are saying

"I found the shops here to be really cool and unique."

"It's a cute spot for dates with great food and shopping."

"I tried the delicious vegan ice cream here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during peak hours and weekends.

2

The LAB Anti-Mall features a variety of unique shops and eateries.

3

The LAB Anti-Mall has a vegan restaurant option.

08
Elixir Wizard Academy - Boba Tea Bar & Ice Cream image 1

Fantasy-themed tea bar feels like a medieval tavern with cozy, immersive decor and wizard costumes. Secret rooms offer games and interactive experiences, including wizard tests. Ice cream is fluffy and creamy, blending well with creative drinks for unique treats.

Ice cream here is fluffy and creamy with amazing flavors. Drinks and ice cream come together as creative and flavorful treats.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is magical and enchanting!"

"The tea here is served as fun, colorful potions."

"This place is so cool with its fantasy decor and secret rooms."

Good to know

1

Parking is available but fills up quickly, so plan ahead.

2

They prefer card payments over cash and do not provide change.

3

The menu features fewer than 10 items, all cold drinks and no food.

09
Mercado González Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store offers a lively vibe with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Fresh mango crema ice cream and fruit popsicles delight daily. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, blending shopping with festive entertainment.

Freshly made ice cream and fruit popsicles appear daily with flavors like mango crema, mint chip, coconut, and chocolate almond. The mango crema ice cream bar rates a perfect 10 out of 10.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"You can watch them making the fresh tortillas right on site."

"The ice cream here is so good, it's worth the calories."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

10
La Michoacana image 1
Ice cream shop

Offers freshly made ice cream with unique Mexican flavors like mango and passion fruit. Also serves paletas and mangoneadas with complex tastes. Simple atmosphere focuses on traditional flavors over fancy presentation.

Freshly made homemade ice cream comes in a wide variety of Mexican flavors like lime, mango, and passion fruit. The menu also features mangoneadas, paletas, and an Ice Cream Crepe with banana, Nutella, and strawberries.

People are saying

"You have to try their homemade ice cream; it's a flavor explosion."

Good to know

1

La Michoacana offers a variety of Mexican ice cream and snacks, including paletas and mangoneadas.

2

Ice cream is made fresh in-store every day.

3

Toppings cost an additional 99 cents each, which can increase your total bill.

11
Baskin-Robbins image 1
Ice cream shop

Enjoy funfetti cake and fresh ice cream at perfect temperature in a clean, adorable shop. Easy parking in a safe lot adds to the convenience. Kids love the new flavors, and seating inside makes it great for a quick treat or takeout.

Ice cream comes at a perfect temperature with a great selection that often includes new flavors for kids. Options include pints and ice cream cakes, available to eat in or take out.

People are saying

"I took a risk asking for a custom vintage style cake."

"They have a great selection of ice cream, especially kid-friendly flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy in the clean and safe lot.

2

The shop is very clean inside and out.

3

You can eat there or take your ice cream to go.

12
IKEA Costa Mesa image 1
Furniture store

Maze of showrooms offers an adventurous shopping experience with family-friendly amenities like a kids area and childcare. Soft ice cream is creamy and smooth, perfect with coffee. A lively food court serves popular Swedish meatballs in a bright dining space.

Soft ice cream here is creamy and smooth. It pairs well with coffee, making it a common choice during visits.

People are saying

"This furniture store is surprisingly fun and playful, like a giant maze."

"I loved the sweet meatballs there; they're a great value."

"I loved the soft ice cream, it was creamy and smooth."

Good to know

1

On Fridays, IKEA offers 50% off meals at their restaurant.

2

On Wednesdays, they offer Buy 1 Adult Entree, get 2 kids meals free.

3

Members receive free coffee at the café from Monday through Friday.

13
The Straw: Modern Milkshakes image 1

Apple Bottom offers a unique apple pie flavor with vegan and traditional ice cream options. Diner vibes mix with musical memorabilia for a cozy, fun spot. Seating inside and out suits casual hangouts with live performances adding energy.

Apple Bottom blends apple pie with apple caramel ice cream for a unique flavor. Vegan ice cream substitutes are available alongside very good traditional options.

People are saying

"These milkshakes are rich, creamy, and delicious."

"The milkshakes here are perfection, and my kids loved them."

"I had one of the tastiest milkshakes of my life here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough at The Straw: Modern Milkshakes.

2

Karaoke on Friday nights starts at 8pm with no cover charge.

3

The portion of the milkshake is very generous and can be split.

14
El Moro Churrería image 1
Dessert shop

Tiny shop buzzes with fresh churros made in an open kitchen. Retro style and lively atmosphere shine, especially with nearby live music. Churro ice cream sandwiches blend warm, crispy churros with creamy ice cream for a standout treat.

Churro ice cream sandwiches feature freshly fried churros paired with creamy, well-made ice cream. The warm churros contrast nicely with the cold ice cream, though plain milkshakes and ice cream alone are less impressive.

People are saying

"I experienced the best hot chocolate and churros here."

"The coffee here is authentic and high quality."

"The ice cream and churros here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high demand.

2

A single churro costs $2.50, or 4 for $9.00.

3

The shop is located inside a bustling Mexican market with various food options.

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Costa Mesa, California

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