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Ice cream spots in Downtown LA

A scoop of ice cream is the only thing that can turn a heavy day into something lighter.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop image 1
Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop image 2
Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop image 3
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Small space with bamboo accents and soft lighting creates a calm, traditional tea house vibe. Soft serve ice cream is smooth and creamy, with a strong, not too sweet matcha flavor. Outdoor seating offers a spacious spot to enjoy drinks during busy hours.

Soft serve here stands out for its smoothness and creaminess. The matcha flavor is strong and not overly sweet, making it a delicious green tea ice cream option.

People are saying

"The matcha soft serve is the best I've ever had."

"The Matcha Latte here is so smooth and earthy."

"I found the matcha ice cream to be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $4 and is validated.

2

The entrance to the cafe is accessible.

3

The cafe specializes exclusively in matcha.

02
28 Wishes Ice Cream Shop image 1

Small shop buzzes with energy and offers unique flavors like Pistachio and Ube. Creamy ice cream shines with rich taste in Ferrero and mango. Cozy space invites quick stops but has limited seating.

Creamy, flavorful ice cream with just the right sweetness stands out here. The Ferrero and mango flavors are especially notable for their rich taste and smooth texture.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and delicious."

"They have great dairy-free flavors and creative combinations."

"It's an awesome late night spot for a snack."

Good to know

1

The shop is open until 2 AM on Saturday night.

2

There is no inside seating, but some outside seating is available.

3

Vegan ice cream and sorbet options are available.

03
Paradis Ice Cream image 1
Ice cream shop

Tiny shop offers a grab and go vibe with a welcoming atmosphere. Ice cream features unique flavors like horchata and Dubai chocolate, made with fresh fruits and no artificial flavors. Cleanliness stands out amid a sketchy surrounding, making it a safe choice for a quick treat.

Ice cream here features fresh fruits with no artificial flavors and comes in very big portions for the price. Unique flavors like horchata and Dubai chocolate topped with pistachio sauce add variety and richness.

People are saying

"You have to try their Dubai Chocolate ice cream; it's a must-try."

"The dairy-free ice cream options here are outstanding and superb."

"You have to try the Dubai chocolate ice cream, it tastes like Dubai."

Good to know

1

Toppings cost an extra dollar or one fifty each.

2

The smallest cup costs about $7.

3

Parking is difficult; consider parking elsewhere and walking.

04
Salt & Straw image 1
Ice cream shop

Small space with a cozy vibe and unique ice cream flavors like salted caramel and vegan options. Limited indoor seating pairs well with cute outdoor spots shared with neighbors. Loud, inappropriate music contrasts with the inviting atmosphere.

Handmade ice cream features unique flavors like salted caramel and cookie dough. Vegan options taste just as good, and seasonal varieties add fresh choices regularly.

People are saying

"The lavender ice cream here is fantastic."

"The ice cream here has so many unique and delicious flavors."

"It's a nice spot with cute outdoor seating."

Good to know

1

Ice cream costs around $20 for two people.

2

There is no parking available at the shop.

3

The shop offers a large variety of unique flavors.

05
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams - GCM image 1

Busy food hall spot serves unique, high-quality flavors made in-house without preservatives. Rich tastes like lemon and Marion berries shine in small, pricey portions. Lively, casual vibe draws long lines for a quick, fresh treat.

Rich, authentic ice cream flavors like lemon and Marion berries and cinnamon stand out. Everything is made in-house without stabilizers or preservatives, delivering a fresh, addictive taste.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is so creamy and flavorful."

"The ice cream flavors here are rich, authentic, and perfect."

"The ice cream at this Market is so creamy, rich, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

McConnell's is the only ice cream location at Grand Central Market with late hours.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially in the evening.

3

Ice cream costs $6 per scoop, with a double scoop priced at $10.50.

06
Settecento DTLA image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio with twinkling lights and live jazz sets a romantic atmosphere. Library-themed interior blends with lush greenery for a peaceful vibe. Coppa di Gelato features rich berry gelato and classic chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Chocolate and vanilla flavors shine in the Coppa di Gelato, which comes with a cute presentation. The berry gelato offers a rich, memorable taste that stands out.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and reasonably priced."

"The outdoor seating offers great drinks and an upscale crowd."

"The pasta here is perfectly al dente and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2pm to 6pm, ending at 5:45pm.

2

Live music is available from Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

3

The restaurant validates parking for $6 for three hours at the Library parking lot.

07
Bumsan Organic Milk Bar image 1

Clean, contemporary space with pink modern design creates a fun vibe. Soft serve ice cream boasts 100% organic milk and unique flavors like matcha and taro. Drip-proof cones make it easy to enjoy while walking, and pairing with waffles or croffles adds extra flavor.

Ice cream uses 100% organic milk and has a smooth, clean quality with a subtle but distinct character. Pairing it with waffles or croffles enhances the flavor, and drip-proof cones make it easy to enjoy on the go.

People are saying

"This ice cream is clean, smooth, and has a subtle character."

"The organic ice cream tastes so clean and lets the milk flavor shine."

"The matcha soft serve is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The price for a soft serve is around $10, which is considered steep.

2

They use organic ingredients for their ice cream products.

3

The shop had limited variety in ice cream flavors available.

08
BurgerShop image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Lively spot offers vegan and vegetarian options alongside classic burgers with a dog-friendly patio. Soft serve ice cream shines with vegan pineapple and vanilla flavors. Staff are warm and caring, creating a fun vibe in a noisy, bustling setting.

Vegan options like pineapple and vanilla ice cream stand out with rich flavors. Soft serve gets high praise, and free samples or surprise treats happen often.

People are saying

"The service here is attentive and friendly, making the Burgers even better."

"I loved the vegan burger options here."

"They gave us free samples of their vegan ice cream."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both meat and vegetarian burger options.

2

Parking can be challenging in downtown Los Angeles; consider public transport.

3

The ordering process is convenient with an iPad for both menus.

09
Midori Matcha Cafe image 1

Small cafe with wooden interiors offers a cozy vibe and fresh matcha scent. Soft serve has deep matcha flavor with generous portions and matcha powder topping. Quiet atmosphere makes it perfect for enjoying matcha desserts in a chill setting.

Soft serve features a deep, rich matcha flavor with matcha powder sprinkled on top for extra taste. Portions are generous and reasonably priced, with options like matcha and hojicha swirl available.

People are saying

"I thought the matcha latte was the best."

"The matcha soft serve here is so rich and flavorful."

"This matcha ice cream is rich, authentic, and perfectly sweet."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at the cafe.

2

The matcha drinks are priced around $6, while matcha ice cream costs $3.

3

Parking can be challenging as the cafe is located in a busy plaza.

10
Honeymee Japanese Village image 1

Soft serve ice cream shines with real honeycomb and drizzled honey, offering a chewy, sweet bite. Cozy seating fits a lively crowd, especially on weekends. A photobooth adds fun, making the small space feel welcoming and playful.

Soft serve ice cream comes with real honeycomb that adds a chewy texture and sweet flavor. Options include Honey Affogato with drizzled honey and mixes like dalgona, all with a rich, milky taste.

People are saying

"The honey affogato is rich, not too sweet, and amazing."

"I found the milkshakes here to be the yummiest I had ever tasted."

"The ice cream here is creamy with a nice honey touch."

Good to know

1

Meter parking and parking in nearby structures are available.

2

Honeymee Japanese Village is very busy on weekends.

3

Prices start at $5.50 for a base ice cream and $7 for most flavors.

11
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo image 1

Compact space balances spacious seating with a modern Yakiniku vibe and steampunk decor. Atmosphere stays fun and energetic without overwhelming noise or smoke. Self-serve unlimited drinks and ice cream add a unique touch to the lively dining experience.

People are saying

"I loved the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu quality here."

"Jonathan Park's service made the BBQ experience enjoyable and memorable."

"The all-you-can-eat ice cream here is amazing!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, particularly for dinner.

3

There's a pay-to-park lot right next door for $15.

12
Tokyo Haus Sushi & Grill All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious, clean space with Japanese-themed artwork sets a stylish tone. Loud jazz music adds energy but can be noisy. Desserts shine with tempura ice cream and mochi ice cream, blending tradition and fun. Group-friendly seating invites sharing and socializing.

Desserts include tempura ice cream, green tea ice cream, and mochi ice cream. These offer a mix of traditional and unique flavors to finish a meal.

People are saying

"The all-you-can-eat Japanese food has a time limit and leftover charges."

"The all-you-can-eat sushi and BBQ selection is crazy good."

"The tempura ice cream was a wonderful way to end the meal."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM.

3

A mandatory 18% tip is added for parties of two or more.

13
Uli's Gelato Vending Machine and Manufactory image 1

Downtown arcade hosts a vending machine with unusual gelato flavors like black sesame and pistachio. Texture is firm due to being very frozen, offering a unique self-serve experience. Pistachio and Yogurt Lavender stand out, with a monthly subscription option for regular treats.

Fresh and flavorful gelato comes from a vending machine offering multiple options. The pistachio and Yogurt Lavender flavors stand out, with a monthly subscription available for regular enjoyment.

People are saying

"I thought the gelato was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the gelato was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The gelato is available only through a vending machine, not a traditional shop.

2

The vending machine is located in an arcade with several lunch options nearby.

3

Bring cash as the vending machine may not accept cards.

14
Japanese Village Plaza image 1

Cobblestone paths and wooden facades create a small-town feel with lively energy. Mochi ice cream offers a chewy texture and sweet filling, perfect for a treat. Bright red lanterns and a 50-foot fire lookout tower add authentic Edo charm to the vibrant plaza.

Mochi ice cream stands out with its chewy texture and sweet filling. Multiple spots offer bakery goods and ice cream, including cafes serving boba and other sweet treats.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Japanese food and casual sweets."

"This mall has unique anime shops and creative merchandise you can't find elsewhere."

"I was never disappointed with this ice cream."

Good to know

1

The plaza hosts cherry blossom events in spring with sakura-themed stalls.

2

Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August includes Obon dancing, taiko drums, and a parade.

3

Parking can get crowded and expensive on weekends.

15
ONE PIECE CAFE image 1
Restaurant

Enjoy an immersive One Piece theme with lively decor and staff in costume. Cozy space offers Coca-Cola ice cream floats that blend creamy and fizzy flavors. Pair floats with savory bites like chicken katsu sando for a fun, fan-focused meal.

Coca-Cola ice cream floats come with a classic soda shop vibe and a creamy, fizzy mix. The float pairs well with savory items like the chicken katsu sando.

People are saying

"The curry here is amazing and the meat was stellar."

"The themed decor and staff gear make this place really cool."

"The One Piece decor really made the ice cream experience immersive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted for groups, so arrive early.

2

The cafe has limited seating, often leading to long wait times.

3

Payment is card-only; cash is not accepted.

16
SOMOCHI DTLA image 1
Donut shop

Cozy donut shop shines with fresh, light donuts and Korean-inspired treats. Matcha soft serve offers a refreshing, not too sweet ice cream option. Small outdoor tables and earthy plants create a welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

Soft serve stands out with matcha flavor that is refreshing and not too sweet. Mochi and large mouth bass shaped cones add a unique twist to the ice cream experience.

People are saying

"I found the mochi donuts to be delicious and not too oily."

"You've gotta try the corn dogs; they're amazing."

"The soft serve ice cream here is delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

SOMOCHI DTLA offers a variety of unique mochi donuts and Korean-style corndogs.

2

Prices at SOMOCHI DTLA can be considered on the higher side.

3

Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors.

17
Eigikutei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Minimalist Japanese design and calm atmosphere create a cozy space with robot service adding a modern twist. Enjoy black sesame ice cream and plant-based desserts that complement the authentic dining experience.

Complimentary desserts include plant-based ice creams alongside red bean and mochi cakes. The black sesame ice cream stands out as surprisingly delicious.

People are saying

"The omakase Japanese food here is an amazing value."

"The seafood here is exotic, like jellyfish and monkfish liver."

"The plant-based kaiseki was beautifully presented and balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of vegan options on the menu.

3

The cheapest set menu starts at $87 per person.

18
Sampa image 1
Filipino restaurant

Dark, moody space with ambient lighting sets an intimate mood. Homemade Thai tea ice cream delights with unique flavor and birthday freebies. Cool cave-like hallway adds charm while DJ music keeps energy chill and conversations easy.

Homemade Thai tea-flavored ice cream stands out here. They also offer a free scoop of this flavor for birthdays.

People are saying

"The Filipino food here is fresh and creatively elevated."

"This fine dining reimagines Filipino classics with a refined sensibility."

"I tried the homemade Thai Tea ice cream and it was delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a public parking lot across the street.

2

Sampa does not have a liquor license yet; only mocktails are available.

3

Reservations are recommended for the tasting menu.

19
Millet Crepe - Little Tokyo image 1
Dessert restaurant

Small dessert spot offers rich crepes with matcha ice cream and fresh fruit. Self-order kiosks make service quick despite cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating adds charm to this lively, flavorful experience.

Creme brulee crepes come with matcha, vanilla, or chocolate ice cream and often include strawberries, bananas, Nutella, or custard. Caramel crepes feature cinnamon apple and ice cream, with vanilla ice cream added at no extra cost.

People are saying

"The crรจme brรปlรฉe crepe's caramelized top and creamy custard are amazing."

"These crepes are so unique, with a perfectly thin and crispy texture."

"The crรจme brรปlรฉe crepe with ice cream was so good."

Good to know

1

This location does not accept cash; only cards and Apple Pay are accepted.

2

The place gets packed quickly due to its popularity and has limited seating.

3

Parking is difficult; consider using Japanese Market Plaza or street parking.

20
STILE Downtown Los Angeles image 1

Hotel combines art deco and brutalist styles with a modern art flair in its design. Rooftop features a heated swimming pool, bar, and lounge area with excellent city views. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful during the day to loud with music late at night.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff were so friendly and helpful."

"The rooftop views are great, especially at night."

"The staff here is super friendly and helpful with your ice cream."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available on site.

2

The area around the hotel can be unsafe, especially at night.

3

Rooftop parties occur Thursday to Sunday, often with loud music until 3 a.m.

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