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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 690 Opinions
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01
Tea Master Matcha Cafe and Green Tea Shop image 1
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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

"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
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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

"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.

03
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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 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
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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."

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
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Market blends vintage architecture with a lively festival vibe, featuring an outdoor bar and diverse vendors. Unique ice cream flavors like Thai fried chicken and mango sticky rice add a cool twist. Live DJ music keeps the energy high and the crowd engaged.

Good to know

1

Entry to the market is free.

2

The market is open only every Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

3

Parking is free for the first two hours in a six-floor structure.

06
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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

"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.

07
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Modern Indian restaurant offers an elegant vibe with a Gatsby-inspired bar and lively Bollywood DJ music. Social groups enjoy the open, vibrant space perfect for celebrations. Desserts shine with saffron pistachio ice cream and a unique gulab jamun cheesecake.

Gulab jamun cheesecake blends silky mascarpone with a creme brulee top and saffron pistachio ice cream. Mango purรฉe pairs with ice cream, mascarpone, and ghewar for a well-balanced, indulgent treat.

People are saying

"The saffron pistachio ice cream had a great pistachio flavor."

Good to know

1

Brunch on Sundays features live music, with dancing starting around 1:30pm.

2

A special prix fixe menu is available during brunch and special events.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure accommodation.

08
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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."

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.

09
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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

"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.

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Large Italian spot boasts a spacious, cozy atmosphere with an open kitchen and lively crowds. Desserts shine with vanilla bean ice cream and coconut sorbet offering sweet finishes. Patio feels airy but can be chilly, balancing indoor warmth with outdoor openness.

Vanilla bean ice cream appears alongside desserts like apple crumble and apple cake. Coconut sorbet stands out as a notable flavor. Gelato also features as a common sweet finish after meals.

People are saying

"I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the octopus appetizer."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with a selection of finger foods.

2

The happy hour menu is available at the bar only.

3

Vespaio is within walking distance to major venues like the Disney Concert Hall.

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Japanese restaurant blends a calm vibe with lively 90s music and dim lighting for intimate dining. Bar seating offers views of creative dishes and cocktails inspired by Japanese whiskey. Unique dessert features grilled brownies topped with matcha ice cream.

Grilled brownies come topped with matcha ice cream for a unique dessert. The combination of green tea ice cream and warm brownie stands out as a special treat.

People are saying

"You have to try the ice cream and brownie here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Parking validation is available to avoid extra charges.

3

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm with $10 Japanese highballs.

12
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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 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.

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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."

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.

14
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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 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.

15
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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 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.

16
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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."

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.

17
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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 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.

18
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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 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.

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Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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