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Ice cream shops in Santa Monica

Ice cream that is worth the wait and doesn't leave you feeling like you settled for a mass-produced scoop.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream image 1
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream image 2
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream image 3
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Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop shines with unique seasonal flavors like mango sorbet and affogato. Retro pink decor creates a cozy, modern vibe amid a lively atmosphere. Many vegan and gluten-free options attract a trendy crowd despite limited seating.

Exceptional quality ice cream features unique seasonal standouts like mango sorbet, affogato, and peanut butter brownie honeycomb. The menu offers fresh, high-level flavors with great service.

People are saying

"The ice cream here is unbelievably creamy and rich."

"This late night spot really hit the spot when I was craving something."

"The dark chocolate brownie was amazing."

Good to know

1

The shop is open until midnight, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Parking is available in the back, making access easy.

3

On Tuesdays, they offer a free topping with any purchase.

02
Bacio di Latte | Santa Monica, LA image 1

Bright, stylish interior and cozy atmosphere create a relaxing spot. Gelato offers rich Italian flavors with standout pistachio and vegan options. Indoor and outdoor seating handle steady crowds seeking premium ice cream.

Gelato here stands out for its incredible flavor and pure Italian style. The selection includes vegan options and a variety of interesting flavors like pistachio, all made fresh and rich.

People are saying

"I found the gelato here to be rich, creamy, and truly Italian."

"I thought the ice cream here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"I enjoyed the great coffee and ice creams here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in nearby public lots or on surrounding streets.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for an espresso, double espresso, and a cookie.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

03
Odd One Out Tea Santa Monica image 1

Orange ombrรฉ building offers a cozy, mixed indoor/outdoor setup perfect for casual hangouts. Gelato features avocado honey and unique flavors like tiramisu, with staff providing taste tests. Vegetarian-friendly silk boba adds a special touch to this small stand-style shop.

Gelato here offers refreshing flavors like avocado honey with a smooth texture and clear aroma. Staff explain and let you taste test various boba and gelato options, including unique choices like tiramisu and mango avocado.

People are saying

"The milk tea here is really flavorful and has great depth."

"The avocado honey gelato was so refreshing and smooth."

"The gelato here is so refreshing and smooth."

Good to know

1

They offer 1 drink or a scoop of gelato for $1 today only.

2

The owner confirmed that the silk boba is vegetarian friendly, made with agar and tapioca starch.

3

The outside area is dog friendly.

04
Dolcenero Gelato image 1
Ice cream shop

Outdoor seating in a local courtyard sets a chill vibe perfect for casual hangs. Gelato offers decadent dark chocolate and refreshing sorbets made with real fruit. Generous portions in cute waffle cones make it a sweet spot on a busy street.

Gelato features decadent dark chocolate and vegan chocolate options with generous scoops. Sorbets like lemon and raspberry use real fruit and offer a refreshing taste.

People are saying

"The gelato here is so rich and bursting with flavor."

"The vegan gelato here is delicious, especially the chocolate."

"I enjoyed the cute outdoor seating area."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; free street parking is available a few blocks away.

2

You cannot sit inside; outdoor seating is available.

3

Three scoops cost $7.50, and they charge extra for 'premium flavors'.

05
MARU SUSHI AND RAMEN image 1

Space blends Japanese decor with a cherry blossom tree and floral ceilings for a cozy feel. Outdoor terrace offers warm, romantic lighting. Ice cream choices include tempura green tea and unique orange sorbet, perfect for a sweet finish.

Tempura green tea ice cream stands out as a classic choice. The orange ice cream offers a unique sorbet made from sweet orange juice, and fried ice cream appears as a special treat.

People are saying

"The Japanese Food, especially the bento boxes, had a great variety and large portions."

"The sashimi here is so fresh, it just melts in your mouth."

"The tempura green tea ice cream is a classic must-have."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until midnight for late-night drinks.

2

There is a public parking lot nearby with 90 minutes of free parking.

3

The restaurant is open until 12 midnight, making it ideal for late-night snacks.

06
Handel's Ice Cream image 1
Ice cream shop

Old school window kiosk offers a small town vibe with over 20 homemade flavors like buckeye and brownie dough. Cozy atmosphere draws a friendly local crowd despite limited shaded seating. Staff are kind and ice cream tastes fresh and delicious.

Homemade ice cream features rich flavors like buckeye, butter pecan, strawberry cheesecake, and brownie dough. Staff are very kind, and the ice cream consistently tastes delicious and fresh.

People are saying

"I thought the ice cream was outstanding and delicious."

"This ice cream shop has the best, most delicious flavors I've ever had."

"It's so Kid Friendly, the kids loved the ice cream."

Good to know

1

Handel's Ice Cream offers over 20 homemade flavors to choose from.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Handicap parking is available, along with additional parking options.

07
Rustic Canyon image 1
Californian restaurant

Rustic, chic design with hardwood interiors creates an intimate, lively vibe. Honeycomb ice cream delivers exceptional flavor and texture, while lime-lemon crรจme de pot offers a refreshing contrast. A small back patio adds a charming outdoor experience.

Honeycomb ice cream stands out with its exceptional flavor and mind-blowing texture. Lime-lemon crรจme de pot also offers a refreshing contrast, making desserts here memorable.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, highlighting fresh, local ingredients."

"The beet and berry salad was a definite highlight."

"I'm still dreaming about the honeycomb ice cream; it was mind-blowing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait for tables during peak hours.

3

A 4% health charge is added to the subtotal before tax.

08
FITOOR image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Huge space with contemporary decor and a full bar sets a lively mood. Live belly dancers add subtle entertainment without distraction. Homemade ice cream with unique flavors like Paan and personalized messages makes dessert special. Outdoor patio is pet-friendly and cozy with heaters.

Homemade ice cream arrives as a complimentary treat with personalized messages like 'happy birthday' even when it's not a birthday. Unique flavors like Paan Ice Cream add a special touch to the meal's end.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and thoughtful."

"Gabriel's recommendations for desserts were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street and in a nearby lot, but it's limited.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Happy Hour offers limited menu items on Fridays from 4-6pm.

09
Yoga-urt image 1
Dessert shop

Bright space with big windows and plenty of seating feels lively and fun. Vegan, gluten-free soft serve offers probiotic-rich flavors like peanut butter and strawberry. Games for kids add to the playful energy, making it welcoming for families.

Soft serve here is vegan, gluten-free, and made in-house with a fresh, natural taste. Flavors like peanut butter and strawberry offer a probiotic-rich, dairy-free option that feels healthier than traditional ice cream.

People are saying

"I found the vegan ice cream here to be incredibly delicious and healthy."

"I loved the decadent chocolate and tart soft serve here."

"I had some of the best ice cream Iโ€™ve had in a while."

Good to know

1

Yoga-urt is fully vegan and offers gluten-free soft serve made in-house.

2

The tiny size of the soft serve starts at $6.50, with pints costing around $15.

3

There is a flavor of the week that changes regularly.

10
L&K Market image 1
Grocery store

Small grocery store shines with wide wine selection and European chocolates. Friendly vibe makes it a neighborhood hub. Ice cream choices complement snacks and drinks perfectly.

Many ice cream choices sit alongside a variety of British and Euro chocolates. The selection pairs well with snacks and drinks available in the store.

People are saying

"I found the wine selection here to be amazing and extensive."

"The staff here at this Local Spot are so friendly and knowledgeable."

"I found a great selection of ice cream and chocolates here."

Good to know

1

L&K Market has a wide selection of wines, snacks, and everyday essentials.

2

The store is always clean and well-stocked with a variety of products.

3

Prices at L&K Market are reasonable compared to other local stores.

11
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open hibachi-style setup delivers theatrical grilling that excites diners. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a lively atmosphere perfect for dates and families. Green tea ice cream offers a refreshing palate cleanser and delights kids, often served free.

Green tea ice cream offers a refreshing palate cleanser. Ice cream often comes at the end and is a favorite among kids, sometimes even served for free.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"Marlon made my daughter's birthday a night to remember."

"The chef's culinary show with spinning knives was so entertaining!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

12
Pier Burger image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Retro style and ocean views set a lively, casual vibe with outdoor terrace seating. Strawberry ice cream in waffle cones offers a refreshing treat, perfect with fries dipped in it. Vintage flair and great music keep energy high despite some noise and chaos.

Strawberry ice creams come in waffle cones and offer a refreshing taste. Fries dipped in the ice cream create a delicious combination.

People are saying

"I thought the burger I had was the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the hot dogs here were outstanding."

"I enjoyed the delicious and refreshing ice cream."

Good to know

1

Pier Burger offers affordable prices for a quick bite on the pier.

2

The restaurant is family-friendly and suitable for casual dining.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

13
Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop image 1

Chocolate shop boasts creamy chocolate ice cream and a Fudge Sundae that delights ice cream lovers. Cozy seating inside and outside near the pier creates a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful decorations. Occasional DJ music adds a lively touch to this relaxed setting.

Creamy chocolate ice cream offers an authentic rich flavor. The Fudge Sundae pairs velvety fudge with smooth ice cream for a cozy treat near the pier.

People are saying

"I found their chocolate ice cream delicious and creamy."

"The hot fudge sundae was spectacular and amazing."

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $11.95 for a scoop of ice cream.

2

A strawberry sundae costs $20, including premium toppings.

3

The shop is conveniently located near the Pier, ideal for tourists.

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Santa Monica, California

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