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Local picks

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 653 Opinions
+650
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01
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream image 1
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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."

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.

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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 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.

03
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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 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.

04
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Outdoor patio with spacious seating and pink-hued decor creates a chic, relaxed vibe. Homemade ice creams and macaron treats pair well with baguette sandwiches. Live music on weekends adds to the friendly atmosphere perfect for casual coffee and pastries.

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ is very popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

They offer gluten-free options for baked goods and sandwiches.

3

Card payments are accepted, but refills on coffee are charged as new cups.

05
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Quaint Italian spot offers a cozy atmosphere and a lovely patio for relaxed dining. Soft music keeps the vibe calm and inviting. Homemade ice cream, especially rich chocolate gelato, is a must-try dessert.

Homemade ice cream stands out with rich chocolate and gelato options. The ice cream is a popular choice after meals.

People are saying

"I came back for their homemade ice cream."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

06
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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

"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.

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Greek restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with authentic music and a nice outdoor area. Frozen yogurt with baklava and honey is a unique treat, alongside Dubai chocolate ice cream. Seating includes high chairs for kids, but indoor space can feel warm and smokey.

Frozen yogurt with baklava and honey stands out as a unique choice. Dubai chocolate ice cream offers a relatively good flavor, and chocolate dip frozen yogurt is also available.

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

08
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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."

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'.

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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 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.

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Ocean views shine at this amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel. Family rides and live music create a carnival atmosphere. Snack stands serve funnel cake with ice cream, perfect for a sweet energy boost.

Funnel cake with ice cream offers a refreshing treat that boosts energy. Food stalls and snack stands serve cotton candy, seafood, and ice cream alongside arcade games and burgers.

Good to know

1

Entering Pacific Park is free; you only pay for rides and food.

2

Children's wristbands for unlimited rides cost $30 for those 11 and under.

3

Parking costs $15 for all-day access near Pacific Park.

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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 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.

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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."

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.

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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

"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.

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Modern space offers a clean, open vibe with a pleasant view and quiet atmosphere near closing. Frozen yogurt shines with high-quality Greek flavors and fresh toppings, delivering a tangy, smooth texture. Soft serve options include a less sweet plain flavor for variety.

Good to know

1

The frozen yogurt costs $1.25 per ounce, making small bowls very expensive.

2

The shop often closes randomly during posted hours, making it unreliable.

3

There are no samples available for customers to try before buying.

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Santa Monica, California

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