While many cities and countries around the world are in their first stages of sweater weather, we are still enjoying warm summer days in Los Angeles. That means we are in need of cooling ourselves down with sweet icey and creamy treats! I have gone out on a mission to try as much ice cream as I can in one month in my quest to narrow down to the top five best places, and this is what I came up with:
Salt & Straw
You know it is going to be really good when you smell those fresh waffles in the making as you near the entrance, and then once inside you hear the words “can I get you started with some samples?” A happy relief followed by excitement takes over. You get the samples served on a silver spoon (literally) and each flavor is magnificent in its own way.
They have the staples such as Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Almond Brittle with Salted Chocolate, Arbequina Olive Oil and so many more (but these are my faves). They famously also have a limited edition menu that changes every month, which consists of quirky flavors. Don’t get surprised if you find a concoction of miso and fish sauce ice cream, and end up liking it!
Multiple locations
Magpies Softserve
Magpies Softserve is founded by a young couple; Rose who is Korean American from Florida, and Warren a true Valley Californian. All their ice creams and toppings are made in-house and recipes are inspired by both their heritages. You will find flavors like Adobo Chocolate, Cortadito and Yuzu Honey (to name a few).
Magpies Softserve switches flavors every two weeks, so there is a lot of exploring to do here! What makes them stand out though are their vegan soft serve pies, most importantly their signature pie; the Fried Soft Serve Pie. Corn almond softserve, graham crust, layered with vegan fudge, honeycomb candy (not actual honeycomb) and topped with non-dairy whipped cream and fried candied corn flakes.
Two locations: Tarzana & Silverlake
Afters Ice Cream
Ever so creamy and flavorful. This is a great place to bring children (most ice cream shops are of course) but here the ice creams look fun in that cartoonish playful way (I went with the chocolate but go to their Instagram for a psychedelic view). In their flavors you will find every color of the rainbow in NEON. One may question how much of it is food coloring, but you’re not going to eat this every single day anyway so you should be safe. Not all flavors have splashing bright colors though. Go for the Vietnamese Coffee or Jasmine Tea for a more delicate yet flavorful ice cream. My favorites? The Dark Matter Brownie Batter and Thai Tea.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
A lot of ice cream shops in Los Angeles are experimental and filled with quirky and out-of-the-box flavors, but Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is more on the nostalgic side, and shows you that classic can be a show-stopper. Inspired by the owners childhood memories, you will find flavors like Boston Cream Pie and Goey Butter Cake. Absolutely delicious!
Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
A place that is close to my heart. Persian ice cream. Every family member who comes to visit me in Los Angeles always want to go to this shop.
The owner Ali Kashani- Rafyein started making this ice cream in Iran over 75 years ago. He brought his recipes to the U.S. in the 1970s and it became a huge success to the people of Southern California.
Since then the shop has been run by his family, creating new unique flavors but keeping the same premium ice cream using organic and natural ingredients. You will find classic Persian flavors such as rose water, dates, orange blossom, pistachio’s and saffron but also western flavors like chocolate, espresso and caramel. The texture is almost more on the gelato side, very creamy and stretchy, but then you get hit with those strong unique aromas that take you to the Middle East. Truly a feast for your palette!
One location: Westwood