In this thoughtfully curated guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the finest shops in West Los Angeles for when the ice cream craving hits. Get ready to indulge in creamy, delicious treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From unusual flavors to classics, these ice cream shops have it all—and more.

Salt & Straw, Multiple Locations

This artisanal ice cream brand has shops in West Hollywood, Venice, and Culver City. Well-loved for its distinctive and unorthodox flavor combinations, Salt & Straw has become a culinary destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind ice creams. In addition to its lip-smacking treats, the brand prides itself on its dedication to sustainability and community. It sources its ingredients locally whenever possible. Salt & Straw’s signature flavors include Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, and Freckled Mint Chocolate Chip. I tried the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons ($15). It met my expectations and was a delightful treat with a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. The ribbons of caramel were chewy and delicious, complementing the salty crunch of the sea salt in each bite.

Mashti Malone’s, Hollywood and Westwood 

Mashti Malone’s is a wildly popular Persian ice cream shop. This welcoming store’s team crafts delicately perfumed, rare flavors such as Coconut Pineapple, Turkish Coffee, Creamy Rosewater, Ginger Rosewater, Persian Cucumber, Alphonso Mango, and Banana Walnut. Their ice cream is made with good-quality ingredients and is extremely creamy and smooth. In addition to scoops, Mashti Malone’s also offers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches made with the ice cream of your choice. 

Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams, Culver City and Beverly Grove

Check out Ginger’s Divine Ice Creams if you prefer more traditional flavors. Under inviting yellow umbrellas, you can order from over three dozen flavors. In addition to scoops, you can get popsicles and ice cream sandwiches made with housemade cookies. Ginger’s most ordered flavors are Billionaire Brownie, Butter Pecan, Vegan Cookies and Cream, Chocolate PB Crack, Lavender Honeycomb, Butterscotch Oreos, and Fudge. At their Culver City location, I ordered the Butter Pecan ($16.95), which consisted of a vanilla ice cream with salted pecans. I loved its velvety texture, a blend of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans, creating a perfectly satisfying treat.

​​Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Multiple Locations

With outposts in Venice, Playa Vista, and Beverly Hills, Jeni’s Splendid crafts ice creams and sorbets completely from scratch using a secret recipe honed and perfected for over 20 years by its founder—Jeni Britton. Their ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body, with a bright flavor and clean finish. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams sells traditional and one-of-a-kind flavors such as Sweet Potato Marshmallow Praline, Middle West Whiskey and Pecans, Pumpkin Seed and Rye Cookie, Brambleberry Crisp, Cold Brew with Coconut Cream, and Rosé Sorbet.

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, ​​Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades

Founded in Santa Barbara more than 70 years ago, this award-winning ice cream shop is a must-visit for ice cream lovers. McConnell’s retails the most decadent and silky scoops using dairy from Central Coast Creamery. Order the Golden State Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Caramel Cookie, Double Peanut Butter Chip, or the Vanilla Bean, and you will not be disappointed!

Saffron & Rose Ice Cream, Westwood

Established in 1974, Saffron & Rose is a family-owned Persian ice cream shop with a cult following for its delectable flavors inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. They specialize in housemade organic ice cream made with globally sourced ingredients. Some of Saffron & Rose’s best flavors include Saffron Pistachio, Faloodeh Persian, White Rose, Taro and Ube, Green Pistachio, and Persian Cheesecake. 

​​Wanderlust Creamery, Venice, Sawtelle, and Fairfax

Wanderlust Creamery is an ice cream shop serving globally inspired flavors. Inspired by the feeling of wanderlust, every flavor is a love letter to the places the founders have been, the places they long to visit, and their childhood memories. Each ice cream is formulated with all-natural dairy, balanced butterfat, and minimal overrun for an indulgent experience that finishes clean on the palate. Their Thai Iced Tea, Vietnamese Coffee, Australian Pavlova, Sticky Rice Mango, Pandan Tres Leches, Ube Malted Crunch, and Passionfruit Cacao ice creams are crowd-favorites. I ordered the vegan Sticky Rice Mango ($14) and was impressed by the flavors that capture the Thai dessert’s exact taste. If there’s one flavor you try at Wanderlust Creamery, it should be the Sticky Rice Mango.

Photo courtesy of Saffron & Rose.