Dessert Spots Near Los Angeles

Oct 16, 2024

Los Angeles offers an abundance of dessert spots to satisfy any sweet tooth. From artisanal ice cream to decadent pastries, the city’s diverse neighborhoods cater to every craving. Whether you’re looking for a casual treat or a high-end dessert experience, there’s something for everyone. Allow this ABC Moving Systems guide to help you explore these delicious spots next time you’re near Los Angeles and indulge in the best sweets the city has to offer.

 

Ice Cream and Gelato Shops

Carmela Ice Cream and Sorbet

Los Angeles is a paradise for ice cream and gelato lovers. The city offers a wide variety of spots where you can indulge in refreshing frozen treats. From trendy artisanal ice cream shops to authentic Italian gelaterias, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings. Many places in Los Angeles focus on locally sourced ingredients and unique flavors, creating memorable experiences with every scoop.

If you’re looking for traditional gelato, head to one of the many Italian spots that offer creamy, dense textures and classic flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella. For more experimental palates, you’ll find ice cream shops that push the boundaries with creative ingredients like lavender, matcha, or even savory options like olive oil. Vegan and dairy-free choices are also plentiful, with many shops offering plant-based ice creams that don’t compromise on taste or texture.

Some of the best ice cream and gelato spots in Los Angeles have even become local institutions, known for their long lines and loyal customers. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich, indulgent dessert or something light and fruity, there’s an ice cream or gelato shop for every taste and mood in this city. Wanderlust Creamery with multiple shops across Los Angeles and Carmela Ice Cream and Sorbet in Pasadena are two well known ice cream shops in Los Angeles.

 

Decadent Pastry Bakeries

  • Los Angeles is home to several incredible pastry bakeries, offering a wide range of decadent treats for every taste.

    Artelice Patisserie
  • Many of these bakeries focus on French-style pastries, such as buttery croissants, delicate macarons, and rich éclairs.
  • You can also find bakeries specializing in unique pastries with bold flavors, including matcha cream puffs and mochi-filled donuts.
  • Artisan bakeries are plentiful, and many use high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to create their exceptional pastries.
  • Some spots are known for their signature items, like almond croissants or decadent kouign-amanns, which draw long lines daily.
  • Many bakeries in Los Angeles offer both sweet and savory options, allowing you to enjoy pastries at any time of day.
  • The city is also home to bakeries that create vegan and gluten-free pastries, making sure everyone can enjoy their treats.
  • Whether you’re looking for something simple or indulgent, the variety of decadent pastry bakeries in Los Angeles will not disappoint. Artelice Patisserie in Burbank and Claudine Artisan Kitchen and Bakeshop in Encino are decadent choices.

 

Unique Dessert Cafes

Millet Crepe

Los Angeles is known for its creative culinary scene, and unique dessert cafes are a big part of it. These cafes offer more than just your average sweet treats. You can find inventive desserts that push the boundaries of flavor, presentation, and experience.

Some dessert cafes specialize in whimsical creations, like extravagant milkshakes topped with cookies, candy, and even entire slices of cake. Others offer trendy desserts like taiyaki cones filled with soft serve, or rolled ice cream made right in front of you.

ABC Moving Systems has seen that many of these cafes also double as cozy hangouts, where you can enjoy your dessert with a craft coffee or tea. The decor often reflects the playful nature of the desserts, making it a fun and Instagram-worthy experience. Some spots even offer desserts that change with the seasons, incorporating local ingredients or limited-time flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic twist on a classic dessert or something completely unexpected, unique dessert cafes in Los Angeles deliver a memorable experience that’s both delicious and fun to share. Coin De Rue in Downtown and Millet Crepe in Downtown are two of the best.

 

Vegan and Dairy-Free Desserts

  1. Los Angeles is a haven for vegan and dairy-free dessert lovers, offering a wide range of sweet options for all tastes.

    Chaumont Vegan
  2. Many dessert spots cater specifically to those with dietary restrictions, offering treats that are completely free from animal products.
  3. Popular options include vegan ice cream made from coconut, almond, or oat milk, delivering rich, creamy flavors without any dairy.
  4. Vegan bakeries in Los Angeles offer everything from cupcakes to cookies, often using alternative ingredients like flax eggs and almond flour.
  5. Many spots also focus on using organic, locally sourced ingredients, making these desserts both eco-friendly and delicious.
  6. You’ll find innovative flavors like lavender, matcha, and salted caramel, proving that vegan desserts can be as creative as traditional ones.
  7. Some places even specialize in raw vegan desserts, offering options like raw cheesecakes made from cashews and dates.
  8. Whether you’re vegan or simply exploring dairy-free options, Los Angeles has plenty of spots to indulge your sweet tooth.
  9. Chaumont Vegan in Beverly Hills and Awan in West Hollywood cater to vegan palates.

 

High-End Dessert Experiences

Pasjoli

For those seeking an elevated dessert experience, Los Angeles offers several high-end spots that redefine indulgence. These luxurious dessert destinations are known for their artistry and attention to detail.

Many high-end restaurants feature dessert courses that rival their main dishes, offering intricate presentations with unexpected flavors and textures. From elegant plated desserts to creative tasting menus focused solely on sweets, these experiences are perfect for those with a refined palate.

Some high-end dessert spots in Los Angeles even have Michelin stars, ensuring that each dessert is a masterpiece. Many of these restaurants use premium ingredients like Valrhona chocolate, edible gold, and seasonal fruits to create unforgettable desserts. Pastry chefs at these establishments often draw inspiration from global influences, incorporating flavors from Europe, Asia, and beyond into their creations.

In addition to restaurants, luxury dessert boutiques and patisseries also provide elevated dessert experiences. These spots offer exquisite pastries, chocolates, and confections, often in beautifully designed spaces. ABC Moving Systems knows that whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, the high-end dessert spots in Los Angeles offer a sweet escape into culinary excellence.

Pasjoli and their chocolate souffles in Santa Monica and Funke in Beverly Hills are some well known high end dessert spots.

Classic American Dessert Spots

  • Los Angeles is home to several classic American dessert spots, serving up timeless favorites that never go out of style.

    Cake Monkey Bakery
  • You’ll find places offering traditional pies, cakes, and cookies, with a nostalgic, home-baked feel that’s hard to resist.
  • Classic diners and cafes serve iconic American desserts like apple pie, banana splits, and sundaes, often in charming, retro-inspired settings.
  • Many dessert spots stick to simple, time-honored recipes, using high-quality ingredients for that authentic, homemade taste.
  • Expect to find indulgent treats like chocolate brownies, carrot cake, and rich cheesecake on the menu at many locations.
  • Some bakeries and cafes focus on regional American classics, like southern-style pecan pie or New York-style cheesecake.
  • Many of these spots also offer ice cream-based desserts, like root beer floats or thick milkshakes, perfect for a nostalgic treat.
  • Whether you’re craving a slice of classic pie or a gooey brownie, Los Angeles has plenty of places to satisfy your craving for American favorites.
  • Valerie Confections in Glendale and Cake Monkey Bakery in mid-city are excellent examples of the many cake and pie restaurants in Los Angeles.

 

International Sweets and Treats

Porto’s Bakery – Burbank

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity shines in its array of international sweets and treats. You can find desserts from nearly every corner of the world, offering something for every palate.

In the city’s many neighborhoods, you’ll discover French patisseries serving delicate macarons and éclairs, Mexican bakeries with rich tres leches cakes, and Japanese sweet shops offering mochi and matcha-flavored treats.

Middle Eastern dessert spots tempt with baklava, Turkish delight, and rose-flavored confections, while Italian cafes offer traditional favorites like tiramisu and cannoli. For a unique twist, you can even explore fusion desserts that blend flavors and techniques from multiple cultures, creating entirely new experiences. Many of these international dessert shops pride themselves on staying true to traditional recipes, giving you an authentic taste of global cuisine.

Los Angeles’ international dessert scene is not just about the sweets—it’s about exploring the rich histories and traditions that come with each bite. Whether you’re craving a Parisian pastry or something from further afield, the city offers endless opportunities to indulge in global desserts. Spago in Beverly Hills and Porto’s in Burbank are world famous for international desserts.

 

Late-Night Dessert Spots

  1. Los Angeles has a thriving late-night dessert scene, perfect for satisfying cravings after hours.

    Jones Hollywood
  2. Many dessert spots stay open past midnight, offering everything from ice cream to cakes and pies for night owls.
  3. Popular late-night options include donut shops, where you can grab freshly made, warm treats long after the sun goes down.
  4. Some cafes and bakeries cater to the late crowd, serving up desserts like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes with coffee or tea.
  5. Food trucks are also part of the late-night scene, often parked near popular nightlife areas, serving up unique sweet creations.
  6. Ice cream parlors that offer late-night service allow you to enjoy frozen treats, even after a long day of exploring.
  7. Certain dessert lounges stay open into the early morning, offering a more upscale, relaxed atmosphere for late-night indulgence.
  8. Whether you’re craving something simple or a gourmet treat, Los Angeles has plenty of spots to enjoy dessert late into the night.
  9. Jones Hollywood in West Hollywood and Alcove Cafe and Bakery in Los Feliz will satisfy your late-night cravings.

 

Dessert Spots Near Los Angeles – An Overview

Los Angeles is home to a variety of incredible dessert destinations. From vegan options to international treats, you can find something for every taste. Whether you prefer classic American desserts or something more unique, Los Angeles has it all. ABC Moving Systems hopes you will be sure to explore these spots and satisfy your sweet cravings whenever you’re in town.