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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
8.6
Van Leeuwen brings artisanal French ice cream techniques to Montana Avenue with cult-favorite honeycomb and vegan selections made from scratch. Their signature Earl Grey and brown butter sage caramel showcase sophisticated flavor profiles that balance nostalgia with innovation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb Ice Cream, Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, Vegan Cookies & Cream
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: French-style ice cream with unique flavors and exceptional vegan options
Who should go: Artisanal ice cream connoisseurs and vegans
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for Montana Avenue strolling
What to order: Honeycomb, Earl Grey, any vegan flavor
Insider tip: Try the vegan options - they're indistinguishable from dairy
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Ave, usually available but busy on weekends. Nearby public lot at 14th & Montana.
Dress code: Come as you are - it's ice cream! Montana Ave casual chic typical.
Noise level: Lively but manageable - outdoor seating on Montana Ave can get busy
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line on summer evenings and weekends
Weekday lunch: Quick service, maybe 5 min wait max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all ice cream options are vegetarian
Vegan options: Yes - exceptional vegan selection, about 1/3 of flavors daily
Gluten-free options: Most ice creams yes, but check on cones and mix-ins. Staff knowledgeable about allergens.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a casual first date - grab ice cream and stroll Montana Ave. Low commitment but still special enough to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with limited indoor/outdoor seating. Most people walk and eat.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly, though the sophisticated flavors might be lost on little ones. They do have classic vanilla and chocolate.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous flavor profiles and best-in-class vegan options. The honeycomb and Earl Grey are unlike anything at Salt & Straw or Jeni's.
Consider Alternatives If: You want basic flavors at lower prices - head to Sweet Rose Creamery for simpler profiles or McConnell's for California classics.
Hours
Monday1pm - 11pm
Tuesday1pm - 11pm
Wednesday1pm - 11pm
Thursday1pm - 11pm
Friday1pm - 12am
Saturday1pm - 12am
Sunday1pm - 11pm