Best Ice Cream Restaurants in Santa Monica (90401)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
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
What makes it special: French-style ice cream with unique flavors and exceptional vegan options
8.5
This 75-year-old Santa Barbara institution crafts ultra-premium ice cream with grass-fed milk and cage-free eggs in small batches. Their dense, velvety texture and collaborations with brands like See's Candies create a sophisticated scoop experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkish Coffee, Eureka Lemon & Marionberries, Sea Salt Cream & Cookies
What makes it special: California's original craft ice cream with unmatched texture since 1949
San Francisco's legendary chocolatier brings their world-famous hot fudge sundaes to Ocean Avenue with handmade fudge prepared in-store daily. Premium ice cream meets heritage chocolate craftsmanship in sundaes that have satisfied sweet tooths since 1852.
Must-Try Dishes:
World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, Gold Rush Sundae
What makes it special: Heritage chocolate brand with handmade hot fudge prepared in-store
8.2
Former lawyers turned plant-based ice cream artisans create dairy-free frozen treats using minimal natural ingredients like dates and organic agave. Made fresh daily on Montana Avenue, their rotating specials and homemade peanut butter caramel have earned devoted local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Peanut Butter Caramel, Daily Special Flavor, Classic Chocolate
What makes it special: 100% plant-based ice cream that rivals traditional dairy versions
8.0
Sweet Rose's pier outpost brings farmers' market-inspired ice cream made with organic ingredients from local farms to beachgoers. Small-batch flavors change monthly based on seasonal produce from Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Corn Ice Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Salted Caramel
What makes it special: Farm-to-cone ice cream using Santa Monica Farmers' Market ingredients
Worthy Picks
7.9
Authentic Greek frozen yogurt bar featuring probiotic-rich options with old-world methods creating luxuriously thick texture. Fresh fruit is hand-cut daily and they offer unique toppings including freshly ground nut butters made to order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greek Honey Frozen Yogurt, Wild Berry Bowl, Plain with Fresh Fruit
What makes it special: Authentic Greek yogurt with freshly ground nut butters on demand
#7
Yogurtland
7.5
Self-serve frozen yogurt pioneer offers rotating flavors and extensive topping bar with fresh fruit cut daily. The pay-by-weight model and constant flavor rotation keeps locals returning for customizable healthy dessert options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Flavors Swirl, Fresh Fruit Parfait, Cookie Dough Creation
What makes it special: Endless customization with rotating flavors and extensive toppings