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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Little Tokyo Ice Cream & Yogurt Deli
7.4
A long-running Little Tokyo dessert counter inside Japanese Village Plaza that trades on nostalgia and low prices—boba, shaved ice, and mochi ice cream at walk-up-window speed. It fills a specific role for visitors already in the plaza who want something cold and cheap without hunting for alternatives. Reviews are polarized, with a notable share of disappointed visits alongside loyal regulars, so expectations should stay calibrated to a no-frills snack stop rather than a destination dessert spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boba, Thai Iced Tea, Green Tea Ice Cream
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Little Tokyo dessert counter serving boba, shaved ice, and mochi ice cream since the early days of the district's sweet-shop scene.
Who should go: Boba lovers and Little Tokyo visitors craving affordable frozen treats
When to visit: Weekday afternoons to skip weekend foot traffic
What to order: Grab a boba or Thai iced tea first, then add a scoop of green tea or mochi ice cream on the side.
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: On-site garage at Japanese Village Plaza (111 S Central Ave) — rates start at $4/15min, $15 flat rate, some plaza shops validate 1-2 hours; also accessible via Metro Little Tokyo/Arts District stop directly across the street
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not as a standalone destination, but it works well as a sweet add-on to a Little Tokyo date night. It's a small, old-school ice cream counter inside Japanese Village Plaza — charming in a low-key way, but there's very limited seating and no real ambiance for lingering conversation. Grab scoops and stroll the plaza together instead.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a walk-up counter-service ice cream shop, so no reservations are needed or accepted. There's limited seating inside, so you may end up standing or walking with your order during busy times, especially on weekend evenings. Service is quick, so waits are minimal.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is an ideal stop for kids. It's a casual ice cream and frozen yogurt counter with affordable prices, a wide variety of flavors including fun options like mochi and shaved ice, and a no-fuss environment. The plaza setting means kids can move around freely. Great for all ages.
Is it good for groups? Ordering works fine for any size group since it's counter service, but seating is very limited inside the small shop. For groups of 4 or more, plan to take your treats to-go and enjoy them while walking through Japanese Village Plaza or sitting in the open-air common areas of the mall.
Is there outdoor seating? The shop itself does not have dedicated outdoor seating, but it's located inside Japanese Village Plaza, an open-air shopping mall with common walkways and bench areas where you can enjoy your ice cream outside. It's a pleasant setting for eating outdoors, especially on mild evenings.
Best For
Hours
Monday12pm - 6pm
Tuesday12pm - 6pm
Wednesday12pm - 6pm
Thursday12pm - 6pm
Friday12pm - 8pm
Saturday12pm - 9pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm