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Saffron & Rose Persian Ice Cream
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Saffron & Rose Persian Ice Cream
8.8
Since the 1970s, Saffron & Rose has been scooping thick, stretchy Persian-style ice cream in floral, pistachio-studded flavors that define Westwood’s Little Tehran. Locals come for saffron-and-rosewater scoops, orange blossom, and tart fruit flavors you won’t find at a standard creamery.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron pistachio ice cream, Orange blossom ice cream, Rosewater ice cream
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Heritage Persian ice cream shop known for dense, floral scoops.
Who should go: Dessert fans craving unique floral, pistachio, and saffron flavors
When to visit: Early evenings before peak post-dinner and weekend crowds
What to order: Saffron pistachio, orange blossom, rosewater trio
Insider tip: Ask to sample a couple of unfamiliar flavors before choosing scoops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Westwood Blvd and surrounding residential streets; expect competition during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are, from UCLA students in tees to families out after dinner.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic and small groups; easy to hold a conversation outside.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on the post-dinner rush, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with steady but quick-moving foot traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most flavors are vegetarian since they’re milk-based without gelatin.
Vegan options: Yes—several sorbets and dairy-free fruit flavors are available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many flavors are naturally gluten-free; staff will guide you to safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its unique Persian flavors and casual walk-up style make it a low-pressure, fun stop for a sweet treat and conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal seating; expect limited bench seating outside and plan to stroll with your ice cream.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids enjoy the colorful flavors and small serving sizes; easy for families with strollers or young children.
Best For
Better for: Unique floral and Persian-inspired flavors—especially saffron, rosewater, and orange blossom—that you won’t find at standard ice cream shops.
Skip if: You prefer classic American-style ice cream textures; Persian-style ice cream is denser, chewier, and more floral than traditional scoops.
Saffron & Rose Persian Ice Cream
8.6
Saffron & Rose is a narrow Westwood scoop shop specializing in Persian-style ice cream flavored with rosewater, saffron, faloodeh, and nuts. With lines that often stretch onto the sidewalk, it functions as both a dessert destination and a post-dinner ritual stop for students and Tehrangeles regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saffron and pistachio ice cream, White rose ice cream, Faloodeh with lime juice
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Persian-style ice cream with floral, nutty flavors rarely seen elsewhere.
Who should go: Dessert seekers and students craving late-night Persian ice cream.
When to visit: Evenings after dinner; expect lines on warm weekends.
What to order: Saffron pistachio scoop, white rose scoop, faloodeh with lime.
Insider tip: Split two or three flavors in one cup to sample contrasting textures.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Westwood Blvd and side streets; can be tight after 7pm, but meters free later in the evening.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, including post-gym or campus attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate; most noise comes from sidewalk traffic and the ordering line.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line on warm nights; longer when nearby restaurants let out.
Weekday lunch: Usually no line or a very short one.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most flavors are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—typically one or two sorbet-style or dairy-free options like faloodeh.
Gluten-free options: Many flavors are gluten-free; nut-based varieties may share equipment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—grabbing Persian ice cream here is casual, fun, and walkable, perfect as a low-pressure end to a dinner date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service; seating is extremely limited. Plan to stroll outside or eat your cup on the go.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families come often, and the bright, floral flavors can be fun for adventurous kids. Just expect tight quarters during peak times.
Best For
Better for: Unique Persian flavors, floral and nut-forward combinations, and traditional faloodeh that most dessert shops don’t offer.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, a café-style hangout, or a broad menu of non-ice-cream desserts.