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Somisomi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Somisomi
8.3
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sweet Treats Escapes
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Founded in Koreatown in 2016, Somisomi serves Korean soft-serve in signature fish-shaped taiyaki waffle cones with customizable fillings like custard, red bean, or Nutella. The creamy ice cream comes in rotating flavors including matcha, ube, black sesame, and milk, topped with unlimited toppings like Oreo crumbs and fruity pebbles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ah-Boong Fish Cone with Ube & Custard, Matcha-Milk Swirl with Graham Crackers, Black Sesame Soft Serve
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Instagram-famous fish-shaped waffle cones filled with Korean soft serve and customizable fillings
Who should go: Instagram enthusiasts, families, anyone seeking unique Korean desserts
When to visit: Weekday afternoons to avoid 20-minute weekend wait times
What to order: Ube-milk swirl in fish cone, custard filling, graham cracker topping
Insider tip: Park at H-Mart structure and get validation to save on parking
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free with validation at H-Mart structure across the street (2-hour limit), or metered street parking $2/hour
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure, streetwear, whatever you're wearing is fine
Noise level: Moderate to loud - music playing, lively atmosphere but conversations still work
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait typical, can stretch to 30+ on Saturday evenings
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait, sometimes walk right up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all menu items are vegetarian (milk-based soft serve and fillings)
Vegan options: No - all ice cream is dairy-based, no vegan alternatives available
Gluten-free options: No - taiyaki cones contain wheat, ice cream itself is gluten-free but served in cone
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're keeping it casual and fun - the Instagram-worthy presentation is a natural conversation starter, and the $5-8 price point keeps pressure low. Skip if you want somewhere quiet and intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only. Order at register, wait 5-7 minutes for your cone to be made fresh, then grab a table or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids love the fish-shaped cones and picking their own toppings. Good for ages 3+, though be prepared for potential sugar rushes. High chairs available.
How long does it take to eat here? 15-20 minutes total if eating in - ice cream melts fast so most people finish within 10 minutes of getting their order.
Can I customize my order? Yes - choose your ice cream flavor (or swirl two), pick a filling for the cone (custard, red bean, Nutella, or none), and add unlimited toppings from 12+ options including cereals, cookies, and fruit.
Best For
Better for: Instagram photos and Korean-style soft serve experience - the fish cone presentation is unique in LA. Also better for customization with unlimited toppings included in base price, versus competitors charging per topping.
Skip if: You want authentic artisanal ice cream (go to Salt & Straw or Jeni's instead), need vegan options (try Wanderlust Creamery), or prefer sit-down dessert service (opt for Cafe Dulce). Also skip if you hate waiting - this place always has a line.
Somisomi
7.6
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sweet Treats Escapes
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Instagram sensation founded in 2016 serves soft-serve ice cream in fish-shaped taiyaki cones with customizable fillings and toppings. Rotating flavors include matcha, ube, and black sesame while warm waffles offer red bean, Nutella, or custard centers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ah-boong fish cone with ube ice cream, Matcha soft serve with red bean, Taiyaki with Nutella filling
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: LA's original taiyaki ice cream pioneering Korean dessert trend since 2016
Who should go: Dessert lovers and Instagram photographers seeking photogenic treats
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid long lines at mall
What to order: Ube ice cream with custard filling, strawberry topping, unlimited crumbles
Insider tip: Validate parking at H-Mart structure via Manhattan Place entrance