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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Master Critic Review
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
7.8
New York–born Van Leeuwen brings its ultra-creamy French-style ice cream and robust vegan lineup to a sleek Arts District corner space. It’s where downtown dessert hunters go for flavors like Honeycomb and Earl Grey, plus over-the-top sundaes and shakes that feel a little indulgent even by ice cream standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb ice cream, Earl Grey Tea ice cream, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: French-style ice cream and strong vegan options served late into the night.
Who should go: Downtown dessert fans wanting rich scoops and vegan choices.
When to visit: Late night after dinner when lines taper but doors stay open.
What to order: Honeycomb scoop, Earl Grey Tea scoop, build-your-own sundae.
Insider tip: Order a split scoop to try two flavors, and ask about off-menu vegan specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Santa Fe Avenue and nearby side streets is the main option; spots open up more after 7pm but can be tight during peak Arts District dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; anything from jeans and tees to post-dinner date attire works.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor chatter and music create a lively vibe but you can still hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes, mostly due to line volume rather than seating availability.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait outside of occasional short lines for takeout orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most dairy-based flavors fit vegetarian needs without issue.
Vegan options: Strong vegan lineup with multiple oat- and coconut-based flavors available daily.
Gluten-free options: Several flavors are naturally gluten-free, though mix-in flavors may vary; no dedicated GF prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright, modern space and indulgent flavors make for an easy post-dinner stop without the pressure of a full sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's counter-service with limited seating; most people grab scoops to go, so securing a spot is usually manageable.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families stop in frequently, though seating is limited; best for quick treats rather than long hangs.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-creamy French-style scoops, strong vegan offerings, and creative flavors that feel more upscale than typical ice cream shops.
Skip if: You prefer classic, simpler ice cream styles or want budget-friendly pricing — other DTLA spots offer more straightforward, lower-cost scoops.