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ZipPicks Awards

Best Ice Cream in Los Angeles

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Wanderlust Creamery 8.5
Venice
Destination scoop shop with travel-inspired flavors and tight execution—clean finishes, balanced sweetness, and rotating seasonal menus. Crowds come for inventive signatures that still eat like classics.
Must-Try Dishes: Ube Malted Crunch, Sticky Rice + Mango, Japanese Neapolitan
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.9 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Globally inspired flavors crafted with pastry-chef precision.
Who should go: Adventurous scoop hunters and flavor collectors
When to visit: Late evening lines move quickest after 9pm
What to order: Ube Malted Crunch; Sticky Rice + Mango; rotating collab flavor
Insider tip: Order a split scoop to sample two limited releases in one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Lincoln and side streets; limited free spots after 8pm but fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual – beach attire or jeans fine; trendy crowd often leans stylish but low-key.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but manageable; you can chat easily inside or step outside to quieter sidewalk benches.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes in line for scoops; faster if you order pints to go.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – all ice creams are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes – 2–3 rotating coconut- or oat-based vegan flavors clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many flavors are naturally gluten-free; cones can be substituted with cups on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s a fun and low-pressure stop with adventurous flavors that spark conversation; outdoor seating helps keep it relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations – it’s counter service with a few indoor tables and sidewalk benches available first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – friendly staff, colorful flavors, and small portions for kids; weekends can be crowded but manageable before 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Creative, globally inspired flavors and refined texture – ideal for those chasing novelty or pastry-level technique.
Skip if: You prefer traditional American-style ice cream or want large portions at lower prices.

Hours

Monday3:30pm - 11pm
Tuesday3:30pm - 11pm
Wednesday3:30pm - 11pm
Thursday3:30pm - 11pm
Friday1pm - 11pm
Saturday1pm - 11pm
Sunday1pm - 11pm