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Wanderlust Creamery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wanderlust Creamery
8.7
Wanderlust Creamery’s Rolling Hills Plaza scoop shop brings globally inspired ice cream flavors to South Torrance, with rotating combinations like black sesame, ube, and sticky rice & mango. The space feels like a modern dessert bar more than a traditional parlor, drawing locals for post-dinner scoops, pints to-go, and limited-time collaborations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Sesame Hong Kong Milk Tea ice cream, Sticky Rice & Mango scoop, Ube Malted Crunch pint
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Travel-inspired ice cream shop featuring rotating, globally influenced flavors.
Who should go: Dessert lovers chasing inventive, small-batch ice cream flavors.
When to visit: Evenings after dinner when the plaza feels lively.
What to order: Black sesame scoop, sticky rice & mango, ube malted crunch.
Insider tip: Ask for tastes of seasonal flavors before committing to a scoop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Rolling Hills Plaza has plentiful surface-lot parking directly in front of the shop; weekends after 7pm can tighten but you’ll still usually find a spot within a row or two.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; anything from gym wear to post-dinner date attire fits comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate; the shop has steady foot traffic and light music, but you can still hold a normal conversation indoors.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on seasonal drops or limited-edition flavor releases.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; afternoons are the calmest window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most flavors are naturally vegetarian, and fruit- or dairy-based options rotate regularly.
Vegan options: Yes — usually 1–2 coconut- or sorbet-based vegan flavors are available, with frequent seasonal additions.
Gluten-free options: Several flavors are gluten-free, and staff will advise which mix-ins contain gluten; cones are not GF but cups are safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s low-pressure, playful, and offers conversation starters through unique global flavors. The setting feels modern without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with no reservations. Seating is limited, so expect to stand or stroll the plaza during busier evening hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families visit often, and the open plaza layout makes it easy for younger kids. No specific kid amenities, but portions and flavors work well for all ages.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous flavor-seekers who want globally influenced scoops and seasonal collabs rather than classic American-style ice cream.
Skip if: You want only traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and mint chip, or need extensive seating for a sit-down dessert outing.
Wanderlust Creamery
7.9
Wanderlust Creamery’s Rolling Hills Plaza shop serves rotating, travel-inspired ice cream flavors in a compact, design-conscious space that stays busy after nearby dinners. Cones, pints, and collab flavors skew photogenic and adventurous, making it an easy add-on stop that feels more like a trendy dessert destination than a basic scoop shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sticky Rice & Mango, Black Sesame, Ube Malted Crunch
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Small-batch, globally inspired ice cream flavors in a stylish, dessert-first setting.
Who should go: Dessert lovers chasing creative scoops after nearby dinners.
When to visit: Evenings and weekend nights when plaza energy is highest.
What to order: Sticky Rice & Mango, Black Sesame, Ube Malted Crunch.
Insider tip: Check seasonal collab flavors online and plan to sample before committing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared plaza lot with abundant self-parking; fills up slightly after peak dinner hours but still manageable.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; come as you are after dinner or errands.
Noise level: Low to moderate inside; outdoor areas and walkway seating remain conversational.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes during peak dessert rush after nearby restaurants let out.
Weekday lunch: No wait; traffic is light and mostly grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nearly all rotating flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — usually 2–3 dairy-free flavors made with coconut or oat bases.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free flavors are typically available; cones are not GF, but cups are safe. Cross-contact is possible in shared scoopers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works well as a casual, low-pressure dessert stop with creative flavors that spark easy conversation. Not ideal if you want a sit-down experience, as seating is limited.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations. Indoor seating is minimal and often full during peak times, but you can usually find a bench or standing space around the plaza.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families frequently stop by after dinner. Young kids enjoy the colorful flavors, and the plaza layout provides stroller-friendly access.
Best For
Better for: Highly creative, globally inspired flavors you won’t find at standard scoop shops, plus photogenic pints and seasonal collabs.
Skip if: You want traditional American ice cream flavors, substantial seating, or a quieter café-style dessert environment.