Top 10 Must-Try Desserts in Los Angeles
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
(Local favorites you’ll be thinking about in traffic on the 405.)
If you’re searching for the best desserts in Los Angeles, congratulations—you’ve chosen a city that treats sugar like an art form. From iconic bakeries to small-batch frozen magic, LA desserts are diverse, creative, and basically always photogenic. Whether you’re a local, a beach-day regular, or visiting Southern California, here are 10 must-try desserts in LA—including one of the best gelato spots in Marina del Rey and Hermosa Beach.
1) Authentic Italian Gelato in Marina del Rey & Hermosa Beach – Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar
If your phone has ever whispered “gelato near me” or “best gelato in Los Angeles,” this is your sign. Capri’s award-winning Italian gelato is made in small batches using traditional methods and premium ingredients—aka the good stuff.
Must-try flavors: Italian Tiramisu (with Marsala wine), Amarena Cherry, Passion Fruit Goat Cheese.Bonus: Two beach-close locations: Marina del Rey and Hermosa Beach. Dessert with ocean air? Yes, please.
2) Espresso & Italian-Style Coffee – Espresso Cielo (Santa Monica)
For the “I’ll just have a quick espresso” people (who definitely won’t just have one), this spot is all about that European-style espresso culture. Great for a coffee stop near the beach—and they also carry Capri gelato to pair with your dessert moment.
3) French Pastries & Desserts – Cache Cache
When you want your dessert to feel like it has a tiny passport stamp on it. Expect elegant, refined French pastries that make you sit up straighter the second you take a bite. Grab Capri gelato to-go and build your own “Paris-meets-LA” dessert lineup.
4) Gourmet Ice Cream – Golden Scoop
This one’s for the nostalgic-but-make-it-premium crowd. Rich, comfort-forward flavors with a loyal following—and yes, another spot where you can also find Capri Gelato & Coffee Bar gelato around Los Angeles.
5) Artisanal Coffee & Pastries – Copa Vida
Coffee people know. Copa Vida is a heavy hitter for elevated coffee and thoughtfully crafted pastries—one reason Capri chose Copa Vida beans for their coffee program. If you’re chasing “best coffee and pastries in LA,” put this in your rotation.
6) Churro Ice Cream Sandwich – Afters Ice Cream
An LA legend. The churro ice cream sandwich is basically a rite of passage—crispy, cinnamon-sugar happiness with a cold center. It’s one of the most recognizable desserts in Los Angeles for a reason.
7) Korean Shaved Ice (Bingsu) – Oakobing
If you want a dessert that feels like eating a sweet, fluffy cloud, go for Korean shaved ice (bingsu)—ultra-fine ribbons of ice piled high with toppings and a drizzle of milk/condensed milk.
8) Mexican Frozen Treats (Paletas) – La Michoacana
LA summers basically demand paletas. Expect bold flavors like mango-chile, tamarind, and coconut—bright, refreshing, and deeply rooted in LA food culture.
9) Iconic Pastries – Porto's Bakery
One of the most searched bakeries in Southern California, and honestly, it earns the hype. Grab the classics, grab something new, then grab an extra box “for later.” (Sure.)
10) Gourmet Donuts – SK Donuts
Big, bold, and unapologetically extra—these donuts are a favorite for locals and tourists who want the best donuts in Los Angeles (and want them now).
Why Los Angeles is a top-tier dessert city
From Santa Monica to Marina del Rey to Hermosa Beach, LA does dessert like nowhere else: global influences, fresh ingredients, and nonstop creativity. Whether you’re hunting Italian gelato in LA, a next-level coffee pairing, or a viral sweet treat, this list is your shortcut to the good stuff.
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