Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is also a city of delicious desserts. From classic cakes to innovative pastries, LA's dessert scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. This guide explores 16 of the best dessert spots, offering a sweet journey through LA's culinary landscape. Whether you crave creamy ice cream, rich chocolate, or delicate pastries, this list has something for every sweet tooth.
Classic Cakes & Pies: A Taste of Tradition
1. The Original Farmers Market: A Slice of History
Located at The Grove, the Original Farmers Market is a Los Angeles institution. Many bakeries within offer classic desserts, but look for seasonal fruit pies. The variety changes frequently, so there's always something new to try. Their apple pie is a perennial favorite, made with crisp apples and a flaky crust. This is a perfect spot for a family outing or a quick, delicious treat.
2. SusieCakes: Elegance in Every Bite
SusieCakes is known for its elegant and delicious layer cakes. Their red velvet cake is a standout, rich and moist with a tangy cream cheese frosting. They also offer cupcakes, cookies, and other treats, making it a great option for celebrations or a simple indulgence. The frosting-to-cake ratio is impeccable; a testament to their baking expertise. They often incorporate seasonal ingredients, keeping their menu fresh and exciting.
Ice Cream & Frozen Delights: Cool Down Your Day
3. Salt & Straw: Artisanal Ice Cream Perfection
Salt & Straw is an Oregon-based artisanal ice cream shop with a Los Angeles location. They're famous for their unique and often unexpected flavors. Don't miss their seasonal offerings, which feature local ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Past favorites have included pear & blue cheese and olive oil & lemon verbena. This is a must-visit for adventurous ice cream eaters.
4. Coolhaus: Ice Cream Sandwiches Reimagined
Coolhaus elevates the classic ice cream sandwich to an art form. They offer a wide variety of ice cream flavors sandwiched between gourmet cookies. Their combinations are creative and delicious, such as their spicy Mexican chocolate ice cream between a snickerdoodle cookie. It's a great option for a quick and satisfying sweet treat. They also cater to dietary restrictions, offering vegan options.
Pastries & Tarts: Delicate Delights
5. Gjusta: Artisan Breads and Exquisite Pastries
Gjusta is a Venice Beach bakery and cafe known for its amazing breads, but their pastries are equally impressive. They offer a variety of croissants, pain au chocolat, and other French-style pastries, all made with high-quality ingredients. Their almond croissants are particularly noteworthy, offering a delicate balance of buttery flakiness and nutty sweetness. It’s the perfect stop for coffee and a pastry.
6. Republique: French-Inspired Perfection
Republique is a stylish restaurant with a fantastic patisserie. They offer a wide range of pastries, cakes, and tarts, all made with precision and skill. Their tarts are particularly impressive, with beautiful fruit arrangements and perfectly balanced flavors. This is a great place to impress someone with a sophisticated dessert. The atmosphere is elegant, making it suitable for a special occasion.
Chocolates & Confections: Indulgent Experiences
7. Compartes Chocolates: Luxurious Chocolates
Compartes Chocolates is known for its high-quality, handcrafted chocolates. They offer a wide variety of flavors and styles, from classic milk chocolate to more adventurous options like chili-infused dark chocolate. Their packaging is as beautiful as the chocolates themselves, making them a perfect gift. Their commitment to quality ingredients is evident in every bite.
8. See's Candies: A California Classic
See's Candies is a California institution, known for its classic chocolates and candies. Their chocolate-covered nuts and peanut brittle are particularly popular. Their products are consistently high-quality and offer a nostalgic taste of California. They are perfect for a simple, satisfying sweet treat.
Unique & Innovative Desserts: Stepping Outside the Box
9. Milk Bar: Creative and Unexpected Treats
Milk Bar, known for its unconventional dessert creations, offers cookies, cakes, and pies that are both unexpected and delicious. Their compost cookie is a legendary treat that mixes various crunchy and sweet elements. This is a destination for those seeking playful and unique desserts. They frequently offer seasonal flavors.
10. Sqirl: Artisanal Jams and Sweet Treats
Sqirl is a Los Angeles cafe known for its creative breakfast and brunch dishes, but their desserts are equally impressive. They often feature seasonal fruit tarts and jams, highlighting the best of California's produce. Expect unique flavor combinations and a focus on seasonal ingredients.
International Flavors: A Global Dessert Tour
11. Little Tokyo: Exploring Japanese Sweets
Little Tokyo offers a plethora of Japanese sweet shops. Explore different mochi varieties, dorayaki (pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste), and other traditional Japanese treats. It's an opportunity to sample authentic Japanese desserts in a vibrant cultural setting. The selection varies greatly depending on the specific shop.
12. Thai Town: Discovering Thai Delights
Thai Town is home to many delicious Thai restaurants, many of which offer unique desserts. Look for mango sticky rice, a classic Thai dessert of sweet sticky rice and ripe mango, often served with coconut milk. It's a tropical paradise in a bowl. The freshness of the ingredients is key to the authentic taste.
Cafés & Bakeries: Everyday Indulgences
13. Proof Bakery: Artisanal Breads & Pastries
Proof Bakery is known for its excellent breads, but they also make delicious pastries and cakes. Their croissants are a popular choice, made with flaky layers and a buttery richness. They're a great option for a simple yet satisfying treat. Their dedication to quality ingredients makes their baked goods a cut above the rest.
14. Breads Bakery: New York-Style Delights
Breads Bakery brings a taste of New York to Los Angeles. They offer a wide variety of breads, pastries, and cakes, including their famous babka. This is a great spot for familiar favorites with a touch of New York flair. Their babka is a rich and decadent experience.
Beyond the Expected: Unique Dessert Experiences
15. Dessert Trucks: Rolling Delights
Los Angeles has a thriving food truck scene, including several dessert trucks. These trucks often offer creative and unique desserts, such as gourmet ice cream sandwiches or churros with innovative toppings. It's a fun and adventurous way to discover new treats. Locations and offerings may vary.
16. Farmers Markets: Seasonal Sweet Treats
Beyond the Original Farmers Market, many farmers markets throughout Los Angeles feature local bakers and confectioners selling seasonal desserts. This is a great opportunity to discover unique and often small-batch treats. The variety changes frequently depending on the season and the vendor.
This list represents just a fraction of Los Angeles's incredible dessert offerings. With so much variety and innovation, there's always something new and exciting to discover. So grab a friend, explore the city, and satisfy your sweet tooth!
