The ice cream from the Rustic Canyon family of restaurants is the brainchild of chef Shiho Yoshikawa and is full of delightful surprises, like its housemade candied nuts and mini marshmallows.

The name CVT is a contract of sorts for this retro, roving ice cream truck: they sell only chocolate, vanilla, and twists of the two. It’s a simple proclamation that has kept Joe Nicchi busy for nearly the past decade, working parties, street stops, and food events with multiple trucks, and always playing to long lines of sprinkle-loving fans. There are big things on the horizon for this simple LA ice cream rig serving what is assuredly the city’s best soft serve.

One of LA’s top practitioners of gelato, Bacio di Latte inside the Century City mall has the luscious creamy texture one would expect from top-quality Italian ice cream. The pistachio is a real gem, though the signature bacio di latte, or sweet cream, is a must-order as well.

Tucked away on Third Street in Beverly Grove, Ecco un Poco offers a surprising, abundant selection of fresh gelato and cones that — like all its flavors — are gluten-free. Run by Alessandro Restelli (who was born and raised just outside of Milan) and his wife Alejandra Unger, the shop balances traditional Italian flavors with more gastronomical creations like “American breakfast” (with gluten-free maple pancake mix, bacon, and blueberries) and “avocado toast” (made with what it sounds like).

Blocks away from SoFi Stadium is Jamz Creamery. This family-owned operation offers 27 flavors along with sundaes, shakes, banana splits, and an impossibly big ice cream sandwich. Toppings are plentiful, and they’ve even got a few vegan options available.

Hailing from Pennsylvania, this national chain has been making good inroads in Los Angeles, starting with a longtime Torrance window and now this prime LA spot along La Brea. With dense, American-style ice cream and hefty flavors, this brand makes its cream locally, which adds freshness and overall quality.

For surprising vegan eats hit up Dear Bella Creamery in Hollywood, where collaborations and seasonal rotations keep the menu fresh and lively. From soft serve options to scoops, pints, and ice cream sandwiches, this is the place for non-dairy ice cream seekers to get it all.

Sporting a slew of ice cream made on-site, this Gardena shop comes from James Tatsuya and Elaine Yukari, who make different flavors every day and use fresh, seasonal ingredients. The hours are limited, with service from just 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sunday and Wednesday), but the shop generously donates a portion of its sales to charities.

The family-owned La Jerezana in Boyle Heights opened in late-2020, making tequila ice cream, cheesecake paletas, and raspados on-site. Plus, there’s a giant ice cream-wielding robot at the entrance.

One of LA’s most classic shops at this point, with a history going back to the mid-2000s, Tai Kim’s enduring ice cream destination in Highland Park and Torrance (plus a separately owned Chinatown outlet) is the place to find a rotating array of changing flavors. Find anything from Grapenut-infused brown bread to things like strawberry balsamic. There’s always a good selection of non-dairy oat milk-based flavors as well.

This 100-year-old ice cream brand still churns some of the city’s best scoops, anywhere. Of course, the Alhambra-based company’s soda fountain options (floats, malts, and more) are worth the trip to the original location or the more recently opened space in Glendora.

For those looking for Indian dessert in Artesia, Saffron Spot serves ice cream and falooda — made with ice cream, noodles, soaked basil seeds, and sweet syrups. Their menu also features gola, or shaved ice, and the nostalgic cassata ice cream logs, made with pistachio, vanilla, and tutti frutti ice creams.