Los Angeles is not only a city full of sunshine and beautiful scenery but also a perfect destination for dessert enthusiasts. Whether you love French pastries, Japanese matcha, or classic American cakes, Los Angeles has countless hidden gem dessert shops waiting for you to explore. Being someone who is deeply passionate about desserts, I have almost wandered through every corner of this city, tasting a variety of dessert styles. Now, I want to share with you my personal collection of the most worthwhile dessert shops to visit in Los Angeles. Each place has its own unique charm and promises to satisfy all your sweet cravings.
1. Milk Jar Cookies — The Synonym of Delicious Cookies
The first time I came to Milk Jar Cookies, I was instantly attracted by the rich milky aroma and the scent of freshly baked sweet cookies. This shop specializes in handmade cookies, each thick and soft, with every bite full of buttery richness and sweet chocolate flavor. I especially recommend their classic “Chocolate Chip Cookie” and “Peanut Butter Cookie,” which have just the right sweetness without being overwhelming. Besides, Milk Jar Cookies also launches seasonal special flavors like pumpkin spice and strawberry cream cookies, always keeping you excited.
The shop’s atmosphere is warm, with walls decorated with dessert-related illustrations and quotes, creating a relaxed vibe. Visiting here is not just about desserts, but more like finding a cozy corner to unwind. Ordering a hot latte paired with freshly baked cookies, a perfect day begins.
2. Bottega Louie — The Luxurious French Dessert Palace
If you love the refinement and elegance of French desserts, Bottega Louie is an absolute must-visit. Located in a bustling downtown area, it boasts luxurious decor and a spacious dining environment. The dessert display cabinet is filled with colorful macarons, shiny mousse cakes, and layers upon layers of Napoleon mille-feuille, each as delicate as a piece of art.
I particularly adore their lemon macarons, perfectly balancing sweet and sour, light and bursting with fruity aroma. Also, the caramel pudding is smooth and rich, with a complex interplay of bitter and sweet caramel flavors. Besides desserts, Bottega Louie’s pastries and breads are also famous. Spending an afternoon here with a cup of coffee and a slice of chocolate cake is pure luxury.
3. Sweet Rose Creamery — The Ultimate Handmade Ice Cream Experience
When summer arrives, nothing beats a cup of ice cream to lift your spirits. Sweet Rose Creamery is a highly acclaimed ice cream shop in Los Angeles, specializing in handcrafted ice cream made from natural and organic ingredients. Their signature flavors include vanilla bean, salted caramel, and black sesame brown sugar, each spoonful smooth and delicate with just the right sweetness.
The ice cream makers carefully control every batch of ingredients to ensure you experience the purest taste with every scoop. The shop also offers dairy-free and low-sugar options to meet different needs. The environment is simple and bright, often with long queues, but the wait is absolutely worth it. The seasonal watermelon mint flavor is especially refreshing and perfect for hot days.
4. Porto’s Bakery — The Perfect Fusion of Cuban Flair and Desserts
Los Angeles is home to a vibrant array of Latin American-style desserts, and Porto’s Bakery stands out as a true gem among them. Its popularity is undeniable, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors alike. Porto’s signature desserts, such as their rich, creamy cheesecake and freshly made doughnuts, are crafted with unique Cuban-inspired recipes that deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Beyond desserts, Porto’s offers an impressive variety of savory breads and pastries, ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea. Every morning, the bakery fills the air with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods, drawing long lines of eager customers. The bustling, warm atmosphere is always lively, filled with the sounds of happy chatter and the inviting aromas that transport you straight to the colorful streets of Cuba.
5. République — Combining French Tradition with Modern Creativity
République is a beautiful blend of historic charm and contemporary style, functioning both as a bakery and a full-service restaurant. Their dessert menu is a delightful fusion of classic French pastries and innovative creations inspired by seasonal fruits and spices. I’m particularly fond of their blueberry cheesecake tart, which features a perfectly crisp crust that holds a luscious, tangy blueberry filling paired with rich, creamy cheesecake layers, resulting in an exquisite harmony of flavors and textures. Aside from desserts, République is also known for its exceptional breakfast offerings and expertly brewed coffee. The ambiance is calm, sophisticated, and stylish, making it an ideal spot for working remotely with a laptop or enjoying a relaxed gathering with friends.
6. 85°C Bakery Cafe — The Representative of Taiwanese Desserts
85°C Bakery Cafe is a beloved Asian chain that has gained a strong following in Los Angeles, specializing in authentic Taiwanese-style breads and sweets. Their signature items, like the variety of flavored cream cake rolls and the soft, delicate taro buns, are consistently fresh and delicious. Each visit reveals a lively scene filled with families and young people eagerly lining up to grab their favorite treats. The café’s beverage menu is equally impressive, featuring distinctive coffee and tea drinks, especially their famous milk tea and fresh milk tea, both rich and smooth, making a perfect match for their desserts. With affordable prices and reliable quality, 85°C Bakery Cafe is the go-to place for anyone wanting a taste of authentic Asian desserts in a friendly and welcoming environment.
7. Salt & Straw — The Trendsetter of Creative Ice Cream
For adventurous dessert lovers who crave unique and unexpected flavors, Salt & Straw is an absolute must. This ice cream shop has become a local favorite in Los Angeles, celebrated for its bold and imaginative flavor combinations. While they always offer timeless classics like vanilla and chocolate, their rotating menu frequently features inventive creations such as “Honey Lavender,” “Roasted Almond Caramel,” and “Sweet Corn,” which surprise and delight the palate. Every visit is an opportunity to try something new, and I find myself eager to sample their latest inventive concoctions. The ice cream itself is incredibly smooth and creamy, delivering rich flavors that never feel overly sweet, making it a refreshing treat on hot summer days. The shop’s thoughtfully designed interior also makes it a popular spot for taking stylish photos and sharing the experience.
8. Lette Macarons — Exquisite French Macarons
When it comes to macarons in Los Angeles, Lette Macarons truly stands out as a must-mention destination. Their macarons feature a perfectly crispy outer shell paired with a rich and delicately smooth filling that melts effortlessly in your mouth, offering a light yet indulgent texture. The vibrant, colorful macarons are carefully arranged like exquisite works of art, making them not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Lette offers a wide range of flavors, from timeless classics such as vanilla and raspberry to more inventive ones like matcha green tea and chocolate mint, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re looking for an elegant afternoon tea accompaniment or a charming gift to impress friends and family, Lette Macarons remains an excellent and highly recommended choice.
9. Donut Friend — A Wonderland of Creative Donuts
For anyone who loves donuts, Donut Friend is an absolute must-visit spot. This donut shop has earned a reputation for its imaginative toppings and creative donut shapes that push the boundaries of traditional sweets. Their vibrant donuts come adorned with a variety of frostings, fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and even ice cream, creating a playful and indulgent experience. One of my personal favorites is the “Salted Caramel Walnut” donut, where the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, combined with a rich, chewy texture, creates an unforgettable bite. The shop’s lively and welcoming atmosphere, along with friendly and enthusiastic staff, makes it the ideal place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon treat paired with a specialty coffee, perfect for unwinding on a lazy day.
10. Sweet Lady Jane — A Cozy Family-Style Dessert Shop
Sweet Lady Jane is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly feels like a comforting hug from home. Many of their desserts evoke a nostalgic sense of homemade goodness, made with care and quality ingredients. Their signature strawberry cream cake is often praised as one of the best cakes in Los Angeles, featuring a light and fluffy sponge cake layered with rich yet perfectly balanced cream and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries that burst with flavor. Beyond the strawberry cake, Sweet Lady Jane offers a wide variety of other desserts including pies and cookies, each carrying that same homey and heartfelt quality. The cozy shop environment and attentive service make it an ideal place to gather with family and friends, sharing sweet moments and creating lasting memories.
They offer a wide variety of desserts beyond cakes, including pies and cookies. The shop environment is comfortable and cozy, perfect for enjoying sweet moments with family and friends. The service is thoughtful, making guests feel right at home.
Los Angeles’ dessert scene is rich and colorful, with these shops offering not only outstanding flavors but also great environments and service. Every visit feels like a sweet adventure, making me love this city even more. Whether you’re chasing classic French elegance or seeking innovative new flavors, Los Angeles’ dessert shops will always have one to steal your heart. Next time you come to this city, don’t miss these dessert lover’s paradises—the sweet journey awaits you!
