Sonny's Handcrafted Ice Cream & Italian Ice

Tucked into a Sherman Oaks strip mall on Ventura Boulevard, Sonny’s is the kind of unassuming neighborhood gem that locals fiercely protect. This old-school dessert shop has been dishing out frozen happiness for years, drawing crowds whenever the Valley thermometer creeps into uncomfortable territory. The vibe is casual and nostalgic, with a counter staffed by friendly high schoolers who genuinely know their stuff.

What sets Sonny’s apart is their three-pronged approach to frozen desserts. Beyond traditional ice cream, they offer classic Italian ice and their signature crème ice—a clever creation that delivers ice cream-like flavor with 75% less dairy. The lemon Italian ice has achieved near-legendary status as a cure for heat exhaustion, while their coffee and toffee ice cream offers a satisfying crunch that makes it perfect for post-dinner indulgence.

The experience here is pure Americana: stand in line, debate your choices, and walk away with something cold and delicious. Expect the queue to stretch during heat waves and after local high school games wrap up. It’s the kind of place where families have been coming for generations, and first-timers quickly understand why.

If you’re exploring the San Fernando Valley or just need a respite from the relentless sunshine, Sonny’s delivers exactly what you need. It’s budget-friendly, unpretentious, and consistently excellent. Whether you’re team Italian ice, team crème ice, or a traditionalist who sticks with regular ice cream, you’ll leave satisfied and probably already planning your return visit.