Van Leeuwen
A beloved NYC-born ice cream shop serving creative flavors with excellent vegan options.

Van Leeuwen brings a slice of Brooklyn to the Arts District with their thoughtfully crafted scoops. This New York transplant has built a devoted following for their inventive approach to ice cream, though the LA locations keep things more approachable than some of their viral grocery store collaborations might suggest. The vibe is clean, modern, and unpretentious—perfect for a post-lunch stroll or late-night sweet tooth fix.
The standout here is undoubtedly the honeycomb flavor, which delivers an addictive crunch from caramelized bits that taste like someone turned toffee into the most satisfying cereal topping imaginable. Each spoonful offers that perfect interplay between smooth, rich cream and crispy, buttery shards that keep you coming back for more.
For those avoiding dairy, Van Leeuwen takes their vegan lineup seriously. While the plant-based options tend toward a slightly icier texture, they more than make up for it with bold flavors and generous mix-ins. The sweet potato with marshmallow swirl is a particular standout—unexpected but somehow completely right, with pillowy ribbons of fluff threaded throughout.
Whether you’re a dedicated ice cream enthusiast or just looking for a quality scoop in DTLA, Van Leeuwen delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a beloved East Coast import. Come for the honeycomb, stay to explore the rotating seasonal flavors, and definitely don’t sleep on the vegan options even if dairy is normally your thing.
Van Leeuwen
Ice Cream • $$
Location
300 S Santa Fe AveDowntown LA
Los Angeles, United States
Links
Perfect For
Must Try
- Honeycomb Ice CreamCreamy ice cream studded with crunchy caramelized bits reminiscent of toffee-flavored crispy rice
- Sweet Potato VeganA creative vegan option featuring sweet potato ice cream swirled with fluffy marshmallow
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