Los Angeles, the city of angels, is also a city of delicious frozen yogurt. With countless options spanning from classic flavors to inventive creations, finding the perfect froyo spot can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide navigates the LA froyo scene, highlighting 27 of the best shops, categorized for your convenience. Whether you crave a simple tart swirl or a decadent, topping-laden masterpiece, this list has something for every frozen yogurt enthusiast.
Classic Froyo Experiences: The Tried and True
These establishments represent the quintessential LA froyo experience, offering a solid base of flavors and a wide array of toppings. They're reliable, consistently delicious, and perfect for a familiar favorite.
- Pinkberry: A pioneer in the upscale froyo movement, Pinkberry remains a popular choice. Their creamy, tart yogurt is a classic, and their selection of fresh toppings is always impressive. Expect a consistently high-quality experience.
- Yogurtland: With numerous locations across LA, Yogurtland offers a wide variety of rotating flavors, catering to a broad range of preferences. Their self-serve model allows for customization, and they frequently introduce seasonal and limited-edition options.
- Red Mango: Known for its naturally sweet, tangy yogurt, Red Mango offers a healthier alternative to some of the richer options on the market. They focus on fresh ingredients and offer a range of healthy toppings.
- Menchie's: A family-friendly favorite, Menchie's provides a fun, vibrant atmosphere with a diverse selection of froyo flavors and toppings. They often have deals and promotions making it an affordable option.
- 16 Handles: This New York-based chain has made its way to LA, bringing with it a generous selection of frozen yogurt flavors and a self-serve system. Their wide variety of toppings and sauces ensures a personalized experience.
Elevated Froyo: Beyond the Basics
These spots take froyo to the next level, offering unique flavors, gourmet toppings, and an overall elevated experience. They're perfect for a special occasion or when you're seeking a more sophisticated treat.
- Sweet Rose Creamery: Known for its artisanal ice cream and sorbet, Sweet Rose Creamery also offers exceptional frozen yogurt, showcasing seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
- Honeymee: This shop specializes in honey-infused frozen yogurt, creating a unique and subtly sweet flavor profile. Their honey-based toppings complement their signature yogurt perfectly.
- Snow Monster: While technically shaved ice, Snow Monster offers a similar refreshing experience to froyo, with customizable flavors and an array of fresh toppings.
- Afters Ice Cream: Afters Ice Cream offers a unique twist on froyo by combining it with their famous milk and cookies. The resulting dessert is a unique and delicious combination of textures and flavors.
- The Parlor: This shop offers a modern, sophisticated take on ice cream and frozen yogurt, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their flavors are creative and often unexpected.
Unique Froyo Experiences: Step Outside the Box
These froyo shops offer something truly unique and memorable, setting themselves apart from the crowd with innovative concepts and distinctive offerings.
- Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt: This shop is known for its classic, homemade ice cream and froyo, offering nostalgic flavors and a comfortable atmosphere.
- Little Damage: While primarily known for its ice cream sandwiches, Little Damage also offers a rotating selection of frozen yogurt flavors that are equally delicious.
- Creamistry: Creamistry creates a truly unique experience through their liquid nitrogen ice cream process. While not strictly froyo, their approach yields a similarly smooth and creamy result.
- Coolhaus: Coolhaus is famous for its innovative ice cream sandwiches, but they also offer unique frozen yogurt flavors that can be incorporated into their signature creations.
- Carmela Ice Cream: Known for its unique and artisanal ice cream, Carmela Ice Cream offers a selection of frozen yogurt flavors that reflect their commitment to high-quality ingredients.
Finding Your Perfect Froyo in LA: A Quick Guide
To help you navigate the diverse world of LA frozen yogurt, consider these factors:
- Flavor Profile: Do you prefer tart, sweet, creamy, or something more unique?
- Toppings: Are you a minimalist or do you love to load up your froyo with toppings?
- Atmosphere: Are you looking for a casual, family-friendly spot or a more upscale experience?
- Location: Choose a location that's convenient and accessible to you.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a great starting point for exploring the vibrant LA frozen yogurt scene. Happy froyo hunting!
(Note: This list is not ranked, and the inclusion of a shop does not constitute an endorsement.)