Best Sweet Treats Escapes Restaurants in Santa Monica
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Sweet Rose Creamery
Serious small-batch ice cream made with organic, farmers market-driven ingredients.
Notable Picks
8.8
This Brentwood Country Mart scoop shop from the Rustic Canyon family turns organic dairy and peak-season farmers market produce into small-batch ice creams, sundaes, and frozen novelties. Since 2010, chef Shiho Yoshikawa’s team has built a loyal following for deeply flavored classics and inventive seasonal specials, plus thoughtful dairy-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Fresh Mint Chip Ice Cream, Campfire Sundae
What Makes it Special: Serious small-batch ice cream made with organic, farmers market-driven ingredients.
San Francisco's legendary chocolatier brings their world-famous hot fudge sundaes to Ocean Avenue with handmade fudge prepared in-store daily. Premium ice cream meets heritage chocolate craftsmanship in sundaes that have satisfied sweet tooths since 1852.
Must-Try Dishes:
World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae, Sea Salt Caramel Sundae, Gold Rush Sundae
What Makes it Special: Heritage chocolate brand with handmade hot fudge prepared in-store
8.2
Former lawyers turned plant-based ice cream artisans create dairy-free frozen treats using minimal natural ingredients like dates and organic agave. Made fresh daily on Montana Avenue, their rotating specials and homemade peanut butter caramel have earned devoted local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Peanut Butter Caramel, Daily Special Flavor, Classic Chocolate
What Makes it Special: 100% plant-based ice cream that rivals traditional dairy versions
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired taro donuts fried to order in coconut oil bring a dense, cake-like texture with tropical glazes that rotate weekly. The made-to-order approach means each donut arrives hot, though the smaller size and premium price point may surprise first-timers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Taro Donut, Hail Mary, Chaga Chai
What Makes it Special: Hawaii's taro donut tradition brought to Santa Monica with made-to-order preparation
Sweet Rose's pier outpost brings farmers' market-inspired ice cream made with organic ingredients from local farms to beachgoers. Small-batch flavors change monthly based on seasonal produce from Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Corn Ice Cream, Madagascar Vanilla, Salted Caramel
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-cone ice cream using Santa Monica Farmers' Market ingredients
#6
Caffe Luxxe
8
Caffe Luxxe anchors the Country Mart mornings with serious espresso, silky matcha, and better-than-average pastries. It’s a casual, counter-service spot where locals linger over cappuccinos before school drop-off or a Montana Avenue walk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha Latte, Nutella Croissant, Breakfast Sandwich with egg and cheddar
What Makes it Special: Specialty coffee and pastries with a relaxed, European-style café feel.