Carmela Ice Cream

108

290

469

4 years ago

Yum! Ordered the honey lavender with a waffle cone. Devoured. It was worth detouring from Van Nays! read more

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Speaker M.

265

1 year ago

Over $9 bucks for a strawberry ice cream sandwich??? Brah. Come on guys this is just too much. read more

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Victoria T.

574

223

3 years ago

I love this place!! All their flavors are literally immaculate - I tried their candied pecan recently and it was the best thing I've ever had! Their service is always really good and everyone is always welcoming. The owners son was super nice! They open up a second location in Palm Spring! Congrats! read more

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Lauren X.

289

826

1702

5 years ago

It is not the cheapest for ice cream but the quality ingredients you can totally taste with every scoop. The chocolate chip cookies it's not soft but if you like the thin crispy kinds this is pretty decent. Tried the lemon olive oil, cookies and cream, and chocolate. They were all divine. The kids scoop seemed a bit small so I would recommend taking the small to start. There is no seating inside or outside. It might be a really hot place to be in the summer unless you plan to just eat in your car. Parking all along street and plenty. No meters. Yay! read more

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Jackie C.

9 months ago

I hate the write this review but I came here after loving this place for years and the quality of the ice cream (I got vanilla bean and my dad got cookies and cream) we got finished eating it and it left us with a horrible chalky pasty taste in our mouth thee quality is just so horrible :/ read more

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Dana C.

2 years ago

I've always loved the service at Carmela's, the young employees are always eager and helpful. The stories itself is a bit small, they offer a small bench outside to sit and enjoy. The ice cream speaks for itself (it's amazing). Hand made everything on the menu and you can TELL, pricey...but I get it. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Brownie Sunday ($10.95) - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Marc N.

612

877

2 years ago

I don't think this is the best ice cream. I have come back time and time again though and that might be because of the location. I think the ice cream is actually kind of good but how they store it might be the problem and when it is scooped? Sometimes I get other ice creams in my cup and all the time I can taste some ice in it due to the storage being too cold causing freezer burn like texture. Anyway, 7/10 and would still come back. read more

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Brandi I.

Elite 25

212

960

1528

3 years ago

Honestly love this ice cream spot! Flavors are good and fresh. Some are seasonal, others are evergreen. Mint chocolate being one of my favorites. Shop is small, cute, but no indoor seating. If you've got a group, don't plan to stay outside either, there isn't really a lot of that. Parking is on the street, anywhere you can find it really. Staff is friendly!! read more

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David Y.

139

2 years ago

It's a hot summer night and I decided I wanted to finish my weekend with a sweet treat. It's after 9pm so I rushed over to Carmela and sampled the delightful strawberry vanilla bean sorbet. I don't know what I was expecting but somehow I had forgotten what it meant to taste flavor. Truly Carmela is something I would try to impress people with. Other ice cream may be good but here I contemplate the divine. Also I had the cookies and cream which I also recommend. read more

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Tim N.

Elite 24

384

2 years ago

You know an ice cream store is good if all the surrounding businesses have signs that say "no parking for the ice cream store." I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Carmela Ice Cream and we will be back! Pros: + Innovative and fresh flavors. My current favorite (trying to limit dairy) is the Blackberry Malbec sorbet. Deep rich delicious fruit flavors and no dairy. + The chocolate sorbet is also excellent, and with the rich chocolate you don't even notice it's dairy free as well. + Price is fair, $20 for two pints of any flavor. + Staff is friendly and knowledgeable and willing to offer sample tastes. + Interior is clean/well maintained, with a freezer chest stocked with their prepackaged ice creams/sorbets. Cons: - Parking can be a challenge, I parked in the neighborhood just north of the store and walked down to visit, but there's no obvious private parking lot for the location. read more

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Patricia H.

3 years ago

I last visited Carmela over a decade ago, and I probably won't be coming back for another decade. I ordered a brownie sundae with strawberry buttermilk and cookies and cream. It came out to be a whopping $11~. It was good but nothing amazing for the price. The portion was small. The whipped cream was 50% of the bowl. It was a Friday afternoon so we didn't have to wait long to be helped. The worker was nice and friendly. The store was cozy, quaint, and cute. Only street parking is available. Overall, the taste is not worth its price. I rather drive the extra distance to Handels or Afters Ice Cream. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

Carmela Ice Cream - Prepacked Ice Cream Pints - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

Carmela Ice Cream - They're offering ice cream classes! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

Carmela Ice Cream - Inside - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

Carmela Ice Cream - Brownie sundae with Strawberry Buttermilk and Cookies and Cream and cookies crumble topping - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Aneesa M.

619

297

357

3 years ago

Loved their lavender and mint chip flavors! Wish I didn't live so far otherwise I'd be here so often. The mint in particular tasted like real mint not extract. read more

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Tara K.

Elite 23

300

143

286

4 years ago

Carmela is one of my all time favorite ice cream places! I almost never get vanilla ice cream at ice cream establishments since I prefer trying more unique flavors but their brown sugar vanilla bean is just so delicious and a perfect complement to their other flavors. I most recently got Carmela ice cream at the South Pasadena Farmer's Market on a Thursday in the summer. Their mobile truck ran out of many flavors late in the night and the ice cream quality wasn't as good as their store so I highly recommend checking out the actual physical location for optimal taste. read more

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Craig I.

1 year ago

We've lived in the Pasadena area for some time (around 6 years). We've been regular customers at Carmela for several years. While the ice cream is still great, their pricing has gotten a little out of hand. $9.25 for an ice cream sandwich is just not reasonable. Now we understand they're not the only ones doing this (Afters is charging similar amounts for their ice creams sandwiches too), but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. We love the fact this place is local, and want to support local businesses, but at a fair price. read more

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Leila R.

314

2 years ago

Some of the best ice cream I've had in a long time. The quality is so good and feels fresh, you can tell by the softness of the texture. It feels almost like gelato. Be warned though, it melts pretty quickly. It's delicious and worth the drive, you won't be disappointed! read more

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Anthony D.

295

3 years ago

Sweet treat delicious flavors. I'd eat more if i wasn't lactose intolerant Wonderful neighbor vibe, good ice cream read more

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James W.

Elite 23

112

3 years ago

Normally I am singing the praises of Carmela and their lovely milky ice cream, how the cream settles in all silky in your mouth and such, and how the unique flavors are delightful. My favorite was the earl grey, and I indulged in a few pints when it came around. While the deliciousness is still true, my most recent experience left a more sour taste in my mouth. One - prices keep going up up up. It's a bad trend to bandwagon on. Just because everyone else does it doesn't make it cool as wages continue to stagnate. Almost ten bucks for a single scoop and a waffle cone? ....Perhaps not, in this economy. Two - big L on the 'customer service' today. I normally am met with very kind young people who offer me samples and talk pleasantly about the menu offerings. As someone who had worked in food service in this same area, shame on whoever trained and raised that young high school looking blond boy we met today. Clearly, seeing a pride flag on someone's T-shirt means that you grudgingly mumble at them like they're inconveniencing you, fumble their order, and look at them like a particularly unpleasant stain. You do know that servicing people means putting aside 'personal biases' and treating all customers with respect, right? It's not that difficult, trust me. What kind of business do you think can charge these prices and survive while alienating their customers with tactless, uncouth service? Yikes. We will not be returning to have a repeat of that. If you desire quality, expensive ice cream, just hit up Mother Moo. At least the young people there know basic human decency. read more

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James S.

2 years ago

Looking for delicious, flavorful ice cream! Go to Carmela's!! I came once and tried it and now I rack up points and pints lol Love me the vanilla bean with brown sugar ice cream. They have seasonal flavors too. Personal favorite is the earl grey when it's in stock. Check it out if you are in the area or want some great ice cream read more

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Kristen M.

1 year ago

amazing local business!!! would go here all the time with my dad, so happy they survived the Eaton fire tragedy.

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Sergio Z.

Elite 26 All-Star

4994

1628

21429

5 years ago

After we great meal at LeRoy's my wife and I and my sister in law and her daughter went to get some ice cream at Carmela ice cream in Pasadena. Our niece say they have great ice and they make it small batches. We arrive at place small but you can smell the waffle cones made fresh daily. You can also get sample of the flavors they have there. My wife try the fresh mint with cocao nibs she enjoy and she order it. Then I taste the Lavander honey I love the flavor of the lavander and honey combine together with a refreshing taste. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Trying the Lavender Honey ice cream it's really good. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Enric A.

109

239

3 years ago

Excellent quality ice cream and interesting seasonal flavors! The consistency is a bit like gelato, very light. Recommended for ice cream aficionados read more

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Robbie D.

1 year ago

They're back and as delicious as ever!! So glad to get that salted caramel ice cream sandwich again. It's been too long.

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Lisseth G.

3 years ago

My favorite ice cream place. the customer service was top-notch. The staff was friendly, attentive, and truly made me feel welcomed. Lavender honey is a must have if you visit Carmela's ice cream. read more

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Aryan B.

149

2 years ago

I like their brown sugar vanilla flavor 4/5. Service was good. It's a cute little place. I recommend this place!

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Ken R.

2 years ago

The best! Oh, I need eighty-five characters. We love this place. The ice cream sandwiches are divine and there are always really lovely people working here. There! read more

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Laura L.

283

220

678

7 years ago

Absolutely love coming here after the Eaton Canyon Hike! It's a small shop on Washington that serves such delicious ice cream. A bit on the pricier side, but so worth it. My favorite is their brown sugar vanilla. If you're looking for the refreshing type, go for one of their fruity flavors. If you're into floral, the honey lavendar is a popular one, but for me, it's a bit too strong of a taste. For a light snack, the kid's size cup ($3.95) is the perfect size! You can also ask for their metal spoon if you don't want to use their wooden spoon. Just make sure to return it to their used spoon jars afterwards! There are no seats inside, and right in front of their store they have a log bench. The ice cream is best to be taken somewhere to eat. As for parking, if you're lucky, you can snag a spot in front of the store. Other than that, residential streets on the side are your best bet. The back lot is NOT for Carmela's. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Pomegranate sherbet - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Debra K.

2 years ago

Beautiful artisanal ice creams. Cute place. Only complaint is there's nowhere to sit.

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Cassidy I.

595

373

3 years ago

The ice cream is kinda expensive, but super rich and flavorful! I don't think I could eat more than a 1 scoop dish. The person who helped us was quick and friendly. There is no indoor seating and only one outdoor bench, so be prepared to take your dessert to go. read more

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Karen T.

617

392

1771

5 years ago

I've been coming here since my high school days for their delicious homemade ice-cream. The pear and lavender flavour is still my favourite.. everything on their menu is equally as good! So refreshing on a hot day. read more

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Christina R.

1084

1282

5 years ago

Extremely delicious sorbet- I had one scoop of the cranberry orange thyme. But the sticker shock!!! With a 15% tip, I paid over $7 for the tiniest scoop ever! Gosh! I thoroughly enjoyed all 4 bites but seriously cannot justify making this a regular treat. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - 1 scoop of Cranberry orange thyme sorbet - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Nani S.

Elite 24

834

451

3700

5 years ago

I came here for dessert with word-of-mouth recommendations. I had the salted caramel, but I also tried the chocolate sorbet and the chocolate ice cream that my family members got. I commend their fresh ingredients and attention to quality. Taste-wise, though, it was a little underwhelming, in my opinion. The chocolate sorbet was rich in chocolate flavor minus the dairy, which was an interesting twist. The salted caramel and the chocolate ice cream were just OK. That being said, the service was great! The staff was welcoming since we first entered, walked us through the flavors, and maintained a friendly demeanor throughout our visit. read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Salted Caramel - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

Carmela Ice Cream - a hand holding a cup of ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Stacy H.

412

501

1009

5 years ago

I looove Carmela ice cream! My favorite flavor is earl gray & if that's not available I would get the honey lavender or brown sugar vanilla. The earl gray has a creamy light tea flavor, almost like a royal milk tea from boba shops, so good!! The honey lavender is also not too sweet & has a light floral taste. The brown sugar vanilla is more for the people with a sweet tooth, but I love it just as much too. I'll have to remember to get a pint of my favorite flavors next time! read more

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Elle C.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

3 years ago

Cute ice cream shop in Altadena. Love the espresso ice cream. Being caffeine sensitive, it was still worth it haha. Its nice that you can sample here and find the right flavor. read more

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Gracie O.

2 years ago

Love them and all their flavors..only thing I didn't really love is the cone. Was a bit too thick for me but wouldn't stop me from going again. read more

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Tricia L.

125

101

5 years ago

O R D E R : * Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean * Earl Grey Tea E X P E R I E N C E : Paid a visit to an old favorite after thrifting this past weekend - this place makes the best house waffle cones and ice cream I've ever had! Their waffle cones are like no other... it's as if they're freshly made every time I go. Both cones we ordered were incredibly creamy and flavorful. I'm always shook at how good this plc is every time. I love ordering the earl grey because it's so refreshing and light. The brown sugar vanilla bean was really good, too, and I haven't seen before one of their new flavors. - It tasted kind of like boba but also an apparent vanilla bean flavor :) sooo delish! read more

Carmela Ice Cream - earl grey tea brown sugar vanilla bean IG: nutrician_ - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Cristina R.

2 years ago

Really great flavors, tastes so fresh. I wish there was seating, but the ice cream was unique and top notch.

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Jo S.

4 years ago

Love the homemade flavors here and the more 'natural' light taste here. You can really taste the real flavors in the ice ream. Only thing is I'm really bumbed them got rid of their intelligencia espresso ice cream flavor ... was my favorite (even some of the employees said it was theirs as well) .... really hope it comes back!! read more

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Melanie L.

3 years ago

I ordered Carmela's ice cream sandwiches for a company event, and it was a huge hit! The staff was really friendly and accommodating to fulfill the order (75 sandwiches) on time. We got the full assortment of flavors and they were all delicious, our staff were super happy. read more

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Michelle H.

Elite 23

425

203

304

6 years ago

Can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous that scoop of vanilla bean ice cream looks like in the photo? So smooth, so creamy, so good. It tasted rich and dense, very similar to how Dreyer's vanilla bean ice cream tastes like! 5/5 for that classic flavor. The other scoop I ordered was the cranberry orange sorbet! It was more chunky/icy, and I couldn't taste the flavor as well in that scoop- the fruity flavor was much more subdued. 3/5 for flavor. I think my advice would be to go for the ice cream rather than sorbet if you come here, but it was still a good experience trying out this beloved ice cream place! This is my friend's favorite ice cream shop, and next time I'll try her suggestions instead of honey lavender or earl gray! read more

Carmela Ice Cream - Cranberry orange sorbet & vanilla bean - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Back

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2495 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
Directions
(626) 745-8045
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.carmelaicecream.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Carmela Ice Cream open?

Carmela Ice Cream opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Carmela Ice Cream close?

Carmela Ice Cream closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Carmela Ice Cream closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMFri-Sat 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Carmela Ice Cream take Bitcoin?

No, Carmela Ice Cream does not take Bitcoin.

Does Carmela Ice Cream take credit cards?

Yes, Carmela Ice Cream takes credit cards.

Indoor Amenities

Does Carmela Ice Cream allow dogs?

Yes, Carmela Ice Cream allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Carmela Ice Cream have bike parking?

No, Carmela Ice Cream does not have bike parking.

Does Carmela Ice Cream have parking?

Yes, Carmela Ice Cream has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Carmela Ice Cream wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Carmela Ice Cream is wheelchair accessible.

Does Carmela Ice Cream have free WiFi?

No, Carmela Ice Cream does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Carmela Ice Cream Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Carmela Ice Cream

Do you make ice cream cakes?

Does anyone know when the earl grey flavor comes back?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

What comes on a sundae? What are the topping choices?

The choices for topping are caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and almond toffee crumble!

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Do they still have $2 off every Tuesday?

Hi Foodie Y, We have officially switched over to Fivestars Rewards. There is a $1 off signup bonus and then you will receive points for every purchase. Some of the rewards…

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Review Highlights - Carmela Ice Cream

“It's just that the flavors of Carmela like their lavender honey and brown sugar vanilla simply can't be replicated elsewhere.”

Mentioned in 281 reviews

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4.5(463 reviews)

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First impressions: The ambiance was chill, people relaxing…read moremade the atmosphere feel welcoming. The service was great, staff were very friendly and ready to answer any questions we had. The food: I got the thai tea soft serve with boba and the boba was squishy but not too soft; The thai tea had the perfect blend of sweetness from the cream + condensed milk mixture (I'm assuming) and the bitterness from the tea. My boyfriend had the milk soft serve and I'm very picky with my milk soft serves but their ice cream is on my top 3 places that do it well. Not too sweet, more milky in taste and no weird artificial aftertaste. This place is for sure going to be my non-negotiable "We have to get something here." whenever I'm in the Pasadena area.

You must come here for their Thai tea soft serve! It's perfectly flavored and so smooth. My partner…read moreand I got a size small, which was a perfect position for us two. I'd highly recommend anyone to check in through Yelp for a free topping! They gave us a generous portion of the honey boba which was perfectly chewy and sweet, but it was a bit warm and melted the soft serve pretty quickly.

Thai tea soft serve

Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookie ($4.95) - very decadent and sweet

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Thai tea soft serve

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

4.5(224 reviews)

11.9 mi•Los Feliz

Perfect for a hot summer day…read more Finally had a chance to visit Ululani's during the Hollywood Cicilavia 2026. The streets were closed off and we took a quick break for some shaved ice. There was a small line forming prior to opening. We waited about 20 minutes for our order to be made. We shared the Sunset Beach and added the Snow Cap. Probably best to skip the snow cap. I didn't taste the condensed milk at all. The flavor is delicious. Towards the bottom of the shaved ice, there wasn't anymore flavor though.

Just in case you were looking for food from the Hawaiian Gods....There is a Ululani's in Los…read moreAngeles on Hollywood Blvd in case anyone loves Hawaiian shaved ice as much as me! And they brought all their yum puréed syrups with them from Maui! How do you eat shaved ice? Li Hing Mui Powder, Mochi, Ice Cream, Cheesecake Cream, Haupia Cream, Azuki Beans? And if you love art, as in cool papers, pens, and such, Ululani's in located inside a really cool art supply store in Los Feliz. It was cold yesterday in LA but I happily ate my shaved ice on a bench reliving all the fun I've had in Maui over the years. Hot tip: the ice is good for sure but add a fun topping!!

Front counter area

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice - Our shave ice! Sour tart with fresh mochi topping and a cherry-banana-passion orange with a "snow cap" topping and toasted coconut - yum!

Our shave ice! Sour tart with fresh mochi topping and a cherry-banana-passion orange with a "snow cap" topping and toasted coconut - yum!

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My yummy keiki size shave ice - cherry/banana/passion orange with snow cap and toasted coconut toppings

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

4.5(586 reviews)

1.6 mi

Handel's has an excellent quality and selection of ice cream, the atmosphere is always "chill" lol…read moreeven when busy, a bunch of families, dates, crews of friends fire fighters and cops go there, pretty much everyone, year round, lots of people are even there when it's cold outside, and there is only outdoor seating. The service is pretty quick, and you can't go wrong with the massive Hastings ranch outdoors shopping plaza parking lot. Oh, and last but most importantly let me tell you my personal favorites to try: -Blue Monster -Brownie Dough - Chocolate Chunk - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough - Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie And for going fruity, Black Raspberry and non-dairy Mango sorbet Enjoy!

Great value, good ice cream, nothing fancy. We tried 8 flavors as I got a flight and my friends did…read moreas well. Banana cream by was the best of all 8 which would never have been my first pick. Second place went to graham central station. The rest were only ok. I can't remember all of what we tried but I know there was also the blueberry cobbler and lemon bar. I think the biggest draw here is really value. This flight of 4 scoops was $8! And esp great if you want normal flavors like vanilla or chocolate.

Banana creme pie single

That's a large

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Heavenly hash

Bruster's Real Ice Cream

4.5(68 reviews)

6.2 mi

I recently found out Bruster's Real Ice Cream has made its way to La Canada Flintridge Town Center…read morenear Descanso Gardens. Cool! I love the garden and I love ice cream. Perfect location! Got here in the evening. Parking appears limited where I was parked, but I know there are more parking at the town center. Anyway, I got lucky with a close parking spot. No inside seating. Just a couple tables and chairs outside. They weren't super busy at the time. I was the only person in line. This is my 2nd time trying Bruster's. My first time was at their Rancho Cucamonga location. Nick, the staff member who helped me, was very nice and helpful. I asked for recommendations on their best flavors. He graciously offered them. Thank you Nick! I got to sample a handful of flavors... Boston Cream Pie, Sea Salt Caramel, Death By Chocolate, Caramel Macchiato, and Cinnamon. Thanks for the samples! All the flavors were very good except for the Cinnamon which I thought was very light in taste. Since I was driving, I chose an ice cream shake instead of a cup or cone. Caramel Macchiato was my pick! It had a really nice caramel flavor with coffee bean bits. I was slightly disappointed that they didn't pile up the ice cream to the top of the lid. It stopped at the top of the cup. I felt I was shorted some ice cream unfortunately. Hence, 4 stars! Nevertheless, Nick was amazing. His service was fantastic. Wonderful conversation and experience. Ice cream shake was yummy. It was finished before I arrived home. YES, I will come back to try their other unique flavors! Thank you Bruster's!

Thank you, 2026, for kicking off with ice cream--bold choice, no notes…read more Dog treats? Always free. As they should be. Bruster's : Rooted on the East Coast, now proudly hailed in California--coastal glow-up complete. There's no indoor seating, but who needs walls when you've got plenty of outdoor spots and good weather pretending it's effortless? It's the kind of upscale suburb where everything feels just right for a pit stop before a hike, or a slow cruise down Chevy Chase Dr. to peek at the Maison and quietly dream. One day, I will buy one. Manifesting responsibly. Until then I be capitalist, work hard, smile often, tip well, and stay far, far away from the loony. Cheers to ice cream beginnings and delusional optimism done right. Ohh yeah, with my puppy!

Sample of Death By Chocolate

2 scoops

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Sample of Sea Salt Caramel

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120 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Richard P.

Elite 13

387

604

414

15 years ago

There is nothing like a nice big ice cream cone on a hot day. My friends and I went on a hike at Eaton Canyon and I was very excited because I knew Carmela Ice Cream was nearby. After completing a long hike on a warm day we all were looking forward to trying some delicious ice cream. To my surprise Carmela was even closer than I though (less then .5 miles away). The guy working there was very nice. He was willing to let us try all their various flavors, while also explained the ingredients that go into their product. Apparently they use organic dairy and all the fresh ingredients come from the farmers market! The Ice Cream was AWESOME. I ordered a scoop of the Salted Caramel while my friend got the Strawberry Buttermilk. Both were delicious. The cone was also very good. The make their waffle cones fresh! I would definitely come here again. They probably make some of the best ice cream I have ever had. It is a bit pricey at $4.50 a scoop, but sometimes you just have to indulge. read more

Brittney V.

13 years ago

I really wish that i could give Camela's more than 5 stars. A group of my friends went here at around 10:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night. We thought that they were open until 11 p.m. but it turned out they were only open until 10 p.m. We were disappointed and began to walk into our car when the guy working the counter flagged us in. He told us that they were closed and had cleaned up so they cannot serve us scoops but we could have any of the prepackaged ice cream or ice cream cookies. We were SO greatful! Not only did they accomidate us late louey's but they were EXTREMELY nice to us. Not once did they make us feel bad for coming late. The ice cream was AMAZING. I literally cannot explain how great it was. This place is worth a special trip from where ever you are to try it out. I cannot wait to go back again. read more

cherry h.

370

266

188

2 years ago

I was impressed by their focus on artisanal, small-batch flavors. The menu had a refreshing mix of classics and unique options that stand out compared to other ice cream shops. The Salted Caramel was perfectly balanced--not overly sweet--and had a smooth, creamy texture. I also tried the Lavender Honey, which felt light yet indulgent, with a floral touch that wasn't overpowering. The service was warm and welcoming, and the portions were fair for the price. Carmela's commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients really shines through in every bite. The shop itself has a charming ambiance, perfect for enjoying your treat on-site or grabbing a pint to go. Definitely worth a visit if you're craving premium ice cream with elevated flavors. read more

Katelyn A.

6 years ago

Please note they don't offer dairy free "ICE CREAM" but sorbets which are made of purified water, cane sugar and juicing the fruit in season. I've seen so many customers in the past berate the staff for not offering Ice creams made with almond milk and such -please remember the front of house does NOT make it they just serve it. Also, you're coming in person to buy ice cream during a pandemic so there's no need to be a douche about the wait or if they don't have the flavor you're looking for. They're all SEASONAL!!! (except for the top 5). Love the shop and the girls that actually interact haha you guys just have the worst customers! Don't let the bad reviews fool you people just like to complain, especially the adults read more

Ashly M.

6 years ago

The best ice cream place in Pasadena. The Lavender Honey tastes more like vanilla, but has a very fine and light taste. The Brown Sugar Vanilla Bean has a great vanilla bean taste, but I missed the small black grains from the vanilla bean, which makes me conclude that it contains artificial flavor only. It is also a little bit too sweet for my taste. The Dark Chocolate with Cocoa Nibs tastes rich in chocolate and the cocoa nibs gives it a nice crunch. I really recommend to opt for the waffle cone as it features a delicious buttery, rich French like flavor. The waffle cones are great too. Lovely little shop with a few more things on offer beyond ice cream (cookies, muffins, etc). read more

Yvette S.

3 years ago

I woke up from a nap with a dire need for ice cream. Yelped ice cream in my area and was impressed with the ratings for Carmela's. So we waltz on over and were blown away with this tiny place. First off Ethan took care of us and he was absolutely amazing! He let us try everything we wanted and made awesome recommendations. The service alone was worth every penny. But the ice creammm!!! Absolutely delicious. Intelligentsia espresso and the fresh mint with cacao nibs is a must have. If you're looking for something lighter, the cucumber sorbet and the lemon basil sorbet was ultimate bombskies. Absolutely Wonderful first time experience. Will come again and again! Yum :D!! read more

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15 years ago

It's a must that I change my rating to a 5 star! I had to introduce my BF to the unique flavors of this place. This time I had 2 new flavors that were not here the last time that I was here, Lemon Basil and Cucumber. Yup! I did say Lemon Basil and Cucumber ice cream! The flavors were right on point! The lemon- basil made me feel like I was sippin on lemonade with decorated basil leaves in each sip. As for the cucumber, it's so very refreshing! The combination of the 2 is THE perfect pairing for a hot summer's day. I can't wait to come baaaaack! read more

Austin W.

See more unrecommended reviews

306

996

3 years ago

Carmela Ice Cream presents a charming and quaint ice cream shop experience. The staff's friendliness enhances the visit, even though finding parking on the street might be a bit of a hassle. Their cookies and cream flavor, with its generous chunks of cookies and soft ice cream, is a decent choice for those who enjoy classic flavors. For lovers of richer tastes, the dark chocolate ice cream stands out, perfectly catering to fans of intense, dark chocolate. It's a nice spot for a quick, delightful treat. read more

Letty G.

12 years ago

I had the honor of tasting this ice cream at a wedding I recently bartended with Goose on the Rocks in Altadena. Mr & Mrs. Dr. Shanka had a cart of Carmela ice cream for all their guests. Mike was really cool! I tried all the four flavors they had. I was really excited to hear that it's handmade with fresh ingredients, so it didn't mess up my diet. lol My favorite was the lavender honey & mint cacao nib! Will have to visit their Pasadena spot soon. Yum. read more

Fiona C.

3 years ago

Indulging in the delightful creations at Carmela Ice Cream is an absolute delight. Their ice cream is undeniably the yummiest around. With each creamy spoonful, you'll be transported to a world of pure bliss. Whether you choose classic flavors or opt for their unique and inventive creations, you're in for a treat. The dedication to quality and flavor shines through in every bite. Get ready to embark on a sweet adventure at Carmela Ice Cream. read more

Michelle P.

415

210

12 years ago

Wow I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this place yet! I've been here on several occasions and I'm so in love!! My favorites are probably the salted caramel, earl gray, and lavender honey! I always get some there and buy some to take home! Their texture is amazing and so is their service! Just FYI, you can find them at the Hollywood farmers market on Sunday's! Love getting my ice cream fix early in the morning while at the farmers market. read more

Taku T.

15 years ago

My friend told me about this place about a month ago and I finally had the chance to stop by this past weekend. All I have to say is four words...BROWN SUGAR VANILLA BEAN! Probably the best vanilla bean I've ever had in So Cal. I also had the Salted Caramel, Strawberry Buttermilk and Rose Petal which were all very good. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to try the waffle cone but I'll look forward to it for my next visit. read more

Jessica W.

10 years ago

Good artisan ice cream. Rating purely on the ice cream- Sampled a few of them and all of the flavors are pretty on point. We ended up getting the rose and lavender. Both flavors are pretty rich but way too sweet. I almost didn't want to finish my but forced myself since we drove all the way here for this. If I wasn't spoiled by other ice cream shops (sweet rose and especially Tara's) this would definitely be a 5 star. read more

angie d.

13 years ago

First time there on 6/16 for Fathers Day and LOVED it! Each flavor is unique ---- gave 4 stars because there was no place to sit and we were standing outside -- had to be grabbing my child from going onto the busy street ; we also had to park on a residential street and walked to the shop - no private lot to park. besides that the ice was delicious -- i'll definitely go back if im in the area.... read more

Mark P.

8 years ago

Beautiful flavors, quality ingredients. We love Carmello's so much we ordered some for after dinner/to be served with dessert at our wedding reception last year. Every single guest raved about it. The staff are always friendly, polite and go out of their way to help. Try it - you definitely won't regret it. They also usually have a truck at the Altadena farmers market. LOVE their sorbets too! read more

Richard L. D.

11 years ago

Who ever heard of an ice cream place being so far from the trendy area of Pasadena? They are not on a major street, but their ice cream and sorbet offering put all others to shame. Chocolate Sorbet, which has no dairy, tastes like a dairy dessert! On top of that, they source locally. You can't get better ice cream, or sorbet, than Carmela! read more

Carmela Ice Cream - icecream - Updated September 2026

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I don't care if it's a little pricey; I love coming here. They have some of the best gelato flavors…read morearound, the staff is pretty friendly, and the place is always clean. Overall it's just really, really good gelato. No complaints here. They've been around for so many years, and I can definitely see why.

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I went this evening and waited over an hour. The line went by very slowly and by the time we…read moreordered they were out of brownie, chocolate chips, and strawberry sauce. Also, their credit card machine was not working (and they do not take cash) so the workers had to manually input the card numbers. The ice cream was good (albeit melted) but the workers were so sweet even though the line was long. I did not want to ask any more of them I got the breakfast club. It was good just a bit melty. Again, the servers were so kind and positive! I appreciate them and their patience

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