Best Dessert Spots in Japantown

by Kristen Adams ‘25

Nestled within Sawtelle lies a food lover’s paradise–Japantown. This charming downtown is perfect for a night out with friends. With offerings ranging from creme brulee crepes to Korean soft-serve desserts known as “Ah-boong,” which are fish-shaped waffle cones, you’re in for a treat.

SOMISOMI

My personal favorite is SOMISOMI, a popular dessert chain known for its Korean soft-serve ice cream in fish-shaped waffle cones. You can also get taiyaki without ice cream, which are fish-shaped waffle cones with your choice of filling including red bean, taro, or matcha. My go-to order is cookies and cream ice cream with Nutella-filled Ah-boong. I have quite a sweet tooth. 

Millet Crepe

Millet Crepe lives up to its social media hype. This cozy spot in Japantown offers a wide variety of crepes served in paper cones so they aren’t a hassle to enjoy. Their most popular crepe is the creme brulee flavor, which is filled with custard, sprinkled with sugar, and torched to order for an extra crunch. My personal favorite is the “Piggy crepe” with strawberry ice cream. Not only does it taste sweet, it looks very cute.

B Sweet Dessert Bar

While I have yet to try this spot, B Sweet Dessert Bar is very hard to miss when you’re walking through Japantown. With bright pink lights, cozy seating, and live music outside, it’s a fun, high-energy spot to grab dessert with friends. With a menu of bread puddings, cheesecake, and other baked goods with fun names, this dessert bar is on the top of my “must-try” list this semester. 

BONUS: 2 of My Favorite Dinner Spots in Japantown

This culinary exploration is far from over. While we’re talking about food, let’s rewind from dessert and dive into dinner.

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Imagine a conveyor belt winding its way around the restaurant, carrying colorful plates of sushi rolls, sushi cones, and other snacks. This is how Kura Revolving Sushi Bar works. This quirky delivery method has gained popularity on social media for its small plates and unique dining experience. 

MOGU MOGU

If you’re looking for comfort food, MOGU MOGU’s selection of Japanese soul food is the right answer. It’s a small, cozy spot that is busy during dinner hours, so be sure to get a reservation in advance. They offer varieties of ramen and “mazemen,” which is a brothless ramen dish with thick, chewy noodles. Their iconic fried chicken dish lives up to the hype and is also a must-try. The sauce is delicious, and it’s perfect to share with a group of friends. 

Whether you have a sweet tooth like me or you are seeking a savory culinary adventure, you’re sure to find something that will satisfy your taste buds in Japantown.

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