Mateo's Ice Cream & Fruit Bars — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Mateo’s bursts with colors as much as they burst with flavors and selections of treats. It a whole vibe in here and they must be used to people coming in to oooo and awwww at their selection. The presentation of their gelatos and popsicle bars makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop, and it’s placed at a low eye level so kids can get a good look at the selection.

They have treats for everyone! I was in the mood for something nostalgic so I chose a scoop of eggnog in a cop. My toddler got a watermelon popsicle and my friend picked their coffee ice cream. You can go all out and get a cone or cup lined with chocolate and sprinkles, topped with whipped cream, cherries and nuts. Or you could go the opposite way and order a fresh green juice and pick up sliced watermelon or mangos.

Adorable Mateo painted chairs and tables line the windows. The place gets crowded at times but it’s worth the wait. There’s some parking in the strip mall out front or along Pico.

The ice cream melts wonderfully, it stays cold for a long time too. The watermelon popsicle melted a little chunky but the flavor was all the way there and I would...

The one place everyone can agree on. Never a regret coming here except for getting there before the line around the corner starts. Fresh. Nourishing. Delicious. Tons of Variety. Vegan options too. We can all have dessert. Even your Wheatgrass friends can't say no because their Aguas and Jugos are Delightful. Also did you need a quick bite. Some fresh cut fruit, sandwiches, and other snacks always hit the spot. Also protip for Anyone looking for Affordable Chocolate Covered Strawberries. $-$$ (really only gets expensive when you can't decide what you shouldn't come home with, everything is Delicious).

Locals Love here. Must try if visiting Los Angeles. Support Small Businesses that Employ Authentic Communities.

Honestly the only thing you'll regret at this place is forgeting to ask your loved one what...

Yum. Yum. Yum. As good as fancy gelato, but not as expensive. And they have unique flavors.

Edit: two years later, still yum. (And bonus, there's a great hole-in-the-wall bike repair shop a couple blocks west. Makes for a great excuse. "Honey, I'm going to ride to the bike shop to get a Schrader adapter!" :-)

Edit edit: two more years later, still never disappointed. I got a bunch of assorted pints for a party recently, and it was a hit. This is one of the hidden gems of Los Angeles.

Edit edit edit: another year or two later. Brought my parents here on a visit. They loved the ice cream both visually and to eat. Dad said it was the best chocolate he'd had, and also loved the coffee. (Didn't care for the pistachio for...