When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Somisomi
Why Somisomi is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SomiSomi is a distinctive dessert destination known for its innovative frozen treats that make it an ideal place to meet up with friends and indulge in something special. The business specializes in Asian-inspired ice cream served in unique taiyaki cones—fish-shaped waffle cones filled with a variety of sweet custards or other fillings—offering a delightful twist on traditional ice cream cones. This combination of creamy ice cream swirled with flavorful fillings and coated with toppings such as graham cracker crumbs or strawberry pieces creates a visually appealing and delicious treat that’s both fun and satisfying to share. Many locations provide an open-air, casual atmosphere with outdoor seating, encouraging relaxed socializing while enjoying diverse flavor varieties like matcha green tea, milk, or black sesame. Beyond ice cream, SomiSomi offers options like fruit bowls and boxed taiyakis with fillings like cheese, Nutella, and red bean paste, giving guests a variety of options to try. Its unique concept and flavorful offerings have made it a favorite spot in areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Cupertino, attracting visitors who appreciate both quality and creativity in their dessert experience.
Here's what people think of Somisomi
As of recent, Somisomi holds a 4.5-star rating based on 643 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise SomiSomi for its tasty and uniquely presented desserts, especially the taiyaki cones and the creative flavor combinations. Positive feedback highlights the addictive quality of their ice cream, the delightful texture of the fish-shaped waffles, and the diverse fillings available, such as custard, Nutella, and red bean paste. Many reviewers enjoy the fun and aesthetic approach to their treats, describing the experience as enjoyable and worth repeated visits. Some users also appreciate the friendly service and the casual, grab-and-go style, which suits quick social outings. On the other hand, some negative reviews and employee feedback reveal concerns about internal company management, including organizational challenges and employee treatment; a few customers have noted limited indoor seating and the need to bring napkins due to messiness in eating the cones. Despite some operational criticisms from former employees, guests mainly focus on the quality and uniqueness of the desserts, which helps maintain a strong overall rating. In conclusion, SomiSomi is widely regarded as a must-try dessert spot that combines innovative flavors and playful presentation, making it a favored locale for friends looking to enjoy a refreshing and creative ice cream experience together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Marianela Borbon
We placed a large order of Taiyakis in the Little Tokyo location in Los Angeles. They boxed and bagged our orders. We drove home, about 4 hours away and our orders were incorrect & incomplete. I called the phone number on the receipt to ask if there was anything they could do. I had a representative named Shawn answered the call. I explained what happened and he said he could send a gift card. He asked for my address, which I gave him. Then he continued to say that by accepting this gift card I would be enrolled into a monthly membership of $49. I immediately declined and thanked him for his time. He was upset that I declined and continued reading his script. I interrupted him and let him know I was not interested and I did not want to waste his time and for him to not waste mine. He then continued to yell at me and say I was not letting him finish his sale. Then he hung up on me. I noticed that the number on the receipt did not match the phone number on google maps so I called the number there. I had David take the call and he said there was nothing he could do. He pretended to be busy and yelled, coming. The he simply hung up on me. This is the worst customer service ever! We have enjoyed their ice cream and taiyakis throughout the years. We will never be back.
Vivian “Vivventure” Wayfarer
Yummy Japanese dessert spot! I’ve seen it get pretty busy during the day, but at night it wasn’t too crowded—perfect for a post-dinner treat. We tried two taiyakis and an upside-down soft serve with black sesame filling (ube + matcha swirl). Highly recommend going for the swirl when it’s available—it’s such a good balance of flavors. The black sesame taiyaki was delicious, but the green matcha custard could’ve used a stronger matcha flavor. Overall, a fun and satisfying dessert stop I’d come back to!
kim
just like the long beach location, it's a sugar-milk frosty with even more sugary goodness stacked on top. the ube soft serve was doing the usual disappearing act, "flavour" was barely there, but the dulce de leche seasonal soft serve flavour had a prominent nutty caramel taste! [so that's definitely recommended]. the black sesame taiyaki was filled very generously, but its signature nutty roasted flavour was also barely there—more sweet paste than sesame; basically yummy sweet-on-sweet treats that leave a sugary film on your tongue.
David Morales
You will make sweet love to this cup. Believe me. I'm going back again (the next day) to experience this treasure again. Yes, the line is long. But, the smell will keep you there and you will understand why. I tried cookies and cream with Nutella and immediately wanted to get back in line to try them all. That waffle is EVERYTHING. DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT IT.
Venu B
Nice soft serve ice cream, I got the strawberry milk, the strawberry berry flavour is subtle which was how I wanted it. Nutella filling when well with the fish waffle. Overall 7.5/10 for this ice cream spot.
How to reach Somisomi
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Website: None
Why Somisomi may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Somisomi with your friends? Somisomi offers a uniquely charming and fun atmosphere that naturally invites groups looking to share a delightful experience together. It’s not just an ordinary dessert spot; it’s a place where you can enjoy a playful, visually appealing treat that sparks joy and conversation. The signature fish-shaped Taiyaki waffle cones filled with flavorful fillings and topped with creamy soft serve ice cream create an experience that is as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at. This makes Somisomi a great social hub where friends and family can gather and bond over a shared love for inventive desserts. The inviting environment, combined with the novelty of the Korean Ah-Boong dessert, provides a perfect backdrop for relaxed conversations, celebrations, or simply spending quality time. Whether you’re catching up with childhood friends, hosting a casual family outing, or planning a quirky meetup, Somisomi’s blend of creativity and flavor makes it an ideal venue to make memories together.
What activities can you do at Somisomi that make it great for group meetups? Primarily, Somisomi centers around enjoying their distinctive desserts like the Ah-Boong — fish-shaped Taiyaki cones with a range of fillings topped with soft serve. Sharing and sampling different flavor combinations among friends can turn a simple dessert outing into a fun tasting event. The interactive ordering process at kiosks also adds a sense of involvement for everyone in the group, as each person customizes their perfect treat. Because its environment is casual and welcoming, it’s excellent for easy-going socializing; you can linger, chat, and take photos of the adorable fish-shaped waffles and the colorful soft-serve swirls. This makes it a natural spot for capturing social media-worthy moments together, perfect for groups who love sharing their experiences online. Additionally, the location’s reputation for friendly and efficient service means you won’t be waiting long, so your group can enjoy more time catching up rather than standing in lines.
Why is Somisomi perfect for a group meetup in terms of ambiance and setting? The vibe at Somisomi suits groups who want a laid-back yet lively environment. The store interiors are usually bright and modern, but without pretension, which encourages comfort and welcomes diverse crowds—from families to young adults. The seating arrangements support groups of different sizes to gather without feeling cramped. Also, the fresh and visually striking desserts act as great conversation starters and mood lifters. Because the dessert is portable and easy to manage, groups can either sit down to chat or grab their Ah-Boong treats to enjoy while strolling nearby. Moreover, Somisomi’s emphasis on visually appealing presentations—such as the fish-shaped cone and vibrant soft-serve—creates a fun, whimsical atmosphere that enhances social engagement. The playful design and unique concept can turn a routine dessert stop into an event to remember, especially when you’re with people who appreciate creativity and quality sweets.
What specific desserts and options make Somisomi stand out for groups? The highlight at Somisomi is definitely the Ah-Boong, a cute fish-shaped Taiyaki waffle cone filled with choices like Nutella, custard, red bean, or taro, topped with smooth soft serve ice cream. The contrast of the warm waffle with cold ice cream offers a delightful sensory experience that many find addictive. For groups, this means easy sharing and swapping to try different flavor combinations, making each visit unique. Apart from Ah-Boong, Somisomi also offers standalone Taiyaki waffles filled with various spreads, catering to those who may want something lighter or are not in the mood for ice cream. While the soft serve flavors are somewhat limited, the quality and freshness stand out, with options like ube flavor that aren't commonly found everywhere. This mix of novelty and quality tasting treats creates a dynamic menu perfect for group exploration. Additionally, the fish-shaped spoon adds a whimsical touch that enhances the overall sensory and aesthetic experience.
How does Somisomi accommodate group needs in terms of service and convenience? Ordering at Somisomi is simple with their user-friendly kiosks, helping streamline the process for groups. This reduces long lines and allows everyone in your party to customize their order efficiently. The staff are known for being friendly and prompt, which helps your group avoid excessive waiting times—key when you have a large group eager to dive into their desserts. Somisomi’s locations tend to be designed for casual meetups where you can either sit together comfortably or grab takeaway if your group prefers to move on to another venue afterward. While some locations might experience crowds, visiting during off-peak hours can enhance the experience. Given that Somisomi holds a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on several hundred reviews, its consistent quality and customer satisfaction make it a trusted choice for hosting gatherings.
What makes Somisomi an enjoyable place to create lasting memories with friends and family? Beyond just serving great desserts, Somisomi provides a shared cultural experience—a taste of a Korean treat that’s both innovative and nostalgic for those familiar with the cuisine. The novelty factor ensures that everyone in the group feels like they’re trying something new and exciting together. The colorful and artistic presentation encourages photo-taking, making the meetup memorable not only for what you eat but also for the fun visuals captured along the way. This is perfect for groups wanting to celebrate small occasions or simply capture moments of joy. The combination of a relaxed, cozy atmosphere and distinctive treats makes Somisomi more than just an ice cream spot—it’s a place that brings people together to savor the moment and each other’s company.
In summary, Somisomi is highly suited for group meetups because it provides a unique dessert experience, lively yet comfortable ambiance, and convenient customer service. The fish-shaped Taiyaki cones filled with various tasty fillings topped with high-quality soft serve are perfect for sharing and enjoying as a group. The colorful, whimsical presentation and interactive ordering process make your visit engaging and memorable. Whether you’re planning a casual catch-up, a family outing, or a fun social gathering, Somisomi’s charming offerings and atmosphere are sure to delight everyone involved, turning your meetup into a sweet celebration.