La Playita Guide

Sweets & Desserts

Ice cream, churros, bakeries & dessert gems — the sweetest side of Miami

13 handpicked spots · Close & worth the drive

La Playita Tip: Miami's dessert scene is seriously underrated. From Cuban-inspired ice cream to artisan churros and Wynwood bakeries — these are our personal picks. Tap Google Maps or Waze for instant directions from La Playita.

Closest to La Playita

Under 10 minutes — perfect for a quick sweet fix after a day at the house

Meli Frozen Yogurt $

Frozen Yogurt
4.6 Mon–Sun 1–9 PM (Sun until 8 PM)

Artisan frozen yogurt with unlimited toppings — perfect for a hot Miami afternoon. Variety of flavors and healthy options. One of the neighborhood's most beloved spots, steps from La Playita.

Peel Soft Serve $$

Miami Shores
4.8 Mon–Thu 10 AM–9 PM · Fri–Sat until 10 PM

Artisan soft serve in the heart of Miami Shores. Creative flavors and an Instagram-worthy presentation in a cool modern space. The neighborhood's most photogenic scoop — already a local obsession.

Santo Dulce Churros $$

Artisan Churros
4.8 Fri–Sun 2–9 PM · Closed Mon–Thu

Filled artisan churros with creative flavors — a unique Mexican-Cuban dessert experience in a charming setting. Only open weekends, so plan ahead. Worth every calorie.

Night Owl Cookies $

Giant Cookies
Hours vary — check before going

Giant freshly-baked cookies with creative flavors like Ave Maria (Maria cookies, guava and cream cheese). Perfect for sharing or a late-night craving — uniquely Miami and totally addictive.

Ice Cream & Gelato

Artisan scoops, Cuban-inspired flavors and Miami cult favorites

Sweet Melody Ice Cream $$

Small-Batch Premium

Small-batch premium ice cream made without artificial flavors. Signature flavors like Abuela's Flan, Café con Leche, Guava Cream Cheese and Pistachio. High-quality 16% butter content — you'll taste the difference immediately.

Azucar Ice Cream $$

Cuban-Inspired

Iconic Cuban-inspired ice cream in Little Havana. Must-try: Abuela María (vanilla, guava, cream cheese & María cookies) and Café con Leche with Oreos. A cultural experience disguised as dessert — featured on Food Network. Best paired with a Calle Ocho stroll.

Salt & Straw $$

Gourmet · Seasonal

Gourmet ice cream from Portland with innovative flavors like Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Salted Malted Cookie Dough, and Sea Salt Caramel Ribbons. Exceptional ingredients, rotating seasonal menu. On Lincoln Road — combine with a Miami Beach evening.

Bakeries & Pastries

Artisan pies, macarons, Italian cannoli and Cuban pastelitos

Fireman Derek's $$

Miami Legend
4.7

One of Miami's most iconic dessert institutions, created by ex-firefighter Derek Kaplan. Legendary artisan pies — must-try: Key Lime Pie, Brownie Bomb Pie and Cookie Monster Pie. Available by slice ($11–14) or whole. Wynwood location is perfect with a Walls visit.

Ladurée Miami $$$

Parisian Luxury

The world-famous French maison since 1862, known for their iconic macarons. A true luxury Parisian experience in Miami. Beautiful gift boxes, exquisite pastry and a setting that feels like a special occasion. Design District location is stunning.

Rosetta Bakery $$

Italian Classic

Authentic Italian bakery with legendary cannoli, focaccia, pizza slices, sandwiches and pastries. Classic Italian ambiance in an elegant setting. The cannoli are non-negotiable. Located inside Aventura Mall — easy to combine with shopping.

Worth the Drive

A little further — special spots that are absolutely worth the trip

Special Experiences

A little farther but unforgettable — plan ahead and enjoy the ride

The Salty Donut $$

Artisan Donuts

Miami's first artisan donut shop — small-batch, high-quality ingredients and iconic flavors. The Tres Leches Donut is a must. Famous lines but always worth the wait. Aventura Mall location is easy, convenient parking and a great excuse to browse the shops too.

Bachour $$$

World-Class Pastry

International luxury pastry by acclaimed Chef Antonio Bachour. Desserts that are true works of art — macarons, architectural cakes and fine pastry with world-class technique. A gastronomy experience. The Aventura location is the most accessible and has great parking.

Dior Café $$$$

Haute Couture Café

Café and refined French pastries inside Miami's most luxurious Dior boutique. A truly exclusive haute couture experience — coffee and dessert in a jaw-dropping design space. Perfect for a special occasion or an unforgettable afternoon. Design District.

Want More Sweet Recommendations?

We're always finding new dessert gems in Miami — follow us for the latest drops, pop-ups and hidden sweet spots.

Follow @LaPlayitaMiami