Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop

I had the pleasure of visiting the brand new Ghirardelli Chocolate store in Santa Monica on its opening day, and it did not disappoint! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the signature Ghirardelli charm that makes it a special treat. I indulged in a Fudge Sundae, and let me just say, it was absolutely amazing. The rich, velvety fudge paired perfectly with creamy ice cream, creating a dessert experience that was both decadent and comforting. The staff was friendly and eager to share their excitement for the opening, which made the visit even more enjoyable. As someone who loves seeing new businesses thrive in Los Angeles, I'm so glad to be a part of this special moment for Ghirardelli in Santa Monica. It’s the perfect spot for a sweet treat, whether you’re a local or just visiting. I can’t wait to return! Highly recommend it for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love for quality chocolate!

I visited this lovely location on their opening day celebration, and have to give the biggest compliments to everyone involved in making and running this new location!! I’m so excited LA will have another Ghirardelli location - maybe soon we’ll beat San Francisco lol. I got to enjoy a delicious sundae, and there was wonderful, efficient service - I was in the line of 100 people to get a free sundae, but after placing my order inside, I was pleasantly surprised that I waited less than 30 seconds for my sundae! The DJ they picked for this celebration was also awesome. And they have a great assortment of Ghirardelli products, and nice seating, inside and outside. Everyone there seemed so friendly and kind, and I wish the staff all the best, and want to give a huge thank you to them all! I can’t wait to come back!

I visited the Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop about a week after the grand opening. The day that I was there was overcast, and a little cold for my liking for ice cream. Fortunately, the shop has a few tables for indoor dining. There’s a great selection, including several options for patrons who want to collect a few souvenirs. I recommend the trolley ornaments. They are well-priced and include some of the prized chocolate. This makes a great holiday gift and keepsake for years to come. Rest assured that the shop has a restroom for customers and the store is very clean.

Love it here, just a reminder to the male cashier to be more empathetic with the costumers even to give a smile 😃 he wasn’t nice at all…

Love to get frozen hot coco at Disneyland and now we can get it here, lots of seating too

Pretty bad customer service and rude behaviour of black lady behind counter

Great Chocolate Shake!

LOL been waiting for them to open as I used to go to Pasadena/SF/SD locations but wow… what was a $5.95 scoop of ice cream before COVID in SF/SD is now $11.95 here, $14.20 if you add their famous fudge. They will not be here long. In comparison you can get a full plate for lunch or dinner for $15.95 at Tender Greens up the street.

It's a Ghirardelli in the perfect touristy location across from the Pier. Order first, and they'll give you a buzzer so you know when to come pick up your sundae or other treat. They have a fair amount of indoor seating and limited outdoor seating in front of the store. They also have a good selection of chocolates available for purchase, including individually, which is nice if you want to try a more adventurous flavor before committing to it. My daughter loves the sundaes here (in order of preference - strawberry, caramel, World's Greatest) but always insists on getting a cherry on top. If the sundae doesn't already come with a cherry, you can add one for $1.50 (cue look of horror). Also, you can apparently make any sundae a mini.

Toxic Manager @ Ghirardelli Ocean Ave Santa Monica, California After enjoying a delicious dinner at Blue plate Oysterette, on a rainy Thursday evening around 6:45-7pm, we walked to Ghirardelli for dessert. Craving that dipped strawberry and some hot chocolate to enjoy since it was raining. We first thought they were closing, as no one greeted us as we entered, (we were the only guests, we saw 4 employees,) 1 gentlemen by the door who was taking the garbage out. So we asked if they were closed and he said they were still open. On the left side of the wall, I saw all these goodies, perfect for valentines, as I contemplate on which to purchase the $29.99 XLarge chocolate or the 3 for $60 chocolate bags and which flavors to buy as valentines gifts for coworkers. My husband excused himself and informed me that he will be back since he needed to use the restroom. As I happily contemplate on which to purchase on top of our hot chocolate and dipped strawberries... I hear a woman saying something to my husband in a tone that didn't seem appropriate and/or sounded rude. I turned around to see and my hubby said that he couldn't use the restroom since we had to buy something first. So I approached the counter, and told her (Chevy), I was contemplating to which chocolates to buy for valentines, but now I seemed to have to be rushed to purchase ...since my hubby needed to use the restroom. As she, (Chevy) rudely reiterate..."store policy said you have to purchase in order to use the restroom." Left a sour taste in my mouth. It's not necessarily the policy...it's more about the delivery. Sad, bc we enjoy Ghirardelli chocolates, we have always had a positive encounter in the San Francisco Ghirardelli. The lady, Chevy, unfortunately said she was the manager there, left a distasteful presentation of Ghirardelli. Disappointing to imagine what type of toxic leadership her workers are under and what type of example she is setting for them. Instead of leaving with bags of chocolates for valentines gifts, 3 hot chocolates cups, and some dipped strawberries...we left with only a 1 small cup of hot chocolate and a negative review with that store. Ghirardelli corporate pls hear my review, Chevy a manager at your Ghirardelli store in Ocean Ave at Santa Monica, does not represent the high professional quality of customer service as manager should and does not represent the "Ghirardelli family" that we are use to seeing in your other stores. Chevy needs to step down or needs additional training, she seems very unprofessional, rude, and most of all TOXIC, not just in the profits, but to your employees. She is not setting a good example, imagine... 10 workers running around with that type of attitude..."no, thank you" ...I will take my money and spend it somewhere else.

I would like to welcome Ghirardelli to the the neighborhood! They just opened a week ago in an absolutely perfect place across the street from the famous Santa Monica Pier and beach on Ocean Avenue! It is such a beautiful comfortable store with lots of tables and chairs inside and space outside. They did a nice job building it out. Perfect place to dream of while you are dining at the many great restaurants along Ocean Avenue in the tourist mecca of Santa Monica. As my mom would tell me when I was younger (a lot younger): "When you finish your chard, kale, spinach, broccoli and salmon we will get you some Ghirardelli!" I talked to one of the employees here who told it's been "crazy" since they opened--they can't catch their breath! And what a happy crowd here tonight on Thanksgiving eve--you will not find a happier people anywhere than patrons dining on Ghirardelli. Come on! Now I have a confession: I did not buy any Ghirardelli tonight because I do not consume known sources of refined sugar--it sneaks in various foods a little, but I don't buy it for myself. But if I was with you and you insisted on getting me some--I would do it. Plus I have to watch my modeling figure...LOLOLOL Hey...you won't see Gisele or Kendall hanging out here. But that does not mean you should avoid it! And I posted pictures of the menu to wet your appetite and excite your wallet--which better be fat with these prices--but this is the ultra high rent district don't you know! They also sell all kinds of chocolate bars here and have some deals like buy 2, get one free on the chocolate packages. So next time you are in downtown Santa Monica and going through sugar withdrawal--stop by here for your fix!

Our family enjoyed a visit to the Santa Monica Ghirardelli store. Inside and outdoors families were seated and enjoying their desserts. The space is efficient, servers were genuinely warm, and store is overall tidy. I appreciate having a bottle filling station with the water fountains and recycling & compost receptacles. Our order was well-received and we were able to seat 6 people at a high table.

The store has a nice look and it indices you to want to go in. However, the products are very ordinary with a premium price! The taste does not reflect the brand name of Ghirardelli.

Just stopped by and now understand why the low Yelp reviews. Bad experience with an unhelpful staff member at the register. Didn't seem like she cared to be there. I actually left without purchasing anything at all since I was so put off by her attitude, not representative of Ghirardelli level of service I've had elsewhere. FYI they don't give free chocolate samples like the Ghirardelli Square SF location and the chocolate chip cookies are flat and sad, unlike the thick and chunky cookies I've had in SF. Not worth $6.95 a cookie. Not ever coming back to this tourist trap. There are better local dessert options with better service and quality.