The Ultimate Guide: 8 Best Boba Tea & Desserts Near UCLA (2026 Student-Approved)
Fresh out of a lecture in Boelter Hall or a late-night study session at Powell Library? Feeling that familiar brain drain where the only cure is a sugar rush? As a fellow Bruin who’s spent four years navigating the Westwood food scene, I get it. The options are overwhelming, but don't worry. This is your ultimate rescue guide—a curated map to the best dessert and boba spots, personally vetted for and by UCLA students.
From the boba that fuels our study groups to the ice cream that celebrates the end of finals, these 8 spots are the sweet soul of Westwood.
Westwood's Sweetest Hits: A Quick Glance
No time to spare? I've got you. This chart is your cheat sheet to instant gratification.
| Venue Name | Specialty | Must-Try Item | Walk Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ShareTea | Boba Tea | Classic Pearl Milk Tea | 5 min |
| Diddy Riese | Ice Cream Sandwich | Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich | 8 min |
| Saffron & Rose | Persian Ice Cream | Saffron & Pistachio | 10 min |
| Junbi | Matcha & Tea | Matcha Latte | 6 min |
| DK's Donuts | Donuts | O-Nut (Croissant-Donut) | 15 min |
| BobaTime | Boba Tea | Acai Bowl & Milk Tea | 7 min |
| Sweet Lady Jane | Cake & Pastries | Triple Berry Cake | 12 min |
| Yogurtland | Frozen Yogurt | Build-Your-Own Froyo | 9 min |
The Boba Tea Showdown: Your Ultimate UCLA Refresher Guide
Let's get one thing straight: at UCLA, boba isn't just a drink. It's a social currency, a study fuel, a life-saving elixir when you have a paper due at 3 AM. Westwood has plenty of boba shops, but quality can be hit-or-miss. After extensive "research," these are the top contenders.
1. ShareTea: The Gold Standard for Quality & Variety
When you don't want to gamble, when you just need a genuinely high-quality tea, ShareTea is always the right call. This brand started in Taiwan back in 1992, and you can taste their commitment to authentic, premium tea leaves in every sip. This isn't a spot that just pumps out sugary syrup; it's the real deal.
The Gold Standard: First-timer? You can't go wrong with the "Classic Pearl Milk Tea." It's the perfect, comforting balance of robust tea, creamy milk, and chewy pearls.
For the Creamy Craving: If you love a richer, more decadent flavor, the "Hokkaido Pearl Milk Tea" is your destiny. Its smooth, toffee-like notes will make you forget about that upcoming midterm.
The Refreshing Pick-Me-Up: Brain feeling fuzzy from reading textbooks? The "Mango Green Tea" is a burst of fresh, fruity energy that will instantly wake you up.
For the Matcha Devotee: ShareTea’s "Matcha Pearl Milk Tea" uses real matcha, delivering that authentic, slightly earthy flavor, not just a blast of sugar. And if you're curious, there are some real benefits to drinking matcha lattes.
Insider Tip: Their customization is top-notch. You can adjust sweetness and ice levels, and the topping selection, from classic pearls to honey jelly, is fantastic.
Want to find yournearest ShareTea oasis?
2. Junbi
If you have a ceremonial-grade reverence for matcha, Junbi is your temple. Their focus is on premium, authentic matcha, and the flavor is noticeably rich and complex. It's a bit pricier, but for true matcha lovers, it's worth every penny for their signature Matcha Latte.
3. BobaTime
The menu at BobaTime is as thick as an organic chemistry textbook. They have everything from milk tea to smoothies to acai bowls. It’s a safe bet when you're with a big group of friends with wildly different cravings. The sheer number of options is its greatest strength and weakness.
Beyond Boba: Westwood's Must-Try Dessert Havens
Of course, one cannot live on boba alone. When you need to switch things up, these Westwood dessert institutions have your back.
For the Ice Cream Lovers: Cool Treats for LA Heat
4. Diddy Riese
A true UCLA rite of passage. For just a few bucks, you get a massive scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two freshly baked cookies of your choice. The line is almost always ridiculously long, but it’s a small price to pay for this iconic, budget-friendly treat.
5. Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
Ready for a flavor adventure? This beloved spot serves up traditional Persian ice cream, which has a distinctively rich and chewy texture. Try the Saffron & Pistachio or the Orange Blossom Faloodeh for an unforgettable experience that will transport you far from Westwood.
For the Bakery & Pastry Fans: Your Daily Dose of Carbs
6. DK's Donuts
This 24/7 donut shop is a lifesaver for all-nighters. Their legendary O-Nut (a croissant-donut hybrid) is a flaky, sugary masterpiece. Whether it's 4 AM or 4 PM, the bright lights of DK's are a welcoming beacon for any Bruin in need of a sugar fix.
7. Sweet Lady Jane
When you need to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or just the fact that you passed a class, Sweet Lady Jane is the answer. Their Triple Berry Cake is famous for a reason—it’s light, not too sweet, and absolutely beautiful. A slice of this cake is a slice of pure joy.
The Insider's Pro-Tips: How to Choose Your Perfect Sweet Spot
Still undecided? Let this situational guide make the choice for you:
If you're looking for a place to study...
Choose Junbi or ShareTea (during off-peak hours). Grab a drink, pop in your headphones, and find a corner to be productive.
If you're on a first date...
Choose Sweet Lady Jane or Saffron & Rose. The sophisticated treats and unique atmosphere are sure to impress. For more inspiration, check out these date ideas in Los Angeles.
If you need a quick grab-and-go option...
ShareTea is your best bet. They are efficient, consistent, and perfect for grabbing a high-quality drink between classes.
If you want that perfect Instagram shot...
Go for Saffron & Rose or Sweet Lady Jane. The vibrant colors of the ice cream and the elegance of the cakes are incredibly photogenic.
Your Westwood Dessert Questions, Answered (FAQ)
What's the most iconic dessert for UCLA students?
Historically, the ice cream sandwich from Diddy Riese holds the title. It's a multi-generational Bruin tradition. However, in 2026, boba tea has become the daily essential, and ShareTea, with its consistent quality and huge variety, is the new icon for today's students.
Are there healthy dessert options near UCLA?
Absolutely. While "dessert" and "healthy" can seem like opposites, you have options. At ShareTea, you can ask for your drink with no sugar or less sugar, like a refreshing Classic Black or Green Tea. For a deeper dive, read this article on whether "boba is healthy."
What are the best non-caffeinated drink options?
Need a late-night treat but don't want the caffeine? ShareTea's Non-Caffeinated series is a game-changer. Try the "Tiger Boba" (brown sugar and fresh milk) or the light and refreshing "Wintermelon Lemonade." All the flavor, none of the jitters.
Where can I find the best boba near me right now?
The easiest way is to use a store locator! For a consistently great experience, you can always find your nearest ShareTea here. They are ready to share a cup of happiness with you.
