Did you know cheesecake is a beloved dessert around the world? While many assume it originated in New York, it dates back much further. Cheesecake originated in Ancient Greece, and was made by pounding fresh cheese smooth with flour and honey, then baking it.
The evolution of modern cream cheese began in 1872 when William Lawrence, a New York dairy farmer, stumbled upon the recipe while attempting to produce French Neufchâtel. Decades later, in the early 20th century, the iconic New York-style cheesecake was refined by restaurateur Arnold Reuben, who perfected the cream cheese base.
Here’s where you can celebrate National Cheesecake Day in LA.
The Cheesecake Factory debuts the Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake
Boasting more than 30 distinct flavors across 12 convenient Los Angeles locations, The Cheesecake Factory remains a premier destination for fans of this legendary treat. This year, they are celebrating the holiday with a brand-new, limited-edition creation: the Brownie Crunch Choc-a-Lot Cheesecake.
The Cheesecake Factory will offer half-price slices for dine-in guests on July 30. They will donate 25 cents from every slice of the new cheesecake sold through next July to Feeding America, continuing a partnership that has raised more than $7 million for hunger relief since 2008.
The Grove: 189 The Grove Dr, LA
Beverly Hills: 364 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
Marina del Rey: 4142 Vía Marina, Marina del Rey
Santa Monica: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica
South Bay 605 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach
Glendale: 511 Americana Way, Glendale
Sherman Oaks: 15301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks
Pasadena: 2 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena
Canoga Park (Topanga): 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park
Arcadia (Santa Anita): 400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia
Cerritos: 201 Los Cerritos Mall, Cerritos
Burnt Basque Cheesecake at République
Unlike classic New York cheesecake, Burnt Basque Cheesecake isn’t smooth or dense; it is light, scorched, creamy, and caramelized on the top with a rich, gooey interior. République’s cheesecake is priced at $8 per slice or $80 for a whole pie.
Republique, 624 South La Brea Ave, LA; 310.362.6115; republiquela.com
Airy Japanese Cheesecakes at Uncle Tetsu
Uncle Tetsu is renowned for its light and airy Japanese-style creations. These fresh-baked treats offer a delicate, slightly sweet profile and a soft texture that makes them incredibly easy to enjoy without the heaviness of a traditional cheesecake.
Del Amo, 3525 W Carson St, Torrance
Arcadia, 400 S Baldwin Ave Space M15, Arcadia
Hacienda Heights, 17170 Colima Rd. Hacienda Heights
Korea Town, 3465 W 6th St, LA
Costa Mesa, 3033 Bristol St, Costa Mesa
uncletetsu-us.com
Ricotta-style at Maccheroni Republic
For those who favor the traditional Italian preparation, visit Maccheroni Republic. Here, you can enjoy a warm, crustless ricotta cheesecake, beautifully paired with fresh vanilla crema and a vibrant berry coulis.
Maccheroni Republic, 332 S Broadway, Downtown LA
Woodfired Cheesecake at Ronan
At Ronan, you can savor a Basque-style cheesecake that expertly balances salty and sweet notes with a vibrant touch of fresh passionfruit. For a truly sophisticated dessert pairing, consider enjoying your slice alongside a classic Negroni.
Ronan, 7315 Melrose Ave, LA
Oui Oui at Proof Bakery
Although best known for its flaky croissants, many flock to the popular bakery for its signature fromage blanc cheesecake. This dessert boasts a light, silky filling crafted from fresh French-style quark cheese, set on a spiced cookie crust and topped with seasonal fresh fruit. It is wonderful to see the business still thriving, ever since founder and chef Na Young Ma sold it to her employees in 2021, turning it into a 100% worker-owned cooperative.
Proof Bakery, 3156 Glendale Blvd, Atwater Village
Creamy NY style at East Side Cheesecakes
East Side Cheesecakes has built a reputation for creamy, dense, New York-style cheesecakes that are so good they’re worth dreaming about. They are available via Gold Belly and during pop-up events.
Eastside Cheesecakes, 1539 Fishburn Ave, LA
Over 60 cheesecakes at Harriet’s Cheesecakes
Harriet’s Cheesecake is a legendary Inglewood destination for dessert enthusiasts. This local gem showcases a vast selection of more than 60 artisan gourmet varieties, with flavors extending from Amaretto Chocolate to White Chocolate Lemon. If you want a full pie, please place your request at least 24 hours in advance.
Harriet’s Cheesecakes, 1515 Centinela Ave. Inglewood; 310.419.2259; harrietscheesecakesunlimited.com