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Amato Gelato Cafe
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
2104 Kensington Rd NWCalgary, AB T2N 3R7
(403) 270-9733
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 10:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Amato Gelato Cafe
Review Highlights
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"So many flavours, awesome staff, great hours." In 4 reviews -
"They'll also let you sample one if you're having trouble..." In 3 reviews -
"Great selection of gelato." In 3 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer L.
Calgary, AB
5/22/2012
Buongiorno! Amato Gelato Café is located on Kensington Road in the NW. They share a parking lot with other small shops so parking can be limited and it can get full on hot summer days.
Amato Gelato specializes in authentic Italian Gelato & Sorbetto. When you walk into the café, you are greeted with a large display case that features 72 different flavors. The flavors are rotated daily to provide as much variety as possible.
I stumbled upon this place with my oldest brother. He was visiting and we were out running errands when we started to get hungry. We were on Kensington Road and saw this place so we decided to see what they offered. When I walked in, I was in awe. I couldn't believe how large the display of gelatos and sorbets were. It was just...awesome!!!! We took our time to look at all the flavors offered. They offer SO MUCH....fruity, coffee, chocolates, green tea, lavender, black sesame and classics like vanilla, cookies and crème and mint chocolate chip just to name a few.
How it works is, you order and pay at the cash register and get a receipt. You then give it to the people who will take your receipt and then your order. When they know you've paid ...you can sample as many gelatos and sorbets until you find the right ones that satisfy your taste buds. We got the two scoops in a cup. I tried different flavors but always go one scoop peanut butter chocolate and the other is usually something new....pistachio, caramel...white chocolate raspberry, depends on my mood! They use to offer a plastic cups as the cup but now they've moved on to paper cups but that doesn't interfere with how delicious the gelato is!!!!
Amato Gelato also offers grilled paninis, coffee, pastries and customs cakes. They've got a freezer display of Italian goodies as well.
When I hit up Amato Gelato...it feels like I'm back in Italy with only the best gelato in the world. :) Give them a try..they've got great hours! -
Review from Terrence L.
Calgary, AB
5/6/2012
Ever since I moved to Calgary, I've enjoyed the incredible flavours and selection at Amato Gelato. Rich, tasty and totally addictive, whenever I thought dessert treats in Calgary, Amato is almost always the first place that came to mind. This IS one place worth driving across town to enjoy.
Funny thing is how the selection is so especially Asian friendly (not something I've ever picked up a taste for) such as Lychee and such, but it's the various daring flavours such as tiramisu and hedgehog that brings me back. I especially enjoy the fact that it's friendly for those who are dairy-intolerant as well (like my gal).
In their overly sensitive alarmed fridges, are a great selection of gelato cakes and quickie pre-made cones and so on. And apparently in their Vancouver location, they have a Viagra flavoured one (there was a story on Global news on it). -
Review from Emma G.
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I walked in on a chilly Sunday to get some gelato. It was pretty quiet in here - nowhere near as busy as it is in the summer!
There's so many flavours, it's fun to peruse them. You do have to pay before you order, which helps keep the line (if there is one) moving quickly.
The counter girls on this particular day must have been pretty bored because they couldn't bother a smile or anything. There were three working and none of them were friendly. Boo-urns!
I had chocolate peanut butter and it was delicious, but my friend ordered sorbet and it came with a hair in it. Ew. She told the counter staff and the girl stared at her blankly until Kaeleigh asked if she could have a new flavour, when the girl grumpily scooped it and handed it to her...I mean, stuff happens. Hairs wind up in stuff, whatever. But anyone in a customer service job should know that you apologize after that, and to be honest, the girls should have offered a replacement without Kaeleigh having to ask for it. Lastly a customer should never be made to feel uncomfortable because of a mistake on the store's part. So boo-urns again.
The gelato is really yummy but ehhh. Not impressed. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
Calgary, AB
3/4/2012
The gelato here is OK, I wouldn't say it's worse or better than any other gelato shop I've been to. However, the prices seem a bit steep for the tiny cup of gelato that you get.
My big problem here was the terrible service. I was really shocked when I couldn't get a smile out of any of the ladies working here. I asked for a sample and it soured one girl so much I didn't want to ask for another, I just took my chance on the Lychee flavour. I said thanks as she pushed it accross the counter without a word to me. However, there was A HAIR on my sorbet so I asked if I could get something else instead. I guess I could have just asked for my money back but we had already tried another frozen yogurt shop and it was closed sooooo I didn't want to go back out on the hunt again. There was *no apology* no nothing she just looked at me blankly until I told her I'd have the lemon instead.
My lemon sorbet was tasty. But again, not enough to warrant shady foodsafe practices and TERRIBLE service. You're working with ice cream how bad can your life be!? -
Review from Danell J.
Calgary, AB
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
ummm HELLO!!! I am in love with Amato Gelato...they have so many flavours and the service is pretty good. Get there fast though bc the line ups are something to be desired...right out the door into the parking lot...crazy, but worth it :)
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Review from Kyle H.
Calgary, AB
4/23/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Awesome Gelato! Soo many flavours. love it!
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Review from Kelsey D.
Red Deer, AB
2/10/2012
Dear Amato Gelato,
Thank you for existing! We discovered your shop from a Yelp review and we were very impressed. The gelato was smooth, creamy and delicious. After a few samples,I went with a traditional pistachio and the Skork, which was a hazelnut cream. Yum, yum in my tum.
The weird thing was, we were the only ones in there. But, it meant better service for us. We went to Banff for the weekend, and came back for round two on Sunday. This time I had the coconut and the Amaretto, sublime. I can't wait to make another excuse to hit you guys up. Oh, and both of the staff members were lovely and professional. -
Review from Dana W.
Calgary, AB
11/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We took our son here for 'ice cream' because he can't have dairy. He was so excited to see so many different Sorbetto's (all-dairy free, fruit based) that he could choose from. The staff were quick to offer samples which we did make use of when my son chose the pomegranate sorbetto as I thought it might be a bit sour for him even though it looked really pretty (actually is was great). We ended up each ordering a cup with two scoops and loved all the flavors we tried. The two scoops was way too much for a small kid but he was just so excited!
The coffee was less impressive, they had a do it yourself Keurig machine with different cartridge options. I love our machine at home, but was a little disappointed to see it at this at a place that uses "Cafe" in their name. -
Review from Kari S.
Calgary, AB
8/10/2011
There is nothing better than going for gelato on a nice summer evening! And we are very fortunate to now live within a couple of blocks of the amazing Amato Getato Cafe!
So many flavours to choose from, we are working our way slowly down the menu. Last night we tasted raspberry white chocolate. I was soo good!
They will let you sample as many flavours as you like! The staff are young and hip and fun and it's always been busy when we go there...as you would imagine on a hot summer night.
One tip! You have to go and pay first, then stand in line to get your tastings and final selection.
This place is definitely making our summer better! -
Review from Adam R.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Perfect gelato, no question. And such variety! From chocolate to fruit to... Cake flavours!
Amato definitely has it all. My only complaint is that you need to pay before you sample, but I totally understand why they do it.
Nice to grab a gelato and sit outside on their patio, too. Definitely the place to be if you love sweet and cold in Calgary. -
Review from Sophy K.
Calgary, AB
This is my favourite place to stop when I'm out for a walk on the weekend (or a weeknight). There are so many flavours I almost never have the same flavour twice, unless it's Blackberry or Wild Cherry, because those two are so delicious and they go well with the other scoop. And there always has to be a second scoop!
I think it would be possible to come here an awful lot and still not have the same two flavours (although I secretly want to try). They rotate some of them and I've seen Saffron, Dijon Mustard and Cheddar Cheese. I'm not that brave though. They'll also let you sample one if you're having trouble deciding.
The staff are really friendly and even when there's a crowd they serve everyone quickly. -
Review from Sam F.
Calgary, AB
3/30/2011
I have to follow-up on Dan D.'s review of this place. It is stellar!! So many flavours, awesome staff, great hours...even the selection of goodies in the freezer is unique and delicious!
With the closing of Fiasco Gelato in Kensington you will be hard-pressed to find a better place than Amato Gelato.
...and it's a great date spot! -
Review from Kare N.
Calgary, AB
5/16/2011 1 photo
I've never really had gelato before, glad I came here to try out a good batch!!
The service was quick, and friendly. They let you sample flavours before you buy :) I got the ginger flavour along with maple walnut. My bf got panna cotta (which is totally awesome and reminds me of chai tea and candy corn and cake!) and creme brulee.
They also have some tubs of gelato you can buy.. that are actually cheaper than getting two double scoops (like we did). They also have gelato-sicles, cakes, tortes... and those standard pre-made desserts you see in some restaurants.
There were also a lot of tables to sit at, and the cups and spoons you use are so adorable! Definitely will come back here. I want to try concord grape and green tea next time :) -
Review from Dan D.
3/29/2011
Amato is my neighbourhood Gelateria.
The selection of flavours is vast and frequently changing.
I always love a visit to Amato. The staff is so friendly and seem to all genuinely enjoy the product their serving.
I love that they are open late. Every flavour (yes, even Durian ... although not for everyone!) is delicious. The work of a true artiste. -
Review from Aymie R.
Calgary, AB
7/23/2011
Don't expect to be served in any sort of order - if it's busy or a hot day, the store is an absolute gong show. Service is spotty depending on which high-schooler is serving you and their mood for the day.
I go back ONLY for the great selection of gelatos - I've never been disappointed with their products. -
Review from Kate B.
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped in here on the way home from grabbing groceries. I love having a place to stop in that is in the neighbourhood! we picked up a half pint to take home, for $6.75. We were going to get 2 double scoops but the price was just to high. However, high prices aside - this was excellent! We chose the tiramasu gelato - not something I would normally choose, but it was fantastic!
They also have cakes that looked amazing as well as some interesting individual deserts that I would like to try for a dinner party (at less than $3 a piece I think this would be bang on, I have my eye on the coconut surprise). I say stop in and check it out, the staff were nice and the gelato (mario's gelato, brought in from vancouver) is bang on! -
Review from Robert M.
3/31/2011
I really love Kensington...and I love the custom restaurants they have and how easy it is to link them together.
For example, it's great going for dinner in Kensington and then heading to Amato Gelato for some dessert. When the weather is nice, it's great getting a cup of gelato and eating it outside on their picnic tables/seats.
They have more flavours than I can count (50ish?) and there are some delicious ones for sure.
So if you're looking for a good dessert spot after a dinner in Kensington, this is a great spot! -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
8/7/2011
There's no doubt that anything I've ever tried has been magically delicious, but the prices are too high to justify frequent visits. It's definitely handy if you want to have an Italian themed lunch or dinner, as you can hit up La Viena just down the street and then venture over to Amato Gelato for desert.
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Review from Cynthia M.
4/8/2012
My first negative review of anything... After seeing it listed as one of "Calgary's bests" of anything (not just gelato), I could not have been more disappointed. I'll start with the flavors - I know it's all the rage to have unique flavors but come on - Dijon mustard? Black sesame? Durian (that had to be enclosed with an airtight cover because of its horrible smell)? How about having some fresh takes on popular flavors that use coconut, chocolate, pralines, etc? It took us quite a while to filter through the odd unappetizing flavors to select anything that sounded good to us. Then there's the coffee - really threw them to ask for a vanilla latte, even though they have vanilla syrup; and you'll really blow their mind if you ask for an extra shot of espresso in it. Did I mention the prices? How about over $20 for 2 small single scoops of gelato and a very small latte? Wow. And a gelato shop will naturally have free wi-fi right? Think again. This place needs to take notes from coffee shops like Higher Ground or gelato shops like the Gelato Spot in Scottsdale (http://www.gelatospot.com) that have great products and create a nice ambiance that you want to hang out in. Spend your time and money somewhere that deserves it more that his place.
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Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
10/31/2009 1 photo
I'm not a big conventional ice cream fan. I love ice cream, but usually prefer when it's blended with something. For example, I live and breath for Blizzards. But, I am not opposed to having some good ice cream when the opportunity presents itself.
Amata Gelato is a great place to get some great tasting ice cream. It is a dying breed of sorts, as more and more ice cream shops go out of business. Amata Gelato is likely no exception, as I know they have been shopping it around to potential buyers.
They have a great selection of different ice creams, more than you'll find at most ice cream places. The location is quite large, so they can fit a good amount of people inside and also on their small patio. They also sell their ice cream and have freezers there. Apparently, the temperature of the ice cream is important, so their freezers are alarmed to prevent people from leaving the door open while they decide.
Besides ice cream, they also have panini's, coffee & espresso, and some other food options. They also keep a decent supply of Italian drinks and normal western soft drinks. I really enjoy their Americano's and would recommend it if you like that sort of thing.
So while they are still in business, if you want ice cream, make a visit. Be warned however, that when it get's busy, parking becomes a nightmare! -
Review from Mia T.
6/21/2011
I wish there were a whole chain of Amato's (in calgary). They have a huge selection of gelato, including cheese, and garlic for the more daring foodies. They are also open late!
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Review from Koz T.
Calgary, AB
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a treat! So many flavours that you can try something new each time for years. The line moves quickly and the quality is excellent, even if the staff can be a bit abrupt at times.
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Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
10/24/2008
We stopped in on a summer evening after hearing about it from people we know and were surprised by the selection of flavours this place has. They had 72 flavours that night on display, but the guy told us they actually have hundreds more.
People were lined up to try this stuff, but they have a good system in place where you pay and then decide what flavour you want after looking them all over. This keeps things moving quite quickly and we were back outside in the heat to enjoy our frosty treat in no time.
We'll be back to enjoy some other flavours. -
Review from Trish L.
Calgary, AB
9/21/2008
This is a Vancouver-based company. They market the brand called Mario's. There's a decent number of flavours at this location. They also sell really creative looking frozen treats to take home (such as hedgehogs made of hazelnut gelato and tartufo balls). You can also buy containers of gelato to take home.
I've tried a number of flavours that I really enjoy - vanilla bean, bacio, lychee, hazelnut, mango, hedgehog... to name a few. -
Review from josh j.
Calgary, AB
1/25/2012
No No Amato - I'm in a conundrum regarding the paradox that is Amato Gelato. It's in a great location that offers easy accessibility. It's family and pet friendly (has a patio for those rare hot days, so you can sit with your hounds eating your Italian treat). The girls incurring carpal tunnel whilst scooping your icy goodness are friendly. The variety and quality of the product is good. What isn't good, though, is when the self proclaimed and boldly announced owner of the place, tells you how cool he is, when he's ringing in your order, and how much money he's making in sales, but then subsequently shafts you by charging a service charge to use your debit card for payment. Gimme a break! Debit machines are ubiquitous at so many eateries. Are we in Technophobiaville or something?! The hubris and optics are all around bad and distasteful. Perhaps, he thinks he's on the Shore, looking to GTL, or more aptly JIP/JYP/GYP/GIP his customers. Good product, horrible delivery.
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Review from C T.
Calgary, AB
9/11/2009
Love the gelato here - always get the Hedgehog - hazelnut chocolate. To die for!!
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Review from Melissa L.
Calgary, AB
6/22/2010
A lot of people don't seem to realize that Amato Gelato actually carries Mario's Gelato products, which are made at their facility in Vancouver. While it may be locally-owned, Amato Gelato can't really be considered a local gelateria. That being said, Mario's Gelato isn't bad... it's just not as delicious as fresh, homemade gelato! Amato Gelato does carry lots of flavours and seems to rotate flavours every now and then, so there is something for everyone on offer here. The atmosphere actually does capture an Italian gelateria pretty well- bright lights and cheap tables and chairs designed to encourage you to eat quickly and make room for the next customers! For me, the drive to Amato is only a few minutes shorter than the drive to MacKays in Cochrane... which means I won't be visiting very often!
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Review from Dan T.
Calgary, AB
This was my first trip to Amato Gelato and it didn't disappoint. The staff was friendly, the service was quick and they had a pretty decent selection of gelati. After some deliberation, I decided on a scoop each of green apple and watermelon and they were both delicious - a perfect way to end a hot summer's evening!
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Review from Wilbert C.
Calgary, AB
9/2/2008 2 Check-ins Here
Looooooove this place! Great place to come as a group. Great selection of gelato.
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Review from Cullen J.
4/16/2009
really really good
