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- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
97 reviews for Bella Gelateria
Review Highlights
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"I sampled two flavours and both were excellent." In 26 reviews -
"My husband had Straciatella and Tahitian Vanilla." In 6 reviews -
"The dark chocolate is rich and flavourful." In 9 reviews
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97 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie H.
Vancouver, BC
UPDATE: Their Chocolate noir - 85% cocoa (with a cone) is a MUST-HAVE here. They don't have this flavour everyday though so keep your eyes out for it.
I love the gelato and sorbetto here! I would come here if I want "simple" gelato flavours (e.g. green tea, lime, espresso, etc.) with excellent quality, i.e. this isn't the place for flavours such as After Eights, cookies n' creams, chocolate mint, etc. It is a small cozy store situated in Downtown Vancouver.
I would suggest getting it in a cone (for ~one more dollar more than in a cup). The cone tastes good and on top of that you get a bigger scoop.
I'm a big citrus and lemon/ lime gelato fan so I always make sure I get one of these flavors whenever I come here. Today, I had the Yuzu Citrus. The citrus flavour emerges as the gelato slowly melts in the mouth leaving a great citrus aftertaste that lingers around your mouth for a while. I really liked it! I've also tried their matcha and espresso gelato before. The flavors are rich and taste just like the ingredients.
Since Bella gelateria is near the Olympic torch, we sometimes bring the gelato to the area around the torch to enjoy our treats. Not only do you get to enjoy the gelato you also get a wonderful night view of Vancouver. -
Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
Dude won an award from Carpigiani - making him a gelato magic maker! He totally deserved it too, his gelato is friggin' GOOD! This place is the best in Vancouver. Yes, it's pricey IF you compare it to other places in town. But that's like comparing a Hyundai Pony to a Porche - really no comparison.
The Orange and Vanilla Bean is yummy and the chocolate selections are amazing too. Everything is so good, you could easily go there everyday in the summertime. They also have the most unique flavours, you won't find them anywhere else in the city.Listed in: I HEART Food!
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Review from Cyrus G.
I can say with confidence that it's the best gelato in the city. James (the owner) insists on only using fresh flavours -- you'll be able to tell the difference.
My personal fav is the akbar mashti with a wafer. Who knew rose water, saffron, pistachios and frozen cream would turn into one of the best flavours on the planet? -
Review from Scott H.
Took the pal. It's the best gelato in the city, hands down. He agrees. I always get the salted caramel, so good. He got the salted hazelnut, but he's gay (I'm still not sure what that means). Nevertheless the best in Vancouver for sure.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2012
Holy Fricking Moly, try the Salted Caramel Gelatto here. I'm sure everything else is grand but I… Read more »
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3/4/2012
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Review from Jim P.
Delicious gellato - not as overwhelming rich and sweet as some of the places in NYC. The owner also works there and is a great guy to chat with while ordering.
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Review from Eliza T.
Excellent gelatos! Best combo of flavors were black sesame and lavender. They have many interesting flavors using high quality ingredients.
Downside is extremely expensive! Like fancy gourmet restaurant dessert prices! I had two flavors in a cup for $6.70 without tips! -
Review from Ellen L.
Yes it was very good, but it is also 7 bucks for a moderate sized cup. Worth the price tag? Debatable.
I like my ice cream harrrrrrd. Like right out of the freezer harrrrrd. Like I want my tongue to stick to it initially harrrrrrd. So yeah, I'm already biased against gelatos.
But it is still good flavour-wise though because they taste real. I highly recommend the Black Sesame. I also sampled the crowd favourite Salted Caramel - was pretty meh about it. -
Review from Betty L.
Yes it's pricey but well worth the money. I finally had the chance to eat the elusive pistacchio icecream and it's damn good. To me it really tasted like fresh pistacchio got married to frozen cream. It was sooo creamy and not too sweet. I also enjoyed the hazelnut and black sesame flavours.
I felt like I got transported back to Italy on a sunny afternoon. -
Review from Cristina P.
Vancouver, BC
2 times, 3 days.
6 samples - xoxolat bacon, thai coconut milk, earl grey, chocolate banana, salted caramel, chocolate lavendar.
Save the chocolate lavender (meh)....all were delicious! And the chocolate bacon - what a delightful surprise!!!
James, you never disappoint.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/15/2010
Thanks to a friend and fellow yelpster I have been to Bella Gelateria twice this week.
And that… Read more »
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9/15/2010
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Review from Debbie P.
The salted caramel is to die for!!!!
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Review from Alice A.
I love how everything is carefully sourced and made with love. Service is great. But for me, the gelato itself is just OK. I've been to a couple of places in Italy, albeit in the summer so gelato may just taste that much better; but the kind of gelato I remember eating seemed richer but not sweeter. For me the salty caramel here is too sweet. I had the chocolate and brownie one which somehow became runny, like it's watery after a bit. For five and a half bucks, I didn't once thought it was so damn good.
PS: Plastic cups are a no go.Comment from James C. of Bella Gelateria 3/24/2012
Thank you for your review and love of artisan gelato. Our… More » -
Review from Ernesto G.
Two words: Bacon Chocolate!!!!!!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/31/2010
Just as good as the first time.
So glad Bella is just blocks from my office. Now that Summer is… Read more »
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8/31/2010
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Review from Melisa W.
Surrey, BC
They have some of the best gelato and also some creative gelato flavours. If you're looking for something expected like mango gelato, you are in the wrong place. The owner, James, is very passionate about what he does. He is on twitter, tweeting everyday about new flavours. They even have a chocolate bacon one. Amazing!
This is a must-go Gelato place with beautiful flavours and artisan made. All the staff is friendly and helpful! -
Review from Irena L.
Once again they prove the best. Their honey nougat darko hot chocolate won me over!
Service is as precious, as always...
I wish the space was bigger...Listed in: Creme de la creme, Chocolate?! You had me at…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/21/2011
It is a tough call between bella gelateria and gelarmony on robson. So for now, let's call it a tie!… Read more »
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3/21/2011
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Review from Joyce VanFoodies L.
Vancouver, BC
Visited Bella Gelateria for the Hot Chocolate Festival 2012. There were about 5 types of hot chocolates to choose from, so we picked the Italian honey nougat with milk chocolate and the salty caramel with dark chocolate, both came with a slice of Erin Ireland's famous It's To Die For Banana Bread.
The Italian honey nougat was smooth and rich. Yes it was sweet, almost like a milder liquid version of a Ferrero Rocher chocolate, but with little nougat pieces to add some crunchy texture.
The salty caramel dark hot chocolate was a little too "cocoa-y" for me as I've never been a fan of dark chocolate, and you could really taste the saltiness, but not so much the caramel.
Pictures and more details here: http://vanfoodies.com/... -
Review from Florence C.
Vancouver, BC
This is good quality ice cream, even better than many in Italy. Not industrial kind that is packed with ice and sugar. You can taste the dairy and volume, doesn't freeze the tongue. Everything is made in small batches. My favourites are pistacchio, matcha, chocolate and sea salt, earl grey tea.
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Review from Yu P.
Toronto, ON
Just go. Caution: the selection may overwhelm you. Very friendly, busy, and patient with customers. You can try as many flavors as you want to get to the one you want.
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Review from Quan H.
Tried this place for the first time during the Vancouver Olympics anniversary (2011), and have been going to this place every time I was in the area and in the mood for gelato.
What I like about this place is that they offer unique flavors that cannot be found elsewhere (yet, for me, anyway). I'd recommend the Fior di Latte if you like a lightly sweet milky flavor; the saffron rosewater if you like floral tastes with they crunchy texture from the nuts, and the Earl Grey, if you're a tea sipper like me.
Like many have said before, this place isn't cheap. I wouldn't come here to have the common flavors that other gelato places offer, but that flower milk flavor keeps me coming back every so often. -
Review from Arnold P.
Best Gelato in Vancouver. They are always freshly made and the ingredients are top notch. This is a must for any locals or tourist alike.
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Review from Joshua N.
Very good gelato. The "chocolate and scotch" flavour tastes exactly how it sounds (and I highly recommend it). I don't drink coffee but my date said her decaf latte was exceptionally good. One small complaint is that I wish they had reusable cups and spoons instead of disposable hard-plastic ones.
I guess it's a little pricey - a double gelato and a latte came to $10. But the quality is superior and the flavours are imaginative. And the stacks of cannoli rotating endlessly in the refrigerated display case were mesmerizing... must go back... -
Review from Wendy Y.
Prior to Bella Gelateria I was not a fan of ice cream or gelato as the ones I had were either too sweet or too heavy on the cream or both. The reason why I decided to pay this place a visit is because I was reading an article from Spring 2011's Montecristo that raved on and on about this place. The only way to find out if the hype was real or not was - to taste it myself.
Little did I know, this would be THE visit that forever changed the way I see gelato.
I walked into the shop and my attention was immediately captured by lavender flavored gelato. I've been wanting to try it as it was featured in It's Complicated by Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. Meryl Streep plays Jane, a divorced bakery owner who makes lavender ice cream in the middle of the night whenever she can't sleep.
I took a sample of it and I was in heaven. Without hesitation I paid $6.00 for a regular scoop with (of course) waffle cone. The waffle cone was aromatic, crispy, and not-doughy. $6.00 for an ice cream cone is expensive but it was and still is worth every penny.
What's so special about Bella's ice cream? You can taste the difference when your food is made from real and quality ingredients. In addition, you are tasting the art of chemistry - the right balance of sugar, fat, temperature, humidity, and aroma.
After trying chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate & bacon gelatos and rose water, pineapple, lemon, and coconut sorbetto, my favorite is still the lavender (second would be hazelnut).
Move over Häagen-Dazs.Listed in: Baked Goods/Sweets
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Review from Reena M.
This gelato is A-Maze-Ing! So delicious! And the ingredients are pure quality! My favorites are the salted chocolate, salted caramel, and torroncino (honey nougat). The chocolate varieties are very rich, like pure chocolate. Everything here is oh so good!
On a side note:
Someone asked me back in January when I posted my review of Pitango Gelato in Baltimore http://www.yelp.com/bi... At that point I hadn't tried it yet. Now that I have, I would say I like Pitango better, because it had a creamier mouthfeel. I think the quality is similarly quite good. Alas, I have Bella in Vancouver and it is still amazing.Listed in: My Absolute Vancouver Food…
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Review from Namit M.
Best gelato I have had outside of Italy. The pistachio is very good. They are happy to let you sample many flavours. Love this place.
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Review from Kate S.
Vancouver, BC
Why have I never been here before?!!
So many delicious flavours to choose from and a knowledgeable and friendly staff to help you find the right one.
I highly recommend the Pumpkin Pie and Earl Grey flavours! -
Review from Abi B.
This is hands down the best place in Vancouver for authentic gelato. Every flavor I've tried has been perfect blend of sweet and creamy.
Today, out of curiosity, I tried the Mediterranean Yogurt flavor. It was smooth and creamy with a slight, pleasant sour taste, exactly like Greek yogurt. I actually went in hoping to have some nocciola (hazelnut) gelato. Unfortunately, they didn't have that flavor today. The girl behind the counter helpfully suggested the torrone (honey, nougat, hazelnut) flavor. I'm so glad I tried it. After a taste, I dove right in a bought a scoop.
I can't wait to go back to try more flavors.Listed in: Feel Good Food (aka Emotional…
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Review from Amy T.
Every glowing review I've heard about Bella Gelateria is 100% true.
You know that scene in the movie "Ratatouille" where the the food critic takes a bite of his food and then is catapulted back through his memories of eating the best ratatouille during his childhood years? That is exactly how I felt with this place! Well, except I wasn't eating ratatouille and I didn't get launched into memories of my childhood... anyways, you get the picture. I felt like I was back in Europe again eating my gelato and sitting outdoor at a cafe. It's sunny, Friday and I'm having amazing gelato, what more can you ask for?
The flavors they had were so different, but beautifully combined. I tried the Lavender ice cream and it was not too sweet, but fragrant and freshing. The Tahitian Vanilla was possibly the best vanilla ice cream I've ever tasted. And the Rock Salt Chocolate was the perfect combination of salty and sweet. -
Review from Todd B.
Vancouver, BC
It's true, this place has the best gelato in Canada and possibly even Italy.
Save your pennies, slow down and savour the flavour and texture of these rare treats, all naturally made on premises.
The first time I visited, I was wearing a t-shirt from one of the best gelateria's in the world, la Sorbetteria Castiglione in Bologna. The owner recognized it right away and asked me where I got it. At the shop there of course, I'd just come back. He was amazed and asked me if I knew so-and-so, the owner there...no, I was just a gelato tourist who did his research and drove all the way to Bologna from Tuscany just to try "the best". The owner of Bella Gelateria actually studied under this maestro gelato maker in Bologna for a while.
Anyway, if you want real gelato, one of the top two gelaterias in the world is here in Vancouver. -
Review from Polly C.
Vancouver, BC
I just realized I had this place bookmarked and didn't know it was the same one that my friend was working at (too many gelato places now!). Anyway, she told me to visit her one day and I did.
It was a nice and sunny day, and I was happy to say that I was looking forward to gelato. Not that I'm never looking forward to it but 7 out of 10 times when I do have gelato, it's a "pick me up" and comfort food for me. I find that one of the greatest ways to turn that frown upside down is gelato. Besides the gelato place on Venables street, this is one of my fav gelato places.
My friend asked me what I wanted and I told her to surprise me. There were 3 flavors in this order (from top to bottom): mango, hazelnut and lemon. She told me that putting the lemon on the bottom or near the end/cone allows you to clean your palate, fresh taste in a sense. I thought that was very smart. Although the flavors at Venables are countless, the ones here at Bella aren't bad. The mango gelato was just phenomenally delicious. It was better than the one at Venables. No complaint about hazelnut (for someone who loves Nutella) and the lemon was superb - a great way to end things off and did exactly what she told me.
The only downside is that it's in downtown and I don't work here in anymore.
It's still early in the morning and I'm already thinking about gelato....hmm. -
Review from tee a.
While vacationing in Italy, sitting by a fountain during a hot summer night. I'm enjoying my gelato, while the sweet aroma of waffle cones and music fills the air. A beautiful stranger walks by as our eyes met. We smiled and danced the night away underneath the stars... *insert happily ever after music*
This is the feeling I get with each heaping spoonful of gelato from Bella Gelateria... Silky and creamy with a unique kick of flavour.. what's not to love? True, I've never been to Italy and didn't meet my husband in a romantic movie like way... but a girl can dream :) The price is a bit steep, but soooo worth it.
Share your gelato affair.. :) -
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
A bit pricey, but it really is the best gelato I've tasted in Vancouver.
The lines are long but go by quickly, and I love the fact that the girl at the counter won't even blink if you would like to test a couple flavours, in spite of the crowd.
The chocolate/chocolate brownie are to die for (same ice cream but one has the added brownies; not bad, but maybe without would be better) and taste great coupled with the Baileys' flavour. Every fruit flavour tastes as authentic as the actual fruit.
It's usually one flavour per scoop (but maybe two if you ask sweetly). :)
You seem to get more if you order a cone, but as it's so soft, it melts quite fast. So lick at your own risk!
They are clever enough to market the goods from Butter Bakery here, too, but ordering the gelato is enough heaven for one visit!
Parking is at a premium around here, but I have a spot that I always find in front of the Shaw Tower. Take a break and walk out to the flame, and marvel at the fact that you truly do live in the most beautiful (if not cloudy) city in the world.
And yes, it beats out every Italian place on the east side! -
Review from Jason R.
Vancouver, BC
Honestly, this place is not as wonderful as everyone things. Yes, its tasty but its not THAT amazing....its all like ice cream.
Its really expensive and they are so vigilant with portion control that they weigh all their servings - that really takes away from the experience.
I prob won't go back -
Review from Sanaz J.
Vancouver, BC
I think our city is full of places that for some reason generate so much hype and when you try it out they disappoint you:( Bella Gelateria is one of those places.
By default Gelato is tasty but I wouldn't go as far as saying the best I've ever had! Surprisingly Eatly, a trendy supermarket/bakery in Chelsea NYC is the best gelato I've had outside of Italy of course.
I found Bella Gelateria's gelato to be watery and not as creamy as I was hoping for. Dolce Amore on Commercial Drive just does as good of a job but hasn't managed to generate as much hype. -
Review from Jenna L.
Finally found this place after reading many review followed by the newspaper article the other day. Located in Fairmont Pacific Rim - it certainly adds a little more "class" to the gelateria.
Many interesting mixes of flavour, you don't see your typicals like pistachio or tiramisu. It is indeed more pricey, double scoops for $7 !! I chose Earl Grey and a Torrenti....something something. It was a long name!
It was very delicious, great texture and refreshing. I really liked the Earl Grey flavour. I may not frequent here too often due to its steep price but would definitely come back to try more flavours! -
Review from Jacqueline T.
FAVORITES:
Amerena Cherry & Earl Grey! I don't think I can get enough~ Everytime I walk in, my eyes shoot up to the flavor board, and my fingers cross in hopes that both of them are up there! and hopefully they still have it in stock. Will not disappoint!
Price is pretty expensive for gelato.. but you definitely need to try this atleast once... and let your taste buds decide if its worth to come again. Love it, but still too expensive? Share a cup with a friend or two!
INTERESTING:
Maestro James, owner and head chef is very pleasant. Actually came to sit with us one night and educated us the difference of ice cream and gelato, and gelato else where vs gelato at bella~ He gave us free samples.. and THANKGOODNESS, this was the day he introduced me to Amerena Cherry!!
I'm a FAN! I would give full 5 stars if only:
The coffee there was as par to their gelato. It would also be an even nicer perk if their servers knew how to do coffee art ;)
TIP: Unless you want to pay $6 an hour parking right infront.. park else where, and walk. Downtown Vancouver is always pleasant to walk around in anyways. Plus.. you'll be able to take a quick walk to the Torch, and have great views at the harbour!Listed in: Sweet Tooth
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Review from Linda V.
I think most gelato places are pretty similar, and you can only tell the difference in quality when a place is particularly bad.
With that said, I like this place more than the average gelato place. It has the BEST flavors ever.
We went and got the oreo cheesecake, coffee, tiramisu, and black sesame. Oreo cheesecake was probably the best, then black sesame, and coffee/tiramisu were tied.
After buying it, we sat at Stanley Park and listened to live music and ate it happily in the sun.
Thanks for the delightful flavors and good experience. -
Review from Megan M.
You may think you've had good gelato....until you've had gelato from Bella.
The owner here went to gelato school in Italy, and only uses the freshest ingredients-the flavours change based on what is available. They also have special "theme" nights (such as a Japanese night with flavours like plum wine) so be sure to sign up for their emails to hear about these.
Every flavour is amazing, and the tastes are very "true" to what they're supposed to be-not super sweet or sugary like a lot of gelato.
The black sesame is my favorite-it's rich and flavourful and creamy and really unique. The lavender is very nice too-there are actually little lavender seeds in it. The honeycomb flavour is similar (big chunks of honeycomb mixed in, giving you a nice burst of extra honey flavour with each bite). The matcha is delicious too, although not THAT much different than what I've had elsewhere.
For the vegan or dairy intolerant, you have to try the chocolate sorbetto. Yes, sorbetto-as in dairy free. It tastes like a melted chocolate bar-I couldn't believe there's no dairy in it!
After trying this, I won't get gelato anywhere else. It is a bit of a splurge ($7.50 for 3 very big scoops in a waffle cone) but worth every penny. -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
4 and half. Flavours are fabulous and so various. hot chocolate is delicious. one of the best ice cream in Canada!
not 5 because the store is too small, the staff is Ok but could be better and know better the flavours and taste to guide customers in their choice. last thing, plastic cups is uggly (better in paper). -
Review from Stephanie L.
OMG to die for. I normally don't eat gelato. I think it's one of those overrated I'm going to live off my rich husband or daddy's trust fund snacks that assholes eat. But I was craving a sweet tooth treat and we were walking down by the beautiful waterline of Vancouver. If nothing else, make sure you eat your gelato here while looking at the view.
Weird thing was they made you pay before you ordered. And that stuffs expensive. Richard and I decided to split because we didn't know how it was going to taste and if we were even going to like it. I chose the pistachio flavor, which is normally not a favorite nut of mine, but i love it for sweets.
IT WAS INCREDIBLE. best gelato I've ever had in my life. Richard and I were salivating over every drop in the overpriced small portioned pistachio gelato. Just reminiscing about it is making my mouth water again.
The cream. The chunks of pistachio. The delicate subtly of enhanced sugar. SOOOOO DELICIOUS.
If you want gelato in Vancouver and want to see a killer view at the same time, come here. Your stomach/tongue won't regret it but your wallet might. -
Review from Nicolb T.
Happily, James Coleridge is one of Vancouver's best secrets. This man is passionate about creating the best gelato from the freshest ingredients; he is an inspiration with his stories; and he is genuine with his words.
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting him during a tweetup, where James shared with me multiple multiple gelato and sorbetto samples, as well as humoured me in recreating some of my favourite alcoholic chocolate affairs.
His main motto is that he doesn't sell gelato, he is selling an experience. I agree - nowhere else will you get an experience quite like it at Bella Gelateria.
People go to Mario's for the novelty of the 200+ "flavours", but James is right. Once I had his gelato, I'll never go back to the mass-produced, tasteless pseudo-gelato.
Flavours tried (thus far):
Blood orange, extra dark chocolate, chocolate & habanero, creme di bella, lavender & honey, Gewurztraminer, chocolate & mint schnapps, ginger & cinnamon, salted caramel, chocolate & grand marnier, hazelnut, nutella
My next flavour to try? Meyer Lemon Sorbetto with lemon zest.Listed in: Stressed is just backwards for…
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Review from Nikki W.
Vancouver, BC
Really excellent gelato! Their gelato is fresh and never put in deep freeze storage, and you can taste the difference.This winter, they're offering special seasonal flavours, as chosen by local food blogger Follow Me Foodie, including maple cinnamon creme brulee, pistachio and cranberry pound cake, and toasted marshmallow. YUM! I decided to go with the pistachio cranberry as well as another featured flavour, saffron rosewater.
Pistachio Cranberry Pound Cake - 4/5
I'm a sucker for ice cream flavoured like other desserts, so this was a no brainer. With pistachios, cranberries and cubes of pound cake mixed in, this is one hearty gelato. I would have preferred more pistachio flavour, but it was yummy nonetheless. It got a little too sweet for me halfway through though.
Saffron Rosewater - 5/5
This flavour blew me away! It was flavourful without being cloying (as rosewater can be sometimes) and not overly sweet. It was also refreshingly light, maybe just in contrast with my cake-filled other flavour? Or maybe it was a frozen yogurt; I never really thought to ask. While this is more rose-flavoured than saffron, the delicate flavours were fairly well balanced and chopped pistachios made for a really nice crunch and burst of flavour. I highly recommend you try this!
Service - 5/5
Granted, it wasn't busy when I went, but the girl behind the counter was friendly and attentive (unlike a certain grumpy gelato proprietor near The Drive, *cough cough*), and made some good suggestions for flavour combos. Also, I'm not sure why this has such an impact on me, but while I was there, I could see a guy in the back room carefully scraping vanilla beans out of the pod. This was the cherry on top - I guess it's reassuring to see their mission of using the "best and freshest ingredients" in action.
