D'Ambrosio Gelato

4.5 star rating
184 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts

5339 Ballard Ave NW
(between Vernon Pl & N 22nd Ave)
Seattle, WA 98107
Neighbourhood: Ballard
(206) 327-9175
Announcement

Served in:Pink Door, Volterra,The Olive & Grape,Queen Margherita,Mondello, Perche' No,Gaspare,Razzi's,Brad Swingside Cafe,Paratii,Bambinos..

Hours:

Mon-Thu 12 pm - 10 pm

Fri-Sat 12 pm - 12 am

Sun 10 am - 10 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wi-Fi:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "The pistachio and hazelnut are my personal favorites." In 53 reviews
  • user photo
    "I had the fig caramel which was out of this world." In 11 reviews
  • user photo
    "Dark coffee, chocolate, and banana are very good as well." In 10 reviews
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184 reviews in English

  • Review from Brett L.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2012

    During a leisurely after-dinner stroll, we walked past this seemingly generic little gelato place in Ballard. Separating the nondescript storefront windows from the counter and gelato freezer was a stretch of concrete flooring, a few tables, and not much else. In short, we wanted something sweet and D'ambrosio Gelato was simply in the right place at the right time. Nothing about this place seemed to distinguish it from the dozens of other gelato, ice cream, or frozen yogurt shops out there. We were clearly misled.

    I'm not a guy who has strong feelings one way or the other about gelato, so imagine randomly stumbling across one of the best darned gelato places...period. I tend to enjoy gelato more than ice cream, but it's all relative. Sure, the lack of air gives gelato that nice rich texture, but after the first bite or two, I typically go about my business-- my plastic micro-spoon on auto-pilot as I finish the scoop and toss the frilly-edged plastic cup (I think all gelato shops must use the colored plastic micro-spoon and frilly-edged plastic cup as mandated by the International Gelato Board). At D'ambrosio Gelato, I took a bite, stopped, looked up at Dorothy, took another bite, and said, "wow, this is good...this is REALLY good." Yes, it was very rich and creamy, but the flavors really packed a punch for a dessert that I usually think of as having somewhat more subtle flavors. Dorothy's strawberry-flavored gelato was imbued with a strong flavor of fresh strawberries. My coconut gelato was so much more than a vanilla gelato laced with a bit of coconut-- the coconut flavor really asserted itself more than I would have expected. And I think that's the beauty of this place-- creamy gelato that achieves strong flavors without being cloyingly sweet to do it.

    They also have a nice selection, including unique flavors like a caramel and fig as well as a spicy chocolate. Yes, spicy chocolate...my new favorite. I tried this with a scoop of the coconut gelato, and what a great combination. At first, the rich chocolate flavor is all you taste. Then as you swallow, you start to feel this nice mild heat on your tongue. The spicy chocolate is a must-try for folks who don't mind a subtle kick to their desserts. If gelato isn't enough for you, we eyed a selection of cannoli in a separate cooler on the side. We've targeted this for the next visit; if the gelato is any indication, the cannoli will not disappoint. While I try to avoid fighting the Ballard parking situation whenever possible, I think this is one gelato place that might actually be worth fighting for.

  • Review from Ellenar R.

    • 23 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Chino Hills, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/28/2012

    This place is way too adorable. Being from California, this place is something I would drool over on the Internet...not only the gelato, but the actual store itself.

    I had the Amaretto and Hazelnut (it had a different name, but I couldn't pronounce it so I don't remember it) flavors. Greatest combination I've ever had in my life. The flavor of hazelnut always wins my heart and they nailed it on the spot here. It even had little hazelnut chunks in it as well. Amaretto.....amazing. Amaretto sours are my 3rd go-to drinks at a bar, so I was excited to see it on their menu. It did not disappoint. It definitely mimicked the actual liquer with the almond flavor. Mix both flavors and I had a taste of heaven in my mouth.

    Architecture in this general area just amazes me, so eating the gelato just made me even happier.

  • Review from Victoria C.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/14/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    I FINALLY bought a cannoli in spite of the tempting gelato staring me in the face. OMG, I can't believe I waited this long to try one. It was like heaven in my mouth.

    Crunchy, satisfying cannoli shell.
    Creamy (yet somewhat firm) sweet filling.
    Mildly sweet chocolate coating around the shell.

    So good. The best dessert I've had in a long while.

    Minus one star because it cost $4.75 with tax.

    Listed in: Sweet treats, Frozen Treats, Chocolate Fix!

    Was this review …?

    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      10/21/2011

      DISCLAIMER: this review may be due to my immediate frustration at the absence of Amaretto flavored… Read more »

  • Review from Katie K.

    • 43 friends
    • 156 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2012

    Yummy! The pistachio and hazelnut are great. The salty caramel was a bit too salty though - it tasted like I took a gulp of ocean water.

  • Review from Julia W.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/17/2012 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    My husband & I came here for dessert the other night after having heard that this is the place to go for gelato in Seattle.

    It was a bit difficult to find parking (since Ballard is street parking only) but after 4 spins around the block, we were able to find parking right out front.

    The store itself is small but clean and enough seating for a few groups on busier days.

    They offer a range of flavors which range from 'chocolate' to more sorbet/fruit flavors. I was a bit disappointed they didn't have chocolate chip or other 'adventurous' flavors (like Snickers, etc).

    To be perfectly fair though, my husband & I were in Italy this past summer for our honeymoon and ate gelato everyday for a week so the flavors were amazing and fresh (mango, mint, etc etc).

    A good place but definitely wasn't quite as delish as from the homeland.

  • Review from Junko S.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/3/2012 1 photo

    Super creamy with the right hint of sweetness.  Definitely the best gelato in Seattle.  

    Forget ice cream.  It's all about D'Ambrosio gelato now.

  • Review from Michael U.

    Dublin, OH

    5.0 star rating
    1/12/2012 5 photos

    Having already mentioned our gelato run, after a less than stellar experience at Bottega Italiana earlier in our stay we decided to wrap up our tasting of Emerald City sweets with a trip to D'Ambrosio in Ballard not only because it was conveniently located near Walrus and the Carpenter (as well as some great shopping in the form of Monster, Earth Hues, and more) but because I'd heard great things from a pair of trusted palates that this was some of the best gelato out west and despite the gloomy weather there is always time (and room) for ice cream (and gelato.)

    Entering the small store to actually find a line of 5 ahead of us I spent a bit of time surveying the options before I made it to the front of the queue and after tasting a few samples including a creamy and crunchy "crunchy biscotti" and an intense pistachio I opted for a medium size cup largely because it afforded my three choices; Salted Caramel, Bewitched Ricotta, and Caramel and Fig that were packed densely into the cup for a bargain $5 before I made my way to the street where I tasted each flavor and enjoyed slowly in the 45 degree light rain.

    Beginning first with the Bewitched Ricotta, a heavenly blend that tasted like frozen cream cheese frosting and next tasting each of the caramel options featuring house made organic caramel, on one side flecked with sea salt and on the other bespeckled with sweet organic figs I can only say that alongside Capogiro Philadelphia this is the best textured gelato I've ever tasted while the Caramel and Fig is absolutely on my list of the best frozen desserts I've ever tasted.

  • Review from Donna C.

    • 3 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/8/2012

    Confirming what everyone else seems to think: the pistachio and hazelnut are fantastic!

  • Review from Paulina L.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2012

    I really like the panacotta and pistachio flavor! The owner is very friendly, and he is a real italian! :D It is kinda pricey, since it'll cost you around 13 bucks for a pint of gelato, and $3 for 3 table spoon of it. i really like the gelato, so I have no problem to spend that much for such delightful taste.

  • Review from Nichole F.

    • 10 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    On my first visit to D'Ambrosio, there was a heated discussion emanating from the back area. Spoken in Italian, this dialogue was captivating and I spent a moment mentally checking out of my current country, and checking in to my memories of two weeks in Italy. Yeah, I'm one of "those" people, comparing every ethic food item to "well, when I went to such-and-such country back a few years ago..." Sorry, I'll spare you the details, but just know that D'Ambrosio Gelato is the real deal. All we need is Ballard to set up some fake Roman ruins on Market Street or something.

    Gelato: rich, not too sweet, authentic flavors....all they're missing is stuff like Blood Orange Chocolate or Puro Cioccolato....flavors I saw frequently in Ita--. Whoops sorry. I mentioned Europe again.

    I love the black and white photography on the walls, and the employees are also very kind. A nice touch is the "Just in case you're an absolute moron, here is step-by-step info on how to recycle" Recycling bins.

    Even on cold nights, don't expect much seating. Just grab your li'l compostable cup of gelato and hit the streets. Pretend you're in Italy. You won't regret it.

  • Review from Stefanie H.

    Bellevue, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/8/2012

    I just can't get over how much I love this gelato! We were having some fun in Ballard and of course had to swing by. Since I don't get into Ballard all that often we decided...well I decided that I wanted to take a pint home with me. I got half pistachio (still amazing) and tiramisu (just as amazing). They even have gelato cakes, which I'm assuming are like Ice cream cakes...My Fiance said he promised to get me one for my b-day, but that's not til July...I think maybe I could get one for my Bridal shower as well...that will be sooner than that. I'm sure I could come up with another excuse to get one even sooner! Love it!!!

    Listed in: Favorite Eateries

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      2/20/2011

      YUM!! The pistachio is perfect! I also had the Apple and Cinnamon flavor which tasted like… Read more »

  • Review from Habu H.

    • 2 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Madison Park, Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/15/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Good texture, plentiful flavors, and nice atmosphere.

    Overall:  Immediate refer

  • Review from Justin M.

    Edmonds, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    My go to spot in Ballard for an icy treat. Nothing bookends a fabulous dinner at one of the many great restaurants here along Ballard ave than D'Ambrosia Gelato.

    The selection is wide and varied and the staff is super helpful when trying to make a decision. They offer samples when you just can't seem to figure out exactly what you want. It's hard to pick any one flavor here since they are all pretty fabulous.

    The prices are fair and the place is cozy with a nice vibe to it. It can get a bit crowded at times but where the staff excels is in managing the rush and getting consumers in and out very timely, the sooner to help the sooner to delicious gelato.

    I don't know how often I'd come here in th colder months, but when sun shines bright and the ladies rock those oh so diggable sundresses, you can find me here enjoying a nice little cup of gelato.

    5 gelato-is-totes-better-than-ice-cream stars out of 5.

  • Review from Megan E.

    • 36 friends
    • 100 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/23/2011

    Wow! This place was incredible!  Some of the most delicious gelato I have ever had!  I was so sad when I found myself at the bottom of the dish-I could have easily kept eating.  

    There were a group of 4 of us, so there were many different flavors to try.  I had the fig caramel which was out of this world!  I combined it with Chocolate Hazelnut for a rich, sweet concoction of deliciousness.  Other flavors included pistachio and traditional vanilla-which were amazing!  Great service too...very accommodating with samples.

    We were just visiting Seattle, but this was certainly a highlight of the trip!

  • Review from Annie F.

    Issaquah, WA

    3.0 star rating
    9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    A little shop in Ballard for a late night snack. The place was clean and very urban with their concrete floors and framed pieces of fun facts and information. It's hard to get good parking right in front so be prepared to walk a block or two. Also, I was a little put off by the unfriendly staff when we came up to order. Not even a smile or simple "Hi".

    Tried the Caramel with Nuts and Hazelnut-Chocolate. To be honest, I wasn't blown away by the flavors and after having Fainting Goat a few days ago, I liked them better. Not that I wouldn't try this place out again but it would only have to be when I'm in the neighborhood. Otherwise if I'm craving Gelato, this isn't the first place I would go to.

  • Review from Jessica B.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Oh my god I want to live and die here.

    Pistachio? Dark coffee? Tiramisu? Any number of things I cant pronounce properly, let alone spell??? Who can pick?!??!!
    I order a medium so I can get 3 flavors (but not a large because I WOULD eat it all). Always pistachio, but I try to mix up the other two choices because they're all SO good!!!

    Thank you Accredited-from-an-Italian-School-of-Gelato store. Thank you for making me enjoy life just a little bit more!

  • Review from Susan N.

    • 3 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    A sign of a great place is visiting it twice in one week and not being embarrassed or ashamed...I couldn't help myself, I couldn't get the coconut gelato out of my mind.
    If you've been to Italy, or dream of going - a scoop of D'Ambrosio Gelato will take you there - it's that good. But the secret is out - so be prepared for long lines on weekends (that are well worth it), or beat the lines during the work week.
    They have a set list of flavors (posted on the wall behind the case) - so no need to strain your eyes or feel like you'll have to make a quick decisions when you make it to the front of the line.
    I haven't made it through all of the flavors, so can't say just yet which are the best...but so far all I have tried are in the running.

  • Review from Kevin C.

    Renton, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The flavors are amazing, pistachio has a really good roasted flavor, and was super creamy. I would say in terms of Seattle Gelato, these guys are among the top, if not the. They also do gelato cakes!

    Though my friends who have been to Italy says this doesn't even compare. So enjoy it before you go to Italy.

    The only reason why it only gets 4 stars, is because I had an issue with the sweetness, I got pistachio and panna cotta. By the end of my small size, i found it to be overwhelmingly sweet

  • Review from Lilly A.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    9/5/2011

    If I could just marry this store, have its babies.... ugh yes.

    Theres a wide selection of gelatos... pistachio, fruity flavours, chocolate... with over 16 flavours, even the pickiest eaters will find at least one flavour that they will enjoy.

    I tend to stick to my favourite combination of strawberry and chocolate gelato... however when I stopped by a few nights ago, the strawberry was out. OUT?! AUUUGHHH.... wait you have cantaloupe gelato? yes yes please.

    and I think cantaloupe has now become a new favourite....

  • Review from masako t.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2012

    Decent gelato in th US!

  • Review from Amy L.

    Redmond, WA

    5.0 star rating
    7/28/2011 8 Check-ins Here

    Holy bejeebus that was good.

    When I was first told that I had to check this place out I assumed it was another in a long string of hipster food fads, I was definitely wrong. We were lucky to go in the middle of the day on a weekday so there was no line at all. The server was quick and friendly and offered to let us taste the different flavors of gelato.

    I had a cone with a combo of the chocolate and the cherry kirsch. The chocolate was uber-chocolatey without tasting like there was just a ton of raw cocoa powder. The cherry kirsch was vanilla with a light cherry flavor with a delicious cherry swirl and whole cherries. The cone was tasty but I would definitely skip the cone next time so I can eat more gelato. My dad's coconut gelato was fantastic, it actually tasted like real coconut not artificial flavorings. My mom's strawberry sorbet was the real winner. Despite being dairy free it tasted like what you want strawberry ice cream to taste like. Usually strawberry ice cream either tastes like cough syrup or it tastes like strawberry jam. This was all fresh creamy delicious strawberry taste, I'm terribly sad I did not get a pint to go. They also have canoli which looked fabulous but sadly I did not try any.

    I will be back often and with an insulated bag so I can take it home with me. Yum.

  • Review from Sonia C.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    7/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    It's just ok.  I had their caramel fig because I was intrigued by the combination of flavors but it wasn't that awesome.  Mostly because:

    1. The caramel appeared to be a swirl with the fig so the base was just some overly sweet creamy stuff.
    2. The amount of swirl I had in my cup was very little so I couldn't taste too much fig nor caramel.

    However, I did like their dark coffee gelato which was quite intensely flavored.  I would come back to try other gelati and also their sorbets but I'm one and done with the caramel fig.

  • Review from Julie S.

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2012

    I am moving away from Ballard and I will miss D'Ambrosio.
    Last week I had the Spicy Chocolate and Salty Caramel, what a taste sensation!

  • Review from Monali P.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/23/2011

    The goods: creamy, smooth, delish, lickable, kissable gelato. I've only had the pistachio and hazelnut and they pretty much rocked my world.

    The price: Just right, at $3.50 for a small (two scoops, two flavors), this is way easier on my wallet than Fainting Goat, which I also love, but..now that I live in Ballard, D'Ambrosio is going to lure me over a lot.

    The rest: smiley happy servers, interesting flavors like trifle and fig something, some info on the walls that I have to go back and read to appreciate, bang in the middle of Ballard for easy access.

    The verdict: Yes, I will be back, yes, their pistachio may have topped Fainting Goat's (gasp!), and yes, best gelato in Seattle so far. But, not the best ever - for in the U.S., I still give that trophy to Capogiro in Philly.

  • Review from Ann W.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2012

    How have I not reviewed D'Ambrosio before?! I have gelato at D'Ambrosio every single time I am in Ballard. Every person I have taken to D'Ambrosio has loved it. My cousin has even said it is almost as good as the gelato in Italy. My husband said it is even better than some of the gelato he's had in Italy. My favorite flavor is pistachio, but others that I like are: honey+walnuts, ricotta, panna cotta, strawberry, hazelnut, crunchy biscotti... ok, I like them all!

  • Review from Chelsea J.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/23/2011

    This gelato is so delicious!

    We shared a large with 4 flavors- coconut, coffee, macadamia, and amaretto and it was like a piece of heaven. Creamy, cold, and decadent. Perfect for an after-dinner treat. The people were nice and there was a friendly vibe in the shop. The gelato was just as good as I remembered when in Italy years ago.

    Loved it! Can't wait to go back.

  • Review from Callan W.

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    6/6/2011

    I love gelato though I admit I don't get it as often as I would like.  Being that I was on vacay and was living it up, I couldn't resist D'Ambrosio's.

    I tried the tiramisu and Dulce de leche, both delish and complimented each other well as they melted away together in my dish.  My shopping buddy tried a chocolate flavor of some sort and was equally as happy.  I don' t know how this place racks up against other gelato places around Seattle, but compared to Philly and all of our Italian fare, this place is pretty solid.

  • Review from Ann S.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/26/2011

    Let's just jump on the D'Ambrosio bandwagon! Because this place really is that great! Not wanting to sound like one of those "experts because I've traveled to blah blah blah" but this is easily some of the best gelato outside of Italy.

    I can never decide whether I want to be fruity or nutty so I usually just mix the pistachio, hazelnut, amaretto, strawberry, cantaloupe and stick it on a giant waffle cone - but not before finishing with a scoop of stracciatella on top!

    There may be long lines, but it's worth the wait and usually moves quickly.

    I knew this place hit it big when the local firefighters double parked their truck on the street and shuffled in to get their sweet treats.

  • Review from Julie G.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    D'Ambrosio Gelato makes amazing gelato.  Perhaps the best I've ever had! Smooth, creamy, cool and delicious.  The flavors are excellent, and there's usually quite a variety.

    I've had lemon (sorbet), dark coffee, peach (and orange, I believe) yogurt, amaretto, and tiramisu.  All were delicious and come highly recommended.  

    They pack the cups nicely full, a small doesn't feel like you're cheating yourself.

    Bathroom is well set up for wheelchair access, much appreciated, as Ballard is a "historic" neighborhood and many of the older buildings can be a challenge.

  • Review from clint w.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2011

    Great little shop in Ballard.  My buddy had recommended it before but I couldn't exactly remember where it was.  I just knew it was close to Bastille.  

    I forgot to order the hazelnut, choosing the blueberry instead.  My friend had the strawberry, which wasn't berry enough for me.  But my blueberry was pretty tasty.  

    Small, but with places to sit at and peer out the window.  Recycling receptacles inside to remind people not to just walk out and dump everything in the garbage cans.  

    Next time, I will have to remember the hazelnut.

    Oh, and it has a funky door handle.  It takes some squeezing and jostling to get it to open.  Don't let it fool you.

  • Review from Kat A.

    • 25 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    I love the atmosphere of the place. Very clean, quaint, has a nice sitting area to look outside to people watch.

    They have lots of interesting types of gelato. The gelato that I had was very delicious, silky, and smooth. I tried the pistachio and coffee flavor. The pistachio was probably the best I have EVER had.

    I definitely will be back. However, I wish they had an even smaller size or kid option size like many of the other gelato places I have been to because even though I am a fan of gelato... I just can't handle too much sweets.

  • Review from j j.

    • 4 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/29/2011

    was here on opening day, and every time I'm downtown Ballard I stop in.

    it's that good.

    if you're a snooty foody and can drop references to gelato experienced on your europe trips, or just like damn good "ice cream"  you owe it to yourself to come here.

    wish i could buy stock in this place.

  • Review from Gorman E.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/1/2011 4 photos 1 Check-in Here

    ***Gelato Artigianale***

    I respect D' Ambrosio Gelato because they make everything from scratch every morning. Plus they only used the most natural ingredients, organic dairy products, organic fruit and spring mineral water for their traditional gelatos and sorbetto.

    When is it a good time to get Gelato?  Anytime, especially during Yelp's Passport of Ballard savings week, cold snowy day like last Sat, and spending quality time with my 2 year daughter (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).

    We came right after having lunch, ask direction and found this place. The female staff was super friendly and allow us to sample most flavors before deciding on our choices. She also gave us great recommedations on the favorites.

    We got a pint of Fichi, Mascarpone & Caramello ( Caramel & Figs), 2 flavor piccolo (small) Vaniglia ( Madagascar Vanilla) + Fragola (Strawberry) and 2 flavor piccolo Caffe Krok ( Crunchy Coffee) + Caramello & Arachidi ( Caramel & Peanuts).

    Once the gelato enter my mouth, an explosion of intense sweet flavor burst on my taste buds. I took a bigger bite and uggggg brain freeze...lol

    My daughter was soooo happy that she ran around eating the 2 flavor gelato waffle cone all smiley. :)
    I was all smiles when I got 20% off with my Yelp Passport to Ballard so my savings was $7 off the $20 charge normally!

    TIP: I recommend The Fichi, Mascarpone & Caramello, it is their best seller and only $1 extra for a waffle cone. They also have children books on the counter to your very right to keep your children distracted while ordering your gelato or finishing up your gelato!

  • Review from Maple C.

    Issaquah, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Who would have ever thought that figs in gelato would taste so delicious?? I tried it at a yelp event, and I made it my personal mission to drive back to Ballard just for this gelato. It took 30 mins, but man was it worth it! I also tried the biscotti flavor, and it was also super delish! There were little crunchy biscotti bits in it, and it wasn't super sweet... so good....

    Finding a parking space in this part of Ballard is defnitely a challenge, so if you're already doing some eating/shopping in the area and you can walk here, definitely do that....

  • Review from Stephanie M.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/16/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    I will walk 4 blocks in the freezing cold rain just to enjoy that nice little creamy scoop of Gelato.  I only discovered what Gelato was when I moved to Washington (Shave Ice is more popular in Hawaii) and since the first time it touched my tongue, I was in love.

    They have great customer service, a wide-variety of flavors (my favorite is riso) and a convenient location in Ballard.  I love the large windows at the front of the store so you can enjoy your gelato and people-watch!

    Delizioso!!!

  • Review from Johnny W.

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Oh my - dare I say, D'Ambrosio may be the best gelato I've had thus far in Seattle? Or anywhere, for that matter? Having first sampled their caramel fig at the Ballard Elite Event, I wasn't sure how I felt about them, until I dropped in a week later to take advantage of the 20% off Ballard Passport discount. Given how empty the store was (unlike me, I imagine most don't go for frozen desserts while it's snowing), I took it upon myself to sample practically everything they had to offer. The gal working the counter, Courtney, was gracious enough to humor me with this normally otherwise absurd request.

    Having tried about 10-15 flavors, I will say that while I'm not a huge fan of their sorbets, most of their gelato is excellent - light, creamy, and deliciously strong flavors, with my personal favorites being their Bronte pistachio (best I've had to date), Piedmont hazelnut, dark coffee, and crunchy biscotti, in that order. I only later found out that the first two are considered to be somewhat special, with the core ingredients being imported directly from Italy.

    I ended up leaving that day with a pint each of the pistachio ($13) and hazelnut ($10), and a small half ricotta half biscotti (an average $3.50, with slightly larger than average serving sizes), discounted down 20% of course :) Admittedly, the normal prices for their pints lead to some sticker shock (I can get 4-5 pints of some brand name on sale for that), but the quality and taste of their gelato is, for now, incomparable. If you go in during the last hour they're open though, most pints drop down to $7, with pistachio dropping down to $10.

  • Review from Marisa B.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    6/12/2011

    There is always room for Gelato! I really like their out of the norm flavors like Caramel and Fig or Wild Strawberries and Cream. If I have a craving no other place will hit the spot.

    This review is short, but the Gelato is oh so sweet!

  • Review from Melody P.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2011 4 photos 3 Check-ins Here

    A little Gelato place I've never noticed in Ballard downtown. I can't believe it! After dinner at La Isla, one of my friends recommended this place for "after dessert" dessert (we had dessert at La Isla already) :-P It turned out it was a great idea.

    1) They have a very clean store front. It's wide, bright and welcoming. I love it when they have posters that educate what gelato is and the difference between gelato and ice cream. Additionally, It's definitely a environment friendly store. However, I got confused between trash can, recycle, and compost.

    2) Great service. There must be at least 10 customers there when we were there. But, the only employee  was able to satisfy all of us last night. She was very patient. Just like most of most ice treat places, they also offer the tasting before purchasing.

    3) After 10 minutes struggling of what to get, I made my decision :-) I had strawberry and hazelnut flavors in a small cup. I love the flavors. The gelato was creamy and not too sweet. Of course, among group of 8, I tried my friends' gelato as well. I have to say there wasn't a flavor that I didn't like.

  • Review from Joshua J.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    6/3/2011

    This place is just fine. The gelato is good, but anyone who thinks that this touches true gelato romano is just confused. I've probably had gelato at 100 different places in Rome (not exaggerating, except maybe by one or two), and, don't get me wrong, this stuff is tasty, but just not quite right. The texture is just off, not really semifreddo like I had hoped. Granted, it's not like you'll find better gelato in the city. The pistachio was great, place was super, super uncomfortable status crowded, no big deal.

    I really should bump it up a star, because the people watching from here is absolutely prime, couldn't ask for a better spot if you are lucky enough to snag a window seat. Come on a Sunday during the Ballard farmer's market and you'll have an awesome time.

    Good stuff. Maybe the best around here, just not the best.

  • Review from Erika W.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/16/2011

    I live a block away which is a big problem, because I can't resist coming here at least a few times a week. I don't pretend to know what the scientific difference is between regular 'ol ice cream and gelato, but my mouth sure can, and it says, "EFF YA, GELATO RULES!".

    There is a super great selection of flavors beyond your boring chocolate and vanilla. My personal fav's are the hazelnut and biscotti.

    Only drawback - a teensy cup is gonna run you $5. I say, worth it.

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