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Hollywood Gelato
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
1640 Bayview AveToronto, ON M4G 3B7
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant and Davisville
(416) 544-9829
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 10:30 pm
Fri 7 am - 11 pm
Sat 7 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Hollywood Gelato
Review Highlights
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"...the selections, I came across Key Lime Pie, another YUM-O..." In 4 reviews -
"I'd love to come back to try other flavours." In 12 reviews -
"My favourite are their sorbets and roasted marshmallow." In 3 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2012
I love to come to this gelato place on summer nights with my family or friends. What better way to cool off the hot weather than having creamy smooth ice creams with people you love? Sitting in the patio for hours to talk about things around us while cold stuff is injected into our bodies. Now that is life!
There are plenty of choices for flavors and toppings. The gelato is explosive in its flavors. Toppings are always good quality too. Be creative with combinations!
There are always too many people in this store. But somehow service is rather quick. -
Review from Lisa S.
Toronto, ON
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have frequented Hollywood Gelato quite a bit in the past, especially in the summer time. Service isn't great but I was willing to let it slide because the gelato was pretty tasty. Last night when I walked in with my friends there was a no line and three servers standing around not doing much. I walked up to the cash and the server standing there just looked over my head and didn't acknowlege my existence until another server said something to him. We ordered and he short changed us. It then took three people and 5 mins just for them to figure out how to open the register and give us back the change. After 15 mins we finally got our gelato and since there were no seats we left. I found an eyelash in my gelato later at home. Couldn't do anything by that point and not once did those people apologize for the inconvenience while we were there. With service like that I will not be coming back here ever again.
I know almost everyone on Yelp is rating this place a lot higher on the gelato alone and if I was doing that I'd probably do the same but customer service is a lot more important to me and really makes or breaks a place so this is why I'm giving it 1 star. -
Review from E K.
Toronto, ON
4/5/2012
So good, so close to home, maybe a little too close :) This place is consistently good. I really like the fact that you can get a few flavours even for the smaller cups (other places don't allow that, which is pretty stupid if you ask me) Anyway, great Gelato, the place gets really busy in the warmer months. I have been there after dinner in the winter and it is still busy...I guess there is a reason...GREAT Gelato!
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Review from Madelaine D.
Toronto, ON
8/3/2011
The little duck peddling on the bike outside their store freaks me out.
Lucky for them, the gelato/ice cream is good! They were voted best gelato/ice cream by the Toronto Star (for whatever that's worth).
They have a great patio. They're open late and every time I walk by they seem to be busy (no matter what time of day). They have some unique flavours like cake mix...YUM and for $4.50 you get to try three different flavours. Delicious.Listed in: Bayview Between Eglinton and…
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Review from Vivian W.
10/20/2011
I believe this was the first gelato place in Toronto. Before all the independent gelato place open up in the heart of downtown, me and my friends will come out to Hollywood gelato once a month at least, and even get their tubs to go too!
It is one of the authentic gelato place in Toronto, they have at least 16-20 different flavours, lots of fruity ones, which is perfect for hot summer weather. My all time favourite is the ferrero roche ..i know this is a lot of people's favourite too. My other favourite (which will only live in my memories now because they don't make that flavour any more) is the Pineapple Coconut! If you see it one day, you must try this, or at least ask for a tasting sample.
This place have been in business for at least 7 years now I guess. I didn't go as often after I moved out of the neighbourhood, but I feel like they got busier the last time I went back (maybe 2011 summer).
If you read my other review for Dolce Gelato, this is the second place I'd go for gelato in Toronto. -
Review from Monica B.
Toronto, ON
7/3/2011
I have my doubts about this place. Their 'gelato' looks very much like ice cream when i saw it. The 'gelato' looks super thick and creamy instead of having a lighter texture like gelato should have. They even had ice cream scoops to scoop out the 'gelato' instead of those slate utensils that is used for scooping gelato.
Hollywood Gelato is not so attractive; their gigantic chicken mascot riding a bicycle in the front is a bit scary. The place is generally small inside and the decor gives off a childish vibe. Also, they have a nice outdoor patio. I've been here a few times and the staff has generally been a mix between cheerful and helpful to uninterested and slow.
At Hollywood Gelato, they have a smoothie bar, coffee bar, and of course, their gelato bar. Their selection is not too big and the flavours include chocolate bar flavours, fruity sorbets, pie flavours and more. My favourite are their sorbets and roasted marshmallow. Their roasted marshmallow ice cream is the reason why I come here! Their ice cream is true to their flavours, rich and creamy, and most of them I find to be too sweet for my liking. They have two cup sizes- regular and large. I got the regular ($4.75) which comes with 3 flavours and it packed in so much ice cream I could not finish it! I would have preferred a smaller size for less money, but they did not have that option. Besides that, they have some yummy baked goods for a small price. They have biscotti's, tarts, muffins, etc.
Overall, Hollywood Gelato is a good place to go for some yummy ice cream. Do expect lots of people, screaming kids and large portions. However, if you're looking for the gelato experience, this is not the place. -
Review from Andrea S.
Toronto, ON
7/7/2011
Visited here with a friend who lives in the neighborhood...we came here to Davisville all the way from The Beach(es) for gelato so you know I had high expectations...
- My friend knowingly ordered a small (2 scoops) while I ordered a regular (3 scoops)...there was definitely a moment there when my eyes "bugged-out" due to the size of the serving of gelato I received. This is where the child in me says wow! and the somewhat-adult in me says I hope I don't get a tummy ache!
Hollywood Gelato has a great variety of flavours and the staff was friendly and efficient, especially given how busy the place was on a weekend afternoon.
I appreciate the availability of indoor and outdoor seating - really this feels more like a restaurant than an "icecream store."
Not that I tried them, but I will say the baked goods did not look like anything special so if you are looking for something sweet you are probably best off sticking with gelato.
I will definitely plan to come back on another warm day this summer - I'll just be sure to expect it to be busy and I won't expect to find a seat in the busy season. -
Review from Ana W.
2/1/2011
Yum! I was here last week... Brr... I know... but it was sooo good!
The value is great! $4.5 for three scoops all to myself! I had it in a cup. I love waffle cones, but it gets messy and I was afraid I'd have to eat it on my way home in my friend's car.
It's too bad they don't have a lot of cone selections, but the gelato that I tried was very creamy and the flavours are outstanding! I tried the pistaccio, dark chocolate, and tiramisu. The tiramisu gelato taste just like the cake! Mmm...
I came here after dinner, so it wasn't crowded at all. It was great! There was ample seating. I'm sure the summer months people would be flooded outside to the patio.
I'd love to come back to try other flavours. -
Review from Cindy C.
North York, ON
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a sweet tooth and for years I had my bitter Belgium, dark chocolate ice cream. But nothing compares to Valhrona chocolate ice cream. it;s now my new favorite! Love it.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2011
Was craving gelato today and i found Hollywood Gelato online. It was a bit of a drive from my place but well worth it.
I've been to many gelato places and i have to say that i've never been served such large portions ever! They have regular (3 flavors) and large (4 flavors) size cups and we thought they would be really small scoops but they were huge!
The prices were affordable given the size of the portions. And they had lots of different tasty flavors too.
They also have a great patio. It's well worth trying! -
Review from Tan P.
Etobicoke, ON
3/12/2011
My boyfriend and I are big fans of gelato in Toronto and abroad! Our first time at Hollywood and I don't even care how good the gelato is (I have yet to try) the service from a young woman was terrible. When paying $17.00/1.5L I think we should be treated with respect. But as soon as we walked in, we were told to pay before looking at the gelato. So, through absolute fault of their own we didn't get what we ordered, payed and walked away 100% disappointed. I won't be back.
I do NOT recommend. -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
11/16/2010 4 photos
I guess summer is over when I planned to have some Roasted Marshmallow gelato..since it was not available anymore at Hollywood Gelato... Also the lineups were gone.. who is going to have frozen treats when it is under 10C at night... But we do!!
For $4.50 we got a 3 flavours to share...(sharing ice cream can be a really tricky task... but I can't imagine myself having one for myself then go for our UYE at Mezzetta Cafe Restaurant.
My pick was the Hazelnut while my lovely date picked Key Lime Pie and Mango. Of course I love my Hazelnut since I am fan of anything that is nutty!! The Mango is A-OK too... Key Lime is not my fave.. The Gelato and Sobert are all so creamy...and I have my doubts like other yelpers...
The interior has this weird spotlight.. which is not easy on the eyes and not the best lighting for photos..
I definitely will be back again when I am in the area! -
Review from jocelyn b.
North York, ON
1/11/2011
I like this place at the corner across the street from my fave tennis shop. I took my friends and sister there before. I went there many times myself after tennis shop.
PROS:
Cappucino is great here!
I also love their hot cider!!!
ice cream!! yum yum!!! :)
Cons - screaming kids, very busy generally...hmmm...what can i do? they have three things that i love!!!
I don't stay too long at this place usually.
I only stay and hangout with my friends during the summer when I can sit outside... -
Review from Giuliana B.
SCARBOROUGH, ON
11/17/2010
HmmmHmmm... Gelato, how I love thee.
This place is not particularly attractive, but they have comfortable seats and more than enough choices of flavours to confuse a Gelato eating fanatic like me. It took me a while to decide what flavours to get as they all looked delicious and tempting.
We paid $4.50 for a choice of 3 flavours and it was more than a decent sized portion. I decided on the mango and key lime pie, and my companion got hazelnut. The mango was delicious and refreshing and I could actually taste the real fruit. The key lime pie was equally delicious and it had bits of graham cracker in it that gave it extra texture and a hint if vanilla-ey flavour. I did not try the hazelnut, but my companion seemed to really enjoy it :)
There was another counter on the further end of the store, but when I peeked it was empty. We went a couple of weeks ago though, and it is definitely no longer high season for Gelato. I can only imagine how much harder of a time I will have choosing when I return during high demand season.
Although the Gelato was good, it still failed to really impress me. I think a lot of this had to do with the lack of ambiance in this place. I will return though, and soon. Maybe my rating will change once I have a chance to try a few more of their flavours.Listed in: Get your sugar fix!, I scream for ice cream!
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Review from Monica K.
North York, ON
4/1/2011
Always a favorite when summer rolls around. Best gelato I've had so far (note: so far...). Although they need to have more seating and prettier décor to make me want to stay, the good thing about being located near the Yonge & Eglinton area is that you can take your sweet treats and go out for a nice stroll, and pop your little head into some cute shops!
If you were to ask me what my favorite flavor is, I wouldn't think twice before replying "the one flavored like Ferrero Rochers, I don't know what it's actually called but it tastes JUST like the chocolate and it's freakin amazing get it get it!!" :) -
Review from Kat F.
On a Friday night this place was pure chaos - with a right-to-left assembly line that screamed "feng shui nightmare" for most North Americans accustomed to working from left-to-right. I tried to ogle the flavours and narrow down my choice but was told I had to pay first, and get a ticket, and then make my picks. Confusing.
It's popular here so be prepared to wait your turn. At $4.50 for a maximum of three flavours I found it to be too expensive and too much gelato, but there was no smaller size on offer. I ordered lemon and raspberry in a sugar cone and about halfway through I was gelato-ed out, and this coming from a frozen dessert diva. Next time will grab a cup and split one portion between two people.
Why is the mascot a bicycle-riding duck? I have no idea, but I'd love to know.Listed in: Jammin' With Gelato
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Review from Janna S.
7/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you don't have the time or the means to make it out to a campfire this summer, I HIGHLY suggest you schedule a visit to Hollywood Gelato for the Roasted Marshmallow gelato...instant summer on a spoon! I also tried Coconut Cream Pie, Tahitian Vanilla, Valrhona Chocolate, Sicilian Pistachio and Key Lime Pie, as well as the Wild Forest Berries sorbet. All flavors were scrumptious, although I was more than a little dismayed by the lack of lemon meringue flavor, the picture of which was what first tempted me to visit this place ;-p
This place isn't cheap but it's worth treating yourself. I could have easily eaten a large size serving but don't interpret that as meaning HG is stingy! I simply prefer having dessert as the main course, especialy when it's this good.
This place was bustling at 7 pm on a Tuesday night - there is no way I'd attempt a trip on the weekend - I can only imagine how crazily busy it must get. Interestingly enough - The Mad Italian Gelato Bar across the street was nearly empty...is it just too new or is HG a superior product? Only a taste-test will determine the truth. To be continued... -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
10/2/2008
In the summer, there is nothing like a cold gelato to keep you cool. To be honest, I would go here anytime of the year just to try this deliciousness. They have a million flavours but by far, my favourite is the hazelnut, that tastes like ice cream ferrero roche. The mint ice cream is also super tasty - I like to get one scoop with two flavours, which really is the best way to go.
My boyfriend got some kind of ridiculous thing suggested by one of the managers - it was two big slabs of gelato between some kind of bun like thing and then smothered with ice cream. It was tasty but definitely heart attack-inducing.
This place gets busy in the summer, so be prepared to wait. But when you lick that first delicious bit of Italian gelato, you'll be glad you did. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/23/2008 2 photos
Fuggetaboutit!
This is pretty much the only reason to go up to this pub-invested neighborhood.
Hollywood Gelato makes some of the creamiest stuff in the city. If you're like me, and you don't really dig the milk, then you're stuck with sorbet at 31 Flavors. Ironically, there is a Baskin Robbins down the street that also does well in the summer.
It's over run with children, so just grab your cone and go.
They also sell it by the tub to take home with you.
Any flavor, any time.
absolutely delicious. -
Review from Kimmy B.
East York, ON
6/2/2009
I ventured on up the street last night to satisfy a sweet tooth craving that only a tasty serving of gelato would fix. At 10pm, Hollywood Gelato is perfect, since they have amazing hours of like 7am until 11pm! Even at this late hour, there was a line following it's many years of reputable excellent service and product, as being voted "Best in the City."
I love the setup of Hollywood Gelato, so many flavors displayed in these huge bins for you to salivate over while you contemplate this oh-so crucial decision. What is unique, and that I love as a "something extra" display piece, is that on top of every flavor, they have the item topping reflecting what's inside the gelato, sort of as a showcase item. For example, the cookies n' cream has Oreo cookies on top, the lemon has lemon wedges on top, the raspberry with, well, you get the idea!
They all look lovely, rich and to die for flavors! And if you are undecided, just ask your lovely server for a taste before you commit to a flavor, if you're feeling experimental, you can taste it, before you bank on it.
I think Hollywood Gelato is a good deal too, they have 2 sizes, the regular and large, but I always get the regular, it's more than enough. I think it's either $4.50 or $4.75. And in this wonderful cup of happiness, you get to choose, wait for it....THREE different flavors!! WOW!! How great is that?!? And these are just little slabs they give you, they are hefty, hefty, hefty scoops, not the wimpy, wimpy, wimpy kind!!! *giggles*
Flavors, I love the Creme Carmel, I always go with that one, it's my favorite. They had a new one called "Toasted Marshmallow", which sounded good, but I was unsure, so I asked for a taste, and boy I was sold!!! So that was number 2. Perusing the selections, I came across Key Lime Pie, another YUM-O option, and there's my 3!! The Key Lime Pie is so yummy and limey, and even has little pieces of graham cracker crust in it, (which I think MAKES the entire Key Lime Pie experience) YUM-O again!!
The gelato at Hollywood Gelato is made with milk instead of cream, little known fact there for you. It gives it this unbelievable smooth and soft texture that I just love the feel of in my mouth and just sends my taste buds dancing!! With each of my 3 flavors, I'm sent on a roller coaster of happiness, and get to enjoy 3 totally, yet equally enjoyable experiences!!
My friend followed my lead and got the Creme Carmel, the Toasted Marshmallow, but also the "Tahitian Vanilla," which she reported to be a very yummy and pure tasting vanilla.
I highly recommend Hollywood Gelato, there are a lot of gelato places to try in the city, but this one is my local spot, and I've got zero complaints, and nothing but cool, yummy praises to sing! -
Review from Nino G.
Toronto, ON
10/9/2009
No, I'm not in a bad mood, this place doesn't serve gelato they serve ice cream. There's a difference. Yeah, the scoops are large unlike the fancy gelato shops around town - if it's quantity you are after go for it. Note to the place owner: pistachios are actually nuts, if you offer that flavor it takes more than vanilla ice cream with green food coloring.
The chocolaty stuff, like ferrero rocher is not bad, but remember take a bottle of water with you, with the amount of sugar in this ice cream you'll need one.
I have to make a joke about the Rose Reisman poster, did they pay her or did she pay them? -
Review from L B.
Toronto, ON
6/7/2010
I agree that I'm not 100% sure it's gelato only, but it is delcious and definitely worth the calories. My favorites are: chococate mint, pineapple, peanut butter.
They have a patio are are open late, so it's great if you're walking about the neighbourhood in search of dessert on a warm evening!Listed in: Dessert
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Review from Karen B.
Toronto, ON
8/18/2010
Let's be honest - you could be serving gelato from a hole in the wall and the kids would thrilled. Hollywood Gelato? Now this is taste fit for mom and dad.
Hollywood makes their gelato from scratch each day - and when Nanny Erin popped by in the morning (not exactly prime gelato-scarfing time), she found the place was already packed. Good thing they have a patio!
Specialties? Nanny Erin loved snappy flavours like Mars, Skor, Key Lime, Cookies and Cream and Pumpkin Pie - and thought their gelato pie was rather nifty: baked with a shortbread crust and topped with your choice of gelato. Apparently at Hollywood Gelato you can have your pie and eat it too - special-served at a birthday party.
Hollywood Gelato is open Monday - Thursday 7:00am to 11:00pm, Friday and Saturday 7:00am to 12:00am and Sunday 8:00 am to 11:00pm -
Review from Elle P.
4/2/2010
Deliciously rich ice cream.
Open late.
Outdoor patio. -
Review from Terry P.
5/9/2010
Although more like ice cream than gelato, this is good stuff. For $4.50 or so I had a regular cup, which is three flavours. I had banana chocolate I think it was, tiramisu, and something with peanut butter. They were all great although the tiramisu was the best - it seemed to actually have little bits of cake in it. A great treat.
Listed in: My sweet sweet tooth....
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Review from Hoy Y.
8/4/2010
I have to agree that the Roasted Marshmellow flavor was awesome. Combo with the Pistachio ohh my. Delicious.
Listed in: My favorites
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
8/29/2008
I have to preface this review with the fact that I have just recently returned from a two month trip through Europe. I am not bragging (well I am, but it's inconsequential); it's just that in Italy they have this thing called Gelato, that looks almost identical to the stuff that we call Gelato here, but there's one really big difference. Italian Gelato is like eating a little piece of heaven whereas Gelato in Toronto is like eating good ice cream. Relative to the quality of ice cream Gelato in Toronto, Hollywood Gelato is good. They have a wide selection and the flavours are naturally based and reminiscent of Italian Gelato. The portions are huge, personally I would recommend the small but don't let me tell you what to do. I think that this is a Gelateria that is worth visiting if you are in the area, but I wouldn't recommend you going out of your way just for the chance to have pretty good ice cream.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Z Y.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2011
So good! They have really cool flavours...stuff like ferrero rocher, cookie dough, creme brule, etc. It's not even expensive at all either =D. If I lived within walking distance, I would definitely go more regularly.
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Review from Ed S.
5/31/2010
The gelato isn't as good as il Gelateiere, but it's still good and you get more for you money. Hit it up and enjoy.
