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Alotto Gelato
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
931 NW 23rd AvePortland, OR 97210
Neighborhoods: Alphabet District, Northwest
(503) 228-1709
- Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 11 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
66 reviews for Alotto Gelato
Review Highlights
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"It legitimately tastes like chocolate frosted yellow cake." In 14 reviews -
"I know, a weird combination, but I love those two flavors." In 6 reviews -
"The Stumptown coffee flavor is devine." In 5 reviews
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66 reviews in English
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Review from Lexi H.
Portland, OR
4/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
the gelato is so good and made fresh daily. its really clean inside and the workers are amazing. this one girl, named hannah is so friendly.
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Review from Melissa K.
Portland, OR
3/22/2012
Service is great, gelato is great, selection of flavors is also great!
go here all the time, consistently great! -
Review from David K.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Selection is dainty, just like the shop. Not too loud, small, bright, quaint and fun. To gauge how Portland appropriate it is, consider that they have a flavor called ... Rose petals!
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Review from Ryan S.
Portland, OR
2/7/2012
Ehhh. My first impression was not a good one. The service wasn't great, the portions of gelato were small for the price$ and the gelato had the texture of mashed banana's. I used to work at a gelato cafe in Colorado and the owners were from Italy and they made their gelato how traditional Italians make it and based on my experience it does not compare!
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Review from John L.
3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
just tried it for the first time last night. good... but definitely not the best i've had. the choice of flavors were not as extensive as some places, not that I care that much. i'd much rather have a few well done than many mediocre. liked the stumptown espresso. salted caramel was ok. my wife liked the chocolate banana.
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Review from B R.
Portland, OR
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very good Italian style gelato!!
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Review from Lydia H.
7/16/2011
Closer to 3.5 stars; now on to the review.
Once you have encountered an Italian gelateria nothing compares. I've only been to Alotto a couple of times, but it has satisfied my gelato needs on the occasions when my posse and I are in the NW and we need gelato ASAP. I really like their yellow cake flavor, but there is just something about the store environment that doesn't make me want to go out of my way to go here. A plus is eating outside on the sidewalk next to those giant pig sculptures. Pretty good gelato but a nonenticing shop. -
Review from Kelly C.
Vancouver, WA
Updated - 4/10/2011
Alotto Gelato redefined the meaning of "hand-crafted coffee" this week.
When I asked if they made iced coffee the employee was like "I don't know if we have ice." Oh, well good thing you're not a store that specializes in cold treats...
When she finally found a random bag of ice she proceeds to grab the ice WITH HER HANDS and throw it into my cup. I watched in horror as she completed the beverage by rubbing said hands all over my straw before handing it me. In my state of utter confusion I paid for it and left silently.
I drank it because I had a child with me who waited patiently in a gelato store for her babysitter to get coffee even though she wasn't going to get any gelato. But with every single sip I choked down I was mentally screaming "AHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!! HAND COFFEE!!!!!!!!"
I spent the rest of the night obsessing over all of the things she probably touched up to that moment; in-between my thoughts mostly started with "I would've/could've/should've..."
Alas I live, but my germaphobia has substantially intensified. Who knew that was possible.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/5/2011
Today I found myself taking four kids under the age of 10 into my care and keeping, so what better… Read more »
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Review from Al D.
Honolulu, HI
11/19/2011
Loved this place. Good value and staff was very friendly. Sampled a lot of the gelato, it was all amazing. Settled on a small cup of the salted caramel and chocolate frosted yellow cake. Wish we had a place this good in Hawaii.
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Review from Anuj K.
12/21/2010 5 Check-ins Here
This place is my favorite in Portland for gelato - the owner is pretty cool and makes new, unique, and interesting flavors that are strong and deep. The texture is smooth, creamy, and rich. The staff is really friendly and you're able to try as many flavors as you want before deciding (they know it's a hard decision).
I've gone through many of their punch cards and probably earned a hand-ful of free scoops by now.
I never get a size larger than "A-little" because it's still pretty overwhelming for me, since I usually come here after having a meal somewhere else on the street (23rd has some good eats).
I recently had the seasonal cinnamon toast and pumpkin pie flavors together (since they tell us we're allowed to have two flavors), and it was bomb-diggity. My go to flavors are the mint chocolate and hazelnut. I absolutely adore those, and it reminds me my days walking around Cairns, Australia, in the warm weather eating my scoops of gelato.
Once I decided to bring a pint home - which was a great idea! But unfortunately it doesn't stay well at the temperature of home freezers. It's great for serving same day, but I don't know if I'd risk keeping a pint for personal use over a period of time.Listed in: Coffee
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Review from Erin D.
10/1/2011
Stopped in here for a quick dessert after dinner. I had the salted caramel gelato, which was pretty good. Not the best gelato I've had by a long shot, but I might stop by again if I were in the neighborhood.
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Review from Jill k.
1/4/2012
that beautiful portland day was only improved upon by that deliciously creamy scoop of rose-flavored gelato...
Listed in: so what if i'm lactose…, the PDX
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Review from Laura N.
8/9/2007
I know ice cream like Violet Beauregarde knows gum. And let me tell you: Alotto Gelato is a delight beyond delights for us - the self-proclaimed coinsurers of the creameries.
Only one previous review for this scoop of frozen Italian heaven? For shame Portland yelpers, for shame. Alotto Gelato is the real deal. Surrounded by 'la Competizione,' i.e. the fiercest of creamery-competition that can only be understood in ancient Italian folklore, Alotto prevails as simply the best.
Daily rotated homemade local flavors like rose petal, cantaloupe, lavender, and coconut "lick your way to Tahiti" are offered alongside the traditional favorites like Gianduia, Spumoni, and Stracciatella; all of which could, and have, inspired poetry.
In a sentence of its own - the chocolate frosted yellow cake is something you must taste to believe. Three of my stars are for this flavor alone.
Most importantly, the employees are friendly, efficient, and generous - you will never receive that disappointed "over-sampler" glare. In fact, if you try one flavor they are likely to present another flavor to complement your selection, such as mixing Cinnamon with Amaretto. They'll even give you the "halfsy" scoop for those of us who are painfully indecisive. (Think 4 scoops for the price of 2!) Then they will kindly remind you to please recycle your plastic spoon and cup in the provided jars. Good for the buds in your mouth and on the planet! Huzzah! Another two stars.
I can't say enough about this gem of gelato brilliance. Anytime is a great time for gelato... heck it's probably 5 o'clock in Italy anyway.Listed in: NW 23rd / Nob Hill / Alphabet…
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Review from Sean C.
10/13/2008
As a visitor to Portland from the other city in the Pacific Northwest, I was surprised to find that the frozen yogurt craze has not yet made its way down here (or has already passed?) and instead gelato reigns as the sovereign sophisticated dessert. Research yielded Alotto Gelato as the best of breed, and I resolved to do as the Portlanders do.
While I had some time alone and due to the poor timing of missing happy hour, I resolved to take a walk here and check it out while ruining my appetite for late night happy hour. The first thing I noticed that it was pretty much directly across the street from Mio Gelato, a larger franchise, and reassuringly busier. No interior surprises.
After having ample time to look over the 16+ varieties while the couple in front of me got a bunch of samples and then engaged in post-samples deliberation, and after having a few myself with no complaint from the staff, I ordered a three flavor medium ($3.95):
- Pumpkin: well-executed but not otherwise remarkable
- Rose Petal: noticeably pink, sweet but not overly so like gulab jamun syrup
- Ginger: subdued flavor for ginger, not over-sweetened, the clear winner
It's possible my flavor choices were inspired by a longing for Indian food, but that craving served me well. It may not be Italian gelato, and I'm mildly off-put by the pun in the name (although not to the degree of Pho King) but it's certainly better in taste and value than the competing dessert boutiques. I'll be back for alotto more. There, I said it. -
Review from Jen K.
5/16/2008
I'm walking on sunshine today. I'm also in danger of sinking into a sugar coma, but there are worse ways to go.
It is hot in Portland. That kind of hot where people can change from blissfully happy soaking in the sun to getting really cranky because it is too damn hot in a split second. Then factor in the usual traffic and parking craziness on NW 23rd and you get the picture.
Well calmness was restored by a small serving of chocolate peanut butter (I can't resist this flavor, EVER) and chocolate frosted yellow cake (because Yeeps said so) gelatos. Probably a little too sweet for your average customer, but I've been eating birthday cakes all week so I've built up a high tolerance to sugar.
Cute store with a small seating area. But I was much happier taking it to go and strolling outside. And you should have seen the envious looks I got from passerbys. I think it is going to be a busy afternoon for Alotto Gelato.Listed in: Sweets for the Sweet
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Review from Adam R.
Portland, OR
6/16/2008 ROTD 7/3/2008
$2.95 will get you two scoops of pure joy here.
I highly recommend the yellow cake flavor. I would get two scoops of this if it weren't for my girlfriend and the clerk insisting that I try more than one.
Who needs more than one when you've already got the best flavor?!
Hands down best in the NW area, skip the rest and go here. -
Review from Emily T.
10/5/2008
Alotto Gelato made my afternoon. For seriously.
The boyfriend and I were doing some strolling and shopping on a Saturday afternoon while on a weekend visit to PDX. With all of that intense physical activity, I worked up an appetite. What to do, what to do? What to eat, what to drink? Breakfast and lunch were out of the question (read: brunch) and we had already wet our whistles with some stumptown coffee. But this hollow leg of mine, led me right in the door of Alotto Gelato. FTW!
There were near a dozen flavors to choose from. I went with a small scoop of peach and pear (yes, with a small scoop they give you TWO flavors..perfect for the indecisive). The boyfriend went with chocolate frosted yellow cake in a cup. I don't think we could have picked wrong! Delicious. So delicious that I haven't been able to get my mind off that smooth gelato a week later. No fair Portland!
The shop was cute and simple, the service very friendly, the prices reasonable and the gelato was A-freakin-mazing! Next time I'm in town, I'm most definitely stopping back in for dessert.Listed in: Portland!
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Review from Kari M.
11/21/2008
Eating gelato here gave me flashbacks to that movie "What about Bob" with Bill Murray. You know--he's sitting eating dinner with that family and he goes crazy with the "MMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMM this is delicious" kinda thing.
I really felt like doing that.
But, in the interest of not being politely asked to leave the premises before police were called I decided to sit quietly and enjoy my tasty treat. I got the Lemon gelato and Strawberry sorbeto. SO GOOD!
The small dish was only 3 bucks and you get to pick 2 flavors. I probably looked like a mental case it took me so long to try to decide what I wanted to get...needless to say I will be back again to try some more.Listed in: FOOD! NOM NOM NOM
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Review from Alissa R.
Portland, OR
6/26/2008
My name is Alotto. Alotto Faginnnnn... Ahh, yeah. Love Austin Powers and just couldn't resist.
Lets start over....
There definitely is alotto great gelato here. My favorite happens to be the rose petal. Extremely refreshing, not too sweet, and paired with the Madagascar vanilla is simply alotto heaven. The prices make it even sweeter! Your probably wondering, ".. then why only 4****s?" Frankly, nothing compares with true Italian gelato and that is my 5***** benchmark. Alotto comes pretty darn close... if I could I would give them a 4.5 -
Review from ash. a.
Portland, OR
9/17/2008
This place is sickeningly good, and way too close to my apartment. The staff is very friendly and are not stingy with the sample giving. Therefore, if you are like me you've already eaten one cup in samples before you order.
Last time I went I got the Stumptown Espresso, which tasted as delicious as the real thing( I'm getting hungry just thinking about it). I also got a half of the mint chocolate chip. All I can say is "Wow". It was awesome!
And... little known fact, if you want to go the cold treat route, then gelato is less fatty! Hurray! Gelato for everyone! -
Review from Angela B.
San Diego, CA
5/31/2007
Alotto Gelato is a petite li'l space, with lemon yellow walls decorated with original photographs and paintings from local artists. The space fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights, so be prepared to be elbow-to-elbow with your gelato-lovin' neighbors.
Everyone who works here is always so darn happy..and not in a glassy-eyed-took-a-double-dose-of-Paxil kind of way, but genuinely smiling and happy to be working there. And that's not all...they LOVE to give samples! They actually encourage samples, and make recommendations so you can experience new flavors. And just when you get that twinge of guilt for asking for too many samples, someone behind the counter will insist you try one more flavor.
As far as the gelato goes...it's amazing! Some gelato shops use a pre-packaged mix, but Alotto Gelato makes their gelato by hand and they use only fresh ingredients. On top of everything else, they recycle the plastic spoons and dishes, which makes me love them even more for being so friendly to the earth! -
Review from Angela M.
Hillsboro, OR
9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Only one thing to say about this place - AWESOME!!
Unique flavors and all of them are great-tasting. Creamy and delicious and the best gelatto I've had so far.
If you haven;t been here please don't hesitate to give it a try when you're in the mood for some dessert.
One improvement, however - it would be nice if they could increase their portion size a little. Not that its very small, but a little bigger portion would be nice. -
Review from Chris B.
Hillsboro, OR
2/27/2009
Gelato? Ya... it's stellar, but everyone already agrees on that!
They also make some darn good (albeit simple & consistent) coffee drinks!
An especially cheerful & bright little shop - which is particularly relaxing if you're spending some time at Good, err... Bad Sam Hospital, across the street from which it is conveniently located.
Late hours for the night owl and owless earn this pad Alotto Stars. -
Review from Travis C.
Battle Ground, WA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
You can't go wrong with the smooth and intense flavors of this Italian treat. And this place does a great job at keeping the taste of authentic Italian gelato.
This place has a nice modern and clean feeling inside. With some cool trendy artwork on the walls by a local artist. The worker behind the glass display didn't seem to be happy, giving me one word answers to questions I was asking... in hopes of starting friendly conversation. But oh well, she just missed out on my tip. :-) -
Review from Sonya L.
3/13/2009
This place is awesome. The gelato is fantastic! It's likely some of the best I've ever had.
They had my two favorite flavors - coconut and pistachio, which I highly recommend for the two flavor combo. My small sized cup was completely loaded up with TONS of gelato - I mean, we are talking HUGE portion sizes.
The shop is super cute and the woman who served me was really friendly. Prices are super cheap, especially considering the portion sizes. The location is awesome in the heart of the Alphabet District, as I was able to spend my afternoon window shopping and eating gelato.Listed in: Frozen Sweets!, A Weekend in PDX
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Review from Liz T.
Portland, OR
3/24/2008
For gelato, I give Alotto Gelato five stars, for gelato/ice cream/overall appeal I sunk it down to four.
I'm not really a gelato fan, to tell you a secret, I like my ice CREAM. Full of creamy smooth butterfat goodness. Gelato is light and you eat it in small dishes with itsy bitsy spoons, seems a little trendy for me. Yet Alotto Gelato has chocolate frosted yellow cake and that right there is the reason I am willing to cheat on my true love with this silly artisan cousin.
Still, Alotto is fun, another one of Portland's cute little shops on 23rd. Extremely small, so plan on picking it up and eating small bites from your tiny spoon as you stroll down the street. Yet still plan on stopping by. There's no cold stone on 23rd so for now Alotto is your best bet for frozen goodness.Listed in: I Scream, You Scream, We all…
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Review from Irene C.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2009
I am very OCD about some things. Seriously. For example, I am extremely OCD about my bananas. I try to eat a banana a day, but it's difficult with my particularity because I only eat bananas when they reach a point where the flavor is juuuuust right -- that's when they start having spots, when they're no longer super firm, and I can't taste the 'green'. This usually means I'm waiting days for bananas to ripen and end up having to eat about six bananas in two days. (Who needs Activia? Just get banana-OCD.) This is typically why I hate banana-flavored anything because it's so artificial and tastes generally like crap.
Alotto Gelato's banana flavored gelato was PERFECT. It tasted like I peeled open a perfectly ripe banana and ate gelato out of it. I, Irene C., was impressed by their banana. That says a lot. Also, the chocolate frosted yellow cake tasted like frickin yellow cake. We all know how simply we'd like flavored things to taste like what they're supposed to, but they typically don't. Not here!
Also, seating is minimal and decor is simple. A place like this knows that it doesn't need to be flashy and lets its product speak for itself. Touche, Alotto Gelato, touche. -
Review from Liz M.
Portland, OR
6/23/2008 1 Check-in Here
We.Love.This. Place.
This is some of the best gelato in all of Portland. I really love the stracciatella, pistacchio, hazelnut, yellow cake...well, pretty much all the flavors they have here. They even had a maple bacon flavor that was pretty tasty. My Italian turned me on to this place and it's been a staple in our diet ever since. -
Review from Frances W.
Eugene, OR
11/4/2007
I've been to this place once when I was in Portland. Yuuuummy :P
prices are okay I think.
They've got some good flavors, and it's especially good to eat in the summer of course. The people serving you are pretty friendly, and it's true--- they do love giving samples, i can't deny them of course!
Customers of all kind. They have cool paintings. nice to stare at...lol. -
Review from Cindy I.
7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very creamy smooth chocolate gelato!! Late in the day they start getting short on flavors so get there early, they are very popular. Small space but very nice with good lighting. Sometimes I can forget they are down the street from the main action but so worth remembering. (they are a little skimpy on their tastes)
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Review from Chris G.
Updated - 7/29/2008
Had some Gelato in New York 2 weekends ago and then went back to Alotto Gelato last weekend. I was afraid that the chocolate frosted yellow cake may not live up to memory of it. Oh goodness... it did. We had the raspberry fudge (or something like that) for our other scoop, which was also quite good. We're still hoping the chocolate peanut butter will available next time.
(For the Chappelle show fans: It's really hard for me to type or say yellow cake without thinking about the "Black Bush" skit. "Don't drop that #$%!")1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/3/2008
Adam's ROTD inspired me to take the Mrs. for gelato after dinner tonight. Alotto did not disappoint.… Read more »
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Review from Bryan K.
Seattle, WA
9/29/2008
When it comes to guilty pleasures, ice cream goes right to the top of my list. Now, I'm not going to claim that gelato is good for you, but when I want to satisfy my craving for a frozen treat, it's a better, less fattening alternative. So when I'm out exploring Portland, doing some shopping with the girlfriend, what would be a better way to treat myself with a little or should I say Alotto Gelato?
I went with a small cup of their chocolate frosted yellow cake flavored gelato, and boy was it delicious. It tasted just like the real thing, better even! For a small cup it was quite a generous serving too. They offer about a dozen flavors in three sizes in cups or in cones. Also, if you're looking for something savory, they make panini sandwiches, which sounded delicious. Maybe next time for me.
It's a shame I don't live here in Portland, but then again, maybe it's a good thing. I can picture it now, stuffing my face with an entire tray of gelato. The authorities would be called, I would be arrested, it would be a mess to say the least. Good thing it's nearly two hundred miles away. -
Review from Maura P.
Hillsboro, OR
8/28/2007 1 Check-in Here
only been 3 times, but each time was wonderful!
and each time had my friend and I leaving with our hands full and smiles on our faces.
It was May and/or June of this year and all I wanted was some fruity flavors, so I haven't tried any of the traditional flavors...yet.
the pink grapefruit and strawberry lemonade flavors were excellent.
so good we came back the next day for more of the same. and again the next week.
briefly talked to the very nice owner. I really need to get back there soon because he said they make a basil flavor occasionally and I don't want to miss out! -
Review from Jen H.
Portland, OR
9/13/2010
Mango and Vanilla... Om nom nom
Plus, free water to wash down that creamy phlegm that inevitably builds up when you eat Gelato and Ice Cream! -
Review from Jake G.
Portland, OR
5/10/2011
Great gelato and friendly service. I must have tried almost all the flavors (which was probably so annoying) but the tattooed girl was a sweetheart and answered all my questions. Good location!
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Review from Esther Y.
5/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
Give me alotto gelato!
This cute little shop is located in a cute little area on 23rd, very close to competitors Mio Gelato and Bleuet. My group and I decided to go here based on its superior Yelp reviews. ;)
I liked the flavors they had here, and I got "A Little" (the smallest size) of espresso gelato and passion fruit sorbette. I know, a weird combination, but I love those two flavors. And they were both indeed very good here. The passion fruit is especially AMAZING!
I also sampled and liked the strawberry sorbette, stracciatella, and hazelnut. Wasn't too big a fan of the pistachio.
Now if only parking wasn't so difficult... -
Review from Wendy S.
1/24/2010
Damn you Alotto Gelato for being located directly next door to Nobby's. What better way to cure your hangover than following up your Nobby grease fest than with a scoop or two of your crazy delicious gelato?
The flavors changes frequently, and tend to be seasonal and local. My personal favorites are the Stumptown coffee gelato and the chocolate frosted yellow cake gelato. No joke, that's some serious Willy Wonka-type sh*t. It legitimately tastes like chocolate frosted yellow cake.
There is a very tiny seating area, so your best bet is to pick up a scoop or two and stroll 23rd while enjoying the creamy goodness. -
Review from Josh W.
4/10/2010
My wife and I spent over a week in Italy for our honeymoon. Over the course of 10 days, I had 36 scoops of gelato. I know this because kept a log!
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I say that of all the gelaterias in Portland, this is the closest I've come to true Italian gelato in terms of texture, consistency and depth of flavor. The fruits are fresh, that Stumptown coffee flavor is the essence of a good cup, and none of the flavors have that overly cloying sweetness I've encountered at other establishments around town.
If you want gelato, head straight to Alotto. -
Review from Wen-Chi Y.
Lake Oswego, OR
6/22/2010
LOVE THIS PLACE!!
I am hard to please when it comes to dessert since I am a pastry chef myself. However, I absolute love Alotto Gelato!! Rose + pistachio are my all time favorite. Chocolate & hazelnut were wonderful!! Never have a bad experience.
How much we love this place?? We will drive from LO to Nob Hills!! -
Review from Brigitte S.
Portland, OR
12/29/2008
Two flavors in a small. Let me say that again, two flavors in a small.
You can have your pistachio with stracciatella, hazelnut with raspberry sorbet, or mint with strawberry, or chocolate with pineapple in one small. Heaven!!
And as you sit down and enjoy your contrasting or complimentary flavors (whatever you fancy) you can read about their nutritional information about their homemade gelato having the third the amount of fat in it due to it being air whipped or something. Then you can smile happily and not feel bad at all about ordering that second small!
