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Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
Neighborhood: Downtown
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This review is from July. Oh, how I miss the sun. Oh, how I miss eating gelato in the summer.
I will admit that I am a newbie to gelato, so here we go...
I am trying to get out of my box and try things that I would not usually try. For instance, peach is not something that I would usually go for. Like raspberry, I usually love the fruit fresh, but when it comes to cooked, flavors, and in other forms, I am not always the biggest fan.
I gravitate toward honeydew, like in bubble tea and hi-chew candies, or a nice juicy slice, so why not gelato? Well, the honeydew was a bit boring and I was underwhelmed by my honeydew experience. The peach, on the other hand, was so delicious! This gelato was amazing! Note that when I have ice cream, it rarely, if ever, involves fruit or fruit flavors, unless you want to count a cherry on a sundae or a banana in a banana split! I always go for something chocolate-themed, so I am grateful that I opted for fruit gelato. There is always time to try other flavors.
My friend had pistachio, which I sampled, but I am not quite sure how well it would go with a fruit based gelato. It was yummy as well, just like pistachios from the shell and ice cream. I would definitely go back and pair it with a non-fruit. The flavor was rich and deep, like coffee, as if it had been roasted. Her burnt cream was way too sweet for me. I will save my taste buds for brunt cream in the way it's usually served.
I have not been back, despite my fantastic peach experience, which I'm sure is seasonal, but I will be back to try some of the other amazing looking flavors. There are so many to choose from!
No one informed me that gelato would taste like i died and went to heaven! This was my first time trying gelato and my taste buds were amazed. It's sooo good. I imagine this is what eating a delicious fluffy cloud would taste like. The texture is so smooth and just melts in your mouth overtaking all over your body with ecstatic joy. Is this what they call nirvana? I like it.
I tried panna cotta, chocolate hazelnut, and stracciatella (some kind of chocolate chip). All were really good, but chocolate + hazelnut won me over immediately. It was exceptional. The special cup they give you is extra cute too. You can recycle it like I did. Well, besides Seattle being an amazing city... if I had one real reason to move here it would be for this place. No ifs, ands, or buts. Expect me sometime in the future, Seattle.
Gelato is the trendy dessert of yesteryear.
What's up with gelato, anyways? The little plastic pastel cups with the tiny plastic non-spoons. You're not fooling anyone! I know that it's a tiny scoop. One scoop of gelato is less than a kid's scoop at Molly Moons... and it's pricey! (2.50/scoop). Also, it kind of just tastes like softer, melted ice cream to me. Nope, it doesn't do it for me.
I got pistachio and chocolate hazelnut. First of all, chocolate + hazelnut is like the flavor of life. I LOVE nutella, but the flavor of the gelato was very mild and a little bit overly creamy. The pistachio was really good, but the gelato itself is so melt-y. Blah.
Shop is small, cozy, and very cute. The display of gelato is colorful, bright, and yummy-looking. The staff were friendly and happy to indulge in the [many] samples I asked for. If you're into the whole "gelato thing," I'm sure you'd love this place.
I guess it's just not my choice for sweet treat.
Come for the divine gelato, stay for the hot guy who serves it.
For beginners, I describe gelato as....Gelato is to ice cream what espresso is to coffee. Potent, flavorful, flawless. And you only need a tiny bit to fully enjoy it. My faves? Hazelnut and Creme Brulee. Get one scoop, or mix a couple of different flavored scoops.
I've had gelato at a few other authentic gelaterias. Last night, me and my visiting brother were downtown and decided to give Bottega's a try. I'm so glad I did; it definitely compares to the best of the others I've had!
I had the chocolate hazelnut and creme brulee, which complimented each other well - very smooth and sweet, just what I was after. The creme brulee in particular was the best of the flavors I sampled (I tried a little of my bro's). He had the chocolate chip and pistachio - the pistachio had strong flavor and was tasty (although I don't think the 2 flavors he had were as complimentary as mine).
I keep an eye on what I eat, and gelato is a great alternative to ice cream. Simply get a small-sized one, and you're looking at about a 200 calorie dessert - refreshing and satisfying while remaining light enough for those of us that are trying to stay healthy.
The barista working there was all smiles and very friendly. The decor was stylish and the seats were comfy. There isn't much space inside to sit though, so depending on how busy it gets, you might have to just take it out to the street.
The Pike Place location DOES accept credit cards (at least now they do). I paid for ours with a card last night (August 7th). A small gelato will run you (currently) $3.25 + tax, which is a very fair price. I will definitely visit here again when I'm downtown! (We'll see how it compares to Rome's gelato when I visit in November...)
Watermelon Gelato...where have you been my whole life.
Like seriously, hit this up while it is in season. OMFG...delicious! Like, not kind of delicious - really really this-shouldn't-be-legal delicious. Trust me. Have I ever steered you wrong? Oh yeah, you have no idea who I am and I'm not even from Seattle. Take my word for it anyway!
Well...maybe you are a chocolate gelato kind of person. I get that, I respect that. But chocolate will always be there! And it's not very interesting. WATERMELON, WATERMELON, WATERMELON....I feel like I need a sign with a cute cartoon watermelon dude and should be waving it around outside the store.
We were strolling around on a friday night and decided to hit this place up after dinner. It was completely empty and the girl behind the counter was so sweet and friendly. Patient too. I took forever to pick 2 flavors out. When I decided on um...watermelon!...as one of them she informed me it was a great choice. That made the indecisive me very happy. The other choice was Creme Brulee in case you are interested (yeah, I have a boring side too). I also got a cappuccino that was devine. Man, Seattlites, you guys are spoiled with very talented baristas.
So then something funny happened. We are sitting in the corner in a cozy sitting area near the window enjoying our desserts, and people keep looking at us as they are walking by and decide to go into the shop. One after another...groups and groups of people! Suddenly the entire store is full and this poor girl is the only one serving everyone. I was amazed at how calm she was about it all. One minute empty, 10 minutes later a mad house!
Coincidence, I'm sure, but I felt like having us in the corner window in view from the street brought the people in. Because you know the theory that people are afraid to enter and empty food establishment without other diners. Either that or a movie had just ended. It was fun to witness, regardless.
Now go get some gelato!
Gelato is a bit of paradise... and this spot has some good bites. Today, I tried their mint gelato which had FRESH bits of mint mixed in... what a pleasant surprise to have fresh ingredients. My friend and I were coming from Pike Market, so this spot is convenient for a cool treat and many tourists. I also thought a nice touch was the funky plastic bowl my gelato came in. $2.28 for a single scoop wasn't too bad for its location. I also found the environment was small and cozy.
I gave it a 3 stars because I thought their gelato was good, and I could see myself coming again.
Nestled between pike and union in the market is this teeny tiny gelateria. You walk in and right ahead of you is a veritable wonderland of frozen deliciousness. Authentic (in my humble opinion), lovely, refreshing, and sometimes surprising (carrot gelato??), Bottega Italiana is a great place to go when you're jonesin' for something to cool you off on a hot day.
Notable flavors I have had this summer include rhubarb and watermelon, but there is always something to catch your eye. Pistacio? Chocolate orange? Nutella? check, check, check.
There isn't a lot of space for loitering, though they have a small seating area if you absolutely must rest your tired feet while you nibble gelato from a tiny spoon.
Current favorite flavors: Strawberry, Pineapple, Tiramisu, Caramel.
Very nice staff, and right next to Pike Place! I love to stop by when I'm strolling down first.
Had this yesterday with my sister. Brought back memories of Gelato in Italy. It's pretty good, they have some unique flavors like Kiwi that tasted just like the fruit and Strawberry Basil. However, nothing beats the real stuff in Italy...
Many months ago my friend M, who is a real living breathing Eye-tal-yan, told me that he found a good gelato place in Seattle. And I was like, "What? If an Italian says that there is some good gelato around, I must try it!" He told me that the pear gelato at Bottega Italiana was the best. So last weekend I finally got a chance to taste for myself.
And it was gooooood. When you order a small you get 2 flavors. I could not find anything that would go really well with pear, so I got two scoops of pear, and was glad I did. It was great- with little bits of pear and a very subtle, fresh taste of *gasp* real pear!!
My friend who was visiting from the Bay Area got one scoop of pear and one scoop of cantaloupe. She said that cantaloupe was really good and I believe her, but it is the only fruit that I don't like.
There was a fairly long line of annoying tourists. The woman in front of me wanted to sample 4 different flavors- ugh, I hate people like that. But the girl behind the counter was very nice and dealt with her and then moved on to us while the woman was making her big decision.
The place is small and this is not cheap gelato- for those of you who worry about price. It was over $7 for 2 small cups. For me the price doesn't matter. I would gladly pay it because it is certainly high quality.
I went on their website today and found out there is also a store in Greenlake. Yay! No tourists, MUCH closer to my house. You know where to find me this summer....
I never would have known this place was here - but I'll definitely come back to try the VERY good looking gelatos! My friend recommended I try the Mexican hot chocolate which was, as 'advertised', quite tasty! The service was slow, however, despite us being almost the only two in there at the time, and despite the youthful appearance of the barista not a smile was to be seen. Nevertheless, a nice big 12 oz mug of spicy Mexican hot cocoa with some good heart-to-heart and long-overdue catching up made it all too easy to forget about the afternoon passing by, the almost spring-like sunshine melting back to our usual February drizzle. Apparently there is another location down in Pike Place according to their business card.
Next time I'll review the gelato!
On Labor day, we were strolling around the city and found out a lot of stores are closed. This place was the only place open until 8 pm that day. We had their Basil and Mojito gelato. It was so different. It's not my favorite gelato store but definitely their Basil and Mojito gelato were very authentic.
This really is awesome gelato (and I've had gelato in NYC, Philly, Buenos Aires, etc.).
Great to stop by if you're in the area, especially if you're showing friends from out of town around Pike Place Market. Or if you're in town visiting yourself, definitely don't miss this place!
I only have one other gelato establishment to compare it to. After trying some others and coming back here again, I have a funny (well, not hilarious) suspicion I'll be giving them 5 stars.
I got a scoop of caramel and a scoop of pumpkin. The taste was light, full of flavor, and much 'deeper' than ice cream. I also liked the fact that the consistency was more more like a cream cheese rather than standard ice-cream. The only thing I didn't 'fancy' was the after-taste...can't describe it, but it's not a clean aftertaste.
Other things, service was fantastic, I liked the display of the gelatos, in their stainless steel pans. This is a great place!
Hmmmm..
yeah I've experienced better in Philadelphia also.
There's a great place in Philly and it's Capogiro Gelato by the way.
I've tried pumpkin around halloween, lemon and strawberry here and they were just heavy. I also guess they change flavors everyday or so. I didn't see pumpkin next week.
Ahhh I want some red mango ice cream now........
I love their gelato. I usually mix vanilla and sour cherry and then carefully make spoonfuls that have a bit of each.
Try to avoid this store when there are lots of tourists around. There isn't a lot of space for a line and inexperienced customers stand and stare at the gelato as if it were a magic TV that showed them their deepest hopes and dreams.
I visited this location of Bottega Italiana twice this past Wednesday. First I went in alone to kill some time while waiting for my museum buddies and to get a little caffeine in my system. I ordered a triple espresso which was on par price wise with other establishments and had great flavor.
After concluding my visit to the SAM with my mother, grandmother, and sister I brought them up to try the gelato and to introduce them a place I know they wouldn't wander into on their own. I had the hazelnut which was rich and very velvety. The flavor reminded me very much of Ferrero Roche chocolate hazelnut treats. My mother had a mixed berry that was tasty, but too seedy for my personal taste. She enjoyed it greatly. My grandmother seems to have picked the best of the three, Lemon. It had such a robust and clean flavor, truly amazing. It had just the right amount of tartness. My sister opted out on gelato and instead had a non fat caramel latte which she quickly consumed so I can only assume it was tasty.
The friendly server was the same gal on both visits and was the cherry on my gelato sundae. She made my whole family feel welcome and we had a great time visiting Bottega Italiana due in part to her. Thank you!
I LOVE caramel and their caramel gelato was fantastic! Not too sweet and so creamy. If I am ever connected via feeding tube, I only want the caramel gelato pumped through the IV.
There's nothing like a cup of the yummiest gelato on a hot summer day in Seattle- that being said, the gelato at Bottega Italiana sure hit the spot when the mercury hit 90. Its always so hard to decide which flavors to order when you are faced with a beautiful showcase of delicious-looking gelato. Luckily, the salesgirl was more than willing to indulge us tourists and give us tastes of the different gelatos and sorbettos.
After some lengthy decision making, I chose to order a small cup of watermelon sorbetto and panna cotta (creme brulee) gelato. Not that these two flavors necessarily went together, but I was craving the refreshing, clean taste of the watermelon and the rich creaminess of the panna cotta. Both flavors were phenomenal, though I found the tiniest bit of ice in the panna cotta.
Overall, I was charmed by the gelato and the store itself- there was a little corner where a comfy sofa resided next to a bookcase full of Italian tomes (Snoopy in Italian!). I also noticed that there was a little index card holder where regulars could keep cards that tracked each cup of coffee they were purchasing- loved that regulars came in despite the fact that its a stone's throw from the main entrance of Pike Place Market. I really wish I could go back and try more gelato- the kiwi and strawberry looks scrumptious!
This place is AMAZING! If you are an ice cream fanatic you really need to hit Bottega at least once. My personal favorites are the chocolate hazelnut, panna cotta, and tiramisu. It's a little pricey, but trust me it's worth it! Plus with those little spoons and the richness of the gelato it takes quite awhile to eat.
My husband and I were in Seattle for about 5 days, and we seriously had this Gelato -- every. freakin'. day. One day we even had it twice.....!!
There's something refreshing about gelato that really hits the spot, especially since we were walking around and doing the sightseeing thing.
What we love about this place is that with the small size - you get *2* flavor choices. When you start gazing at all the yummy flavors, it's SO great that you get 2 flavors, and 2 scoops --for a GREAT, cheap price compared to other gelato places that give you just one scoop, one flavor.
We're sold.
My husband's favorite was the Kiwi. It was the perfect "tart", but refreshing and sweet at the same time.
I loved getting 2 different flavors -- although most of my choices didn't really 'mix' well, it was great being able to try 2 different flavors. MMMMMMM....
I seriously loved all the flavors I tried: Pistachio, Kiwi, Strawberry, Tiramisu, Nocciola (Hazelnut), Gianduia (Chocolate Hazelnut), Nutella, Panacotta........
OMG. I wish we had one here back at home! If we're ever in Seattle again -- we know where to get our Gelato!
"Meh. I've experienced better."
literally..
I've had WAAAAY better gelato in philly.. Capogiro Gelateria :(
based on the reviews... I had high expectations when I walked in!!
I only ate about half of it and threw it away :(
but I guess I can see how it could be good if you HAVE NOT experienced better..
or if you like regularish ice cream that is flavored like gelato.
boo :(
The absolute best gelato I had was in Rome at Gelato San Crispino, near the Trevi Fountain. Bottega Italiana doesn't have quite the variety, imaginative flavors, or the ambiance. It is, however, the best gelato I've had in Seattle and much better than its local competitors, e.g., Gelatiamo. I have eaten here many times and would definitely go back.
This place is good, and I can say that as someone who has eaten a fair share of gelato in Italy. The pear is heaven and I adore the fashion magazines stashed around on the mod furniture. It really makes this a great place to stop for something really special when the crowds become overwhelming. Go!
Great gelato. I just had to get the large so I could try more flavors. Watermelon and the coconut were so good.
I LOVE this place! I rave about it to all my friends. When they doubt the awesomeness that is bottega gelato I treat them to a cup and they end up loving it too.
I have tasted many Seattle Gelato places and this one is for sure the best! It's natural, light, fresh and the flavors are amazing. True italian gelato taste!
Strawberry is my favorite which I pair with limone or a seasonal fruit like pear, raspberry, pineapple, kiwi or orange. I also really like the coffee matched with carmel or pannacotta.
I think i have pretty much tasted all the flavors and they are all to die for. Hazelnut is a big hit with my friends.
I have used a card here before so i'm not sure about the reviews saying thay only take cash, maybe thier machine was down?
Bottom line this place is YUMMY and highly recommend!
The best gelati around. The silky smooth texture of their gelati is a treat to my mouth, my tongue always thanks me for the treat. I love their mango and lime they have the most amazing flavors ever.
The place is small but always full of people. The staff is always polite and never seems stressed or frazzled with the line of people waiting for their turn to get some of their wonderful gelati. Next time you're at the market stop in and give them a try you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
OK the best gellato in town.
But I give it a one star for service. Man that girl behind the counter was just mean! No really mean.
Hey Who would have ever thought that a business in downtown Seattle doesn't take plastic. HELLO its the freakin...21st century. CASH ONLY?
Now you tell me as my ice cream is dripping on my hand.
She was pissed and offended that we didn't have cash. OK honey, its freakin Sunday night, about 4 customers in an hour time. Relax, I'm going to the ATM.
I SHOULD HAVE JUST STUCK MY TONGUE OUT AT HER AND WALKED OUT BUT I WAS WITH MY GIRL AND DIDN'T WANT TO LOOK LIKE AN ASS!
Damn good gellato (Italian fancy ice cream)
Every time I'm in town I have to make a trip to Bettega Italiana for gelato. I haven't had better gelato anyplace else in the world, even Italy. A bonus is that they serve Illy coffee, double yum. Just stop reading this already and head over to Bottega Italiana and get some gelato already.
I said go!
Yummy gelato for a hot day!! Italian sodas were a little too sweet though...
I got the pineapple and kiwi gelato - both delicious. I also really liked strawberry and limone.
Took us a while to find this place since I don't have an internet-capable phone or anything...I kept asking people on the street. It's kinda near the fish market between Pike and Union, a little closer to Union. Look up and you'll see the sign. Thanks to Yelp for recommending this place!
I can't believe I have not written a review on this place!
This is the best gelato I have had. EVER!!!!! Whenever the kids and I go downtown and walk around the market, we make sure to grab the seats by the window and order our delectable treat.
My favorite is the Watermelon, Canteloupe, Honeydew and Pistachio. I would probably like all of the flavours, but I have my favourites!
Overall: Delicious Italian Gelato and Illy coffee, with great service!
This place is GREAT, we stumbled across it whilst on our periodic visit to Seattle. It is just around the corner from Pike Place Market and it sells the most delicious gelato I have ever had (other places include Nicosia, Cyprus and Alvor, Portugal).
The decor is somewhat ordinary and dated (amazing, considering this place has been only open in 2003) - don't let this put you off. The selection of gelato is very decent - offering varieties such as Coconut, Mocha, Vanilla, Mango, Pear, Strawberry, Pistachio, Hazlenut, Chocolate, Caramel, Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Coffee, Lemon, Yoghurt, Pineapple... and some more, which I cannot remember.
The gelato - is very similar to ice cream, although different at the same time. It is not laden as much sugar, cream and air as the American style ice cream. It is thus lower in calories and fat than ordinary ice cream, as a lot of gelato is made from only milk.
The best thing about this place is that you can try the varieties before you order. You can then order either a small cup or a cone (an additional 20c). So far, I have tried the yoghurt, chocolate, coffee, strawberry, caramel, hazlenut and pistachio, with a cone. My aim is to try them all!!!!
They also offer the delicious Italian Illy coffee, and yes you can also have it WITH your gelato. The affogato - a shot of espresso with vanilla ice cream is delicious! The value of the gelato is somewhat reasonable, although I am comparing prices as were in London...they also do a takeaway service where you can buy 1 liter of gelato for $15.00 - bit over priced, but excellent for the special occasion.
If I stop being an asshole and actually make it to heaven when I die, I hope the gelato there is catered by this place.
I've yet to try a flavor that wasn't intensely flavorful, rich, and incredibly satisfying. And as I'm eating it I keep saying to myself (now say it with me)..."it's made with milk, not cream, it's made with milk, not cream..."
The service is friendly as well.
Give yourself a break from the mobs of tourist at the Pike Place Market and grab a cup of this gelato.
I finished my two scoops of chocolate hazelnut before my friend even decided on a flavor. I'm pretty embarrassed.
PLUS its open late (11pm)
It doesn't have to be a hot day to come here. Hence them being open with awesome hours, till the nighttime. Lots of different kinds of flavours for mixing and matching, and great prices too. I'm a greedy little pig and get three scoops in those pretty little cups with the brightly coloured spoons. Some nice seating in there if you want to sit and watch the bus stop while enjoying your gellato. A great alternative to ice cream. Great staff that's super nice and on top of it. One thing though... Sometimes the flavor I want is out and I have to substitute as close I can.
Plus, the owner was voted sexiest something or other in the Stranger a few years back.
Good espresso, great gelato. Gelatiamo might have a spacious, fancy, air-conditioned interior, but Bottega Italiana easily has better gelato and a more knowledgeable, friendly staff. Seating is pretty limited; sometimes it's easier to get your gelato and eat as you walk. To me, this is more of an "in and out" place than a place where you sit and relax, but it can be fun to sit by the window and absorb the bustling urban vibe, especially in the summer. There might be a line, but it's usually worth waiting.
Having multiple experiences tasting Italian gelato last summer (one after every meal for quite some time), I can safely say that this gelato is the closest you'll get in Seattle to genuine, Italian gelato. It's a small place, but the staff is friendly, the price is decent, and the flavors are seasonal and yummy. Not amazing enough to go out of my way to have some, but if I'm in the area I will definitely stop by and grab a cup of caramel and strawberry :)
I just came here with my boyfriend after an amazing dnner. We wanted some dessert even thought we didn't need it :)
We came by here and were not disappointed. The gal working was super nice and helpful. I orded a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of banana. The banana tasted "just like real banana" my boyfriend exclaimed. And it really did. Not that fake banana flavor that you get from a Laffy Taffy. The chocolate was really good too. Not too rich or sweet.
He had chocolate hazelnut and mixed berry. I think he ordered reg chocolate but I think the guy working mistakingly gave him hazelnut. He liked it. I thought it was a bit on the too sweet side.
After we finished we chatted with the girl about Seattle (we're from San Francisco) and she gave us some tips on some fun things to do.
They also use biodigradable cup things (made from corn) for the cups for the gelato. So great!
I love this place. Amazing, wonderful, delicious, fantastic, are all words that don't even BEGIN to describe how wonderful it really is. The first time I actually tried it was at Tutta Bella (who buys it wholesale), and I had the Pear. I've never had anything that was so amazingly refreshing, but let me tell you, it is amazingly refreshing.
Of course after having the pear, I HAD to try an actual location, and it makes me sad to think how unoften I frequent the downtown area so I could have more of this wonderful treat.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bakeries
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Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Downtown
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