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Mondo Gelato - CLOSED
Categories: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Food Coffee & Tea Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
435 10th Ave(between J St & Island Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood: East Village
(619) 955-6300
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
126 reviews for Mondo Gelato
Review Highlights
"dark chocolate-tasted soooo good/rich."
(in 13 reviews)
"Biscotti is by far my favorite."
(in 19 reviews)
"The guys behind the counter were fantastic."
(in 4 reviews)
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126 reviews in English
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Review from SC E.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2010
Get ready for a taste bud extravaganza! The gelato selections offered have true to life flavors with creamy goodness, you'd think you're eating ice cream.
They make all their flavors fresh and lots of whipping to add more air to the mixture for a creamier mouth feel. The selections offered change regularly, but they do have a handful of staples.
Each gelato is identified with some type of decoration that represents the flavor. Such as, the Pistachio has pistachios on top, the Coffee has espresso beans, the Rose has a rose bud, the Orange Chocolate has a twist of orange, the Malt Milo has a mini jar of Milo, you get the picture. At one point, they even had Guinness with a miniature can of Guinness Stout displayed on top and it actually tasted like the stout...mmm mmm Guinness is Good Food!
We ordered a birthday gelato cake with three of our favorite flavors, Coffee, Pistachio, and Dark Chocolate. It was sooooo good! Can't wait for the next time.
The service is EXCELLENT, clean and friendly atmosphere, and great selection of gelato, sorbet, and soy gelato, free Wi-Fi, and close to Petco Park in the East Village area. -
Review from Sophia W.
7/10/2010
A quick and dirty review of some of the flavors I've had at Mondo Gelato:
Nutella - TO DIE FOR! So thick and creamy. Loved it.
Bacio - My go-to flavor. They were out of it tonight. Boo...
Kiwi - Thick, refreshing and not too sweet.
Tiramisu - Heavy on the coffee flavor: thumbs up. Icy tasting: thumbs down.
Cream Puff - Pass on this one! Had a popsicle stick after taste!
Muesli - RIP. They said they haven't had Muesli in awhile. That's too bad b/c it was one of my favorite flavors.
The place has a great vibe. Spacious, comfortable and clean.
$3.75 for a small seems a little steep for me, but the owners there are so nice it makes it worth it. Also, the owners are UCSD Alum. Yay!! -
Review from Marisol C.
San Diego, CA
5/27/2008 2 photos
After having some Tacos El Gordo and taking my sister shopping at Plaza Bonita-
my best friend, sister and I decided to get some dessert.
It was a toss up between Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (for Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake) or Mondo Gelato.
Mondo Gelato it is!
This place is airy and brightly lit...and it was nice that you don't have to put coins in the parking meter on holidays or after 6pm (thanks to the guy who tipped me off before I put coins in).
Tabitha- thank you for being so accomodating and friendly...the hazelnut/Nutella gelato was great.
If only they had hazelnut flavored ice cream at the grocery store...
*sigh*
:P
------------------------
Sidenote:
They have free wifi. ALWAYS a good thing :) -
Review from CHERiE Y.
Berkeley, CA
3/21/2007 ROTD 3/29/2007
I had the delight of sampling almost every flavor available (including St. Patty's Day approved 'Guinness' gelato!), and I am proud to say I personally know one of the owners. That said, all bias aside, I would give Mondo Gelato 5 Stars and here's why:
The Gelato is absolutely divine. My personal favorite would have to be the Biscotti flavor, perfectly blended with chocolate and bits of cookie. Runner up is A.C.E. (vitamin A, C, E), a distinctly orange gelato made with orange, carrots, and lemon. I definitely love that they offer soy gelato choices as well.
There is plenty of seating indoors and some tables outside, perfect for the sunny San Diego weather. Overall, this place is inviting and sparkling clean. Love the little touches like the tea lights on the tables, and the orchids on the counter.
Mondo Gelato is located right next to Petco Park, and a couple blocks away from trendy Gaslamp. Street parking wasn't a nightmare, and there is always the option of parking in the adjacent parking garage. They open late- 12am on Fri/Sat.Listed in: Sweet Tooth San Diego
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Review from Szeying t.
Claremont, CA
5/9/2007 ROTD 6/5/2007
Lactose-intolerants, unite! Finally a gelato place that has a whole freezer full of non-diary gelato!
Customer service is excellent. Great selection.. all sort of delicious flavors. Even tho I am lactose challenged, I tried the Bacio and (I forgot the name) coconut gelato. Well worth the gassiness! :)Listed in: Got a sweet tooth to satiate?
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Review from Jason B.
San Diego, CA
6/13/2009 4 photos
Some people drink alcohol (or whatever) on a regular basis while I'm the type of guy that eats ice cream on a regular basis. Since it's impossible for me to tire from eating it, I thought I'd take a time out, hop the fence and enjoy it's close cousin, gelato.
I made the "mistake" of visiting Mondo Gelato (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) on a Wednesday which happens to be "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" day. That meant twice as much gelato for me! I ordered the stracciatella and was handed over a big pile (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) of it. Of course, with the little miniature miniature spoon I was provided with, it seemed to take me almost an hour to eat the whole thing. Which I gladly did.
I haven't tried the other gelato places around town YET although it seemed to be on par with the gelato that I've had in Europe (which was about a month ago). Ice cream, just because I have a thing for your cousin doesn't mean that I've forgotten about you. You'll forever be my number one but Gelato will always hold a special place in my heart, I mean stomach, as well.Listed in: I gets a sweet toof all duh…
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Review from Wilmar D.
6/20/2009
Milo-flavored gelato!!!! B-vitamin rich, Ovaltine-esque, Asia-based Nestle drink in frozen dessert form! Yippee!!!!
It was fun to taste. It tasted just like Milo, at least Filipino Milo, since I've heard that Milo tastes different from different Asian countries.
I ended up getting the Padres special, which was a scoop of peanut butter and a scoop of either milk or dark chocolate. After some significant fooding and drinking at Dirty Del's immediately before entering Mondo Gelato, I have to say that the Padres special totally hit the spot. It was like smooth and cold and creamy Reese's peanut butter cups! And did I mention the Padres special is three bucks? The Padres special is three bucks. -
Review from JC D.
11/2/2007
MMMM...SO EFFEN GOOD!
I love yogurt and Ice Cweam, but it, does not love me.
So what to do about the gas, I mean, the lactose intolerance?
"Here, try this. This one is good, too. This is our most popular."
I had no idea I was sampling soy gelato! This stuff is amazing! Different texture, but if it wasn't for that, I would have never guessed it was soy.
"I'll take the pistachio, OH, and the mocha!" -
Review from Teej T.
Urbana, IL
11/19/2007
Mondo Gelato is a delicious haven of tasty goodness in the heart of downtown.
I'd heard quite a bit about the place from others, but after meeting Nat, who is not only a Yelper but a fellow Roosevelt College alum, how could one not want to visit?
Stopping by after the Yelp soiree at Zanzibar made for a delicious afterparty. I had my gelato cup be half Red Wine and half Tiramisu. Both were fantastic. I also sampled the Pumpkin, Sesame, and Hawaiian, and they were all absolutely perfectly done.
Nat and Kat (who cheerfully serves behind the counter) are both friendly, upbeat, amazingly energetic folk. The store is clean, brightly lit and very accomodating. If I ever find myself downtown, I'll be sure to try to swing by Mondo again.
Great work, Nat.Listed in: Where is my Mothereffin'…
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Review from Michael R.
Louisville, KY
11/24/2007
This place gave me my first experience with gelato. I definitely understand what the big deal is. This is tasty!
After the Yelpers left the event at Zanzibar we descended on Mondo Gelato like a swarm of locusts. But they were so on top of things it wasn't long before our whole big group had cups of gelato in our hands and spoons of it in our mouths. They have a great selection of flavors. I must have been feeling ill, because I wasn't in the mood for chocolate, so instead I got pear and plum. Both were delicious and while the flavor was intense they weren't too sweet. Exactly what I'd been looking for. I found them refreshing. A few people were kind enough to let me sample what they got and so I've got some ideas for next time. =] -
Review from Nadine N.
5/9/2007
Mondo Gelato is the perfect treat for a warm evening. Step inside and prepare to be overwhelmed by the tough job of deciding on what flavor(s) you want to try. The very nice man who was working behind the counter encouraged us to try as many flavors as we wanted. Even choosing that was tough! Everything I tried was exceptionally delicious. My favorites, so far, are orange chocolate and gianduia.
We had a coupon so our total was on $3.75, which was less than their $7.50 minimum for credit card purchases, but that nice, patient employee let it slide.
Love the gelato! Love the selection! Love the customer service!Listed in: Decadence on a Dime in San…
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Review from Erin C.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2008
Yum! Bonus points for the guy behind the counter last night.
They have tons of flavors here. I got a scoop of the Stracciatella and it was mighty tasty. The flavor that really surprised me was the "Vitamin A.C.E (I think)". As my buddy Andrew B pointed out, tasted like a Flintstone Vitamin. So good!
I liked the leather couches they have here too. I'm tempted to post a pic of me and two complete strangers sitting on one, but I won't. Things were pretty crazy last night.
Try and find my recommendation on the bulletin board! -
Review from Gothikrose a.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2008
I can't believe I haven't rated this place yet!
Mondo Gelato is pretty good. I love that fact that they are open till midnight and I can go in and have dessert and know it's gonna be good.
Their service is really awesome and the staff is really friendly. My friend sampled a bunch of flavors and they didn't seem to mind.
I really dig the lemon and rose flavors. I can't wait to try the rest. I also like how they scoop it up into perfect little balls of gelato. I've been to other places before where it drips all over the place and that's not a very cute sight.
and parking is pretty easy to find :)
go mondo! -
Review from J B.
San Diego, CA
5/8/2007
Delicious!
They have low fat options as well as traditional gelato... well, if you consider "traditional" some of the most inventive flavors EVER. You can make crazy combinations and they all are wonderful. My personal favorite is milk chocolate combined with the low-fat mixed berry. Yum. -
Review from Sharon L.
Cerritos, CA
5/2/2007
I like ice cream ok, but it's never on my list of "preferred desserts". I would rather eat a cake or custard over ice cream anytime. Oh how Mondo Gelato changed me. Their gelato is dreamy... I finally understand what everyone on Yelp is raving about. The nutella flavor is creamy and smooth just like Nutella itself!!!! without the stickiness of eating Nutella. and I loved their soya gelato too(i have a fever for soy products) hmmm, talking about it makes me want to go back again.
other than the dreamy gelato, there are 2 McDreamy working there (maybe they are the owners)? every time I went they were there. tho I've only been there on Friday nights. (or do i just pick Friday nights cuz i know they are there =p ) hehehehe
I hope they'll start serving de-caf for my "i feel fat but all of my friends want to eat gelato" nights...Listed in: I go there to watch ... people
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Review from Anthony S.
Berkeley, CA
11/13/2008
Italian lesson:
Abbondanza! That's Italian for abundance, and Mondo's got an abundance of gelato!
Quattro stelle! That means four stars and it means I'm a fan!
Mondo Gelato hooked us Yelpers up with free gelato after the Art of Awesomeness party last week and I have to say that it was pretty damn good stuff. They have a huge selection of gelato in both dairy and non-dairy versions and sorbetto.
We got to taste a few of them and I finally decided on the Stracciatella which was a white vanilla base with chocolate shavings in it. Totally scrumptious. Astrid had the Pumpkin gelato that tasted just like a pumpkin pie!
I will definitely hit up Mondo Gelato again when I'm down that way.
Grazie Mondo Gelato! -
Review from GO-GO-YU-BALI m.
New York, NY
5/13/2007
SOY gelato...oh, oyoyoyoyoy..Soy soy soy!!
never knew soy gelato could have beaten regular gelato!
the texture, omg, that's something i'd never tried ever!
soy chocolate, but it was a magic, miracle,a dream!
i think all soy gelato has that texture, but i just love chocolate, and i could die for it/
maybe if u wanna try other flavors, they must still taste good, too. -
Review from Melissa S.
San Diego, CA
5/3/2007 1 photo
Dear Mondo Gelato,
you're my favorite.
sincerely,
Melissa.
My friend and I basically tried EVERYTHING, thanks to "the guy in the jersey."
I had the after 8 and bacio, and it was TOO delicious, I wanted more, but refused. Everything looked soo good.
Small- 2 scoops
Medio- 4
Mondo- 6
comes in a cup but you can get it in a waffle cone- .50
This is the spot to go on a hot day, cold day, or any day.
Great customer service, yummy gelato.
The music they played was chill; Jack Johnson and Nujabes. Loved it.
Next to a parking structure and a few parking meters.
Watch people walk their dogs...
All kinds of yummy.
BISCOTTI gelato, please keep this flavor always and forever. Thanks. :)
2/9
After not coming here for a couple months, I've realized how much I missed it. Now I know what they mean by, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." The two leather sofas they have are beyond comfortable. The biscotti is still the best. Rawr.
What I love most about San Diego;
It's February, 70+ degrees outside.
Mondo Gelato when the sun is still up; although parking is a hassle, park on 5th ave or 6th or even park at Horton Plaza. Walk the few blocks to Mondo Gelato, it's not even far.
Freakin Amazing. :]
If I could marry a dessert it would be you Biscotti Gelato from Mondo Gelato, you're the only one for me. S2(it's a heart!) -
Review from Adrienne S.
Seattle, WA
4/20/2007
BEST gelato in town, period. This is comparing Mondo to the gelato I've had across Europe, and it lives up to it well. Some flavors aren't the most creamiest ever, but the interesting tastes make up for it.
The flavors that I remember that are rad:
soy chocolate (they have a huge selection of soy based, people!)
cantelope
rose
GUINESS
biscotti
amarretto
strawberry
banana chocolate
white chocolate
hazelnut
lemon
milk chocolate
pistachio
I cannot WAIT to go back. It's open until 12 or 10 so its perfect to hit after dinner downtown, or on the way to/from a Padres game, since its on 10th and Island. -
Review from April O.
San Diego, CA
6/13/2007
This is the only gelateria that even comes close to authentic Italian gelato, texture-, consistency-, and taste-wise!! SO GOOD. SO CREAMY. SO FREAKIN' ITALIAN.
I tried the Black Sesame (don't fear it, it's DELICIOUS), Pistachio, Nutella, Lemon, and A.C.E.
$3.75 for two scoops.
$9.00 for a 1/2 liter of one or two flavors hand-packed.
San Diego's Mondo Gelato is the first in the states! They have spots in Vancouver, Beijing, and Roma.
The guys behind the counter were fantastic. Very helpful, very happy...GREAT SERVICE. My boyfriend kept asking for more samples and they happily gave him dozens of samples. They were even able to tell us the best way to serve the gelato we took home. THOSE GUYS ROCK!!
I'm SOO going again. Seriously the best and most Italian-feeling and tasting gelato I've had (other than the ones I had in Italy!!). -
Review from Chad C.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2007
Can I add a sixth star to this thing??? Talk about an awesome place with the best gelato EVER! If you haven't been there, go... like seventy times as fast as possible before the lines get so long that you're waiting by Petco Park to get in. It is that good!
-the MayorListed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jessica J.
San Diego, CA
6/21/2009
Mondo Gelato makes me want to take up yoga.
My mantra would be yum.
yum
yum
yum
yum.
I feel so peaceful now. And satiated. -
Review from Jack K.
Monterey, CA
11/17/2008
This East Village gem is the best gelato place in the downtown area. Aside from excellent gelato, the service here is really what sets it apart.
They are always happy to let you try multiple flavors and they have a bulletin board by the door where you can write suggestions or ask questions and the owners will reply...there are some funny back-and-forths.
I believe they also have soy or vegan gelato if you are into that...I would rather just go eat some grass or dirt but to each his own.
A good thing to try is the 'affrogato' (I think this is what it's called). This is gelato with fresh brewed espresso poured over it...delicious!
Oh, but don't get the milkshake...they are gross. It is my fault for ordering one, gelato isn't made for milkshakes the way that ice cream is.
# TIMES VISITED: 12Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Cait W.
San Diego, CA
2/10/2008
So far this is the only Gelato place downtown that (I've found) has soy Gelato. I have a *slight* intolerance to lactose that can have it's good days and it's bad days and it's nice to know that I can get soy Gelato here and avoid making that particular day a *bad* day.
In addition to having the traditional flavors like stacciatella, hazelnut and canoli, they have cheerful, fun choices like prosecco and off-the-beaten-path persimmon (both most enjoyable, even together in the same cup). Variety is the spice of life and Mondo provides that with a smile. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Concord, CA
9/23/2008
So I confess, I had this for dinner last night. (benefit #14 of adulthood)
Don't worry I pulled an extra 15 mins of cardio this morning as punishment.
The place is quiet and cozy. (tables + chairs and this sofa with coffee table)
I would love to do my hw here but not the best idea. Although the Starbucks on the same block might work.
Staff was nice, looks like its owner operated.
Let me try whatever I wanted. Two scoops a cup, I did dark chocolate and Vanilla Bean. I wasn't in the fruity mood, maybe next time.
dark chocolate-tasted soooo good/rich.
vanilla bean- eh. the dark chocolate was too overpowering for the vanilla i guess.
They're def will be a next. -
Review from Jenna G.
San Diego, CA
4/27/2008
I finally got my butt down to Mondo Gelato after seeing many reviews for this place. I have been by this place so many times but it was always after I had eaten too much to leave room for dessert!
After the Padres game yesterday, we decided we needed a little treat to cool us off. I suggested (or more like forced us to go) Mondo Gelato. I was so excited to get some and I almost couldn't make up my mind. They had so many good flavors, including soy gelato. I never get the fruit ones because I always seem to be in a chocolate or sweet mood. I got the Padres special with dark chocolate and peanut butter. It was so tasty! I kept eying the case with the other flavors and decided to do a little taste of the kiwi before we left. That is the flavor to get on a hot day! It was so refreshing. I would mix that with raspberry and it would be better!
The place is located right across from Bar Basic (which I love) and you can see the ballpark too. It's small, but quaint. It has modern furnishings and art on the walls. It's super clean and the service is very friendly. I would go back 1000 times! Love gelato and love this place. I could possibly say it is the best I've had anywhere in the US. I had it in Italy as much as I could. It was close in quality and I am already dying to go back! -
Review from Steph L.
San Diego, CA
5/2/2007
I am coming on a weekly basis once the summer weather kicks in. Creamy, delicious, flavorful gelato, and there are a bunch of unique flavors. They also have soy gelato if you prefer. I haven't tried all of the flavors yet but will get to that point I'm sure... I will keep editing with the flavors I've tried.
-Today I had the "Gianduia" and it was EXCELLENT
-"Bacio" -- based on Baci, the best hazelnut chocolates in the world!
-I heart "Green Tea" and all of its subtleties - so creamy
-"Hazelnut Rum" (You better like RUM!)
-"Coffee"
-"Cream Puff" is so pretty
-"Dark Chocolate" is OUT OF THIS WORLD
-"Kiwi" - how can something so creamy taste like a fruit??
Also: It's a $7.50 minimum on CCs for all you non-cash people like me. That's 2 orders of singles ($3.75 each).
One single = 2 scoops = 2 flavors!!!
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Also wanted to add that you can vote for their next potential flavor on their website. How cool is that? And, the guys that run this place are friendly and cool. They will let you try EVERY flavor. -
Review from Camie K.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2007
In the past, I had always equated gelato to your good old carton of ice cream. After trying so many different kinds of gelato everywhere else, it never appealed to me since neither the taste nor the price were agreeable. Thankfully, Mondo Gelato pulled me away from the path of doom. Little did I know about the factoids and wonders of gelato until I started to frequent this place. When I heard about the opening of Mondo Gelato in the heart of East Village, I was curious at first but immediately became drawn to the two dazzling display cases. I took in several samples for starters. And once the first scoop slowly dissolved into bliss, I was hooked because I knew that this was definitely the best in town. Move over ice cream and all other gelato places, Mondo Gelato is here to stay.
1. Gelato: Unlike other gelato shops, Mondo Gelato takes pride in providing only the freshest ingredients to produce the richest flavor. What you ask for is exactly what you will get, and often you forget that you are eating just "gelato" because it really tastes just like what you had requested, i.e., pistacchio! Not only do you get to select from the usual comforting vanilla and chocolate flavors, they also have innovative flavors such as peanut butter, rose, and Guiness... and not to mention their latest flavor, Smoked Porter with Mixed Berry.
2. Service: Excellent. The counter boys will not bite or bark at you for trying different flavors or for not making up your mind. On the contrary, they are zealous and knowledgeable about each of the flavors.
3. Price: Great. At the minimum, you get two big scoops in the smallest (piccolo) cup. The biggest cup holds six scoops.
Moreover, you are never rushed to make a decision there. Take as much time as you need to sample each flavor since there are quite a few to choose from. DO ask questions. DO sample. Get the biggest pile of gelato scoops there and walk out with a big smile on your face. -
Review from Melissa C.
Buffalo, NY
5/17/2007
my favorite gelato store! I think I've tried every flavor by now...and I must say, their gelato is FULL of flavor. My personal favorite is the Soy Ace...it's so refreshing and perfectly light.
The affogato (spelling?) is pretty amazing as well....I'm a coffee addict, and this was like heaven in my mouth....biscotti gelato with a shot of expresso....mmmmm -
Review from Michael F.
San Diego, CA
10/10/2009
By chance encounter, I just realized I had never given this place a review.
I felt it my civic duty to share with you all my glowing 5 star review of Mondo Gelato!
Of all the fro-yo chains, this is my favorite! It's not actually frozen yogurt, but gelato comes close enough to warm my heart (or freeze it, as the case may be)! It is magical. You can choose milk-based, soy-based or based of neither but still very much frozen! Not only that, but they have what must be 50 flavors each visit, always on immense and regular rotation!
My favorite flavors to have been featured have been CHOCOLATE BANANA, DARK CHOCOLATE ORANGE TRUFFLE, ROSE and WATERMELON. They make lovely milkshakes as well! Everything here has always been FLAWLESS!
The people working there are so accommodating, and like all cute Asians, very attractive. In fact, with the quasi-futuristic-yet-simplistic decor, it always feels like the attractive Asians running the place are scientific lab mice perfecting an experiment of gelato greatness! Kudos to them! They succeeded!
It really is the perfect place to cop a quick scoop. -
Review from Vince S.
West Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2007
So as it turns out, a very close friend of mine knows the owners and almost invested in this joint. We dropped by here yesterday after dinner.
What really surprised me was exotic flavors such as Milo, Horlicks Malt and even Thai Tea!!
With that I had to ask...."I bet you guys never ever tried this fruit as a flavor...durian."
"Hrm...the store in Vancouver has it! But we can't make it here because of the strong smell. "
Will return for sure! Loves the Milo gelato. Brings back memories. Recommends After8 mint and Pistachio!
And seriously, just enjoy the dessert! -
Review from Claire G.
San Diego, CA
4/30/2009
Love the gelato at mondo gelato. Traveled around Italy eating at every gelateria I passed (that's a lot of gelato!) and the gelato at mondo gelato is on par. The texture is not too soft, the selection is broad and I like how artful the presentation is.
I definitely prefer some flavors more than others. I highly recommend trying the biscotti, pistachio, and any of the hazelnut-y ones. The fruit flavors in the gelato are very intense, and true to the fruit. Couldn't believe that they had "milo" flavored gelato! Tried rose flavored...that might be more of an acquired taste, because it was a lot like eating potpourri, but it really did taste like rose!
Parking can be difficult (especially when the padres are playing) but the gelato is good, the employees are really nice and helpful, and I believe taking home a half liter (or full liter) is a better deal than getting just a cup. -
Review from Audrey E.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2008
Okay, a place that offers both Milo and Horlicks flavored gelato? Being Filipino, and growing up on Milo...the taste is just right. The gelato's not too dense. Milo gelato alone earns 5 stars. So I wish I had some extra stars to give for the hazelnut, tiramisu and dark chocolate gelato, too. Oh, and don't forget: gelato affogato (gelato with a shot of espresso), you can get gelato to take home, there's a nice couch to sit on with a magazine of tables, and the cute little Filipino boy at the counter is really nice and helpful :-)
OMG, I'm so going back. A LOT. -
Review from Nicolette S.
San Diego, CA
11/7/2008
I really like this place. I love gelato even though I haven't tried a lot in San Diego (I've tried it in France and Italy though. Does that give me more authority?). I think the gelato here is better than Gelato Vero. The workers have always been very friendly to me and willing to let me sample as many flavors as I like. I love the pistachio. I tried it combined with the pumpkin and I think that's a good mix. Milo flavor makes me happy.
The gelato is really good, but I'll reserve five stars for after I try more of the gelato places in San Diego. -
Review from Karina G.
11/18/2008
Mondo Gelato has a lot going for them. The service is always friendly, and the guys running the store are really great and extremely hard working (extra bonus for being eye candy ;) ). On top of that, I do appreciate how Mondo has a large array of flavors: from the traditional (hazelnut!) to the exotic (sesame and guinness?!).
But my issue with Mondo is the texture. Gelato should have a texture that's dense yet smooth... but Mondo's gelato tends to be rather runny and with a texture more like ice cream than the smooth almost genache like texture I've had from other gelato. So maybe Mondo would get more stars if it was called ice cream instead of gelato.
However, I'll be coming back to Mondo, mostly because no other ice cream joint serves flavors like black sesame, green tea, and milo (a throwback to my filipino childhood) along with the expected hazelnut and stracciatella.
Oh, and did I mention the guys are eye candy? =P -
Review from Baby Mr. T.
San Diego, CA
7/1/2007
I originally gave this place 4 stars for great gelato, comfy couches and friendly staff.
I'm knocking it down to one because a couple came in with their dogs on loose leashes and the dogs jumped on me. The clerk did not ask them to leave, did not apologize to me and actually sucked up to the couple after I pointed out that the dogs were all over me.
Mind your dogs and your children, please, and keep them off me while I'm eating. -
Review from Jonathan R.
San Diego, CA
11/10/2008
Maybe it's just me, but it seems like most gelatos that I have had recently sort of blend together. None have been bad but none of them stand out either. With ice cream, there is a big difference between the ice cream you get in a gallon container and the kind that comes in pints. There are some places that make thick, flavorable, unique ice cream but when it comes to gelato I feel like the flavors are standard issue and the differences minimal.
This place gets points because they were giving out free gelato to the yelpers after the event at Basic and the people working there were super friendly. The tirmasu was good and I am curious to try a gelato shake. -
Review from Brandon Z.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2008
I got my free Gelato here after the Yelp party... It was damn good... I had the tiramisu flavor... The workers/owners? seemed pretty cool too... They were really nice and the store is really clean and inviting.
The couches are plush and way chill to cozy into for a gelato nosh. -
Review from Dustin L.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2008
Vitamin A.C.E. Period. Just get it. Really. Trust me. What, you don't trust me? I know you don't know me, but it's good, really....
This place is great because it's strategically located between my condo and any number of bars/restaurants that I visit frequently so it often serves as a nightcap on the way home. I'm not exactly a gelato aficionado (pardon the integration of a Spanish noun), but it tastes great to me. -
Review from Monica V.
Chula Vista, CA
12/12/2009
Mi piace molto il loro sapori di gelati. Anche e connessionne di wifi e compatabili!
don't know enough italian for this:
- minus one star for lack of friendliness, at least the two times Ive stopped by
- minus another star for terrible drinks, but hey its called mondo gelato not mondo caffe!
