Hours:

Mon 7 am - 7 pm

Tue-Thu 7 am - 9 pm

Fri 7 am - 11 pm

Sat 10 am - 11 pm

Sun 10 am - 9 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

user photo
"and I tried the blackberry cabernet." (in 10 reviews)
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"Enjoying ginger/honey lavender/Caramello chocolate." (in 4 reviews)
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"Panna Cotta & Cinnamon." (in 6 reviews)
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108 reviews in English

  • Review from Joni S.

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    • 32 friends
    • 153 reviews

    Camarillo, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Pros: Lovely selection and they'll take notes for future offerings. Samples were nearly
    unlimited. Gelato flavors are all made in-house. Family owned and ran.

    Cons: None.

    Tip: The sipper is evil!

  • Review from Lindsey P.

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    • 23 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Definitely the most unique mixtures for gelato i have seen.

    I actually started going here every morning before work to get a coffee, but it started to wear on my wallet. But, every now and again for a treat i go to this place.
    I did come here at lunch once when it was hot (as it gets in the summer) and had gelato affogato. I think it was cinnimon or gingersnap. YUM.

    The place is very small but the employees are definitely some of the friendliest i've met.

  • Review from Giorgio B.

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    • 4 friends
    • 68 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/19/2011

    I discovered Tifa a few months ago during a demo at Vom Fass in Westlake, so I decided to go and give it a try. Their selection of chocolate is great, very good products from all over the world, but their gelato... o mio dio! I wouldn't really call it gelato. I'm from Italy and their gelato kinda resembles the one of our peninsula but you can find a much better product at Paciugo's in the T.O. Mall. Also the shop is pretty small and if someone is sitting down at the tables you will find it uncomfortable to walk around and looking at the products on the shelves.

    Ambiance 3
    Cleanliness 5
    Chocolate 5
    Gelato 2
    Coffee products 3
    Kindness and Helpfulness 4

    Overall a 3.

  • Review from Britt R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    PORTER RANCH, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/7/2012

    Always changing the flavors and variety, and they always sample everything.  Suggestion:  try the drinking chocolate as well, you can choose dark, milk or white paired with different flavors.  I've had the dark chocolate with lavender.  Wish they still had their Buy-10-get-One-Free cards, though!

  • Review from Sam L.

    Woodland Hills, CA

    2.0 star rating
    11/26/2011

    Wow! Really?! This place is a 5 star place... no way.

    I know gelato...and this place is mediocre at best... and I've been here more than 10 times...so I know what I'm talking about.

    I like supporting small businesses and I believe this place is family run... but the gelato is just so not good....or they always have unappetizing flavors. The best is the pistachio...if they have it... but the other flavors are just weird...and not tasty.

    Since it's such a small place, I always feel obligated to get something after tasting everything and not liking anything.... so it's awkward. It's cute on the inside... but the gelato is definitely not the best... the chocolates are a little better and are handmade so that's cute.

    The positive, it's open late...usually... unless they're having a chocolate tasting party... but they're usually open pretty late.

  • Review from Svetlana Y.

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    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Hidden Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/3/2012

    Let me tell ya.... you will never see as many wild flavors of gelato at Tifa Chocolate & Gelato. AND THEY'RE ALL DELICIOUS! It's a nice family business with lots of free samples. Everyone should go because it's amazing.

    xoxo
    Svetlana

  • Review from amelia s.

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/15/2011

    I admit it's been a while since I've been to Tifa.  I'm glad to report that it's as great as ever.  The service is super friendly, and the treats are yummy.  I'm updating my review because I just tried an affogato there.  I actually didn't see this on the menu - I just asked the person behind the counter if I could get a scoop of gelato with drinking chocolate poured over it.  He happily obliged - gave me two scoops of gelato in a giant cup, poured the drinking chocolate over it, and topped it with a swirl of whipped cream. HEAVEN.  A cup full of awesome.  If you find yourself at Tifa, you need to order this.

    Listed in: Top Restaurants

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      6/11/2009

      This was a great little find - really good gelato and a cute little shop with very friendly service.… Read more »

  • Review from Paul V.

    Agoura Hills, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Since returning from Italy this Summer, I've been on a nationwide quest for quality gelato; and having just moved to Agoura Hills, I was anxious to try out a place with such positive reviews.

    Star 1 - Was the service good?

    The service and atmosphere was truly the highlight of my trip to Tifa.  Even though it was later in the evening, both servers were friendly, cheerful, and quick to engage my entire group in conversation.  Between what seemed like an endless chain of delicious free samples, we had great conversation and immediately felt comfortable.  Additionally, the atmosphere is fantastic, with various interesting books on the shelves that kept my group occupied for nearly an hour (well after we'd devoured our Gelato) Tip Granted. Star Granted.

    Star 2 - How were the portions relative to the cost?

    While some may be put off by the price tags that crop up next to the relatively small cup sizes, the longevity differences between ice cream/froyo and proper gelato inherently bring on a premium price.  Even so, my logic for this star is as follows: At a froyo place like Menchies or Yogurtland, I can get great tasting frozen yogurt for $0.30-$0.40 per oz., and at Tifa, my gelato was roughly $0.80 per oz.  So, did I enjoy Tifa's gelato? Absolutely.  However, did I enjoy Tifa's gelato twice as much as froyo from Menchies or Yogurtland? I didn't.  No Star Granted.

    Stars 3/4 - Did the food taste good?

    Alas! Tifa's gelato was no doubt the most authentic I've had in the United States, and the breadth of flavors (and free samples) had me absolutely jubilant over my experience.  Lighter and sweeter than ice cream and frozen yogurt, my cookies and cream was fantastic, and the caramel, chocolate and rose samples were all incredible.  If you're looking for authentic gelato, look no further.  Dual Stars Granted.

    Star 5 - Would you eat it every day if you could?

    As has been mentioned, Tifa is expensive, but for fantastic service, a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and free samples? I'm willing to pay a premium.  I'd gladly come to Tifa on a daily basis.  Star Granted.

  • Review from Sandra O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    This is the "Cheers" bar for chocolate lovers where "everyone knows your name." The owners are very knowledgeable about their products and seek to offer their customers the best products available. Everything in TIFA is top quality. The espresso, chai tea, gelato, chocolate, and everything else. Employees are willing to help you choose a chocolate and they offer samples so that you can taste before you buy. An absolute MUST!

  • Review from John O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Agoura Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/26/2012

    Fantastic gelato. i don't know anyone who has anything bad to say about this place. Tifa is always offering inventive new flavors in addition to the classics. If you have never been here, you have to to try it out. You will be hooked!

  • Review from Amelia F.

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    • 18 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/1/2011

    This place is like sugar heaven, I had an intense sugar high for 30 minutes.
    @.@

    I drove 1.5 hours to this place because my friends couldn't stop raving about this place.  I'm not a huge sweets fan, but I did enjoy my drinking chocolate and gelato.  The food was a bit expensive but the service was awesome.  I wouldn't recommend driving 2 hours for this place, but I definitely say check it out if you're in the area.
    =0)

  • Review from Albert W.

    Avocado Heights, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Good quality gelato....  no complaints and they freely gave out a lot of samples.   If you like gelatos or coffee and want to go to a neighborhood place, this is it.

  • Review from Angie F.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Westlake Village, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/20/2011

    If you want some amazing Gelato, and i mean AMAZING, this is the ONLY place to get it from!! I love it!

  • Review from Ling Ling Z.

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    • 0 friends
    • 84 reviews

    Bay Area

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2011

    For a late night treat, my bf and I went to Tifa for a treat.

    This place is buried in some unpretentious normal strip mall, but once you walked in, you see the authenticity everywhere.

    The service was excellent.  The young boy behind the counter details the ingredients and method of each gelato and chocolate.  They have very interesting flavors and they are ever-changing, so I am glad that they are generous about the tasting. The gelato was oh so good! The portion is huge to me. (I don't understand how people thought their portions were small?!) And for the quality, the prices are very reasonably. (I got a "small" for about $4, thats about how much you would pay in BR, Ben and jerry's etc.)

    Oh yeah, we are coming back!

  • Review from Randy R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Malibu, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011

    Way better than any ice cream or gelato place I've every been to. My wife lived in Italy for several years and she said it's the best Gelato she's ever tasted as well, not sure how they managed to pull that off but they did. You can't go wrong with any flavor on the menu.

  • Review from Adam E.

    Oak Park, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Perfect! Seriously. The staff is pleasant and fun, the Gelato is not only house made but flavors change often so there is always something new to try. The chocolates are made in house as well and they are stunning! A home run for me.

  • Review from Dana L.

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    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Alexandria, VA

    5.0 star rating
    12/7/2011

    Awesome gelato and drinking chocolate. Definitely something here to satisfy a sweet tooth.

  • Review from Christina K.

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    • 11 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/19/2011

    Awesone Gelato and Hot Coco. I had a Rose Lavender Gelato and it was great...!

  • Review from Rick S.

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    • 41 friends
    • 126 reviews

    Glendale, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Yummy!

    Tifa is small portions, good quality. Well, you can order larger portions but you pay. Pay both dollar-wise and calorie-wise! :-)

    I had a small chocolate gelato and though it was fantastic. I look forward to sampling some of their other desserts and coffee.

    I marked the price as $$ because you pay more here that at some other gelato places. The difference int quality may be worth it to you.

  • Review from Sunil R.

    Union City, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    OMG!!!! Everyone once in a while you find a place that blows your mind. Tifa chocolates is one of those.

    The owner was super sweet. She spent a fair bit of time with us telling us about the store, chocolates in general and made us some special Liquid Chocolate which is ambrosia (food for the Gods).  I want to fill a swimming pool with it and swim in it everyday. It is soooo good. Apparently this is how original chocolate was had and the bar is relatively new.

    The gelato was very good too. I really wish I lived in this area so I could go everyday. I wish Tifa all success!! Great product and awesome people and they deserve it.

  • Review from Patrick N.

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    • 24 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/6/2011 1 photo 2 Check-ins Here

    This place not only has some of the best gelato I've ever had, but it also has the nicest staff of almost any business I know.

    The gelato is creamy, rich, and freshly made in the back. They have flavors they switch out often, and others that always stay. Once they had even avocado gelato. That was really cool, I liked it a lot.

    Their selection of artisinal chocolates both handmade there and imported from France is unique for this area. And only $2 per piece. It's a great deal for the quality.

    I love coming here and showing it to my friends. Such an unexpected place in an IHOP shopping mall.

  • Review from Todd O.

    Calabasas, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    randomly yelped coffee nearby, and tifa was the first to pop up when sorted by ratings.  ~5 stars with over 80 reviews?! hm...being caffeine deprived for the warm afternoon and not feeling like sbux, decided to give it a try.  there was a line of about 4 people in front of me, and this place isn't the biggest store, but i waited patiently and i'm glad i did.  the staff was really friendly, and even provided samples of their frape, which i decided to try.  the 16 oz frape ($3.65) included a shot of espresso with your choice of gelato flavors added inside (i opted for the dulce de leche and double espresso, with some milk chocolate that they added with a bit of ice).  i've never had gelato and coffee together previously, but i understand now that this combination is a perfect pair.

    they also had quite the assortment of gelato flavors, some of which i would never imagine, eg, pear&gorgonzola, and the staff's fave walnut cranberry ricotta.  i sampled four of the flavors, and the samples were more than generous.  my friend got a small ($3.85) dulce de lechce gelato, which she said was near comparable to that of the delato she had in italy...while the bowl looks small, they definitely pack in as much as possible.  there's a flakey wafter included with it.

    as the store name also suggets, they have a bunch of chocolate from europe.  one of the store managers was having a robust conversation with some guy about chocolate, which was over my head, but interesting, nonetheless.

    oh...and although i didn't use it, there's free wi-fi.  i'll be back to check that out.

  • Review from Raquel C.

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    • 24 friends
    • 100 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/28/2011

    The first time I had TIFA, I was forced against my will. Forced by the evil powers of my dietician to indulge in a small cup of homemade gelato- whose reward for eating would be a small decaf coffee. I really wasn't happy to be having anything resembling ice cream on a semi-cold Tuesday afternoon after a lunch that felt like a feast for my tiny belly. But I had been denied coffee for too long. At least 2 weeks. I was desperate, even for decaf, and I thus decided to indulge....

    The moral of this story is: ALWAYS trust your dietician!!! Since she turned me onto the brilliance of TIFA's creations, I haven't been able to get enough. I've gone at least every other week these past 3 months, and I will be sad to have to leave TIFA behind when I return home to San Francisco.

    I will never forget my favorite remarkable, smooth, creamy, flavors! If you are ever traveling the 101 Highway in California, do yourself a serious favor and stop in Agoura Hills to try their excellent offerings (which change daily). If you're lucky to grab TIFA on a day when any of the following flavors are offered, do yourself the favor of getting a mix of as many as you can handle....and get a LARGE! :-)

    *Dark Chocolate
    *Fig & Marscarpone
    *Goat Cheese & Nibs
    *Almond
    *Blueberry Cheesecake
    *Peanut Butter Oreo
    *Panna Cotta & Cinnamon

  • Review from renee s.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Malibu, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/29/2011

    The BEST!  The owner Denise is extremely knowledgable about her chocolate.  The gelato is smooth and delicious, their service is amazing.  It is a hidden secret in the back of a strip mall.  I'm looking forward to their new, larger location next door.

  • Review from J H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Mesa, AZ

    5.0 star rating
    7/10/2011

    I don't say much places are orgasmic but when I say it's orgasmic, IT IS!!!
    I tried the gelato, the liquid chocolate, and the artisanal chocolates.

    The gelato is rich & creamy but delicate. Very silky.
    The liquid chocolate is seriously more like liquid cocaine ... in a good way. It is an experience and the best thing I recommend people to try. I would start with the dark and then move to the extra dark. They also have difference spices you can blend in.
    The artisanal chocolates are quite pleasant and unique.

    Overall, a great chocolate shop with fantastic customer service.

    I just wished they were closer to me!

  • Review from Karen C.

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    • 126 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Enjoying ginger/honey lavender/Caramello chocolate!!
    Yum!
    This place is AMAZING.You never know what interesting treats will await you when you enter.The owner's also add to the experience.You can taste any and all of the flavors.You can mix several together.I can't say enough good things about Tifa.Run,don't walk.
    :  )

  • Review from Stormy S.

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    • 51 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Westlake Village, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/20/2011 1 photo

    6/18/11
    Oh My Flippin' God! This is the most unbelievable experience I have ever had in my mouth! Get this: LIQUID CHOCOLATE!!!

    You heard right, "Liquid Chocolate". I tried this for the first time last week and I have not been able to stop talking about it, and every time I do, I get chills! (I'm serious!) You simply MUST try this. I was there for a first ("coffee") date. After ordering, I sat down outside and took a tiny demitasse-like spoonful of this God-Nectar. I was immediately rendered speechless. My mouth hung open, amazed. I - literally - could not believe how delicious it was.

    The Liquid Chocolate is served in a large espresso-style cup with a separate cup of whipped cream. There is a placard with, I'm guessing, about twenty different add-ins that can be mixed in with your liquid chocolate (milk, or dark) at no extra cost.  My eyes stopped when they landed on "Peanut Butter". WOW!

    The location is easily missed, but for the two high profile/high visibility landmarks: IHOP & Jack-In-The-Box in the same strip mall at the corner of Agoura Road & Kanan near the 101 freeway.

    The vibe is humble, unassuming. The two servers included the owner both times I was there. There are a few tables outside and a few inside. Nothing special...until...until...THE CHOCOLATE!

    Tifa also sells artisan-style chocolates that look amazing and I'm sure are delicious, but I have yet to feel the need to stray from the tried-and-true Liquid Chocolate. There is also gelato in about ten flavors that the servers offer as samples. Though the samples were yummy, I have yet to order a full serving. Truth be told, I have not looked around to see what other fare is offered, as I was SO focused on getting more of the...LIQUID CHOCOLATE into my salivating mouth.

    This place deserves to be a hit and frequented by lovers & friends. THE BEST!!

  • Review from Ron L.

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    • 9 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Agoura Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/15/2011

    What's to say that hasn't already been said about this place.   If you haven't tried it yet, then what are you waiting for?   Everything is fantastic here.

    Not sure what to order?  Have the Black Cab an Chocolate (half and half) and be sure to sample a sipping chocolate while you're there.

  • Review from Ido W.

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    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Boston, MA

    3.0 star rating
    10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I am sorry to be the first not to give this sweet place 5 stars but I may have had an experience that was a bit different than others have...

    I came into "Tifa Chocolate & Gelato" following the great reviews I have seen on Yelp after having spent the night close by.  I was looking for breakfast. True - I may have wondered into the wrong place for that...

    First, I have to say that the staff (I am guessing one of them was the owner) was EXTREMELY FRIENDLY AND USEFUL.  Really.  Genuinely.  So why am I scoring these nice people just "3"?

    Well, it is part my frustration for not finding a pastry of some sort but part because I really did not like the coffee they made for me (even though they did go into a lot of trouble to meet my non-fat needs).  I requested coffee that would not be hot.  Hoping for a European style lukewarm coffee I was disappointed to have scorched my tongue.  The blend was not to my taste either.  That is it.  How can I score better, then?

    But, on the upside, the hot chocolate was very good and my wife enjoyed it and even thought it was one of they best she has ever had!

  • Review from Tyler G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/22/2011

    Considering all the 5-star reviews I was a bit disappointed when I went here...

    When I walked in I was greeted by a snotty girl (young girl with brown hair) and she wasn't much help.  I decided to just try a gelato and it was nothing to write home about, in fact it was pretty generic in taste...almost like something store bought.   It also had some ice formulation in it, which is a major disappointment for a gelato.  

    The store itself was cute, but the tables outside were dirty (not cleaned up after previous customers) and I really didn't want to experience more attitude so I didn't bother asking for them to be cleaned...just walked around a bit with my gelato.  

    If it wasn't for the snotty service I would perhaps consider going back to try something else, but I doubt I will.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Michael A. of Tifa Chocolate & Gelato 8/23/2011   
    Dear Tyler,  We're very sorry that you were dissappointed… More »
  • Review from Audrey M.

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    • 6 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Santa Clarita, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2011

    Best ice blended I have ever had! Nice people too!  My newest discovery.

  • Review from Naomi H.

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    • 14 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/13/2011

    If you are looking to try new and awesome flavors, go to TIFA! They switch out their flavors and take the time to let you try all of them (seriously, they let you try as many as you want, its AWESOME) Highly recommend the Blackberry Cab. Sauvignon, Panna Cotta, Pear & Gorgonzola, Stawberry and Balsamic, etc.
    They have speciality chocolate, too. These can be a little pricey but it's such a variety and really for the chocolate conisouuer.
    This is the perfect place to go to after a nice dinner or for a sweet snack. It really lives up to satisfying any sweet cravings you may have!

  • Review from Derek W.

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    • 6 friends
    • 213 reviews

    Valencia, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    OMG best tasting gelato since San Francisco. The flavor's were great and i went with the pistacio and fig and mascarpone.

    It was so good, i don't need a long review, just go and try it. It will be worth it

  • Review from Aaron R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Agoura Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/19/2011

    the best gelato and chocolate.  always interesting flavors and great quality.  service is great too.

  • Review from Colleen L.

    West Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    1/18/2011

    Easy parking, divine ice cream cone type wafers imported from Paris. No where else have I tasted such light, thin, flaky, sweet wafers. The epitome of gourmet. Service is presented with smiles. From gelato to imported chocolate bars from around the world, what dreamy diversions.

    Asked for the gelato servings to go. Imagine my surprise when I got home & reached into the bag.  The lids from the gelato containers had already fallen off.  As I took them out my fingers got stuck in the coconut macadamia gelato, oh, yummy.  

    Stopped by here a day later (yes, I ate gelato 2x day while in Italy)  ordered pistachio for my dad, ginger for myself & chocolate again for my mom. Asked them to please tape those lids shut. The gelato scooper apologized for last night's fiasco & readily complied. However when I got home &  went to put them in the freezer for a bit until we ate dinner, the same scenario occurred. This time my sticky fingers ended up in the pistachio.

    Not being a physics major, I'm puzzled as to why their lids fall off so easily? Has this happened to anyone else? After thinking about this more, the container does not have a thick enough lip to hold the plastic dome shaped lid. Wish they would get another more effective container. I'm thinking of bringing my own.

    Until then the gelato is best eaten on site. There's a shaker of chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla powders on a side table. With a sprinkle of cinnamon on top the ginger gelato, absolute heaven.  Just the thought of it, gives me olfactory hallucinations.

  • Review from Dawn S.

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    • 279 friends
    • 259 reviews

    Woodland Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/3/2010

    Thank goodness I don't live that close to this place (i.e., within walking distance or a 2 minute car ride)...I'd be a total heifer! Came here for a quick dessert run with a gal pal after lunch one afternoon...I'm totally sold!

    She had some of the vanilla (quite good!) and I tried the blackberry cabernet...after we both sampled pretty much the entire case, mind you. Yes, even the stout beer flavor! Mmm...tasted like frozen Guiness. Nuff said.

    Sure, it's in a strip mall, behind Islands Burgers and Jack in the Box...but the gelato is damn good. If you want to pay more for ambience and a "cafe" type of surrounding, you're better off going elsewhere. :)

    5 shakas, friends. I'll be back whenever I'm in Agoura!

  • Review from Nina B.

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    • 8 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Tarzana, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    If you're like me and you love unusual flavor combinations that are always changing, this is the place for you. Their creativity is endless. And the quality is unbeatable. I will pay anything for one of those delectable treats.

  • Review from Whitney B.

    Birmingham, AL

    5.0 star rating
    9/13/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    What a find in the area!

    A place where you can go get a coffee, have a cup of gelato and bite into some of the most avant garde chocolates all at the same time without having to know someone who knows someone who knows someone...

    The chocolates are 2 bucks each, but they are definitely worth it. Most of the chocolates available I had never seen anywhere else.

    I chose 4:

    1. blue cheese and honey: Bavarian blue cheese, white chocolate with Malibu sage and honey shell...excellent. When I saw it I was like ewww. But I could not resist trying one. It tasted like a flower with honey.

    2. sushi roll: dark chocolate with ginger, white chocolate with wasabi and a salted seaweed on top. I am adventurous, so I tasted this. Can't say it was my favorite. But then, I don't even use ginger or wasabi when I eat sushi.

    3. palate peville d'or: dark chocolate ganashe, conception plantain chocolate. Delightful.

    4. judgement day caramel: beer infused with soft burnt caramel with crushed raisins.  My favorite one. Absolutely fantastic. The raisins and the burnt caramel make a superb combination.

    I was talking with one of the chocolatiers/co-owners of the shop the whole time..The guy that makes the avant garde chocolates and he was so nice. He answered all of my questions, and I had lots of questions. He said he also does parties and events. If I lived in the area...I would be here all the time just to see what new things he comes up with.

    PS. There's just something sexy about a guy that bakes.

  • Review from Julie K.

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    • 1 friend
    • 2 reviews

    Encino, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/6/2011

    I love Tifa.  I had a chocolate tasting there and it was amazing.  They let you bring in wine to pair with the chocolate, which makes it extra festive.  The staff is knowledgable and friendly.  Their gelato is made from scratch.  I love their sipping chocolate, when I want to splurge with calories.  A definite place to go if you love gelato and chocolate!

  • Review from Erin S.

    •  
    • 6 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Agoura Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    If you've seen the movie "Chocolat" -- and loved it -- then you will fall head over heels for Tifa.  My travel agent lives in Calabasas and insisted that I go here.  She couldn't remember the name, just sort of gave me some vague directions and I ended up in this unremarkable strip mall behind an IHOP, thinking, "She's joking, right?"  

    But I was there and my car was parked, so my kids and I headed inside.  The shop itself is uninspiring for the most part, until you start to read the labels of the chocolate bars that they carry... everything is super-high-end and luxurious, but the unpretentious way that it's presented makes the entire experience so approachable.

    And then we wound up at the front gelati case and a cute guy asked us if we wanted to sample some gelato.  Well yes, yes indeed.  He scooped a little dark chocolate for my 6 year old, who (despite her pickiness) loved it.  Within a few minutes of getting her own bowl, she had chocolate all over her face, from eyebrows to chin, she loved it so much.  My older daughter fell in love with the peanut butter and dark chocolate combo that the guy suggested.  Wanting something a bit more exotic, I had the espresso bean and dark chocolate.  Each of us only got a small bowl, but it was so rich and dreamy, none of us could finish.

    I also asked the guy to create a chocolate sampler for a gift and he added a sushi chocolate, the blue cheese/honey one, and a few others -- my friend has reported that nothing was left in the box an hour after she opened it.

    I've been back to Tifa three times in two weeks - I've fallen in love with the artisanal quality of their gelato (made by the sister), chocolates (made by the brother, the cute guy behind the counter) and drinking chocolates (made by the mom), but the real special-ness of Tifa comes from the sweetness of the family that runs it. It is rare that I don't purchase a coffee, a gelato AND a chocolate while I'm there.  There is something so welcoming about everyone who works at Tifa... it absolutely reminds me of the beautiful woman in "Chocolat" nodding at customers from behind the counter and saying, "Yes, I know exactly what you need."

    Favorite gelato flavors (and they rotate all the time): blackberry cabernet, dark chocolate, panna cotta, pink grapefruit, lavendar honey, and pumpkin.

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