Where to find the most refreshing gelato in Toronto this summer
The heat of the city in the summertime can really get to you if you don’t figure out how to keep your cool.
And our favourite answer to the question of how to chill out is always gelato.
Sweet, cold, creamy, and refreshingly European, this classic dessert (or snack, or lunch, or whatever) is a delicious reminder to slow down, smell the roses and enjoy the flavours of life.
Piccolina Gelato E Altra Roba
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Located just south of King Street on Portland, this authentic gelato shop is serving up mouthwatering, refreshing flavours in sizes that go up to XL – that’s four scoops! They’ve also got gelato bars on-deck, if you’re seeking something slightly less melty or more portable. But you’ll still want to gobble it up real quick.
Address: 85 Portland Street
Phone: 416-475-2018
Death in Venice
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With around 52 flavours that change seasonally, this spot’s gelato is fresh AF. In the summer, their flavours change daily — there are typically 10 to 15 flavours available for scooping and another 20+ available for sale in pints in our various locations. Their shop at Dundas and Gladstone consists of a dairy kitchen and gelato lab, where new flavours are being tested constantly. For tried and true faves, we recommend tiramisu and black garlic vanilla.
Address: 1418 Dundas Street West
Phone: 416-509-3044
Dolce Gelato
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This spot’s got three locations that sling 60 different flavours in plain, sugar or waffle cones, or cups if that’s your jam. Stop in for your fill of Nutella-infused goodness, which you can top with candy, if you fancy.
Address: 234 Augusta Avenue
Phone: 416-519-9995
Address: 697 College Street
Phone: 416-915-0756
Address: 414 Danforth Avenue
Phone: 416-546-2148
SOMA Chocolatemaker
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This “ongoing cacao experiment” is a sweet-tooth favourite, with decadent chocolates being crafted on the daily. And now, their little gelato kitchen is spinning beautiful gelato and sorbetto in bright and fresh flavours. Described as “intense, creamy” and “all natural,” it’s the ideal treat to cool off with on King West or in the Distillery District.
Address: 443 King Street West
Phone: 416-599-7662
Address: 32 Tank House Lane
Phone: 416-815-7662
Bar Ape
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Bar Ape (Ah-Pay) puts a spin on traditional, authentic gelato making. The original Piaggio Ape truck didn’t have space to serve scoops in cones, and so gelato bars were born. And following that, soft serve came onto the scene. There are always two flavours of soft-serve on deck, one of which is reliably vegan. Plus, you can get sundaes made with local preserves and gelato bars in rotating flavours, too. All treats are served out of the spot’s tiny grab-and-go window just off St. Clair West.
Address: 283 Rushton Road