Ask any foodie worth their salt, we have a lot to thank Italy for: pizza, pasta, pesto … the list goes on. But Italy’s greatest gift, especially during the summer months in Phoenix, is gelato.
Nothing soothes a sweet tooth better than a decadent cone (or cup) of this delightful Italian confection. You don’t have to take our word for it, just check out these Phoenix gelato spots and you’re sure to fall in love with this treat’s dreamy goodness.
Focused on using only natural ingredients—with no pre-made bases, starters or mixes—Grateful Spoon Gelato creates fior di latte (Italian for flower of the milk), the highest standard by which gelato is measured. With more than 65 flavors available, ranging from American cherry to whisky caramel, they’ll have you thanking your lucky stars deliciously decadent gelato is available through them at restaurants all over the Valley. In Phoenix, stop by La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria in Arcadia, where you can treat yourself to a luscious, creamy scoop, or several.
4410 N. 40th St., Phoenix
602-254-5440
Luna Gelateria makes and serves the beloved Italian dessert using high-quality ingredients sourced from right here is Arizona al the way to Italy. Owner Stefano Fabbri — whose father opened Luna Caffetteria in Rimini, Italy, in 1969 — brings the time-honored tradition of gelato making to these to Greater Phoenix locations, where 12 to 18 flavors are offered daily. Standouts include the Luna, made with stracciatella, vanilla with streaks of chocolate chip; Sorbetto, made with lemons from Sorrento; and Pistacchio, made with Sicilian pistachios.
705 N. First St., Phoenix
602-795-2555
8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-907-5202
The Gelato Spot
Combining classic techniques with modern culinary technology, The Gelato Spot is inspired by gelato masters from northern Italy who have been developing their craft for more than 200 years. Choose from one, two or, for the serious gelato connoisseur, three flavors served in a cup or cone. Dress it up with a variety of toppings, including rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, Oreo cookies, roasted almonds and even bubble gum. For gelato with a little boost, have the affogato, made with gelato and espresso. Nondairy and vegan flavors are also available, including banana, chocolate, strawberry and lemon.
3164 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-957-8040
10608 N. 32nd St., Phoenix
602-494-4010
4166 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
480-425-8100
Specializing in authentic Italian gelato, Frost creates its creamy concoction with ingredients, machinery and display cases imported from Italy. Led by gelato chef Nazario Melchionda—who hails from Bologna, Italy, and won the 2019 Technical Jury Award at the Gelato Festival America—the modern and fresh gelateria located at the Biltmore Fashion Park offers more than 60 flavors, including “flavors of the month,” specialty items that have included salted caramel truffle, panna cotta, kiwi, and amaretto.
2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-955-3767
2150 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 120, Gilbert
480-899-2160
Pop ‘N Tea Bar
Diamond-shaped ice pops made of gelato are the order of the day at Pop ’N Tea, housed in the former My Florist plaza in central Phoenix. The Instagram-worthy treats are made using a 3D printing technique, giving each bar its unique shape. Custom craft your gelato pop by choosing a flavor, selecting a dip or drizzle (dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate), then adding your favorite toppings. You can even spice it up with Chamoy or Tajin. Flavors include strawberry cheesecake, matcha, coconut, and cookies and cream.
550 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix
602-253-6310
For gelato with some French flair, visit Paris Rendez-Vous, located at Desert Ridge in north Phoenix. The French pastry shop specializes in macarons, Cannelé de Bordeaux (a cake-like pastry covered by a thick, caramelized crust), croissants, and chocolates. They also serve Italian gelato, made by Dolce Vita Gelato in Mesa, that uses authentic Italian ingredients, including almonds from Puglia, pistachios from Sicily, and hazelnuts from Piedmont. Flavors include salted caramel, tiramisu, crème brulee, and Nutella, as well as season offerings such as blood orange, pineapple, and Fruit of the Forest.
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
480-404-6378
