Mention gelato, and you'll find that one person's nectar is another person's taste killer. Like many comfort foods, gelato is personal and sentimental. A scoop that tastes just like the straciatella you had in Rome on your honeymoon is bound to elicit raves.
Different brands of gelati -- all made with authentic Italian ingredients -- can taste completely different. What a grueling task it is, crisscrossing town to find a favorite.
For a different twist on frozen dessert check out some of the Frozen Yogurt Shops in San Francisco.
See a map with locations of yogurt and gelato places around San Francisco.
1. Gelateria Naia
North Beach - Castro - East Bay
Berkeley-based Naia wins a lot of taste tests, including mine. The flavors are true to their origins. Hazelnut tastes like hazelnut, not like hazelnut flavoring. The texture is always creamy. And the selection is vast enough to encourage experimentation.
For non-dairy people, the coconut sorbetto is as smooth as ice cream – all of the sensations without the milk.
North Beach location:
520 Columbus Avenue (between Powell & Stockton)
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 677-9280
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
See Naia’s website for more locations in San Francisco and the East Bay.
2. Ciao Bella
Ferry Building - East Bay - Corte Madera
Ciao Bella started in New York’s Little Italy, based on family recipes from Torino. Fortunately, for those of us who spend time at the Ferry Building, Ciao Bella opened a branch inside the restored landmark in 2003. You’ll also find Ciao Bella pints at various shops throughout the Bay Area. It’s not the same as getting a fresh scoop at the gelateria, but it is a reasonable alternative for the home freezer.
San Francisco Location:
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Telephone: (415) 834-9330
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
3. La Copa Loca
Mission District
La Copa Loca is a great little corner hangout just off 22nd and Capp. The venue is small, but there's a bit of extra seating around the outside. La Copa Loca gelato is featured at the popular Grove cafe among other places in town, and the flavors range from hazelnut to kiwi -- with soy and sugar-free varieties thrown in for good measure.
3150 22nd Street (near Capp)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Telephone: (415) 401-7424
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
4. Dolce Gelato
Nob Hill
Unlike some smaller shops where seating is at a premium, at Dolce Gelato, you can take your gelato and coffee in the upstairs space, or find a bit of seating outside. The menu includes a variety of flavors (from tiramisu to black current sorbetto).
916 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
Telephone: (415) 776-2447
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
5. Tango Gelato
Fillmore - East Bay
Tango has an Argentinean pedigree, founded by a Buenos Aires native and gelato lover. Even as a Latin/Italian hybrid, Tango Gelato is as authentically Italian as what you’d find on the streets of Florence. The flavors are varied, from Ricotta Lemon Zest to Irish Coffee. The café setting makes it easy to take a break and enjoy your gelato with a dose of people watching.
San Francisco location:
2015 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Telephone: (415) 346-3692
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
6. Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe
Union Square - SOMA
Melt is a relative newcomer to the scene. It has the advantage of being surrounded by a food court – the Centre at Westfield San Francisco -- where a Mexican meal or a plate of pasta begs for a sweet gelato finish. Melt is convenient after shopping, before hopping on BART or MUNI, or on your way to the amazing Bristol Farms grocery.
Food Emporium at Westfield San Francisco Centre
845 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: (415) 896-6358
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
7. Gelato Classico
North Beach
A North Beach staple, Gelato Classico is a solid choice if you want to enjoy your gelato in neighboring Washington Square. The space is tiny with less variety than some of the newcomers listed here, but the flavors are fantastic -- and the setting in North Beach can’t be beat.
576 Union St. (at Stockton St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Telephone: (415) 391-6667
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
8. Marco Polo Italian Ice Cream
Outer Sunset
Marco Polo hits the spot when you’re looking for something a little unconventional. Lychee fans think Marco Polo's lychee gelato is the best in the city. And if durian – the thorned fruit that looks like a sea anemone -- is your style, you’ve found your place at Marco Polo. The Sunset location is great if you’re heading to the San Francisco Zoo or out to Ocean Beach.
1447 Taraval Street (at 24th Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94116
Telephone: (415) 731-2833
Map of San Francisco Gelato Shops
