Summer is finally here (huzzah!) and that means chowing down on enough cold treats to keep you well chilled until winter rears its ugly head again. And while ice cream and popsicles are great for a quick treat, eventually you get the feeling of wanting something a little more. Thankfully the Italians have our back. Creamy, delicious and available in so many rich flavours, gelato is just what you want (and need) to keep your tummy happy this summer. We’ve rounded up five of Toronto’s best gelato joints so you can indulge with us.
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Finish your day of shopping at Don Mills by popping into this European-inspired desert and gelato shop. With over 100 flavours made on location, the shop puts out a different 24 each day, like dairy-free Mango and Grapefruit, kid-friendly Bubblegum and customer favourite Ferrero Rocher (which is automatically our favourite too). The menu also includes classicss like banana splits, homemade crepes and waffles and specialities like pies, available in both sweet and savoury palates. With a patio to enjoy all year-round, this spot is just the right place to enjoy a cool treat.
With three spots in the city, including one in Kensington Market, Dolce Gelato offers over 60 different flavours including classics like pistachio and tirimasu, and for those who want to relive their childhood, bubblegum. Customers are welcome to ask for samples to help decide and if the decision is still too hard, get two flavours in one cup to get the best of both worlds. Pair your gelato with a drink, try one of their cakes or go all in and get a waffle or crepe with a scoop of your favourite gelato flavour. Dolce Gelato offers something for everyone and takes cool summer treats to another level.
With the aim to bring the delicious flavour and feel of homemade treats to Toronto, Ed’s three locations offer ice creams, sorbets, cakes, milkshakes and of course, gelato. Made with the finest ingredients, Ed’s brings you the perfect flavours of cinnamon and crème brulee without the over-the-top sweetness of store-bought icecream or gelato. With over 100 flavours, the choices change every day meaning there’s always something new to try. Seasonal flavours like Pumpkin (for autumn) and Sangria Sorbet (for summer) also come by once a year and are a must try. If gelato isn’t your style, try one of their many chocolate concoctions (made with Belgian chocolate) or homemade fudge, just like Ed’s mom used to make!
Luckily you don’t have to go to Hollywood to get sweet treats from this family-operated Bayview shop. With over 200 gelato recipes up their sleeves, customers can browse the 22 most popular flavours, showcased in the display. They’ve also turned classic chocolate bars like Reese Peanut Butter Cup and Twixx into gelato, making the kid in you (and your kid next to you) jump with joy. Bring home the fun with containers of your favourite flavour, or step up your birthday cake game with a made to order gelato cake made with their very own gelato. Pair your gelato with an Italian soda, close your eyes and pretend you’re in Italy for a beautiful afternoon.
This Parkdale shop not only provides great flavours but an eco-friendly mindset. Ingredients come from local suppliers and cups, spoons and packaging is all bio-degradable. All their gelato is made from scratch with local dairy or almond milk and flavours like Ginger, Pumpkin Pie and Egg Nog are sure to delight anyone looking for something other than the traditional Pistachio or Tiramisu. Boreal also offers made to order gelato cakes and also give the option of having a cake made from one of their sorbets. Try one of their comfort foods for hug to your tummy or swing by on a weekend morning to try their brunch menu.
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