Where to get Gelato
Farinella ·
Mantovani 1946 ·
Gelatini Gelato ·
Truffle Treasures ·
Pure Gelato ·
Cake Café ·
Malak Pastry ·
Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana ·
Stella Luna Gelato Café ·
Sash Gelato Cafe ·
Maison Chalouin ·
Downtowne Ice Cream Shoppe (Merrickville) ·
Piccolo Grande
Comments
2015 Jul 29
I visited for my second time and again thoroughly enjoyed the gelato. Between this place and Stella Luna Gelato Café, Ottawa has some really great gelati!
In this photo are my Chocolate Hazelnut and Coconut scoops. The heavily loaded small cup is $4. Tip for next time: the Vanilla gelato there is over the top incredible. Must have this soon!!
In this photo are my Chocolate Hazelnut and Coconut scoops. The heavily loaded small cup is $4. Tip for next time: the Vanilla gelato there is over the top incredible. Must have this soon!!
2012 Jul 26
I find TT gelato the best in town - consistently extremely fresh and delicious. The fruit-based flavours are intense and well-balanced in terms of sweetness and acidity (the citrus flavours are particularly excellent).
My personal favourite is their "peanut butter and chocolate" flavour - it is an atypical gelato flavour but addictive like no other gelato I've had. Chocolate, baci are also great.
The only flavours that have slightly disappointed me are the mixtures of additions in a white-coloured gelato (e.g. vanilla skor or something like that) - those flavours tend to not have a sufficiently strong taste IMHO. A bit boring.
I'd love to try a ginger-flavoured gelato or an almond-flavoured gelato from TT - I bet they'd do a great job!
My personal favourite is their "peanut butter and chocolate" flavour - it is an atypical gelato flavour but addictive like no other gelato I've had. Chocolate, baci are also great.
The only flavours that have slightly disappointed me are the mixtures of additions in a white-coloured gelato (e.g. vanilla skor or something like that) - those flavours tend to not have a sufficiently strong taste IMHO. A bit boring.
I'd love to try a ginger-flavoured gelato or an almond-flavoured gelato from TT - I bet they'd do a great job!
2011 Jan 22
I've had gelato from Truffle Treasures a couple times.
Not my favorite, but it is good and the store has good hours and a convenient location.
I guess if I wanted Gelato and was on that part of Bank st I'd go there.
Their sorbet though is a bit to "whipped" and airy and I was told they use fruit concentrates (sure they are all natural..but still).
So you don't get small bits of fruit in the sorbet.
The other store I go to on Bank st- they use real fruits in the sorbet. So if you get actual raspberry in the raspberry sorbet, if you order kiwi sorbet...it has actual kiwi and the seeds in it...not just frozen green kiwi juice or flavors.
Truffle treasures does have interesting sorbet flavors though and it is nice that they change.
I also tried the pistachio gelato and was a bit disappointed. TT seems to use a lot of almond extract in it and I could not really taste pistachio in it that much.
If you blindfolded me I would have thought it was almond ice cream.
Also there was no actual nuts in the gelato.
I have gone to another store where they use roasted pistachio in their gelato and no almond extract and you could really taste the nuts in that.
I guess not everyone can like the same frozen desserts :)
Truffle Treasures does have some neat flavors, and I will go back to try those sometime.
The Oreo gelato sounds very good.
Also tried their Turkish delight candy and it was ok, but a but disappointing that it has artificial flavor and color- the candy was fresh though..so that was a plus.
Tried the giant peanut butter caramel cup and that was good, but a bit too large sized for my appetite.
I did manage to save half for another time..but that was kind of messy to do.
If they had a smaller version of there I might get them more often!
Prices for gelato seemed ok-not the highest price and not the lowest either.
The price for the 500ml take home container is good though!
Not my favorite, but it is good and the store has good hours and a convenient location.
I guess if I wanted Gelato and was on that part of Bank st I'd go there.
Their sorbet though is a bit to "whipped" and airy and I was told they use fruit concentrates (sure they are all natural..but still).
So you don't get small bits of fruit in the sorbet.
The other store I go to on Bank st- they use real fruits in the sorbet. So if you get actual raspberry in the raspberry sorbet, if you order kiwi sorbet...it has actual kiwi and the seeds in it...not just frozen green kiwi juice or flavors.
Truffle treasures does have interesting sorbet flavors though and it is nice that they change.
I also tried the pistachio gelato and was a bit disappointed. TT seems to use a lot of almond extract in it and I could not really taste pistachio in it that much.
If you blindfolded me I would have thought it was almond ice cream.
Also there was no actual nuts in the gelato.
I have gone to another store where they use roasted pistachio in their gelato and no almond extract and you could really taste the nuts in that.
I guess not everyone can like the same frozen desserts :)
Truffle Treasures does have some neat flavors, and I will go back to try those sometime.
The Oreo gelato sounds very good.
Also tried their Turkish delight candy and it was ok, but a but disappointing that it has artificial flavor and color- the candy was fresh though..so that was a plus.
Tried the giant peanut butter caramel cup and that was good, but a bit too large sized for my appetite.
I did manage to save half for another time..but that was kind of messy to do.
If they had a smaller version of there I might get them more often!
Prices for gelato seemed ok-not the highest price and not the lowest either.
The price for the 500ml take home container is good though!
2009 Sep 15
I agree that Truffle Treasures offer very good gelato. While their truffles aren't to my taste at all (I prefer a ganache center to syrup) the gelato is top notch.
N, if you think Piccolo Grande is awful, you should try the guar gum laden stuff they sell in the freezer section of any grocery store. The difference between TT and PG gelato is miniscule in comparison. :-)
N, if you think Piccolo Grande is awful, you should try the guar gum laden stuff they sell in the freezer section of any grocery store. The difference between TT and PG gelato is miniscule in comparison. :-)
2009 Sep 15
Wow, I am quite shocked by how Gunt thinks Truffle Treasures gelato is expensive! Its quite the opposite. Anyone who knows ANYTHING about gelato or ice cream can taste that this stuff is REAL. I went to Piccilo Grande (spelling?) and it was just AWFUL, it was old, icy and just flavourless and the servers were rude. I know Truffle Treasures makes theirs fresh everyday (as the servers told me and you can taste it!) The prices are low compared to other gelato shops, so Gunt you obviously have not shopped around! And the pistachio gelato is delicious!
2009 Jul 16
Gunt,
I find your comments offensive
at that cost, you did not ask for a taste or a sample ?
well, buyer beware comes to mind first of all
but in the industry, I've heard nothing but good things about TT
and really, I've done lots of dishes with pistachios and they do not impart huge flavour
more textural and colour
flavour-wise, having made real pistachio gelato, ice cream and granita, the cost would be prohibitive
I find your comments offensive
at that cost, you did not ask for a taste or a sample ?
well, buyer beware comes to mind first of all
but in the industry, I've heard nothing but good things about TT
and really, I've done lots of dishes with pistachios and they do not impart huge flavour
more textural and colour
flavour-wise, having made real pistachio gelato, ice cream and granita, the cost would be prohibitive
2009 Jul 16
I bought for over $22.00 gelato today and had to throughout half of it! The Pistachio, as it was called, was anything but. I know that many businesses cut corners by using artificial tastes instead of natural ingredients. Nevermind the quality - most people don't know anymore what that means anyway. But this is supporting the Chemical Industry on a grand scale. Nothing to recommend here anymore.
2011 May 1
Went by Pure Gelato on a major craving. Looking for the place, we saw a girl walking in the opposite direction with a small cup in hand. Tried the one in Byward since we had dinner in the area, but the girl looked like she was closing up and flatly said that they were closed. We checked the sign in the door which said they were closed at 11pm not 10pm when we went in. Easy going as we are and not really looking to expand our waistbands too much, we were going to head back to the hotel.
Luckily we tried in on our GPS and found the one on Elgin to be just down the street from us. We splurged and got a pint of Pistachio and a pint of Bacio. SO said Bacio tasted like Ferrero Rocher and I sort of agreed. The pistachio was a bit tougher to taste the flavour and after more than a few bites, it tasted more minty. Overall the texture was too fluffy and airy for us and not pistachio-ey enough. Bacio was good and solid but sparsely hazelnut-ed. Overall, both were nice for a low-fat fix.
Luckily we tried in on our GPS and found the one on Elgin to be just down the street from us. We splurged and got a pint of Pistachio and a pint of Bacio. SO said Bacio tasted like Ferrero Rocher and I sort of agreed. The pistachio was a bit tougher to taste the flavour and after more than a few bites, it tasted more minty. Overall the texture was too fluffy and airy for us and not pistachio-ey enough. Bacio was good and solid but sparsely hazelnut-ed. Overall, both were nice for a low-fat fix.
2009 Aug 24
We came here on Saturday after dinner at Black Cat on Preston. Having heard the raves about the ginger gelato, I was dying to try it, especially with the fig one (Thanks, momomoto).
Anyway, they were out of ginger, so I settled on fig and dark chocolate. The fig was a "muted" taste...or in short bland. I didn't get a single piece of fig and there was minimal flavour throughout. The chocolate was good, but I've had better.
All in all, a total disappointment.
Anyway, they were out of ginger, so I settled on fig and dark chocolate. The fig was a "muted" taste...or in short bland. I didn't get a single piece of fig and there was minimal flavour throughout. The chocolate was good, but I've had better.
All in all, a total disappointment.
2007 Oct 29
Another incredible flavour that might often get overlooked because it has a funny name: Gianduja.
It tastes like Nutella, only classier (more hazenuts, less palm oil). The wikipedia entry says that this flavour originated in Switzerland: en.wikipedia.org
It tastes like Nutella, only classier (more hazenuts, less palm oil). The wikipedia entry says that this flavour originated in Switzerland: en.wikipedia.org
Older
2013 Aug 20
I went to Stella Luna on both Saturday and Sunday because I loved it that much. It wasn't my first time there, normally I would have the affogato, but the Saturday visit was my first time trying the Ferrero Rocher flavour. It was amazing. It was as if I was eating an actual Ferrero Rocher chocolate. The second flavour I had was the Rich Chocolate which was lovely.
My best friend had pistachio and a fruit flavour, I was impressed with the pistachio, but my caveat is that I've never tried it before so I have nothing to compare it to.
On Sunday we went back again, and this time I had the Ferrero Rocher again, and the Chocolate Salted Caramel. The chocolate salted caramel tasted just like a gourmet chocolate from a box, and I already knew I was going to love the Ferrero Rocher. Best friend had pistachio again, the lemon blueberry and the mango. The lemon blueberry was great, but I found the mango a bit sour. That might have something to do with the sweet flavours I was eating!
I didn't get a third flavour because everyone in front of me were blocking all the flavours. Also, with the line I felt pressed to make a quick choice. If I don't get to plan my choice I always feel a bit stressed, so I was saying how I wish they had a sign while you waited in line to see what the flavours of the day were.
My best friend had pistachio and a fruit flavour, I was impressed with the pistachio, but my caveat is that I've never tried it before so I have nothing to compare it to.
On Sunday we went back again, and this time I had the Ferrero Rocher again, and the Chocolate Salted Caramel. The chocolate salted caramel tasted just like a gourmet chocolate from a box, and I already knew I was going to love the Ferrero Rocher. Best friend had pistachio again, the lemon blueberry and the mango. The lemon blueberry was great, but I found the mango a bit sour. That might have something to do with the sweet flavours I was eating!
I didn't get a third flavour because everyone in front of me were blocking all the flavours. Also, with the line I felt pressed to make a quick choice. If I don't get to plan my choice I always feel a bit stressed, so I was saying how I wish they had a sign while you waited in line to see what the flavours of the day were.
2013 Aug 11
My favourite gelato flavours are always the nutty ones, and in this respect I'm going to say that this place has the best gelato in town.
I tried the Ferrero Rocher, the Salted Peanut, and the Buttery Almond gelati. A small cup treats you to up to three different flavours (small cone can handle two flavours). The Ferrero Rocher and the Salted Peanut were just incredible. The Almond was good but very mild.
I'm already fantasizing about a future threesome with Rich Chocolate (I tried my wife's... amazing), Salted Peanut, and Hazelnut -- it would be like peanut butter cups with nutella! :P~~~
I tried the Ferrero Rocher, the Salted Peanut, and the Buttery Almond gelati. A small cup treats you to up to three different flavours (small cone can handle two flavours). The Ferrero Rocher and the Salted Peanut were just incredible. The Almond was good but very mild.
I'm already fantasizing about a future threesome with Rich Chocolate (I tried my wife's... amazing), Salted Peanut, and Hazelnut -- it would be like peanut butter cups with nutella! :P~~~
2009 Feb 17
This place is not just chocolate ganaches and truffles, but branches out in other directions for a full-tongue experience; a late evening in summer might well take a while to sample the many delicious delicacies offered.
For example, while they don't have many gelatos, their quality is definitely high and worthy of investigation. This is good for the Hull people who now have an alternative to going all the way to the Market or Elgin for good gelato. The photo shows how briskly they sell it for the home market, putting them in half-litre containers for faster sell ($9.75). Remember that they have little staff and need to serve customers quickly if possible. It's also available by the scoop (1 to 5). Prices _are_ more expensive than Pure or Grande though.
I would need to make a full taste-test with the other two gelato places, but I daresay it can hold its own. The caramel, however, manages to surpass them: rich and sugary without being cloying; I literally got weak-kneed with the taster spoonful and had eyes moist with tears of joy at the pleasure my tongue was receiving. (But then, I like Caramel. A lot.)
Other flavours, in order left to right, top to bottom: Lemon, passionfruit, raspberry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla.
Being a small variety, they don't try the unique combinations that others can afford; but there is something to be said for doing the basics very, very, very well. I believe they're at least worth a try!
For example, while they don't have many gelatos, their quality is definitely high and worthy of investigation. This is good for the Hull people who now have an alternative to going all the way to the Market or Elgin for good gelato. The photo shows how briskly they sell it for the home market, putting them in half-litre containers for faster sell ($9.75). Remember that they have little staff and need to serve customers quickly if possible. It's also available by the scoop (1 to 5). Prices _are_ more expensive than Pure or Grande though.
I would need to make a full taste-test with the other two gelato places, but I daresay it can hold its own. The caramel, however, manages to surpass them: rich and sugary without being cloying; I literally got weak-kneed with the taster spoonful and had eyes moist with tears of joy at the pleasure my tongue was receiving. (But then, I like Caramel. A lot.)
Other flavours, in order left to right, top to bottom: Lemon, passionfruit, raspberry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla.
Being a small variety, they don't try the unique combinations that others can afford; but there is something to be said for doing the basics very, very, very well. I believe they're at least worth a try!
2010 Apr 18
hot summer's comin' with hot days and nights in the market, just mozy yourself down on over to piccolo grande and get the pent up passion for your *seriously* good clean ice cream sufficiency satisfied. no artificial flavors, colors or fillers. their ice cream is somewhat half-way in between soft-serve and home-made ice cream. no gummy binders or emulsifiers. it's lick'dy-split!!!!!!
2009 Mar 1
I know nothing about the correct DNA of gelato, but my taste buds still enjoy the rare dip into the lactose world; Piccolo Grande is my usual go-to.
Love any of their Peanut Buttery flavours.
Featured here is kiwi, completely covered by Mint Chocolate Chip and PB. I can never walk back to the office without making a mess..
Love any of their Peanut Buttery flavours.
Featured here is kiwi, completely covered by Mint Chocolate Chip and PB. I can never walk back to the office without making a mess..
2009 Feb 20
Constarch is a thickener and they claim to not use it unless it's one of the 'secret' ingredients.
Xanthan gum (which they don't use) is a stabilizer and Dextrose is a sweetener all three are byproducts of corn.
The latter two are both produced through the fermentation of corn syrup
www.piccologrande.com
Dextrose, a refined concentrate of corn syrup is by their own admission an ingredient in their product and I stand by my original statement.
Xanthan gum (which they don't use) is a stabilizer and Dextrose is a sweetener all three are byproducts of corn.
The latter two are both produced through the fermentation of corn syrup
www.piccologrande.com
Dextrose, a refined concentrate of corn syrup is by their own admission an ingredient in their product and I stand by my original statement.
2009 Feb 19
When I think of Ottawa and Gelato I just get frustrated, Mondo Gelato and La Casa Gelato in Vancouver are probably the high water marks for Canadian gelato.
I mean not that I can have it anymore seeing as I gave up eggs but here's my two cents.
Real honest to goodness gelato has eggs and heavy cream in it and not much more. To use corn syrup is a total abomination yet I am given to understand both the big guns in Ottawa use it.
There are other variants that use soy and the like more power to them but they are not 'real' gelato they're something else (often yummy just not gelato)
The sorbettos I have had in Ottawa just make me miss Vancouver.
If you're in Vancouver and you want to taste the difference for yourself definitely check these
www.lacasagelato.com
www.mondogelato.com/
I mean not that I can have it anymore seeing as I gave up eggs but here's my two cents.
Real honest to goodness gelato has eggs and heavy cream in it and not much more. To use corn syrup is a total abomination yet I am given to understand both the big guns in Ottawa use it.
There are other variants that use soy and the like more power to them but they are not 'real' gelato they're something else (often yummy just not gelato)
The sorbettos I have had in Ottawa just make me miss Vancouver.
If you're in Vancouver and you want to taste the difference for yourself definitely check these
www.lacasagelato.com
www.mondogelato.com/
warby
I tasted the Coconut (it was great) but then ordered the Hazelnut and the Fior di Latte. A small cup or cone is $4.50 and a large is $7.50. I got the small and it was a good amount. That said, I loved it so much I'd happily eat half the amount of pizza and get a large gelato.
The Hazelnut gelato was superb. This is like pure chilled Gianduja. Loads of hazelnut flavour and just enough sugar.
The Fior di Latte was super mild, as it should be, and provided a lusciously creamy base for its nutty cupmate. As it warmed up it started to really shine, turning into a decadent wonderful layer of thick cream.
I also tried some of my wife's Caffe gelato and the Cocoa Mascarpone. Both were subtle, delicious, and not too sweet. Top marks all around!