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The Best Gelato in Toronto

Katherine Rebelo

Written By

Katherine Rebelo

The Best Gelato in Toronto

Looking for the best gelato in Toronto? We've got you covered with this list of some of the best gelato shops in the city.

Gelato is the direct translation of ice cream in Italian, however, gelato is much more than just cold cream and sugar. The biggest difference between gelato and ice cream is the composition of ingredients (milk to sugar ratio) but more importantly, the churning process is what separates these two ice-cold treats. Gelato has more milk, less cream and is churned very slowly to avoid adding air -- hence the incredible richness and dense texture.

There is some controversy as to where this sweet treat originated; some will say in Florence, others will insist Sicily and a select few will argue that the gelato we know today was modernized in France.

Regardless of where it originated, gelato has now become a year-round dessert that Torontonians can enjoy despite our icy cold winters. From classic Stracciatella to Asian influenced flavours like durian or black sesame, to the Canadian favourite maple pecan, to an endless list of vegan and sugar-free options. Here is our list of the best gelato shops in Toronto.

Little Italy

697 College St

Dolce Gelato E Cafe

Ice Cream

Serving the masses in Kensington since 2014, this shop also serves Italian-style desserts and speciality coffees.

Dolce Gelato E Cafe

Little Italy

697 College St

Serving the masses in Kensington since 2014, this shop also serves Italian-style desserts and speciality coffees.

Ice Cream

Fashion District

85 Portland St

Piccolina Gelato Toronto

Unfortunately, this shop is only open during spring and summer months. This cash or debit only spot features the best vegan gelato the city has tasted to date.

Piccolina Gelato Toronto

Fashion District

85 Portland St

Unfortunately, this shop is only open during spring and summer months. This cash or debit only spot features the best vegan gelato the city has tasted to date.

Punto Gelato

With three locations across the city, this spot serves classic gelato flavours stacked high. All the gelato is made fresh in house every single day to ensure the best possible quality.

Punto Gelato

With three locations across the city, this spot serves classic gelato flavours stacked high. All the gelato is made fresh in house every single day to ensure the best possible quality.

Staij and Co

Patisserie

Known as a pastry and cake boutique, this shop showcases incredible gelato -- but sadly is only available during the summer months.

Staij and Co

Known as a pastry and cake boutique, this shop showcases incredible gelato -- but sadly is only available during the summer months.

Patisserie

Bayview and Leaside

1640 Bayview Ave

Hollywood Gelato 

Made in house, this gelato spot is creating new flavours constantly, while simultaneously upholding traditional gelato flavours and techniques.

Hollywood Gelato 

Bayview and Leaside

1640 Bayview Ave

Made in house, this gelato spot is creating new flavours constantly, while simultaneously upholding traditional gelato flavours and techniques.

XO Gelato

Ice Cream

Simple, classic and traditional gelato offerings open until 10 pm.

XO Gelato

Simple, classic and traditional gelato offerings open until 10 pm.

Ice Cream

Leslieville

920 Queen St E

Ed's Real Scoop

Ed’s Real Scoop has been recognized as one of the pioneers in creating a culture obsessed with gelato -- opening their first location in the Beaches in 2000!

Ed's Real Scoop

Leslieville

920 Queen St E

Ed’s Real Scoop has been recognized as one of the pioneers in creating a culture obsessed with gelato -- opening their first location in the Beaches in 2000!

St. Clair West

283 Rushton Rd

Bar Ape

Dessert

Pick your format at Bar Ape from scooped, to soft-serve swirl, to a chocolate-covered bar -- the options are endless.

Bar Ape

St. Clair West

283 Rushton Rd

Pick your format at Bar Ape from scooped, to soft-serve swirl, to a chocolate-covered bar -- the options are endless.

Dessert

Queen West

394 Queen St W

Kekou Gelato

Bubble tea and gelato all under one roof, with the option to add tapioca over your scoop!

Kekou Gelato

Queen West

394 Queen St W

Bubble tea and gelato all under one roof, with the option to add tapioca over your scoop!

Dundas West

1418 Dundas St W

Death in Venice Gelato

The OG of Toronto gelato and by their definition, "Death in Venice Gelato is worth dying for." Death in Venice is always partnering with local restaurants to create unique flavours, like Thai flavours inspired by Chef Nuit from Pai coming soon.

Death in Venice Gelato

Dundas West

1418 Dundas St W

The OG of Toronto gelato and by their definition, "Death in Venice Gelato is worth dying for." Death in Venice is always partnering with local restaurants to create unique flavours, like Thai flavours inspired by Chef Nuit from Pai coming soon.

Eataly Toronto

The newest member on the list, Eataly joins the ranks as one of the best spots for gelato in the city. The Italian store even created an exclusive Maple Pecan flavour as an homage to the new Toronto location.

Eataly Toronto

The newest member on the list, Eataly joins the ranks as one of the best spots for gelato in the city. The Italian store even created an exclusive Maple Pecan flavour as an homage to the new Toronto location.