Gelateria Naia
520 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
The founders of Gelateria Naia are three friends who traveled all over the world and everywhere they went, they had to try the gelato. On their gelato adventure they learned from master gelato artisans in Italy. And, after trying everything, they found that there are only two simple components to an outstanding gelato: pure, natural ingredients and small, and artisanal batches.
Naia bases their flavor offerings on traditional flavors, however, they do explore exotic fruits that pack a punch.
Melt Gelato & Crepe Café
845 Market St., Suite #FE14
San Francisco, CA 94103
The Melt Gelato & Crepe Café concept is a fresh, new experience that is exciting. Without compromising flavor, Melt is focused on developing items that are healthy, but taste great at the same time. With over 20 gelato flavors, it was hard to pick! Our favorites Crème Brule and Mascarpone Caramel Pistachio.
Ciao Bella Gelato Co.
1 Ferry Building #8
San Francisco, CA 94111
While Ciao Bella is a chain, it is still pretty darn good. The gelato is a little more light and airy compared to others, but that can be a good thing because you don’t feel so guilty eating it! They have unique and intense flavors, like Blood Orange Sorbet and Key Lime Graham Gelato, but when we asked which flavors were most popular, vanilla and chocolate were the obvious answer.
Gelato Classico Italian
576 Union St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
A hidden gem, 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. Gelato Classico is also a deli so you can sit and enjoy both lunch and dessert! They have a cute outdoor patio too.
Humphry Slocombe
2790 Harrison St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
With more than 310,000 Twitter followers, a heaping helping of controversy, and a rich supply of attitude and humor, Humphry Slocombe is not your average ice cream shop. Yet the ice cream is what matters, and they make it in dozens of glorious, unique, and delightful flavors including the popular, Secret Breakfast, ice cream made with corn flakes and bourbon. A must try!
Dolce Gelato
916 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
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; highlights included white chocolate raspberry, spumoni, and the shockingly good blackberry cabernet sorbet.
La Copa Loca Gelato
3150 22nd St. (@ Capp St.)
San Francisco, CA 94109
La Copa Loca! Is literally translated as “The Crazy Cup”! And they mean it too, La Copa Loca has some pretty crazy flavor offerings, from Saffron to Goat Cheese, this place has it all. Their sorbet and gelato case is truly a thing of beauty, and you are welcome to sample as many flavors as you like, definitely worth stopping in.
For a detailed map; email rachel@culinaryvisions.org