Saying you love Gelato is like saying you like air. Yes, of course, you like Gelato. Who doesn’t? Not long ago, it wasn’t easy to find real gelato in Tucson. Brooklyn Pizza had it. (And still does). That was about it. Then came Frost, which knocked everybody’s socks off and introduced Tucson not only to an immense assortment of authentic and original flavors, but to what is possible in the realm of gelato presentation. But there are others in this town making traditional Italian gelato. Here are a few of them. Please let me know if you know of any others.
Brooklyn Pizza
http://www.brooklynpizzacompany.com
Brooklyn Pizza has served gelato and italian ice for years.
Cafe Italiano
http://www.cafeitalianoaz.com
Hidden in a strip mall next door to Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches on the northwest corner of Grant & Swan, Cafe Italiano features many rotating flavors in addition to their signature flavors, Mama Mia – a sweet cream gelato with amareno sour cherry and small bits of chocolate (this flavor is seriously crave-worthy), and Spicy Chocolate. Recently they were featured in the Desert Leaf which you can check out here.
Frost, A Gelato Shoppe
http://frostgelato.com
With no shortage of fans or press, most of Tucson has truly come to love Frost. And for good reason – their gelato rocks. Owners Jeffrey Kaiserman and Stephen Ochoa brought in a master gelato maker from Italy. And when I say they brought him over, I mean they had to fight to get him back when his visa expired. They’re one of the busiest gelaterias in the country. Check out their press. Taste their gelato. It’s good.
Viro’s Italian Bakery
http://www.virosbakery.com/
On the far-east side of Tucson is Viro’s Italian Bakery. Vito, the owner talked to me about his desire to bring the flavors and style of gelato he grew up with in Italy to Tucson.
Some of Vito’s faves include Caccata de Siciliana, a cannoli-filling like flavored gelato, and Zuppa Inglese, which has an eggnog-like flavor. On my recent visit Vito sampled me on the Zuppa Inglese, the Orange Cream which is similar to a creamsicle, and the mint with chocolate. All three of them were excellent with rich flavors and a smooth consistency which are two of the characteristics he looks for in gelato.
Tavalino Italian Ristorante
http://www.tavolinoristorante.com/
Tavolino, in addition to being an excellent choice for authentic Italian food, also makes their own gelato. If Mossimo, the owner/chef is working, say hello!
Oh my, so much deliciousness! The colors are so seductive. I want them all.
Me. Too.
FROST is not gelato (for the most part) just based on taste. Really, try their “gelato” and it tastes just like cold stone creamery’s ice cream. Gelato shouldn’t be creamy, it should be tiny little ice crystals, texture is everything is right gelato.
The maker of the gelato in tucson I LOVED (used to be Gelato! Desert Cafe on Silverbell and Grant, now out of business) recommended Cafe Italiano, I haven’t tried it so i can’t say, but I don’t like FROST, though I do enjoy their strawberry flavor, definately the closest to gelato texture that they have.
Sorry to take so long to respond! I hear ya on FROST. However, they are making true gelato – it’s just not the kind of gelato you’re used to. At least that’s what I hear…
Allegro Gelato at Sam Hughes Place -Campbell and 6th in Tucson. So good!
You’re the second one to tell me this… I’ll have to get over there!
I second the Allegro comment. Hands down BEST gelato in town. They have flavors like saffron, carrot, pineapple basil, and fennel–and also normal things like pistachio, coconut, and chocolate. Each flavor tastes like you took the essence of each food and put it into a delicious gelato. Incredible!
Absolutely! I go there A LOT!!
Totally agree that Frost is bogus…a very annoying aftertaste on all flavors. I SUSPECT IT IS SOME FOOD PROCESSING CHEMICAL.