Photo: Christian Kadluba/Flickr
There are more options than just ice cream when it comes to tasty frozen treats.
Gelato is a traditional Italian frozen dessert than has less fat and less whipped air than American ice cream. You don’t have to go all the way to Italy to try the sweet taste of gelato — chances are someone's creating this tasty frozen concoction right in your backyard.
D’Ambrosio Gelato in Ballard is owned by Enzo D’Ambrosio, a university-certified gelato master. Made fresh daily with organic dairy products and fruits, the gelato is top-notch. Tip: During the last hour of each business day, the to-go pints are available at a deep discount. 5339 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, 98107
Finally, a gelato option for the lactose intolerant. Not only does Fainting Goat offer traditional gelato and sorbetto, but also goat-milk gelato. Owners Yalcin and Sevim Ataman owned a gelato shop in Turkey for twenty years before moving to the States. Now their family recipes are available in Wallingford and Fremont. 1903 N 45th St, Seattle, 98103; 3415 Fremont Ave. N, Suite A, Seattle, 98103
With locations in Kirkland and Bellingham (the original store), Sirena has been bringing the sweet taste of Italy to the Pacific Northwest since 2005. Their gelato is made the traditional way with whole milk instead of heavy cream. Additionally, gelato cookie sandwiches and a selection of sugar-free gelato are featured items. 960 Harris Ave, Bellingham, 98225; 109 Park Lane, Kirkland, 98033
Rotating between sixty different flavors, Canarino has twenty-four varieties available daily. With a giant chalkboard open for drawing in the shop, kids will enjoy stopping here for more than just dessert. 203 5th Ave S, Ste 105, Edmonds, 98020
Seeking to offer the freshest, local ingredients possible, Nutty Squirrel changes its offerings seasonally as items are available. Kids can opt for a handmade gelato pop while parents may wish to try the affogato – a scoop of gelato topped with two shots of fresh-brewed espresso. 7212 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, 98103; 2425 33rd Ave. W, Seattle, 98199; 6636 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road SE, Ste H-100, Maple Valley, 98038
Owners claim their gelato contains three basic ingredients: quality, tradition, and passion. If you don’t want just a scoop of gelato, consider a gelato cake. Gelatiamo is also available at local markets to enjoy at home. 1400 3rd Ave, Seattle, 98101
Opened by native Italians, Luca Guerrieri, Antonella Ragazzi and David Arato in 2003, Bottega Italiana serves traditional artisan gelato. You won’t find any corn syrups, artificial colorings, flavorings or preservative here. Flavors are seasonal. 1425 1st Ave, Seattle, 98101
Serving up traditional gelato since 1980, Procopio Gelateria is one of the oldest gelato shops in the area. Unlike many other gelato shops, it’s not all dessert here. You can grab an Italian lunch such as pasta or Panini, then top if off with gelato. 1501 Western Ave, Ste 300, Seattle, 98101
Medzo Gelato Bar & Travel Café
Recently moved from the Alki area, Medzo offers a variety of gelati, sorbets, espresso drinks and even wine and liqueurs to drizzle on your dessert or sip on their own. 917 SW 152nd St., Burien, 98166
