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My daughter considers this the Best gelato in SF & they have the widest range of flavors! Pick, taste, then order - they're authentically Italian, have coffees, sandwiches, cannolis and wines, too. Friendly service in a tiny cute deli that has lots of goodies!
I met up here with some friends for a mid-week hang and walk around North Beach. There were so many flavors of gelato available along the L-shaped counter that it was hard to settle on a flavor, but I eventually opted for a scoop of black cherry chip gelato in a waffle cone. It was really good, but I had to eat it kind of fast because the gelato was really soft, and it was hot outside, causing it to melt faster than usual. I made it to the last few bites before it started dripping so not bad. Funnily enough, I'd passed by Alimento countless times before but had never tried it. I'm so glad my friend organized our weeknight catch-up to come check out this spot.
I was on my way out of town while walking through Little Italy and I wasnt really hungry until I walked by like every spot and this place caught me when I saw someone eating this sanny with good looking bread. I walked past it and got like a block away and was like maaaaaan shiiiiiittt Im turning around lol. I went back and came to get a sanny and Im happy I did, I was planning on eating it on the walk. The place has a lot of choices like a regular deli youd find in the northeast. San Francisco has definitely the best Little Italy as far as choices to pick from and its really big and spread out. I had the Goodfella. Roast beef, prosciutto, salami, provolone and basil. I added the pesto and olive oil and replaced the provolone with fresh mozzarella. Best part was there was an old ass lady who made the sanny and she loaded it lol. The bread makes the sandwich and it was really soft and crunchy. Soo good. I 1000% recommend this place and I am sure she makes all the sandwiches the same!
This place had been my go-to for gelato in North Beach for years now. My top flavors have to be either stracciatella or lemon cookie :) Inside is always busy whether night or day, and they allow customers up to two samples of the gelato flavors. I've read that they also make sandwiches, which I would also love to try one day. When you pay at the register, they have all kinds of yummy European chocolate that you don't see at many places. The cannoli's are also so mouthwatering, and they have a variety of different kinds per preference. I've never enjoyed my gelato right out front but I see many people sitting down every time I've visited. They also slide their front window all the way open to create a more ventilating and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend for amazing gelato and other goodies :)
Stopped in here after a long walk around North Beach and this was the perfect treat to end the day! Got a cookies & cream gelato that was so good and reminded me of my favorite gelato from Dolce Spazio in the South Bay (still the better one but I'll take Alimento being a quick walk away)! My friend got the pistachio and said it wasn't that great though :( but some other flavors we sampled were good! Will absolutely be back to get an affogato!
I wasn't sure how to rate this place because I absolutely love the interior/aesthetic and the gelato was delicious BUT the service was just okay and I found an ant mixed into my gelato. It was just one little ant so it's no big deal but it made me feel "meh" about the experience. I would've given a 3 star rating if not for the variety of flavors they had and the quality of each flavor I tried. Here's my food rating for the flavor I chose: Coconut, 8/10 - my go to. i was satisfied that it tasted like fresh coconut.
We were in the city and wanted to get an authentic Italian sub without the long weight of the more popular spot. Alimento is small galley style shop that is a mix of a gelato spot, deli, coffee shop and convenience store that sells cigarettes and alcohol. Two of us got the speciale and one got the alpino. The sandwiches are flavorful and fresh although the bread did tear up the roof of our mouth. We also tried the gelato which was pretty but just OK. My wife had a Americano and it was strong and hot just like we like. Although the store had a good amount of traffic coming and going, we didn't have to wait very long to receive our lunch, which is what we were hoping for.
Came for an after-dinner treat! The whole store is narrow and long with walls boasting countless bottles of wine and two large freezers full of gelato and sorbet. There's a limit of 2 flavors for samples. I got excited about trying their Cardamom gelato, but the employee told me there wasn't any left and that was actually mint chip one, which was disappointing. The employee was very prompt and quick with helping me, which I appreciate. I got the Spumoni, and the medium was a generously filled cup. Texture-wise, it was a bit icy and hard for me, not as buttery and smooth as other places. The flavor was great though; I loved the chopped nuts in it. The Stracciatella I sampled was also very good! Definitely a good place if you want a variety of flavors to choose from.
Ordered the Mafioso sandwich and it was absolutely delicious. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were well balanced, and the bread was perfect. You can tell they put a lot of care into their sandwiches. The deli has a great neighborhood feel, and the service was friendly. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to whenever I'm craving a great Italian sandwich.
While walking to my chosen lunch spot, I kept noticing how many "new" businesses that weren't there between 2020 and 2022. I used to take my goddaughter, the furry variety, along this route and there were so many boarded doors and windows. As I walked, I took photos of places that piqued my interest. On my walk back after lunch, I decided to window shop at their gelato, especially after seeing Genevieve Y's (https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=_aSs5dSAabuwnXUGBPzASw) photo of spumoni that I saw a few days earlier. I saw an item that might interest her but another flavor caught my eyes. I tried the hazelnut brownie gelato (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=H1rySEB3-C5COE2aglmvSw), medium in a cup. She told me that the small size was not available. As she scooped my gelato, I wandered to the rear counter and saw another menu board (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=DNHu8CwQQL9Qwx97vfTQWg). I am saving this for a future visit in case something appeals to my stomach for a future lunch. I walked back to the front cashier area and she rung me up, offering seating in the back area in addition to the two sidewalk tables in front. I passed on her offer, paid for my gelato, and walked to my car. The hazelnut brownie was rich but the flavors seemed a bit muted and not bold. The brownie pieces didn't really stand out and the hazelnut didn't add much to it. I will probably try the lychee one next visit. The gal at the cashier was very nice and friendly, helping me with a smile throughout. It's great to see more businesses along this block open now, a stark improvement from the past few years.
Lovely gelato spot that stays open late in North Beach. They've got tons of flavors ranging from the basics like "cookies and cream" all the way to exotic options like "lychee". A scoop costs about $5. It's a well stocked store and deli as well. Hard to pass up if I'm nearby.
We got to sample some flavors beforehand which was nice. I got the cookie dough gelato, but it was personally too sweet for me. Mine was a medium size since they ran out of small sizes and it was plenty in quantity. I did like the cookie dough chunks though!
they do have ONE VEGAN sandwich (which is like $17) and tbh it's alright 6/10. just a basic sandwich but it was nice they had tofu to put into it! cute little deli shop and perfect place to grab a bite and picnic on the park read more
11 months ago
We were driving through San Francisco later in the evening and got a craving for an espresso drink. We drove by and saw that Alimento was open and circled around to find a parking spot; once around the block and we were in luck. While I could have been distracted and ordered a gelato or a cannoli, I stuck to my guns and ordered a Mocha with an extra shot. The coffee was good, but nothing special. It satisfied the carving and there wasn't much else open so this was a plus! Clean store. We were welcomed when we came in and promptly served. read more
Best. Sandwich. Ever. I got the Alimento Special, and it was tangy with the perfect amount of spice. They carved out the inside of the bread so that they can pack it with more sauce and goodness. The bread was toasted and is somehow crunchy but soft. It was very well balanced and fresh. I've been to here a couple times for coffee, I love their espresso over a sugar cube. The interior is very similar to a bodega and the service is friendly. I will definitely be back for the sandwich though! Their other homemade spreads looked incredible read more
3 years ago
Get an affogato and choose cookie dough ice cream, just trust me. Alimento is a local spot in North Beach where you can grab staples like Italian sandwiches, gelato, and cannolis. I was in thr afternoon and was craving something sweet but also needed a pick me up so I opted for a double shot affogato. Since Alimento serves varying gelato flavors, you can actually choose what flavor you want instead of just getting vanilla. In my mind, cookie dough sounded great and, let me tell you, it was fantastic. Definitely recommend and honestly will always opt for this combo now if I have a chance to choose the ice cream. read more
Go to North Beach spot for gelato! The gelato was a chewy texture to it which I love. One con is they only allow 1 sample. I wish they provided more samples (at least 2-3) since they have so many flavors to choose from! I would get 2 flavors more often if I had more options to sample. read more
3 years ago
Who doesn't love a good sandwich! Alimento has a great selection of sandwiches to choose from. We were headed to the park with friends and wanted to have an easy lunch to take with us. We got the Speciale and Goodfella. The Speciale seems to be the fan favorite! My boyfriend got it the first time and had to bring me the other half home for me to try. Even after a day, it was still an an amazing sandwich. Heard a couple of other customers order it and it was our friends' pick too! There's really nothing bad to say about the sandwiches. The bread, the sauce, the filling, everything is great! Definitely recommend checking out. read more
2 years ago
We placed an order ahead for 6 sandwiches and it took waited about 15 min after we came in but the place was quite busy. I ordered the especiale and it was quite good! although a bit pricey for the size. the ingredients were fresh and i also got a picked which was very juicy and crisp. overall pretty good. read more
2 years ago
They serve more than gelato but everyone seems to get gelato and that is what we got, too. They've got a number of gelato flavors facing the street but they also have many different ones inside so keep that in mind. You can get samples, too. The gelato is very good. I recommend getting a large cup so you can try two different flavors. We tried the grasshopper (minty), espresso chip, and triple fudge brownie. They were all delicious. I recommend going with the chocolate varieties. They stay open late so it's a nice dessert option after eating in the area. read more
1 year ago
I went around 3:45pm. It was not busy inside. I got the alpino sandwich. My sandwich was toasted and it was a good toasted bread. I didn't have to wait too long for my sandwich. It's a great sandwich that doesn't make you feel "heavy" once eating it. I sat at a table that is on the other entrance of the store. read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
My first coming here and I enjoyed their gelato! You're able to ask for samples before you order your gelato. The medium cup includes 1 scoop and the large cup include 2 scoops so you can choose 2 flavors. I got strawberry honey lavender flavor since it was a unique flavor and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Their butter pecan gelato was really good too. I recommend coming here if you're in the area and is craving something sweet! read more
Hard to decide what gelato you'd want when they only let you sample one flavor lol. We sampled one and didn't like it and then ended up ordering the banana walnut gelato. Banana walnut was ok it's filled half with walnuts moreso than gelato. Also, the small is tiny for $5. Most places are nice and usually overfill the cup but this one was tinier and probably worth $3 at most since it was like 5 bites lol I prefer the gelatos I've had in SoCal but it was ok. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This is the spot if you're craving a good, classic deli sandwich. There is limited seating, so the sandwiches are best eaten elsewhere (unless you can snag one of the few tables outside), but the food is good and worth coming back for! read more
"I really don't like when things are all polished and perfect - the perfect love story and the hair is all perfect. Sometimes messy is good." - Marisa Tomei After a nice lunch in Chinatown, I was strolling in Little Italy hoping to bump into Marisa Tomei, when suddenly that urge for Gelato hit me! I am now on a Rocky Balboa quest to find authentic Italian! The old streets of Little Italy made it easy deciding where to grow my waistline. I decide on Alimento! Alimento is a wonderful Italian deli in the heart of Little Italy. A great spot for a Panini and Italian snacks, like Sorbetto and Gelato. Coffee, Espresso, Cappuccino and other Italiano drinks. I notice a couple of rickety tables at the front as I enter. I am greeted in English and I respond in Italiano. Of course I'm talking about the Gelato! Choices! Ciao! After a long minute I decide on Pistachio & Baci Gelato which are considered Italian classics. The barista slid the Gelato properly in the medium cup I ordered. Hmm, however stopped at the lip of the cup. Really:3 I mean seriously if this is a medium cup I can only imagine the small lol. Oh well, at least she was nice and easy on the eyes. Still whatevs. Pistachio & Baci in hand I head to the nearest spot to enjoy! Ten-steps out the door I start licking. Oh my! Authenticity stamped as the consistency, texture, and flavors mingling on my tongue were of high quality. Trust me, I've been there, I know ;) In the end, I still recommend Alimento even tho that was perhaps the smallest cup of Gelato, ever! D: To add it was around $7 for that skimpy serving lol. Oh well, like I mentioned the Gelato was on-point yum. Open everyday til Midnight. It just bites (licks) and it blows knowing I can get a larger serving, pay much less Euros, and be literally in Italy enjoying *sigh* read more
Came here to grab a sandwich in between lunch and dinner, and was pleasantly surprised by the super cute interior and all of the different sandwich and gelato options. I ended up getting the special sandwich and while I did take a while for them to make it, I appreciate it the amount of toppings that were put on the sandwich. It was very delicious but could've had a little bit more meat and slightlyyyyyy fresher bread. There are a lot of options for Italian sandwich shops in the area and this one is in my top 3 for sure! read more
3 years ago
Italy Square. I never met a cannoli I didn't like! So many delicious pastries here got them right before they closed. Coming back tomorrow before we leave to get some pizza, five stars. read more
Really nice Italian shop that serves sandwiches, gelato, coffee, and a range of snacks. There are two entrances with a bit of seating in front of each one. We opted for a large cup of gelato with 2 scoops -- cookies & cream and hazelnut brownie. The two flavors were really delicious and super creamy as well, but I felt like the portions are pretty small for what you pay. Nonetheless, it was a good gelato break on a hot day in SF, and we snagged a table by one of the entrances as well to sit and relax. read more
Perfect spot if you are looking for a late night dessert! They have a great selection of gelato. We tried the hazelnut brownie and the spumoni and both flavors were absolutely delicious. Great customer service also, we were treated very nicely. This place has a very authentic feel. read more
The food and service here are really good. It really felt like being in the streets of Rome in the back alleys where the tiny shops are. This place is good for both regular food and gelato. The ambiance and is like a neighborhood store. Seating is only outside and very limited. The prices were very reasonable and I'd definitely come back next time I'm in town. read more
The cutest corner deli spot you ever did see. I've only gone here for gelato, but you can get so much other stuff - sandwiches, wine, you name it! As for the gelato, it's always delicious and pretty affordable. I love how the store is open late, so you can stop by after a trip to Club Fugazi or any number of bars in the area. Definitely a gem in the neighborhood. read more
5 years ago
I've been here several times for their gelato (always excellent) but recently tried their sandwiches for the first time and they were delicious! I was meaning to go to Molinari's but it was a Sunday and closed, so I gave this place a shot instead. I grabbed a Mafioso to eat later, and several hours later it was delicious (and not soggy!). The meat portion was pretty generous and I could tell it was really nice, high quality meat. The fresh mozzarella and spicy spread they put on really made the sandwich! It's a bit pricey for the size of the sandwich but the ingredients are fresh and delicious and it's perfect for a picnic! read more
Came here for lunch yesterday and this place was delicious. I would recommend this place if you're looking to pick up a quick, delicious sandwich in North Beach. My roommate raves about this place and decided to stop by! Walked in and everyone was nice and welcoming. The inside is intended to order to-go but they do have seating outside. I decided to order the Spicy Speciale sandwich with the Works and oh my gosh, this was the best sandwich I've had! It was flavorful and filling! I overall loved this sandwich place and will be back for more! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
got the pistachio gelato and OMG SOOOO YUM! not too sweet! i'd definitely come back and try another flavor! the sizes are medium, large and XL. read more
My boyfriend + his friend and I came here after eating Golden Boy Pizza. We kept talking about wanting gelato and there we found some on the opposite side of the street. I actually didn't get the name of this place until we left the store. I had soft serve earlier, but who can turn down sweets?! I had to stand outside for a bit since I was still eating pizza, but right when you walk towards the front of the store, you do see a variety of gelatos to choose from. There are more if you walk further into the store. Upon looking at the menu, they serve other desserts + sandwiches too. This is also conveniently a liquor/wine store as well. I settled on passion fruit (one of my favorites) and strawberry honey lavender, and my boyfriend wanted pistachio and peach ice champagne or something to that nature. I forgot how much it was, but it could have been roughly ~5 per cup? I really loved the passion fruit flavor. There was a great balance between sweet and sour. The strawberry honey lavender was amazing as well! Super creamy, and the lavender was very subtle. You got more of the honey and strawberry together. Both of these together I'm not too sure if it paired well, but each flavor on it's own was pretty good! I got to try some of the peach champagne flavor my boyfriend got and that was pretty good. It was light and refreshing. If I'm in the neighborhood again, I'd totally come back to try more flavors! read more
Searched for a gelato place on Yelp and landed on Alimento. Upon arrival, there was already a line out the door. The vibe is more of a local market in which they sell lots of Italian delicacies. We were surprised that each person was only allowed one sample which we find it hard to really pick a flavor that we'll enjoy. We wish they would allow more samples since they've got well over 20 flavors. We chose hazelnut and pistachio and they were both decent but also pricey for the tiny amount that they give you. Overall, not a bad experience but I would prefer to go to a gelato shop that'll give you more samples. read more
5 years ago
This review is purely on their desserts! I passed by as I was getting dinner in the area, and wanted to try their desserts as they looked so cute. You can order your stuff for takeout or to eat there, as they have two tables in the front of the shop you can sit at. Ordered the tiramisu and the canoli, which came out to $15. The tiramisu was disappointing- most of it was the cream which was grainy, and the parts that contained actual ladyfingers were soggy and unpleasant to eat. On the other hand, the canoli was ok. The outer shell had the perfect crisp, but the inside was all cream and barely any chocolate chips. Their desserts were pricey considering that they're so small- literally could finish it in a few bites. They serve gelato and sandwiches as well, so it's a little expected that their desserts aren't perfect since that's not their specialty. read more
1 year ago
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2 years ago
2 years ago
Ordered the petto de pollo for about 17 dollar before tax and it was delicious. They ask you if you want it spicy or mild, got it spicy, and I loved it! This is half the sandwhich, it is very large, good to share with a friend. The people working there are nice and helpful. We also ordered a fudge gelato, highly recommend!!! We also tried the mocha chip and I would say it's a little better, a combo of the two wouldBe ideal. They have a little bit of outdoor seating but i recommend to picnic in Washington park a block away read more
1 year ago
More info about Alimento
507 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill
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(415) 296-9463
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