Honestly THE WORST gelato I've ever had. I didn't even know gelato could EVER taste bad apparently it can... My experience started off poorly with NO SAMPLES allowed here because of COVID, apparently they are also stuck in time. But I figure no problem, all gelato is good so I went ahead and ordered based on descriptions. Big mistake! Both flavors tasted synthetic and nothing like the description. It was actually INEDIBLE and we threw it away. Yep, that's how bad it was - we threw it away! The store is cutely decorated. We did enjoy the complimentary chocolate drizzle cookie on top from the chocolate fountain - nice touch and the only saving grace. We ate the cookie and did I mention we threw away the main product, the gelato?! Maybe we had a bad experience or got the wrong flavors (passion fruit, fruity something) given the high reviews but we won't ever return to risk it again. Gotta to buy before you try and I ain't bought in! Service was friendly and it's easily accessible on main block of downtown San Carlos. We stopped in during the wine/art festival. It was packed and busy so presumably fresh gelato. I like they offer two flavors in a small size - twice the yuck for us on that day - but allowing two flavors helps with the high cost. read more

Gelataio - Fruity and passion fruit gelato - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Gelato was good but they don't serve samples so I wasn't able to risk and try something new. This is the first time I was denied a sample from a gelato/ice cream parlor... read more

Walked by this place on our way to dinner and came back afterwards to try it. There was a line out the door. They don't give samples. We ended up getting: Pistachio: 4/5 good flavor! But very sweet. Vanilla bean: 4/5 good too! Salted caramel: 2/5 could barely taste this one. Chocolate dipped waffle disc: 5/5 yummy! You get to choose milk or dark chocolate. They use it to drizzle chocolate over the ice cream. Very nice finishing touch! read more

See all

We went to Gelataio after dinner nearby, and it was a nice place to walk and grab a bit of dessert. The shop was on a cute downtown stretch of San Carlos, and there was a line out the door the whole time we were there. I guess we weren't the only ones in the mood for gelato on a warm Friday night. The place was charming, and I gather it's always busy. There were prominent signs warning customers of the no samples policy. I kind of get it, especially if that Friday night line was typical, but also, huge eye roll. I got a cup with Amarena cherries, pistachio, and hazelnut, and declined the complimentary wafer cookie on top. The gelato was solid. Not the best I've ever had, not "no samples" good, but cool and creamy and satisfying. All three flavors were nice, but I particularly enjoyed the cherry, likely just personal preference. I also tried some of my husband's affogato with vanilla and my friend's mint chocolate ice cream bar. Both were tasty, and the ice cream bar had the added benefit of looking like something you'd post on Instagram. I'd recommend Gelataio if you want a sweet treat in San Carlos. I don't find myself in this area all that often, but would be happy to go back if I were visiting again. read more

Gelato seems to be an ever-growing niche for frozen desserts in the US, but with the boom there are lots of places I would consider a bust (poor texture, lack of flavor, etc...) But Gelataio is anything but that. They offer an ever-revolving line up of flavors, keeping their product and menu fresh on a day to day basis. They always have the classics like straciatella, hazelnut and vanilla but there are a myriad of flavor combos they'll introduce as well. As far as the quality here, I can't seem to find a better spot for gelato in the bay area. I've tried them all from SF to San Jose and Gelataio is seemingly the best. They struck the perfect balance of offering high quality ingredients and not overshadowing them with excess sugar. Because of that, they've managed to make flavors like orange chocolate and banana nut caramel a favorite of mine, despite being a more savory-oriented person. Please keep in mind that samples are not offered here. Which is not bad as it helps keep the line moving quickly. Once you're ready to order I recommend standing by as you'll likely want to pick up a pint to go as well. read more

Gelataio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

My usual: small cup of double chocolate and pistacchio w/a drizzle of dark chocolate and dipped wafer. read more

Gelataio - double chocolate / pistacchio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

With hot weather on the horizon, I figured there's no better time to recommend Gelataio. Located on Laurel Street, San Carlos's main drag, this ice cream shop serves up some delicious flavors of gelato and sorbet--some rotating, some permeant--as well as ice cream bars. It doesn't matter if you get a cup or one of their many different cones (waffle, sugar, etc): they WILL pack that gelato in. My family used to go to their Palo Alto location all the time before they closed down. We don't mind making the drive to San Carlos; the quality is well worth the extra mileage. My favorite part about Gelataio has got to be their optional chocolate drizzles. You get your choice of either milk chocolate or dark chocolate, which harden soon after coming into contact with your gelato. I'd recommend getting the cup, which comes with a lil wafer that tastes amazing covered in either chocolate. If you find yourself in downtown San Carlos on a hot day, Gelataio is the place to go. read more

Gelataio - Medium cup - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Honestly the taste was lacking in wow favor. It does not have a nice rich creamy texture that I find in other local gelatos. I wouldn't go out of my way for this location. read more

Gelataio - Mint chocolate chip gelato with dark chocolate drizzle and waffle - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

Very nice decor. Sleek, clean, outrageously expensive. I had a half cheesecake half pistachio cup. I could have eaten vanilla that would have more flavor. I couldn't even taste one from the other? To make sure it wasn't me I had my son try my cup. He also could not taste anything of flavor? Nothing. My husband enjoyed his chocolate very much. Took the rest home why I don't know to see if I can taste anything tomorrow? Cute spot and fairly busy. Will not return. read more

A cute gelato experience -- Gelataio has these dipping chocolate machines which they use to dip your wafer in or they'll drizzle it on top of your gelato. The chocolate is quite waxy so I'd recommend just getting a normal wafer with no chocolate. I ordered three flavors: - pistachio was my favorite, it wasn't super sweet and had a bomb pistachio favor to it. - mint -- nice and minty! - cherry -- slightly artificially flavored and wouldn't get it again One thing to note is that they don't offer samples! read more

Gelataio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Expect lines during peak times. Most people seem to feel it's worth the wait. Most people I know come back. They sometimes complain about the price and yet they come back. If it's hot and you don't want to eat it right away then ask for tiny cartons to go - $13.00 read more

Their pistachio has deep clear flavor. They didn't just put sugar to cover for not having enough of the base flavor Ready made ice cream bars and mini drums are cute and bite sized when you don't want to get filled up Fun to see the chocolate fountain constantly running. They give you a wafer with a drizzle of the chocolate read more

We decided to get dessert here as we had lunch nearby and I was pleasantly surprised at how good the gelato was here! We tried the mint chocolate chip, hazelnut, pistachio, and stracciatella. All flavors were fantastic but my favorite was the mint chocolate chip and the hazelnut which we will for sure get again next time. I love that they also offer a free wafer dipped in chocolate as a topping! Can't wait to come back! read more

Came here on a Wednesday in the afternoon and it was not busy at all. The worker was really nice and explained everything that we could get and was patient while we decided. I ended up getting their small cup with passion fruit and hazelnut. The passion fruit was really refreshing. It was slightly icy but I really like the flavor of it. The hazelnut was really nutty and roasted. It was also very creamy and really good contrast to the passion fruit. They also had chocolate fountains that's just stay on that you can have drizzled onto your gelato, but I decided not to. I really enjoyed my visit, but it was a little expensive for what you get as the cups bottom was halfway up the side, so you don't get as much gelato. read more

Gelataio - Passionfruit (left) Hazelnut (right) - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Their gelato is amazing and worth the long wait. I had the chocolate hazelnut (can't remember the exact name) and the offered a free wafer with chocolate drizzle. I will definitely go back! read more

The pistachio gelato is my favorite right now! It has the fresh taste and not too sweet. The pint and fresh scoop both work. For the fresh order, be sure to get the fresh dark chocolate drizzle and wafer cookie. The hazelnut gelato is smooth and creamy, but a tad sweeter than the pistachio. The hot chocolate was a tad sweet, but pairs well with the gelato I ordered. My friend really likes the rose lychee flavor. Keep it up! A busy, but not crazy busy vibe. PS - This is my friend's spot btw. read more

This venue is located in the perfect date night stroll area. Grab your boo and get to meandering... then stop for some gelato goodness at this lovely spot. It's always been crowded when I have gone, but the line moves fast. I never understood why a lot of ice cream shops don't make sure they have a wider inside so people can come and go without bumping into each other or having to say excuse me repeatedly.. that's my only negative about this spot is the narrowness of the establishment. The flavors are on point, the servers are sweet (no pun intended) even with crowds and crazy customers. And last time I went there were outside picnic tables set up where you could enjoy your treat and gab for a quick minute before continuing along your stroll of the area. Treat yo'self! read more

Gelataio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

I got the small chai tea gelato in a waffle cone, and it was amazing! The flavour was on point, and I enjoyed every bite. They don't offer samples at this place, which could be a result of the pandemic, but in any case, most of the flavour options are pretty standard, so it's really not necessary. There's a decent amount of seating at this place, which is nice because when my friends and I visited here after getting dinner nearby, it was raining outside, so it was nice to be able to continue our catch-up. read more

Great liittle cute place to enjoy gelattos after dinner warm decor will return to try abother flawors

I had a sweet experience being here today. Ambiance is lovely with quick service. You get 3 option small with 2 flavor, medium with 3 flavors and big ones with 5 flavors. Downside is no samples which will push you to go for some obvious/ safe flavors and we decided to order California pistachio and hazelnut. Loved and highly recommend California Pistachio and best part the complimentary chocolate drizzle on top of ice cream. Tried their mini cones as well, which is $4 for a decent filling for mini size. Highly recommend this place however in hope of them opening up for providing samples in future. read more

See all

Unbelievably yummy! We've tried pistachio in a cup, an expresso bar and a cookies and cream bar. All are some of the best desserts we've tasted. Divine! read more

In search of a sweet treat. Saw the chocolate streams which reminds me of Gelato shops in Italy so excited to check it out. We arrived right before a line formed out the door. Couldn't narrow down what I wanted so I went with the medium as it includes 1-3 flavors. Decided on espresso (my fave), milk chocolate crunch (another good one), and hazelnut (not my fave as the flavor was a little too subtle for me). Option of adding milk or dark chocolate drizzle. I went with the dark - ! Girlfriend went with the mint chocolate bar - another good choice. Can't wait to return to try other flavors! read more

Gelataio - Mint chocolate bar - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

Solid gelato spot! I was feeling gluttonous and got their largest size with double chocolate, pistachio, and salted caramel. I was enamored by the chocolate fountain of Belgian chocolate I was told. I need one of those for my house...Christmas gift anyone? The pricing seemed a little off. I asked for extra chocolate topping and she charged me another $1.50 for one tiny drizzle of barely there chocolate which irked me a little. I was looking for a glob of chocolate...gluttonous remember... read more

See all

My husband and I get gelato here regularly. I LOVE their cookies and cream flavor, and the regular size waffle cones are perfect. Would be 5 star except that a) the waffle cone is $9 which is pricey, and b) on a recent visit there was a wrapper both outside and inside the cone, which made it difficult to eat. read more

Gelataio - Wrapper in the cone? - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Affogato at its best. Super friendly workers build your dessert with care. Dine in or take it to go. Charming no matter how you get it. I recommend the salted caramel or the affogato with vanilla. read more

Gelataio - Affogato and Chocolate Drizzle - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Delicious place! Has good gelato , and flavors. The service is also pretty nice. I love their classic chocolate flavor and their cookies and cream. I love how they add a complimentary little crispy waffle with a chocolate drizzle. Sometimes, you have to ask but it's definitely free. Its also amazing because they don't just only have ice cream, they also have chocolate covered popsicles/ice cream bars! Highly suggest. They also have a couple of tables for indoor seating. Plus, they have a bathroom. The place is usually pretty clean. And its in a local area, so its perfect if your going downtown. Definitely recommend! read more

$7.90 for 2 of the tiny premade cones. What a joke. Laughable price. It's like 2 bites.

Food (5/5 stars): Good quality gelato! The chocolate drizzle was a great touch Experience (5/5 stars): * Price: reasonable * Wait Time: no wait on a weekday * Service: good * Parking: there's a parking garage in Downtown San Carlos * Ambiance: it's a nice gelato shop with indoor seating read more

Gelataio - Gelato - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Would you ever try wasabi gelato? Ever feel the urge to put a chunk of wasabi in your mouth because it looks like green tea ice cream? Well SAY NO MORE because I found a place that made your dreams come true. Gelataio specializes in artisanal Italian gelato and is handcrafted and made from scratch with fresh and natural ingredients right here in California. Opted for a medio/medium cup which gives you the choice of 1-3 flavors. Got to try the California pistachio, espresso coffee, and wasabi. The pistachio was nutty and creamy. The espresso was creamy and subtle. Wish the coffee was a bit stronger. The wasabi one was... quite interesting. Wasabi flavor was subtle but you definitely get a bit of a kick in the end. Wasn't a fan of it but it wasn't that bad! 02.13.2022 | Sunday @1:30pm read more

Gelataio - Medio cup (1-3 scoops) - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

05/21/22 Watermelon is back! Stopped here after dinner and everyone is happy. Watermelon, double chocolate/coffee and mint chip... waffle cones and wafers. We are a no drizzle family. read more

See all

Quick take: Delicious year round This is one of my favorite dessert spots. I can eat here any season. I have to stop here after a meal if I am in Downtown San Carlos. Service is great every time. Love the melted drizzle of dark chocolate on a wafer at the end. The Gelato is really good. Definitely try if you are in this area. read more

Gelataio - Espresso - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

I was on a walk in downtown San Carlos and I was craving something sweet. I saw this gelato shop and decided to stop by. The smell inside was amazing! There were plenty of flavors available so I took a bit of time on deciding and got the banana and nuts flavor and I did not regret it. The medium size scoop was quite large. The thing I liked the most was that before giving me the gelato, I was given the choice of dark or milk chocolate drizzle. I will be definitely coming back to try other flavors :) read more

Gelataio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Good gelato. I really like their small ice cream cones that are bite-sized. And who doesn't like coffee gelato? Okay maybe some of you don't like coffee gelato but I love coffee flavored stuff so I really appreciate their coffee flavor here. But for those of you who don't like coffee there other flavors such as mint chocolate, caramel, and other fun flavors. The gelato pops are nice to take along San Carlos Avenue on a hot day. The service is quick and friendly and the tables are clean. A great addition to the downtown San Carlos area! 3 stars for the high prices and smaller portions. read more

Cute dessert spot in downtown San Carlos. Typical prices for gelato ($5 for a piccolo cup, 1-2 flavors). On the day I went, most of their flavors were chocolate-based. Not many fruity options. I enjoyed my pistachio and stracciatella, but wish the pistachio had stronger flavor. I love that the cups come with a wafer cookie and optional milk or dark chocolate drizzle. Ample indoor and outdoor seating. Parking can be difficult in the evenings and on weekends as expected. Decent spot if you're craving sweets, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here specifically. read more

Gelataio - Piccolo cup $5 (1-2 flavors) - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

Wow. I had no idea this place was so beautiful, elegant, and had such delicious choices. It was a nice surprise, after ordering gelato, I was asked if I would like a wafer (small cookie) to go with is. Yes! Then they asked if I wanted dark or milk chocolate drizzle. Oh, yes. I did. It was beautifully done, and delicious. Just the right bit of sweet to go on the gelato. Next time I visit, I would like to try some of their bite sized cones. I also noticed the sign that there are no added colors. We've all seen those gelato places with neon colored gelato. It's eye-catching, and sexy looking, but really not worth it in the end. You'll be pleased at the flavors and creaminess of the product here. I look forward to visiting it again. What a find! read more

See all

4/3/2023 The staff working (a young girl and young guy) was absolutely wonderful. They were patient and extremely helpful as far as recommendations. The gelato was fairly good as well. Definitely recommend this hidden gem! read more

Brilliant local Gelato spot in downtown San Carlos. Looks like the high ratings and reviews are justified. Still no tastings allowed...thanks a lot COVID! The portions are generous, the staff is friendly and the selection is good. "Creating the most delicious gelato using ingredients that are always fresh, locally sourced whenever possible, while respecting our community, the environment and the earth's resources it's how we would like to accomplish it. We pledge never to use preservatives, colorings, flavorings, emulsifiers or anything artificial." "The result is lovingly handcrafted, premium gelato in the Italian tradition, infused with the natural goodness of California - made from scratch." - Stolen from the website: http://www.gelataio.us/ ~ Large: 5/5 (Peanut Butter Cup, Double Chocolate & Hazelnut) The Double Chocolate is strong...they weren't kidding when they say DOUBLE! Glad it wasn't Tripple! I'll be back to try the other flavors! read more

See all

Stopped here after dinner to satisfy my sweet cravings. They have these mini cones. I popped them into my mouth and gobbled it before I could take a picture. We also had a scoop of the espresso chocolate ice cream. It was so smooth and delicious. Will stop by again. There was a line outside at 830 in the night. There are a few tables if one wants to sit and eat. But the area outside has benches and nice pavements to walk around and eat. Highly recommend. read more

Gelataio - Gelato Near Me - San Carlos, California

See all

Cute spot! Got ceylon, biscotti and double chocolate flavor and all three were delicious

Delicious gelato and fresh baked waffles ! Went here in a Saturday afternoon. Weather was great so there was a bit of a line, but didn't take too long. Ordered one small cup with straciatella and double chocolate and a waffle cone with hazelnut and pistachio. All flavors were great. Especially liked the nut pieces in the hazelnut flavor and the in store made waffles are very buttery and taste amazing. Can't go wrong with this spot. read more