Gelato 101

4.6 (368 reviews)

ModerateGelato, Coffee & Tea, Acai Bowls

Open • 10:00 am - 9:30 pm

Updated 3 weeks ago

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Gelato 101 - Outside sitting area - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - Latte with boba are fantastic! - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

Good for kids

Outdoor seating

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Erick M.

Place is Beautiful! And has great tasting Gelato! Ambiance: If you find a better gelato ambiance let me know, because it has a BEAUTIFUL outside patio Gelato tastes great! Service: no issues HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Caroline N.

Gelato 101 is a super cute location with not-your-regular gelato flavors. I think every flavor was great and you just have to try them all. Customer service was especially great when we needed assistance with a food allergy to ensure safety. The outdoor seating is super cute and comfortable for adults and kids. Gelato 101, thanks for having us!

Mirna E.

This is by far my favorite gelato place with vegan options. They usually have at least 4 options. Their gelato is flavorful, smooth, and creamy! I miss their vegan strawberry balsamic. It was fantastic but haven't seen it offered in a while. They usually have a vegan chocolate and 3 other fruit-type flavors. Love the passion fruit! Space outside to chill and enjoy your gelato. We usually come here after dining at Modern Times or Plumeria vegetarian. Good stuff! You will definitely enjoy it here!

Helen H.

This is a trendy little spot for something sweet or coffee and boba. I came here for gelato and tried the watermelon, mixed berry and sugar free hazelnut. I felt the gelato was a bit too sweet and some of the flavors do not truly represent what I thought it would be. The mixed berry was the best out of the three. The kid's scoop on a waffle cone was quite large. The workers were kind and quickly assisted customers. There was a line, but the wait was not too long. They have some tables to sit outside and it's really pretty and fairy-like at night with the lights and decor. Parking may be difficult to find.

Kareem P.

After spending the day at the beach in Encinitas, I had dinner with a friend and wanted to have something sweet; so we decided to go to Gelato 101. Gelato 101 is definitely one of the best gelato spots I've ever been to. It is definitely a lovely gem within Encinitas. This cute establishment can be found conveniently on S Coast Hwy, right off the street. I love their bold and bright neon sign that proudly proclaims their brand-name at night. Although there is a small parking lot on the side of the building, it is still sometimes difficult to find street parking within close distance, when it is crowded. We ended up parking about three blocks away. There is a nice patio for outdoor seating and there's also a few seating spaces within their cozy interior. But overall, the interior seating is very limited, which is a shame, because the decoration is very homey & inviting. The staff was very friendly & patient with our inquiries, and the service was excellent. Although, if you come during a popular time, expect to spend a rate in life that will go out the door. I ordered a Muscle Man smoothie and it was perfect! The flavor was exactly what I hoped it would be and it was also very healthy. Their peanut butter açai bowl was also very delicious and I loved how they blended the flavors together. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Gelato 101 and I will definitely be returning here!

Jemiah J.

Best Gelato hands down! I got a Pistachio and European Yogurt Gelato. The European Yogurt is deliciously tart. I love the pistachio too. Both are equally soo good. Service was great and the atmosphere here is a perfect place to chill.

Shannon Z.

Such a cute gelato place with amazing flavors and such a cute outdoor area to sit at with lights up at night. The gelato here is creamy and delicious. My favorite is the pistachio, which has a SUPER nutty flavor! Also ordered the opera (I think that's what it's called - that has a yummy hazel flavor). The coffee flavor has a very strong coffee flavor! I didn't love the yogurt flavor as it was a little too tart. And the black vanilla tastes like vanilla but cool that it was black. Love it here!! Service wasn't super warm and friendly but the delicious gelato made up for it.

Pranjali S.

Good gelato. Interesting flavors. You can try a bunch. I got the panna cotta and the tiramisu because the pana Cotta was super sweet and the tiramisu was quite bitter, so they complemented each other well. There is always a line but they keep it moving and the servers are friendly. I liked the ambiance - airy garden feel with a decent amount of seating. This is a good option in Encinitas after a meal.

Kaitlyn G.

We took a walk from the beach to the nearby shops and stopped here for a treat! The staff were SO friendly and you can tell they enjoyed working there. They had a sign on the door celebrating all the employees who were graduating which is great to see them being celebrated! There was a longish line but the staff have it down and we got through pretty quick. The staff had great suggestions and I am so happy I went with her suggestion of getting the strawberry! They had a cute patio and a few indoor seats but it was pretty full so we just continued our walk.

Audrey L.

Such a cute gelato spot and I can't believe this is my first time here! The line every time I drive past is super long, but after jumping in line this weekend, it moved super quickly. They have a great selection of gelato flavors but I opted for just a boba tea. I ordered the green tea latte with boba and it was so good! The boba was super flavorful and sweet. The staff was friendly, especially with being so busy. The decor of the space is so inviting and I'll be tempted to come work from there on a sunny afternoon.

Katelyn P.

Gelato 101 is amazing! The gelato is super creamy and full of flavor, and they have a great selection to choose from. The staff is friendly and always helpful if you're not sure what to get. My favorites are the raspberry and amaretto. I don't think I'd ever go out of my way just to get this just because parking is such a hassle but if I was already in the area I would 100% visit again

Addy W.

This was my 2nd time here... and man their gelato is no joke. I first experienced it at the taste of Encinitas and was blown away by how delicious it was. I finally was able to comeback and the passion fruit sorbet was incredible. I took the kiddos and had them choose which flavors and all but 1 picked the passion fruit as 1 of their options. The prices are reasonable, service was great, and I love the little patio area to seat and enjoy in a sunny day. Definitely will be back.

Black Vanilla and Chefs Choice they both hit the spot! Quality fresh goodness

Asa P.

This cute aesthetically pleasing gelato shop is located minutes from the Cape Rey Hilton property. In Encinitas, CA. This one is a definite must check out or a sweet treat! Fresh, homemade, unique flavors Fast friendly service, they offer samples to help you decide between all those amazing choices.

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Jessica P.

3 years ago

Gelato 101 is our go-to! They all ways have fresh gelato and amazing customer service! It's a very clean space with lots of options. Definitely recommend if your in the Encinitas area. read more

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E. W.

5 years ago

1. Very covid-safe. This is especially important for keeping our kids safe (supporting HCW and setting an example for the kids). Ample spacious relaxed outdoor seating. Servers are masked. They have distancing marked out for their unidirectional lines. (Just keep in mind that SD residents are not good with masking or distancing). 2. Beautiful variety of gelato. Vegan options were delicious. On par with vegan options from salt and straw. They had just removed the mixed berry, so we got strawberry and chocolate. Strawberry was preferred by the kids. Adults got sea salt caramel and black vanilla, which were great. Another favorite in our group was the chocolate peanut butter. read more

Gelato 101 - Vegan gelato - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Caralynne J.

Elite 25

309

216

7 years ago

Did not get gelato since already had dessert but samples some and they were so yummy! Wish I had more room. The margarita flavor was different and surprisingly good. I liked the hazelnut as well and the honey Greek yogurt or something like that. Instead we got drinks, a milk tea and chai tea! It came with a cute piece of Cacao chocolate. Milk tea of course is better from a normal boba spot but it was decent! Cute place for picture or even to study with WiFi! Would definitely be back for gelato. It's family Owned too!! read more

Gelato 101 - Milk tea & Chai Tea! - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Samantha H.

269

173

7 years ago

Really cute spot in the middle of Encinitas! Good place to stop after dinner if you want some dessert. They also offer coffee and smoothies along with a bunch of options of gelato. Was a pretty packed place but there's a lot of seating outside. The gelato choices have flavors varying from savory to sweet. read more

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Natalie O.

Elite 26

165

107

5 years ago

Wow. Everything we tried was amazing! We sat outside and it was great. I can only imagine how nice it is at night. Will definitely be back to try the boba! read more

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harold h.

136

170

5 years ago

Passionfruit has a good tangy kick it overpowers so I recommend something just as strong such as Mango Also recommend the coffee, speciale, as they are complementary together read more

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Tina P.

880

123

6 years ago

It's amazing here with all kinds of sweet options including hoa drinks and outdoor seatings. Parking on 2 sides. Very welcoming host! read more

Gelato 101 - Flavors - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - Dragon berry - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Jenifer-Lyn T.

5 years ago

I have been many times with my family and even though it's a bit pricy, we enjoy the lovely patio area they have in front. However, the other day I went with my two sons. They both ordered Thai black bubble tea, my eldest son doesn't like it very sweet and asked for less than half of the sugar they usually use. Both Thai teas were equally as sweet, milky and rather nauseating flavour. I wrote a review to them and I got a nonsensical response, not responding to the reason why we were displeased. There are plenty of great bubbly tea places out there, although this one has a nice ambience, we shall take our future business elsewhere. read more

Gelato 101 - I specifically stated that the tea was way too sweet and was not altered at all, despite my son clearly asking for less sugars. - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Rose L.

2 years ago

Great service amazing staff best gelato that I've had would definitely recommend friends and family

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Heather B.

3 years ago

Worth the wait in line! This place has the best açaí bowls and gelato! Love the overall experience. It's dog friendly and family friendly. Also a great spot for dates. They have good coffee too! Everything I've ever had here is good. read more

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Eric T.

Elite 23

151

4 years ago

Very cute and trendy location! Stopped here tonight for some gelato affogato. We tried the amaretto and the pistachio flavors. The amaretto was delicious and the pistachio was also amazing. We got a single scoop of gelato with a shot of espresso on top. It was pretty freaking good. The gelato was definitely the star of the show. The location is right on the corner and you cannot miss it. They have a ton of plants everywhere and two nice fire pits, very dog friendly. The staff members were nice and said some of the most popular flavors were the coffee and pistachio. I would definitely check out if you're in the area and looking for something sweet. If I were to come back I would probably pass on the affogato and just go straight to the gelato. They had other yummy flavors including tiramisu, coconut, and chocolate peppermint. read more

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Felice K.

280

6 years ago

The best coffee and gelato in San Diego hands-down. I had the lemon cheesecake which was AMAZING not to mention the dark chocolate is incredible. Jerry and David have really gone above and beyond whenever I have visited the store with easy, quick take away service through COVID. I've noticed they are very diligent about disinfecting surfaces also. It's local businesses like this that have kept North County ahead of the game by flattening the curve. Great job team providing the summer spot in Encinitas! read more

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Pat S.

119

6 years ago

First time visit and it was awesome! Atmosphere and the gelato was delicious... Definitely a great place to visit! read more

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anita t.

Elite 26

425

350

6 years ago

I got the affogato with salted Carmel and chocolate. It was good. Service was ok. It's hard with this whole mask thing. I thought she was telling me I could get two flavors with the affogato but then charged me for a two scoop and it was too much gelato- if there is such a thing. The expresso itself was kinda pungent. I'd go back but just for the gelato. Cute sitting area. Busy so was a fun atmosphere and easy to just walk up to and order. read more

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Ray S.

Elite 24

512

4 years ago

Walking around Encinitas, we decided to drop in. The kiddo loved both the pear and mixed berries flavors. They provide great kid sized options to get the little ones jacked up on just the right amount of sugar. My spiced mocha was also great. Not overly sweet and just the right amount of spice. They also have a nice little outdoor seating area to relax while indulging in some goodies. We'll be back! read more

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Lauren S.

Elite 26

748

7 years ago

Excellent tasting gelato. Great location and ambience. Gelato looks amazing also, like art. Definitely comparable to Italy. Cremito & affogato are a bonus must try! read more

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Negar F.

5 years ago

One word: Amazing I had mango and hazelnut, the best gelato I've ever had in my entire life. Specially the hazelnut, it was amazing. Highly recommend, you must go to this place if you come to Encinitas. 10/10. They also have affegato and ice cream coffee drinks that my friends got and they said that it was delicious read more

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Ann B.

4 years ago

Unquestionably the best gelato in all of San Diego! Every flavor is rich and creamy. Even the sugar free options are amazing. Hits the spot every time. read more

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Andrea C.

5 years ago

This is amazing gelato, I lived in Italy for over five years and I ate gelato probably a few times a week, this is very authen and I didn't e realize that it was dairy free! read more

Gelato 101 - Try the Affogato... a scoop of gelato with illy espresso - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Sarah C.

5 years ago

The outdoor seating is very nice with decor, plants, and a view of the Encinitas sign. There are a wide variety of gelato flavors including mint chocolate chip and watermelon, and the gelato is creamy, refreshing, and flavorful. Gelato 101 also has many boba drink options including taro milk tea, strawberry tea, and thai tea, my personal favorite. You can also get coffee (hot or iced), acai bowls, smoothies, toppings such as popping boba, and more at this shop. The customer service is also good and the wait for food isn't too long. Overall, highly recommend! read more

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Kayla M.

3 years ago

I had the best Sugar-free Mocha Chocolate Gelato I have ever tasted at the UTC location (I bought 3 pints to take home!). However, I live near Encinitas and I call the Encinitas location regularly to check on their flavors and they seem to only ever have Sugar-free Hazelnut Gelato (not a flavor that I like). PLEASE get the Sugar-free Chocolate gelato in Encinitas! You will make those of us with dietary restrictions extremely happy! read more

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Jo P.

4 years ago

Let me start off by saying, Gelato 101 is the best gelato place I've ever been to! The gelato is creamy and delicious, with so much flavor. The cookies on top are crunchy and full of goodness. I highly recommend the passion fruit or the tiramisu gelato. My daughter and husband are both lactose intolerant, and Gelato 101 has amazing dairy free and gluten free flavors. The line can be long, but don't worry, it goes really fast! The employees are so kind, helpful, and patient. You can try all the flavors, and the employees provide compostable spoons. They have amazing outdoor seating that provides shade and is great way to catch up with that old friend you've been meaning to talk too. Gelato 101 also has boba and açaí bowls which are great, but at Gelato 101, nothing is better than their delicious, homemade gelato. If you're ever in the area, you must go to Gelato 101! read more

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David F.

127

4 years ago

Perfect place for a break on a bike ride down the coast! It's a must-stop anytime we roll through Encinitas. Super friendly staff and delicious gelato, smoothies, espresso, and coffee! Nice outdoor area to enjoy your treats. Highly recommend it!! read more

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Cindy T.

3 years ago

The best gelato in all of San Diego - by far! This place is incredible. Homemade on site and at a reasonable prices. Creative flavors. Close to the Del. Go! Enjoy! read more

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MJ B.

4 years ago

Absolutely amazing gelato. I had the pistachio and it was creamy and soft and truly delicious!! Will definitely return for more.

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m w.

3 years ago

Amazing gelato! I got opera, salted caramel, and one that was similar to chocolate chip (forgot the name). The opera was the highlight flavor and blew me away. Will drive an hour just to eat this gelato again. High quality ingredients and well worth the drive. read more

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Julie D.

Elite 21

289

275

6 years ago

What a pleasant surprise! Creamy, tasty, and a gift to my tastebuds. Super clean taste with actual bits of fruit. Very clean / health conscience. Several Vegan options! Definitely will revisit anytime I'm in town. read more

Gelato 101 - Watermelon & Coconut gelato! - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - Menu - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Darius V.

4 years ago

You wouldn't find better Gelato in Italy and even their Expresso is as good as in Ital!

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Amy A.

Elite 26

638

342

7 years ago

Who doesn't love gelato? And Gelato 101 is sure to not disappoint! A variety of fruity and traditional flavors, stop in for a sample and enjoy a dish! Pleasant courtyard area to relax and enjoy your gelato selection with friends! read more

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Papa Franz B.

3 years ago

The only real gelato for me in Encinitas. They make gelato flavors that tickle your palate. The place for me for gelato. The other places say they make gelato but I don't think so. read more

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Rou M.

Elite 26

180

633

930

7 years ago

I'm usually underwhelmed by ice cream places and I wasn't expecting much from this one either but that was probably some of the best Gelato I've had. The line can be long on the weekend but moves fast. I sampled the black vanilla, pear and passion fruit. The black vanilla has activated charcoal which I couldn't really taste. The pear was my favorite and I don't even like pear!!! The texture of the Gelato was so great and smooth and it wasn't too sweet. The passionfruit I assume was a sorbet since it was labeled vegan (they had a few vegan options, good for lactose intolerant peeps). It was more tangy. The fruit flavors tasted exactly like the fruit which doesn't happen often. The guys and gals working there were very nice. The place was clean and well kept and had a cutesy vibe. Good choice of decor. I also like how they had their Gelato displayed. It looked like ocean waves. FYI they have a kids version with one scoop but for adults the small has two scoops (and currently at the price of $4.60).I can't wait to try more flavors perhaps even at the other locations. read more

Gelato 101 - Pear and passion fruit - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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R p.

120

7 years ago

Favorite dessert place now with some choices of vegan ice cream , fruit flavored gelatos and traditional gelatos The Best Italian Gelato In North Costal County read more

Gelato 101 - Family from Las Vegas visiting - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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J T.

128

7 years ago

Fantastic! One of the few places where the first spoon of gelato has the same intense flavor as the last spoon. Hey also have a selection of smoothies, boba, and coffee. Nice little hang out spot as well. Bring your computer and chill out, do some work, enjoy some treats, close that deal!! Thank you for creating the right environment to enjoy and relax. read more

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Annie H.

Elite 19

187

196

7 years ago

Cute little gelateria located close to Moonlight Beach. They have an assortment of flavours to choose from. I got the strawberry and the tropical (passion fruit, orange, and mango). What a refreshing treat! The place is very clean with ample seating. A perfect place to finish off your day at the beach! 2019 - 15/50 read more

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Danielle M.

3 years ago

Sooo good...This place was absolutely delicious! Don't pass it up. It was the highlight of our trip!

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J M.

101

297

7 years ago

Tried the Thai Tea Snow Ball today after being convinced to give it a shot. I am glad I was open minded enough to give it a try. Very good stuff. Just the right amount of sweetness read more

Gelato 101 - Thai Tea Snow Ball - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Mila I.

7 years ago

So far this place has the best Açaí bowl! everything is organic. I ordered all nuts bowl and didn't regret it. read more

Gelato 101 - Go nuts açaí bowl - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Tammy M.

4 years ago

Just want to say that we couldn't resist going back and trying their gelato again. The memory of just how incredible it was made us give it another try. I'm so happy to say that we haven't had the same issue with the iciness so I'm updating to 5 stars. I heard from the store owner, David, who suggested that we may have let the gelato melt too much when driving it home but we've done this multiple times so don't think that was it. He even offered to pack it in ice for our drive home which is super nice. Regardless of what the problem was, we're so thrilled that the quality is back and we just bought more today. Thanks so much Gelato 101! read more

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Joan A.

3 years ago

Best gelato in San Diego County. This is a 'must go' for my 8 grandchildren. And we lived in Italy when my kids were young. The fruit flavors are packed with REAL FRESH fruit. Peach and Passion Fruit are favorites. And recently they had fresh mint that actually had pieces of mint in it. Amazing!!! read more

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Darryl G.

Elite 19

369

622

3674

7 years ago

In the mood for gelato? We were last night, so we went at Gelato 101 - and at 830 pm, the line was crazy. And it is well deserved, as our gelatos were really outstanding. I think that perhaps my Nutella gelato was the best I've had in San Diego. read more

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Page 6 of 10

480 South Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Directions
(760) 452-6395
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.gelato101.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Gelato 101 open?

Gelato 101 opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Gelato 101 close?

Gelato 101 closes at 9:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Gelato 101 closes at 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 10:00 AM - 9:30 PMFri-Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Gelato 101 take credit cards?

Yes, Gelato 101 takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Gelato 101 have catering options?

Yes, Gelato 101 does have catering options.

Does Gelato 101 have a drive thru?

No, Gelato 101 does not have a drive thru.

Indoor Amenities

Does Gelato 101 allow dogs?

Yes, Gelato 101 allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Gelato 101 have bike parking?

Yes, Gelato 101 has bike parking.

Does Gelato 101 have outdoor seating?

Yes, Gelato 101 has outdoor seating options.

Does Gelato 101 have parking?

Yes, Gelato 101 has parking options. Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Gelato 101 wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Gelato 101 is wheelchair accessible.

Does Gelato 101 have free WiFi?

Yes, Gelato 101 has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Homemade natural gelato using organic ingredients, made fresh daily. We also serve Italian coffee, boba drinks and acai bowls.

History

Established in 2019.

We finally got to open a store in our hometown of Encinitas. After 17 years in the business, we did not want anything more then to serve our own community.

Meet the Business Owner: DAVID A.

David is the owner of Bottega Italiana, which is a privately owned company with several store locations around the west coast US. He moved to Seattle form Italy in 2003, where he learned the trade from the best in his home region of Veneto. Bottega Italiana's first store opened in June of 2003 in the Pike Place Market downtown Seattle, Coronado followed 3 years later. Visit bottegaitaliana.com for more information.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Gelato 101

Curious about the ingredients! So tasty AND vegan!! Does anyone know?

Yes - a few but very good

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Gelati & Peccati

As close as you can get to Italy! Tucked into a shop with a small pizzeria, you'll find the best…read moregelato on the 101. A nice selection of gelati that you're able to taste before committing to a flavor. I was head over heel for the snickers and hazelnut combo. My kiddos loved the mint chip, which was reallllll minty! Great spot to grab a sweet bite after dinner.

Pizza was super delish and fresh. We got the 3 slice deal this way we could share a variety and…read moremini lunch to try all the treats on the Main Street. This was our first time in, we visited the popular taco shop a couple doors down and been wanting to try this pizza spot. Superb, great gourmet pizza specialty by the slice. Server was a lil pressed and got dressing on my pizza so it threw off the flavor. I'm sure she would've replaced the slice, but it was seriously so good, I didn't want it to go to waste. Cute quaint spot. Looking forward to trying to some other pizza, we had the lasagna and the rabia, and Ira. Staff or owners were super friendly. Great spot to visit for pizza and everything was delicious. Definitely a hit.

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An's Hatmakers

Locally owned & operated

Free parking

One of my favorite Gelato shops in SD! Although it's a sister location to An's Dry Cleaning, the…read moreline is a lot shorter, especially if you go right when it opens. I love how the staff does flavor tours, where you get to sample and hear about each flavor before you order. I got a large double scoop of the leather (chocolate chip cookie) and visor (pistachio) and loved how nutty visor was. I would recommend pairing nutty visor with cypress if you're interested in a dark dubai chocolate note. This shop is close to the beach, but there is a paid garage attached to the plaza. If you are willing to walk, there is street parking in the vicinity.

The lore of these An's gelato spots is so cool - love that they really pay homage to the previous…read morebusiness and that it's embedded in the store name, decor, and flavor names. Their gelato is truly the best I've had in my life - dare I say, I enjoyed this more than the gelato I had in Italy. The ceremonial strawberry matcha flavor was DIVINE if you're a matcha lover. Such strong pure matcha flavor, just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess. The strawberry jam is homemade. The strawberry sorbet was strawberry galore - 6 lbs strawberries per batch. I love that they let every customer do the flavour tour. It does crank up the line times but it's worth it. Also, it's only a long line if you catch them at a busy time like weekends or after work. This place was so good we came back 3 times on our 1 week trip here. Not to mention, the staff is SO nice!

Photos

Ruby Velour - salted caramel gelato with chunks of waffle cones coated in ruby chocolate.

Tropical cheesecake made with passion fruit, pineapple, and guava.

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Dark chocolate & orange gelato.

Gelato 101 - Solana Beach

There was a line down the block for An Hatmaker's Gelato. I'm not from around Del Mar so I didn't…read moremind looking for something else, especially after looking at pics online of An's gelato and it looked runny and icy so committing to the 50 minute wait was too risky. Gelato 101 was down the street, way quieter area. No marketing. No hype. The gelato was PERFECT, very close to gelato I've had in Florence, Italy. It was runny, it wasn't overly sweetened. I got chocolate and banana and WOW it made me soooo happy

Their "gelato" honestly didn't taste like gelato at all. It wasn't silky or smooth, just kind of…read moreicy and underwhelming. The flavor options were also pretty basic, nothing that stood out. On top of that, the guy helping me out was pretty sarcastic and not very friendly, which didn't help the experience. I wouldn't recommend it and definitely wouldn't come back. I'd just go to An's instead.

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Small size - chocolate and toffee flavor

Entrance

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Inside the shop

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

What do you say about perfect food?!? The sandwich - a fresh…read morebaguette with mozzarella, tomato and arugula with the right amount of balsamic vinegar. The star of day is the sfogliatella. A pastry so light, with a hint of orange in a sweet ricotta filling. The owner/baker Monica is welcoming with a friendly smile and actually took the time to come chat with us. If you don't go try this place you're missing a delicious experience!!!

My wife and I are visiting California from Dallas, TX, we also live part time in Calabria, Italy…read moreand we're delighted to find this Authentic Italian coffee bar & Ristorante while staying in Encinitas! We have been trying to find true Italiano coffee espresso and this place is the real deal. Everything from the bakery/ sweets, baguette/ panini sandwiches, Fresh Cornettos/ croissants were spot on Italiano perfect/perfetto! The owner Ken & Navy Veteran ( Thank you for your service) and his brother-in- law from Napoli (per sempre Diego Maradona!) Guiseppe were absolutely welcoming, great service excellent food and you can tell it all comes from their heart with love, pure food of love and Italian passion! Ken e Guiseppe, grazie mille per averci fatto sentire come se fossimo tornati in Italia, ci è piaciuto assaggiare il vostro cibo e il vostro caffè e non vediamo l'ora di tornare a praticare il mio italiano e ci siamo goduti la vostra compagnia. Ciao Sharif @ Stacie, Semper Fi del Marine del Texas!

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Menu as of December 2025 (p. 3 of 4)

Conetti dolci with nutella and cannolis

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Cornetti alla Crema, Bomboloni, and Baba Oh,,, all these are so delicious!!

GelatoLove

Women-owned & operated

Gelato Love is a gourmet Italian gelato shop located in Carlsbad Village…read more It has a modern decor and inviting ambience. It is well lit, clean and organized. There are both indoor and outdoor seating. We enjoyed the relaxing and delightful atmosphere of the indoor seating. They have a nice selection of purses, jewelries and Stanley Tucci cookbooks. I also enjoyed other merchandise they have around the shop.They sell Italian pasta, tomato sauce and jam. The menu includes ; creamy gelati, dairy free sorbetti, gelato specialties, love shakes, coffe, cannoli, ice cream cakes, and desserts. There are many flavors to choose from. Everything looked tempting and delicious. Finally, we decided to get flight of four different flavors of gelato. We chose Carlsbad strawberry, Cookies and cream, Bacio, Tahitian vanilla bean. Their gelato was rich, creamy and silky. The amount was generous. The owner and the staff were very welcoming and genuinely warm. The service was fast. I really like Gelato Love. It's an authentic Italian Gelato shop to stop by and enjoy their unique flavors. .

Delicious gelato after dinner. I had the vanilla bean and it was creamy and light…read more The service was helpful and they offered samples so you'd know if you were choosing a flavor you'd like. The ambiance is a bright and cute shop with a few tables inside and outside.

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Red Velvet Cake Gelato Ice Cream.

Organic Lemon Custard - Crema al Limone.

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Strawberry & Vanilla Bean Gelato.

Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream

Wow--what an overwhelming amount of ice cream choices! This place seriously has everything,…read moreincluding a bakery and coffee, so it's a great one-stop spot. Service was pretty quick, which I appreciated. They also offer gluten-free cookies and other baked goods, which is a nice bonus. That said, the gluten-free cookie on its own was pretty bland--but I could see it being much better paired with ice cream. One thing to note: they don't really offer a kids size, and when I asked for smaller portions, they said it would still be charged as a regular--so parents of little ones, just a heads up! The ambiance wasn't super inviting--more of a "grab your treat and go" vibe--but with its prime location near the beach, it's easy to see why it stays busy. Overall, still worth checking out!

Nothing like a frozen treat on a Sunday afternoon with friends after a performance. This was ice…read morecream shop was the second closest to the venue. We were the only ones with the brilliant idea to get some scoop action. Lots of flavors to choose from, definitely something for everyone. We decided to get single scoops in waffle cones: Butter Pecan, Vanilla Caramel + Brownie and Coffee with Chocolate Chunks. I took mine and popped into the bakery next door. It definitely had the homemade ice cream parlor taste. We were all pleased with our selections. It's a generous scoop too! Staff was friendly and shared a little bit about the other location. We will definitely have to swing by the downtown location because believe it or not they have more flavors. There were a few tables outside to encourage staying and enjoying. No designated parking but we lucked out and snag a street spot within a short walking distance. Great value and look forward to trying the other flavors!

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Graham Central Station presented by Cannon

Cookies & Cream

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Butter cookies

1022 Cafe & Gelateria

The service is unmatched! And they have great knowledge. The drinks are yummy. But the gelato if…read moreyou have ever been to Italy, this will take you right back! And it's a perfect location. I stop every time I'm in the area!

Okay, I was already excited for gelato, but this place somehow managed to exceed expectations…read more First off, every flavor we tried was amazing, but the pistachio? Yeah... that's the one. I would happily make questionable life decisions for another scoop of it. But honestly, what made this experience stand out wasn't just the gelato--it was Venezia. Huge shoutout to her for being so patient while we stood there completely incapable of making a decision. Instead of rushing us, she took the time to help us figure out what flavors we actually wanted and gave us recommendations that absolutely did not miss. She was incredibly sweet, genuinely welcoming, and made the whole experience so much better. And listen, this place is about an hour drive for me. An HOUR. Yet I'm already planning my return trip because the quality of the gelato and the service made it 100% worth it. If you're anywhere near this place, do yourself a favor and stop by. The gelato is ridiculously creamy, packed with flavor, and made with the kind of quality you can taste immediately. Dare I say it... the creaminess might even be better than An's Gelato . 10/10. Came for the gelato, left wanting to be friends with Venezia

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Tropical Sorbet - passionfruit, blood orange, mango.

Cheesecake!

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Milk Chocolate!

JoJo's Creamery

If you're in the Encinitas area, JoJo's Creamery is an absolute must-visit! The Vanilla Bean is…read moreincredibly rich and flavorful, but the Peanut Butter Cup is truly on another level--easily the best I've ever had. I love that they top every scoop with a complimentary mini cookie; it's such a thoughtful and delicious touch. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients here. Highly recommend!

Each time I visited the flavors I chose were delicious. Awesome waffle cone made when I ordered…read more Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. When I asked if they had anything for my little dog, she spread the ice cream around the foam bowl so it was an easy to eat treat. The store front is very cute and the menu listings are on the boards. There's vegan and gluten free options. The location is in The Lumberyard and I've always found parking. There are tables and a fountain straight out from their door. A lovely place to sit and take time for yourself

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Chocolate

Jojo in a cup - Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (GF) & Strawberry Cheesecake (GF)

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EscoGelato

Just went here today, it was amazing!! I got the s'mores…read moremocha and sweet cream caramel and my boyfriend got the blueberry lemon with sweet cream caramel. They had very cute outside seating and it was absolutely perfect!! It was very light weight compared to ice cream, and didn't hurt my stomach or make me feel sugared out. I would def come back!

Reasonably priced with generous portions, but the flavors were ultimately underwhelming…read more There were 14 flavors available during my visit, including two sorbets. While the selection was respectable, there were not many particularly unique offerings. Most leaned heavily toward familiar vanilla or chocolate based profiles. The staff was generous with samples and allowed me to try as many flavors as I wanted, but unfortunately none of the three that caught my attention truly impressed me. The espresso was perhaps the weakest rendition I have encountered. It lacked both the boldness and aroma that make coffee flavored ice cream appealing. Whether the espresso itself was too diluted or simply not brewed strongly enough, the flavor struggled to make any impact. The stracciatella featured a straightforward milk base studded with chocolate shards. While this was a very traditional interpretation without unnecessary additions, the ice cream lacked the richness and depth needed to carry such a simple flavor profile. The chocolate provided texture, but the base itself felt flat. The sour cream and brown sugar ended up being my favorite of the three, largely because the brown sugar was actually distinguishable. The sour cream contributed an unusual tanginess that made the flavor more interesting, though the balance was inconsistent. Some bites highlighted the warm sweetness of the brown sugar, while others tasted predominantly of sour cream, creating a combination that occasionally felt at odds with itself. I appreciated that the small size included two flavors, and the employee serving me was generous with the scoops. Still, this ended up being a fairly forgettable stop. Those who enjoy gelato with bold, inventive, or highly concentrated flavors may find the offerings here a bit too restrained.

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1 scoop pistachio, 1 scoop brown butter pecan with affogato.

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Matcha Strawberry Gelato and Candy Bar Gelato - size small

Biergarden Encinitas

If I could give 20 stars, I would! The Bier Garden in Encinitas has never disappointed me. Every…read moredish I've tried has been amazing. The cornbread is hands-down the best and a must-order every single visit! So far I've had the Poke N Chips, BG Bones, and grilled cheese with tomato soup, and every single item has been flavorful, fresh, and perfectly prepared. It's rare to find a place where everything on the menu is consistently this good. The atmosphere is always great, the food is outstanding, and it's become one of my favorite spots in Encinitas. Whether you're stopping by for drinks, lunch, or dinner, you really can't go wrong. Highly recommend I'll definitely be back for more cornbread!

Came for a leisurely Sunday lunch and will definitely come again!…read more Thanks to Jessica and team for an amazing experience. We had a diverse mix of people across multiple age groups at our table and she was nothing short of fantastic. Questions were answered, recommendations were given, and drinks were never empty. The food matched Jessica's attentiveness. Our crew's meal ranged from the poke bowl to the loaded Cardiff Crack fries (a must, especially for tourists) to kids eats. Everything came out perfect.

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Cardiff Crack Steak Sandwich was delicious.

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CARiN de RiA

My wife and I absolutely love this spot! We first discovered it during a beach trip to Encinitas…read moreback in January 2026, and we've already been back four times. The space is small, quaint, and perfectly situated near the beach. The service is consistently fantastic, and we've always been able to find street parking easily. As for the food, everything we've tried has been incredible--the Kare Kare, garlic rice, lechon, and their halo halo are all absolutely delicious. If you're in the area, this place is a must-try!

What a pleasant discovery. My husband found this spot. We ordered their family feast and it was a…read moreperfect way to taste quite a bit of items on the menu. We ordered the bbq chicken, pork adobo, pork Sinigang, and bistek. All the meat was sooo tender and flavorful. The pancit and garlic fried rice was amazing as well, but my overall fave was the dessert. The leche flan really won me over. Other than that, really cute location. Try to get the open window. The staff was on it. Super attentive and friendly. Bathroom was cleanly. & Paying was super easy. Parking was fairly easy, or we were just lucky. Went on a Saturday evening.... Thank you for a lovely experience.

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Dining area

Sizzling Lechon Sisig

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Inside restaurant

Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream

Graham Central Station presented by Cannon

Cookies & Cream

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Butter cookies

Sip-N-Sea: Coffee + Açaí

I stopped by with my pup Waffles, who was very happy about his pup cup, and I tried the seasonal…read moreBanana Cream drink. It was absolutely delicious creamy, flavorful, and not overly sweet. The coastal vibe, friendly staff, and dog-friendly atmosphere make this one of my favorite spots to grab a coffee and enjoy a slow morning. Waffles gives it two paws up, and I'll definitely be back for another Banana Cream before the season ends!

5/5. Great latte and really good vibes at Sip-N-Sea Encinitas. Solid spot, I'd come back.read more

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Matcha milk tea

Leucadia Donut Shoppe

Best donuts in Encinitas, always gotta show up early in the morning because they sell out by like…read more2pm. Run by a sweet family been there for more than 20 years and always make it fresh in the morning

I walk past the spot frequently when walking the dog, and every time I'm in the mood for a donut,…read morethey're either closed or too crowded. I was finally able to make it in and the service was good. I of course after ordering realized I didn't have my wallet, but thankfully they accepted Venmo. The donuts were soft, melt in your mouth delicious. Overall, a good donut spot and I now know why they are always busy.

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Wrong cup, right. Donut! Best!

Maple bar, chocolate glazed, original glazed, bear claw, and blueberry buttermilk

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Entrance

Pastaria Vivi

4.5

(59 reviews)

2.2 mi

The focaccia is amazing. The meatball was delightful with a great combination of flavors. The sauce…read morewas splendid and perfect with the focaccia. We didn't get to taste the fresh pasta but it looked perfect. Highly recommend!!!!

We had two pasta dishes. The pasta was good but they are very very small portions - five medium…read moreravioli for $15.99.

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The area. The atmosphere

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Mochichis

4.9

(112 reviews)

2.1 mi

Locally owned & operated

Women-owned & operated

We love the Elite event so much I drove back to Encinitas again the following weekend to pick up a…read moredozen for my son and his friends to snack on during their practice for BroAM. The staff has always been great, super nice and welcoming as soon as you walk through that front door! All donuts are good but so far my favorite favorite favorite have been the xhurro, creme brulee, and that mochi hole filled with creamy goodness (tastes like whipped cream). The donuts are light and fluffy and have a bit of a chew. Love the bright colors and decor throughout the store and the fact that you can see your donuts through the display. I had a strawberry boba tea as well, it was good but not really my favorite type of drink (glad I tired it). Love that the owners are SDSU alum and the fact that they always support the local community.

I thought the mochi donuts were light and delicious! I especially liked the Nutella one! Service is…read morefast. And the goods are fresh! Will definitely be back to try more!

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Try our soft serve ice cream donut!

Mangonada

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

13 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Jennifer S.

112

203

6 years ago

My daughter and I are always in pursuit of amazing acai bowls. We actually drove over to Encinitas to try Eve but their hours changed. Lucky for us Gelato 101 is across the street. What a super cute place! We loved the whole vibe. It was a beautiful morning to sit outside and enjoy our bowls. We got the Peanut Butter and the Go Nuts Bowl. Both were excellent. Very generous portions, creamy (not watery) acai base, fresh fruit, delicious granola! Not too sweet, just very refreshing. The bowls are fairly priced at $11 & $12. I have paid more for sub-par acai bowls. I can't wait to bring my husband. I have a feeling this will be our new go to spot. read more

Val W.

Elite 21

165

109

103

6 years ago

Popped in here with the fam bam for a quick treat, and ended up with an entire experience! The flavors & presentation of both the homemade gelato & ambiance was Amazing! My kids swear that this is the best gelato they've ever had, and hubby & I agree! Each & every person working here obviously takes pride in this fantastic business & exudes kindness, and made us feel like family. We will be back again very soon! read more

Marci T.

Elite 26

237

109

416

2 years ago

Gelato 101 definitely lives up to the hype! There was a long line, and I can totally see why. The service is fantastic, and the gelato is truly amazing. They also offer other options like boba and acai bowls, which is a nice touch if you're looking for more variety. The outdoor seating area is so cute and adds to the charm of the place. If I'm ever in Encinitas again, I'll definitely be coming back! read more

Sandro L.

116

6 years ago

This is the best Gelato in America ... And it is good to know that it is way healthier than ice cream , they use organic product and the patio reminds me my trips in bali cause of the Indonesian furniture, perfect match for a beach town like Encinitas. And the coffee ? Forget other places !! read more

Cindy J.

2 years ago

Best store in the area. I always come to either get an açai bowl or gelato or Boba and it always hits. I recommend if you are coming to visit from the beach could to come here because it is definitely as good as people say it is. read more

Francesca Z.

7 years ago

What a beautiful space! The gelato is perfect, creamy and full of flavor. Encinitas really needed some quality dessert spot in town, and here it is. Highly recommend! read more

Eduardo A.