Gelato 101

4.6 (369 reviews)

ModerateGelato, Coffee & Tea, Acai Bowls

Closed • 10:00 am - 9:30 pm

Updated 3 months 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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Gelato 101 - Honey lavender - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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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.

Claire L.

Loved this cute gelato place not far from the beach! Great gelato that is not too sweet, creamy, and consist of the more elastic texture similar to the real Italian gelatos. Many interesting flavors reflecting local ingredients. Highly recommend to those want a little treat to walk with along the beach!

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

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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Angel D.

Elite 25

4

122

160

5 years ago

Gelato case displayed a colorful variety of creative and tasty combinations. Our crew ordered black vanilla (with charcoal), dragon berry, passion fruit, raspberry rose and coconut gelato. Each had prominent flavors without being too cloyingly sweet. Texture could have been a little smoother (was a little icy compared to gelato I've had elsewhere including in Rome). The raspberry rose is my daughter's new fav flavor. The man who serves us was efficient yet friendly. Most of our party ordered small gelatos which comes with two flavors. My son enjoyed a slushy which came with boba! The waffle cone was extra but nicely contained the gelato which melts quickly under sunny San Diego skies. Ample seating outside reserved strictly for patrons. The line moves quickly and everyone is sure to find something to enjoy! read more

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Danielle M.

0

27

8

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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Surf M.

0

24

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7 years ago

The homemade gelato is soo good. I personally love the honey lavender and mixed berry. Combine it with coffee and you feel like you are visiting Italy without having to leave Encinitas. Love it! read more

Gelato 101 - Honey lavender yumminess - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - A plethora of flavors - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Stephen C.

0

12

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4 years ago

Gelato 101 was marvelous! The selection of gelato was better than most and the flavor was outstanding. For the dairy intolerant, they have a good selection of dairy-free and vegan gelato. The dairy-free chocolate is just as good as the dairy chocolate. The coffee is Lilly and the service is friendly, fun, and efficient. read more

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Joan A.

0

17

3

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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Veronica B.

3

45

4

5 years ago

Coconut gelato was out of this world. 10/10 would recommend. Chocolate was also very good, but a little rich for my blood.

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Brittany H.

245

1

0

3 years ago

Amazing service and sorbet flavors! Love when they have sorbet that isn't just fruit - the chocolate is amazing!

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Jacki M.

70

42

20

4 years ago

The nutello gelato is worth every calorie. Can't wait to try açaí bowls. Great spot to enjoy it too.

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Andrei M.

0

11

2

6 years ago

Not only are their outdoor seating full of plants but their açaí bowls are the bomb.com. We also had to get a gelato just cause their display won me over. Loved every bit of this place! read more

Gelato 101 - Ice cream bar - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Camila S.

0

5

4

6 years ago

This is the best ice cream place in San Diego! I always get the medium size that you can choose 3 flavors. My go to is Opera, Black Vanilla and Hazelnut. They are so flavorful. You will never feel guilty eating it! I highly recommend it. read more

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Alexis H.

173

16

13

7 years ago

Truly the cutest, modern, hip gelato place I've found in San Diego so far. The front patio is filled with cozy, outdoorsy lounging furniture. I never wanted to leave! Love! DOG FRIENDLY read more

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Benito H.

0

3

0

4 years ago

This place has the best quality of FRUIT flavors I have ever experienced. Every fruit flavor tastes real and natural. The texture is really nice for being non dairy. The non fruit flavors are above average and definitely better than other frozen dessert places. They do not always have my favorite flavors but they always have something good. read more

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Niki S.

112

15

33

7 years ago

This place was so good and so friendly. Great service and it is absolutely adorable. This is by far my favorite new ice cream place! So happy they're open! read more

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Vanessa N.

167

51

36

4 years ago

Owners are so sweet! Great customer service! Yummy drinks and cute little place with a very nice patio to enjoy your drink.

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Elly B.

0

16

2

3 years ago

I got a Thai iced tea with boba and it was one of the best that I've ever had! The service was fast and the owner and staff were so sweet. It's a cute little place to sit and hangout. Highly recommend! read more

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Sharon W.

Elite 25

230

368

69

6 years ago

Their berry gelato is the best vegan gelato I've ever had! Great portions and fair pricing. Cute little area to enjoy gelato outside while soaking in the beautiful outdoors of Encinitas! Will definitely be back :) read more

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Zak T.

11

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4 years ago

Yes yes yes yes! If you want gelato, go here. Great flavors And they make gelato milk shakes! read more

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Alma P.

0

2

0

4 years ago

The basic ingredient of Gelato 101 is natural flavors, prepared each day, according to seasons. The texture is smooth and silky bringing out the fresh taste of fruit in season, ripe to perfection with a delectable smoothness to lick slowly absorbing the natural flavor. In a cone or cup, you feel like you are sitting at the Trevi Fountain in Rome absorbing the beauty of all the famous Roman sites, hearing Italian, eating all the beautiful tastes of gelato yet sitting in a lovely corner of Encinitas, tasting one of the most Delectable flavors of Italy !!! See you at Gelato 101 surrounded by old and young fans in a comfortable open air garden! read more

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Darci M.

Elite 26

150

609

796

7 years ago

Wow what a cute a Boho chic place. Just up the corner from Moonlight beach! Fun entrance as you walk up and it's very inviting. We just tried the Gelato this time. The kids working were fast and helpful. We each tried 2 samples before committing to a 2 scoop cup. The honey lavender was awesome. My hubby loved his coconut flavor scoop. And my daughters liked their mango and passion fruit! The only down side, it's pricey. At over $5 per person for 2 small scoops this clocks in at $20 per family as a sweet treat- but otherwise it was good read more

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Brendan R.

1

7

2

3 years ago

Affogato is incredible with chocolate! Thank you! We'll be back for sure. I need to try more flavors!

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Stuart N.

38

75

18

5 years ago

Best vegan gelato on the north San Diego coast. That had many options that were all delicious.

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Michael L.

1

24

3

5 years ago

Delicious gelato with a cute little outdoor patio. Perfect for a warm summer day. I got a cone with Nutella and biscuitini (sp?) flavors, the Nutella was fantastic read more

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Michael D.

0

177

0

3 years ago

We went to the Solana Beach location and the gelato was fantastic and great friendly service too!

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Don M.

0

5

0

3 years ago

The best Gelato anywhere. I'm staying away from sugar and their sugar free Hazelnut is fabulous

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Sanjana S.

Elite 25

16

188

275

5 years ago

Got the salted caramel and pear flavors and they were both delicious! Would definitely go back for dessert if I'm in the area.

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Scott D.

0

34

4

4 years ago

The best gelato around - don't let the line scare you off, it moves pretty fast. I'll definitely be going back.

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Logan V.

2

35

1

5 years ago

Was very disappointed with the service. When I brought up the issue, the cashier just handed me back cash without any explanation.

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Ethan P.

0

43

49

5 years ago

Cute little gelato place with an adorable atmosphere. I got an açaí bowl full of fresh fruit which was delicious and delicious Thera in my party chose the gelato and were very satisfied. read more

Gelato 101 - Açaí bowl - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Janee J.

0

32

10

5 years ago

Best best best ever thai tea, taro tea and almond tea with or without the boba. Highly recommended! Really cute outdoor and indoor spaces to hangout and chill with family and friends. read more

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Alan J.

98

16

0

6 years ago

Best gelato this side of Italy. And the perfect setting, great patio, super service, and did I say the gelato is amazing?!?

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Connie R.

0

24

3

4 years ago

The gelato here is absolutely delicious! We stop by Gelato 101 every time we're in the area. They have a ton of different flavors that addresses everyone's tastebuds. Dairy free? No problem. Fruity flavors? They got it. Just don't ask for too many flavor samples, the teens who serve you get a little annoyed. Sorry not sorry, got to know what I want before I commit. read more

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Ariella S.

0

73

13

6 years ago

The patio was FILLED with teenagers (~40) and when I asked a few to move they physically pushed into me and none of them were wearing masks, absolutely no social distancing happening. After asking the employee about the lack of following any of the CDC guidelines (no one following mask / 6 foot rules), he just said to report it online. Come on! Businesses should be setting the precedent for safety in San Diego, I definitely won't be returning. read more

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Ashley S.

Elite 18

88

121

198

6 years ago

We had the Opera (mixed nuts) and Speciale (a creme brûlée type flavor). I wouldn't get the Opera again by itself, however it was a great complement to the Speciale. I may dream about the Speciale tonight. It was soooo good. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. :) read more

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Louie S.

1

18

2

6 years ago

Nice little shop on 101. I tried the mint chocolate chip and Palma Cota gelato and it was delicious! Also to my surprise my boba teas are quite good as well. We tried the Thai tea in this occasion and I have to say not bad at all. read more

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Mia L.

0

25

19

4 years ago

This place offers the perfect balance of flavor, sweetness, and texture to their gelato. I have not found a better place for a sweet fix.

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Hana L.

Elite 21

0

57

68

6 years ago

I love this cute little icecream shop! If COVID weren't a thing, it'd definitely be a cute date or catch up spot because the ambiance is really intimate. As for their icecream, I've had a couple of their flavors and have not really been disappointed by any, though it is given that I liked some flavors over others. My favorite flavor to pair with a waffle cone is Stracciatella (vanilla flavor with chocolate chips) or the Black Vanilla (charcoal infused vanilla). As for fruity flavors, I really like the Pineapple (tastes like a dole whip goodness!) and Strawberry Lime (not sure if I got the name of this flavor correctly). Another thing I like to get here is the Green Monster drink. If you want something healthy, but don't really want to taste the greens, I'd recommend getting it with the açaí. However, if you like the taste of your greens, while still being delicious, I'd recommend getting it with coconut juice, just whichever you prefer! Overall, I come here at least once a week after work so I'd highly recommend! read more

Gelato 101 - Icecream flavors for the day - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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

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K. M.

0

150

23

7 years ago

Gelato is a WIN! Hazelnut is where it's at. They have boba as well, but the gelato is king.

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Phil S.

0

11

0

4 years ago

Food, service and ambiance are excellent. It's a small place, has small number of gelato flavors but they are all delicious.

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Justine Q.

7

14

17

7 years ago

I was visiting from Orange County. We stopped here for coffee after the Paw Walk at the botanic garden. We love this place! Great coffee and dairy-free options. My pup and I enjoyed the outdoor seating area and he was thankful for the water dish. :) I think the guy that brought out my coffee was the owner. He was very kind to my pup and we felt very welcomed there. It was a nice place to relax after the Paw Walk. read more

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Juan S.

118

104

89

6 years ago

Shakes here are solid. Great gelato at a great price. If your in town this place is a must. I tried the pumpkin shake and was floored. For the price you would be hard pressed to find a better gelato anywhere. read more

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Page 7 of 10

See outside
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

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People searched for Gelato 1,524 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

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Explore benefits

Gelati & Peccati

Oh my gosh! I walked up and said "wait! Did we just walk up on Italy??" Wow…read more Took the pizza home and ate the gelato on site. Absolutely Ahmazing Gelato! The pizza also simply delish! The crust wow! Definitely Will Be Back!! Don't leave without trying the almond orange gelato!

I hate to admit but the hype made on social media was real about this place…read more Lasagna pizza was great. He suggested the Diavola as a second option. Both were delicious. The gelato, amazing. Good portion for the price. Definitely will be back when I'm in the area.

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An's Hatmakers

4.7(529 reviews)

6.2 mi

•$$

Locally owned & operated

Free parking

Stopped by on a friday night and it wasn't too bad. Parking was a bit tough but the line itself was…read moreabout 30-40min. I can't believe they let you try all the flavors! Ended up with the matcha strawberry and strawberry (looked like wicked in a cup). The maple pecan flavor wasn't too sweet! The decor was really cute, I am enamored with the idea that they incorporate the name of the previous shop into the shop name. The ice cream cones were decorated with hats, love! Staff are super friendly and patient despite repeating their pitch over and over again. Would love to try the other locations if I get a chance the next time I'm in SD

My favorite An's location! The service here is always amazing and I love the flavors and quality of…read morethe ice cream they have here. I don't usually post reviews but today I wanted to because there was a mix-up with something with my loyalty account and the ladies working today helped me out with it. I really appreciate their customer service, thanks so much.

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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

4.6(68 reviews)

3.9 mi

•$$

This gelato is seriously AMAZING! We lived in Italy and can confirm this gelato is the real deal…read moreand tastes just like it does there. It is located in Solana Beach , beautiful open setting with outdoor seating right next to gorgeous fountain. They have a nice size parking lot next to it. We got the Opera and Pistachio flavors and honestly it was really really good, both were super tasty, very quality. It had a creamy milky thick texture to it and it wasn't overly sweet like American ice cream but it was definitely sweet and delectable - fine dining / upscale dessert vibes. Of course this is top-tier gelato, with a rich and creamy consistency, bursting with flavor. The part that impressed me the most is their variety in flavors. They had many different great flavors to choose from with few that are rotating, so it's great to try new ones. They also have vegan options too. The employees are extremely friendly and assist with suggestions for flavor combinations. We have felt very welcomed and appreciated. Honestly this is the best gelato in Encinitas , Solana Beach and we highly recommend it!

We've been a fan of Gelato 101 in Encinitas for several years, but it's currently closed after a…read moretruck crashed into it last October. This location in Solana Beach has picked up the standard and serves the same delicious gelato, albeit a smaller venue. We enjoyed three small gelato cones ($5.20 each) -- Opera (5/5), Coffee (4/5), and Chocolate (4/5) -- and sat outside -- there are no indoor tables. Service was very good. I'm happy that this Gelato 101 exists, and I wish Gelato 101 well with reopening in Encinitas.

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Cone of chocolate

Entrance

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Small size - chocolate and toffee flavor

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

4.5(220 reviews)

4.4 mi

•$$

Very good pastries and delicious sandwiches!!…read more No need to go to Los Angeles to Mammi's any longer as we found our place for Italian sandwiches!!! Does feel like a piece of Italy that we just returned from this summer

Apparently this place is all over Instagram as a must try so we gave it a go. Located about 10…read moreminutes inland off the 5 freeway near La Costa/ Encinitas area.. easy to find and located in a good sized center with lots of other stores. Parking is super easy. If you have ever done a drive through rural Italy and stopped in at a roadside cafe then this will take you right back to those wonderful places. Just like in Italy there are 5 to 7 different sandwiches to choose from as well as a large variety of bakery items and cafe drinks. Sandwiches were fantastic! Highly recommend going to try this place. Tables inside or outside.

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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

I came here this week with my kids and I had a great time! The young lady up front was so sweet to…read moremy girls, and I did not expect to like the affogato as much as I did! I would add a picture but I finished it before I could even think about that! Great vibe, will definitely come again!

Found this place last night and loved it! We ended up getting there kind of late and as a past…read moreserver I definitely felt bad.. but the girls were so nice and welcoming. Good vibes all around and loved our gelato!

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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

4.6(408 reviews)

0.2 mi

•$$

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!

Not worth the difficult parking…read more Food: 1/5 One flavor is three scoops of ice cream. We ordered two flavors, which was four scoops, hoping we could split the ice cream into two cups so we would each have two scoops. We asked our server if they could split the ice cream for us--just put two Ube Matcha scoops in one cup, two Cookies and Cream scoops in another. This is against company policy, but they were willing to give us a second cup so we can surgically operate on the mixed ice cream and split it ourselves (??). The Matcha Ube was more green tea flavored than matcha or ube. The Cookies and Cream was good. The ice cream--even if three scoops for one flavor--is just not worth the street parking or flavor mashing. There are other better ice cream places. Service: 3/5 Nothing to say or add. No bad news is good news. Atmosphere: 2/5 Holy overstimulation. There were two other families in the ice cream parlor with us, and we were all being serviced at once at the cashier. It's too small of a room to do that. I would recommend this place to kids 12 and under who live down the street and need a quick sweet treat. Final rating: 2/5

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Cookies & Cream

Butter cookies

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Inside - just rows of freezers

1022 Cafe & Gelateria

4.9(414 reviews)

11.5 mi

•$$

Absolutely loved the coffee from here. Being French this was probably one of the most comparable…read moreplaces to a European cafe. The coffee had such a rich and smooth taste and the atmosphere was very positive and peaceful.

Absolutely loved this coffee and gelato café! The service was exceptional, especially from Mariah…read more She was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Her recommendations were spot on! The affogato was top notch, the perfect combination of rich espresso and creamy cheesecake gelato. Mariah also made me an iced honey lavender latte that was absolutely perfect: smooth, refreshing, and just the right balance of honey and lavender. Great drinks, delicious gelato, and outstanding customer service. Mariah truly made the visit memorable. Definitely a place I'll be coming back to and highly recommend!

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Tropical Sorbet - passionfruit, blood orange, mango.

Cheesecake!

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Milk Chocolate!

JoJo's Creamery

4.6(422 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

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!

Parking: did not see a parking there, there was an event the time I went that blocked out the…read moreentire street. Service: the people there didn't seem like they wanted to work there. A little on the not as friendly side. They also didn't want to give samples, which is fine, but just say "we don't give samples" Food: Not bad ice cream. Hits the spot. Good flavors.

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Cayenne Sea Salt Caramel and Mint Cookies N' Cream

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Chocolate

EscoGelato

4.7(1.1k reviews)

13.5 mi

•$

been to this place every...uuummmmm, like few YEARS. i swear it never disappoints…read more the affagato here is the best i've had. i've had a lot of not-good gelato at other places. it's hard to get gelato right. Esco Gelato has some kind of pixie dust they use because the textures and flavors here are amazing, year after year. great selection of teas. very friendly staff. free parking around the storefront is usually easy peasy. great business. been coming here since the early 2000s.

A cute little spot in downtown Escondido that we were excited to finally try!…read more The service was short and pleasant, the gelato had great texture and flavor - I wish there was a little more variety. They give you a decent amount for the size you ask for, so make Aira you know how much you're getting!! Not sure if it was the cravings of the day/heat but with it being a little shop and there only being a few seats it was hard to fully enjoy the experience in the corner. With so many people visiting (the pictures were taken right before the crowd) I'm sure that's an indicator of how good it is! I will definitely be back to try other flavors or other items on the menu. Hopefully soon!

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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

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13 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Jennifer S.

98

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

112

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

112

420

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

8

10

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.

0

30

3

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.

2

8

1

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.

0

8

0

5 months ago

is it still closed?? ‍. i wanna go on a date with this cute girl, she's mexican btw. her name is leslie btw :3

Addy B.

0

2

0

6 years ago

best boba around town!! love this place and go very often! definitely stop by if you are visiting encinitas

meghan m.

24

6

1

5 years ago

So good, clean, fresh and the owners are an incredible family!! Highly recommend! So many good flavors!

Mat S.

0

7

8

4 years ago

Amazing gelato!!! Always tastes fresh and you can tell it was made that very day! Will keep coming back

Rakesh M.

0

15

0

5 years ago

Incredible gelato! Also, very nice sitting area outside the shop on a hot day with their gelato! read more

Melissa C.

0

47

13

5 years ago

Yummmmmmmyyyyyy!!!!! Love everything about Gelato 101! The gelato is top notch and the ambiance

Jake H.

0

2

0

4 years ago

great gelato, great people. highly recommend :)

Gelato 101 - gelato - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Gelato 101 also viewed

Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream

4.6

(408 reviews)

•$$

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!

Not worth the difficult parking…read more Food: 1/5 One flavor is three scoops of ice cream. We ordered two flavors, which was four scoops, hoping we could split the ice cream into two cups so we would each have two scoops. We asked our server if they could split the ice cream for us--just put two Ube Matcha scoops in one cup, two Cookies and Cream scoops in another. This is against company policy, but they were willing to give us a second cup so we can surgically operate on the mixed ice cream and split it ourselves (??). The Matcha Ube was more green tea flavored than matcha or ube. The Cookies and Cream was good. The ice cream--even if three scoops for one flavor--is just not worth the street parking or flavor mashing. There are other better ice cream places. Service: 3/5 Nothing to say or add. No bad news is good news. Atmosphere: 2/5 Holy overstimulation. There were two other families in the ice cream parlor with us, and we were all being serviced at once at the cashier. It's too small of a room to do that. I would recommend this place to kids 12 and under who live down the street and need a quick sweet treat. Final rating: 2/5

Scoopy Scoopy

4.7

(12 reviews)

Fantastic ice cream and friendly service. The space itself was a little warm in the mid-afternoon,…read morebut there were lots of places to sit outside under umbrellas. Three peeps in our group and we tried Coconut Almond Bliss, Peanut Butter Cup, and Old Fashioned Vanilla. All so yummy. We will definitely be back

This is one of the best ice creams I have ever had. Very friendly service & great location I'm…read moreglad we tried & will be back

Little Fox Cups and Cones

5.0

(26 reviews)

GF Principal Trunch Bowl was sooo good! Def highly recommend it! Not Vegan, though…read more Excellent service. Very interesting flavors and yummy.

Cute little ice cream shop with very unique flavors. I like the names of the flavors such as Golden…read moreHour or Buckle Up. I like the combination of ingredients in each of the flavors that I sampled. I also appreciate that the flavors were labeled whether or not it was gluten free. The person helping me was very friendly and patient as I was trying to decide on a flavor for my cup. Their ice cream was very creamy and with distinct flavors. I will need to go back to try more flavors.

La Petite Bakery

4.6

(10 reviews)

I had already had two pastries on a beautiful Friday. It was two in the afternoon, and I fully…read moreexpected there to be no pastries left when I ducked my head in the door at la Petite Bakery. But, God loves me! And so, there, before my Eyes, was the last remaining cinnamon roll of the day! I purchased it, and carried it to my car, where I sat and took a bite. I was delightfully, surprised by the flakiness, combined with cheweyness that was now part of my bocal experience. To be very honest, I wish that the cinnamon paste in the pastry had more cinnamon.... Nevertheless, I was so pleasantly surprised by the hint of citrusy orange that accented the cinnamon paste! Also, the pastry itself was beautifully done. It was Light and flaky, and at the same time, soft inside. It was totally refreshing, as refreshing as a pastry could possibly be! The staff at this beautiful, small bakery, we're very direct and kind, and yet they gave me the gift of their smile. That made the pastry even better. But only recommendation would be: moncherie amis owner- please suggest to your patron that they have this pastry warmed up! That (along with MORE CINNAMON) would have elevated the experience even more.

Stopped here after brunch and shopping. The parking lot was small but we were able to find a spot…read more It's pretty small inside with only standing room for a few people at a time. The first thing i noticed was the had some desserts that looked amazing under the counter. They told me they were from Desserts By Clement. It took a lot of restraint not to get one...or three! There were a lot of them home already so I'm sure they are delicious. I ordered a pistachio latte, iced because it was so hot out. I definitely had to grab a stir stick to mix it up, but once i did it was very delicious. It had a hint of pistachio flavor and it was just the right amount of sweet to me. The service was good and they answered our questions, and got our drinks quickly. I think it's a good little spot to grab a drink and a treat if you are nearby.

Numbskulls

4.5

(15 reviews)

My husband and I stopped by and immediately understood why people recommend this place. The shave…read moreice itself is fantastic. First, the logistics. It's on North Coast Highway 101, so parking during busy hours is...optimistic. The lot is small, street parking is limited, and you'll probably have better luck checking La Veta Avenue behind the building. Speaking of the back of the building, that's where their surprisingly spacious outdoor seating area is. It's a great grassy lounge space with plenty of seating and even little tabletop games. The only funny part is actually finding it. The employees told us it was "really obvious signs," but the directions are basically small Numbskull stickers and thin chalk arrows. We found it eventually, but I think some larger signs or a more obvious walkway from the front would help a lot. My only other suggestion is the hours. An 8:00 PM closing time feels early for a dessert spot on the 101 in a beach town. I'd love to see them stay open until 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Now for the important part. My husband ordered a Little Gnar with guava, passion fruit, and fresh strawberries. I ordered a Little Gnar with a vanilla ice cream core, Tiger's Blood, Orange Passion, and strawberry cream topping. Both were excellent. The shave ice was incredibly soft, the flavors tasted fresh, and the portions were much bigger than we expected. Honestly, most couples could split a Little Gnar. We only got two because my husband is lactose intolerant and didn't have Lactaid with him, and I wasn't giving up my vanilla ice cream core. I also liked that the menu has something for everyone. If you like fruity flavors, there are tons of tropical combinations and add-ons. If you're like me and want dessert disguised as shave ice, they've got plenty of creamy options too. The staff was young, polite, and helpful, and we left with zero complaints. Overall, an easy 5/5. Great shave ice, generous portions, a fun backyard hangout, and enough flavor combinations that I'll definitely be back. Just don't let the name "Little Gnar" fool you...there is absolutely nothing little about it.

Numbskulls is a shave ice place in Encinitas along N coast Hwy 101. There's a small parking lot…read morethat holds about 6-8 cars but also shares it with neighboring businesses so I suggest parking on La Veta ave in the back. I got a little gnar (small) with mango and passion fruit with vanilla ice cream ($2). There were more options for a cap and toppings but they just cost more and I'm a bit of a purist. I was surprised that they didn't have a strawberry flavor which is one of my go to flavors. The small was big enough for me, the ice was fine and the flavors tasty and delicious. I like when the vanilla ice cream mixes with the fruit flavors, it's very refreshing. The small comes with 2 flavors the large 3. The place is skateboard themed, they have premade options listed on skateboard decks which only come in large size. Service was friendly and informative. They let me know there was a back yard area that we could wait and they'd bring it to us. We just waited for our order to be prepared then walked around. It's a little further than you think. You have to walk around the sidewalk to La Veta Ave you'll see a bunch of picnic tables and chairs where you can sit and relax. Their back door opens to that area but you cant walk thru the business to get there. That's why I suggest you park on La Veta so it's closer for you to get to your car after. I wish you could just order from the back yard area. Overall a really good shave ice. I'd consider a condensed milk cap and/or li hing mui powder topping next time.

Healthy Creations Cafe

4.5

(575 reviews)

•$$

EXCELLENT, HEALTHY and YUMMY!…read more A rare find of an organic based restaurant with reasonable prices

Omg, THE BEST mint smoothie, just the way I like it! It was perfect on this 76° SD day. The little…read morecacao pieces were the perfect texture, crunch and taste. All around delicious! My only complaint is that it was so good, it was gone so fast! :) Staff super friendly and cute, clean establishment. Looking forward to coming back and trying more items!

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

4.5

(220 reviews)

•$$

Very good pastries and delicious sandwiches!!…read more No need to go to Los Angeles to Mammi's any longer as we found our place for Italian sandwiches!!! Does feel like a piece of Italy that we just returned from this summer

Apparently this place is all over Instagram as a must try so we gave it a go. Located about 10…read moreminutes inland off the 5 freeway near La Costa/ Encinitas area.. easy to find and located in a good sized center with lots of other stores. Parking is super easy. If you have ever done a drive through rural Italy and stopped in at a roadside cafe then this will take you right back to those wonderful places. Just like in Italy there are 5 to 7 different sandwiches to choose from as well as a large variety of bakery items and cafe drinks. Sandwiches were fantastic! Highly recommend going to try this place. Tables inside or outside.

GelatoLove

4.7

(696 reviews)

•$$

I came here this week with my kids and I had a great time! The young lady up front was so sweet to…read moremy girls, and I did not expect to like the affogato as much as I did! I would add a picture but I finished it before I could even think about that! Great vibe, will definitely come again!

Found this place last night and loved it! We ended up getting there kind of late and as a past…read moreserver I definitely felt bad.. but the girls were so nice and welcoming. Good vibes all around and loved our gelato!

Juice Holler

4.5

(21 reviews)

Great service and clean juices! Plenty of seating, I Recommend checking them out when you on the…read morearea.

My daughter and I finally got a chance to visit Juice Holler after hearing so many great things…read moreabout it, and we absolutely loved it! The menu was a little long and somewhat confusing at first, but the staff took the time to explain everything, which helped us choose several different items to try. My daughter ordered a smoothie bowl, and it was delicious. I had the strawberry quinoa salad, which was fresh and flavorful. We were also encouraged to try the carrot bites, and they turned out to be an amazing snack. We also ordered a Blueberry Swirl Bar, which was the perfect dessert. And of course, we had to try some of the juices, they had the perfect balance of taste. Overall, it was a won experience, and we'll definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Banzai Bowls

4.1

(9 reviews)

I'm a regular at Banzai Bowls, and it's my favorite place to stop for lunch. All the employees are…read morehelpful and welcoming. The tall girl is chill and friendly and very polite. Makes me happy to support a business that employs genuine people. Drfinitely ecommrctnd Banzai bowls for a healthier option

I've been here twice and both times the service was super fast and the girls working were really…read moresweet. No seating inside, but there are a few chairs outside to sit at. Convenient location next to the gas station. Loved my smoothie!! So yummy.

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13 Gelato 101 reviews that are not currently recommended

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13 reviews that are not currently recommended

Gelato 101 - gelato - Updated September 2026

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People who viewed Gelato 101 also viewed

Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream

Scoopy Scoopy

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La Petite Bakery

Numbskulls

Healthy Creations Cafe

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

GelatoLove

Juice Holler

Banzai Bowls