Gelato 101

4.6 (369 reviews)

ModerateGelato, Coffee & Tea, Acai Bowls

Open • 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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Gelato 101 Popular Desserts

Passion Fruit Sorbet

6 Photos13 Reviews

Vanilla Panna Cotta

3 Photos11 Reviews

Salted Caramel

4 Photos8 Reviews

Gelato 101 menu photos

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GELATO 101 ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

82 Photos

Outside

118 Photos

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Dogs allowed

Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Gelato 101

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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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Stephanie F.

6 years ago

Hands down best ice cream/gelato I ever had in my entire life. Taste so fresh & so real. The amaretto & opera are such heavenly flavors ... Wow. My boyfriend and I love coming here when we are in the area after a beach trip. Wish there was one in my town. Obsessed. Also love love their boba here. My fave place!!! read more

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Tenia B.

6 years ago

My favorite place in North County for gelato! Love the flavors, cinnamon, mint n chip, and sea salt caramel are my favorites. They have so many flavors and are constantly rotating their clean tasting, fresh gelato, delicious! read more

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A G.

4 years ago

Excellent experience!! The gelato is one of the best that i had. Better than gelato i had in Italy. The flavores were delicious and i can't wait to go back. The worker was nice and patient. The outside seating area was nicely decorated. read more

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David S.

176

7 years ago

Relaxing place to have a sweet with family & friends. They have a nice variety of eclectic flavors like amaretto, tiramisu, Italian cookies and cream, basil strawberry, pineapple, coconut, and more. They also have a non-dairy and no-sugar options. read more

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Angela C.

7 years ago

This is the best gelato I have ever had...the chocolate is outstanding. I have traveled throughout Europe and tasted chocolate gelato and ice cream in every city I've been to and I'm 77 years old. Gelato 101 is by far the best! The atmosphere is casual, comfortable and fun. And, everyone who works there is helpful, kind and caring...especially Emily read more

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Brigitte J.

5 years ago

The best gelato in town and anywhere near our town. The ingredients are delicious and fresh, the atmosphere is lovely, and they have amazing açaí bowls, smoothies, bobba and coffee too. read more

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Andrew C.

7 years ago

Very wonderful assortment of fresh gelato flavors. Their artistry of the gelato selection is also quite appealing. I had a fresh watermelon juice with almond milk last time. Was super good and no artificial syrup was used. Really enjoyed it. This is location has recently remodeled and is very nice now with inside and outside tables and dog friendly. read more

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Jane W.

127

7 years ago

So tasty and fresh! Great atmosphere, super friendly service, and some of the best gelato I've ever had! Will definitely be back.

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Brita B.

4 years ago

Amazing gelato! The panna cotta goes great with any of the other flavors. I like that they're open late too.

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Giuliana M.

6 years ago

Great flavor (creamy and not super sweet), quality, wait time and environment. I totally recommend it!!!

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Karen S.

104

7 years ago

Visiting our children and grandchildren and had Gelato 101 recommended to us. A great match to Vivoli's Gelato in Florence Italy. Absolutely delicious! Taste tested too many to count but the cookies and cream was hands down my favorite. The fruit gelatos are made with fresh fruit and 100% vegan. A relaxing, positive atmosphere. Definitely will return, 'often'. read more

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Scott F.

6 years ago

We absolutely Love Gelato 101 its a destination spot for Team Fenner when ever we are in Encinatas! read more

Gelato 101 - Heaven in a cup - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

Gelato 101 - We absolutely love Geleto 101! Brandi & Scott Fenner - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Kelly Y.

6 years ago

Must get the pear. It's so flavorful and delicious! Never disappoints. And they serve illy coffee

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Patrick B.

127

6 years ago

We had a really nice family date with our 2 kids. It's been a long time since we've gotten out for something like this, and this place worked well during COVID. read more

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Ed K.

5 years ago

They don't have chocolate yogurt, but they do have chocolate GELATO... Pretty good- thick and creamy! Reminds me that some of the lesser YOGURT places have flavor that's wanting, and even somewhat icy and even dripping- like it's served prematurely mixed. Keep on mixing it, don't get cheap with the flavoring, freeze it some more, get that stuff thick and creamy - and give people their money's worth! Frozen yogurt is crazy expensive as it is, but good GELATO here nevertheless. read more

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Brian F.

7 years ago

Gelato 101 catered my wedding and were a huge hit. Some of our guests loved it so much they visited the shop the next day. The tiramisu was amazing. read more

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Patricia B.

7 years ago

Best gelato I've had beautiful presentation, great Vegan options. The owners are friendly and helpful. PS love their coconut lattes

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Mary M.

4 years ago

My favorite gelato! I love the complimentary cookie. The place is very cute! The have many tables with hand sanitizer & napkins. It is very easy to park here. read more

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Abby S.

7 years ago

Best boba I have ever had!!! Love that the gelato flavors change every day! The outdoor seating is adorable and the service is quick. read more

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B O.

135

6 years ago

Gelato was delicious, so were the smoothies and great customer service. I was also really impressed with their sanitation procedures. The atmosphere is great and interior design was adorable as well. read more

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Psalm P.

7 years ago

When Moonlight Yogurt closed down, we were devastated. We loved their Organic frozen yogurt and Boba milkshakes! But when Gelato 101 re-opened, they were absolved. The ambiance here is amazing - a huge upgrade - AND they kept their Boba milkshakes! But that isn't even the best part - we love the gelato here, and I hear the Acai is good too. Great spot for out-of-towners to get great gelato and other icey treats. Their green smoothie is a fave too, if you want some healthier fare. Grateful they make their gelato in-house with good ingredients. If you are ingredient-conscious and love gelato and/or boba, this place is for you. read more

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Anna F.

4 years ago

This was our first visit. We LOVED our experience all the way around. Tatiana and Georgia are super sweet young ladies and very helpful they both understand what giving great customer service is all about. Not only was the Gelato beautifully displayed it was also DELICIOUS! We couldn't pick a flavor so my husband and I ended up sharing 3 flavors. Tatiana and Georgia were so good at giving recommendations and helping us choose. The Biscottino was our favorite! Returning is at the top of our list during our next vacation. Thank you read more

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Ashley R.

6 years ago

THE best Gelato I've ever had. That's a bold statement, but man it's that good. Super friendly staff too.

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Andrew S.

118

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472

7 years ago

Fun little place with a great location, nice staff, fair prices and good gelato. I say good because I like the gelato better at Gelato Vera. It is more sticky and dense. It stretches with your spoon. Gelato 101 is more like rich ice cream, but still a great stop in North County. read more

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Cate F.

117

7 years ago

Oooo a place where a big girl can get a scoop of deliciousness. While driving down the 101, my wife and I spotted this place and immediately pulled a U turn. We had our dog with us so I got to wait outside. The outside area was very welcoming. There was a tiny fence around the front, mostly to visually define the front yard. It was all turf, pillows, bean bags, people relaxing, laid back. The dog enjoyed it too. My wife had pineapple and pear, and I had coconut. WOW the flavors were DELICIOUS. Even the pup liked it. We will be back the next time we're in NC. read more

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Claire S.

7 years ago

Just stopped in, as I was used to going to the prior yogurt store. The place is totally cleaned up and decorated nicely. The outside is quaint and a big improvement! Very nice addition to downtown Encinitas! read more

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Nick C.

4 years ago

It is close to being the best and I mean the best gelato outside of Italy, lower the sugar content about 15% to 20% and the flavors will pop and this will be authentic gelato. Right now it's a close second to a couple places in SD and LA. It's good. It's almost perfect but not quite. read more

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Tara D.

7 years ago

I've been in a few times and on each visit I am blown away at the fresh and fun flavors. Some of my favorites have been the lemon zest and the dairy-free mojito. Absolutely delicious. The space is really great too - a fun to place to hang out with friends and family. We'll be going here a lot in the summer!! read more

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Debby N.

103

6 years ago

Wish I did not know about Gelato 101, however I do! The bathroom scale has been very GENEROUS, (not good), as in... I've gained a lb or 2...still no denying how DELICIOUS & FLAVOR"FULL"! read more

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Alegra L.

269

7 years ago

Meh. The sign in the store says "hand made from scratch daily"... But then I looked up Stella (the branded signs) , which looks like it is a vendor os powders and pastes... So I'm confused now. Which is it? It can't be both. I suspect it's actually "made from powder and paste daily." It's not like it's BAD, it tastes fine, but I just get really annoyed when people say things like "fresh squeezed orange juice" and it's actually from a gallon jug. It's just NOT the same thing. read more

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Joe S.

7 years ago

Friendly staff, large outdoor area that is dog friendly and the gelato looks great. However, those that are saying it tastes authentic clearly have never been to Italy. It might be the worst, fake, overly sweet tasting gelato I have had in a long time, with a nasty after taste. It tastes like it is full of preservatives, soy products, gum and way too much sugar. They seem to be marketing themselves as organic but I very much doubt that all ingredients are organic. read more

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Abby O.

7 years ago

Always liked this place even before it was Gelato 101. Glad to hear it has the same menu. Great outdoor area (kid and dog friendly).

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Robb P.

7 years ago

Authentic Italian gelato! I'm an Italian teacher and used to live in Italy. This is as good as you can get there. The vibe was super cool and I love the outdoor space. We are so stoked to have you guys in Encinitas! read more

Gelato 101 - Gelato! Beautiful presentation! - Gelato Near Me - Encinitas, California

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H S.

7 years ago

Gelato 101 is a local gem in downtown Encinitas. They make everything fresh each morning, and the quality shows. The owners live in our community, have a passion for making the best, most creative flavors, and have created a wonderful, cozy space for folks to relax and enjoy. They also offer boba tea and acai bowls, among other items. There has not been good boba with the right texture anywhere nearby (unless you want to make the trek up to Vista or down to Kearny Mesa). But Gelato 101 delivers. So happy they've opened up here...we're already regulars! read more

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Lisa S.

7 years ago

This is the closest gelato you are going to find in Encinitas that compares to authentic italian gelato. It is absolutely fabulous. My favorite flavors are motijio & mint. Gelato 101 is very family friendly with options for smoothies & delicious coffee as well. Excellent customer service. Also has an outdoor space that is very modern and open, our whole family loves Gelato 101. read more

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Clara M.

4 years ago

Great chai lattes and vibes. Sophia was so helpful! However, I'm disappointed that there are no fire pits anymore :(( brings down the vibes.

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Barbara M.

4 years ago

I'm a gelato aficionado and am sorry to report this place just doesn't make it. I stop at almost every gelato stand I find. Flavors are not truly gelato flavors and consistency is not that of gelato. I'm glad I tried it but will not return. Staff was great, just wish gelato was better! read more

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Daniela A.

6 years ago

Awesome service and really yummy gelato. Lots of variety for dairy free gelatos. My favorite was pineapple ginger and passion fruit. I was hoping they would have fruit of the Forrest too but this time they didn't have it. Highly recommend. read more

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Gary S.

4 years ago

I drive out-of-my-way from Poway to buy their gelato. Fantastico. Their "Black Vanilla" is weird looking, but it is the best.

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Julie L.

7 years ago

Probably the best gelato I have ever had! From the presentation, the hip atmosphere, the service and finally the taste.... you can't get any better. We live in the neighborhood and love Handels, but the quantity of ice cream is overwhelming for our family. We have switched it up and started taking the family to Gelato 101 and my kids say they love it more! My son loves the panna cotta, my daughter loves the lemon and I can't get enough of anything coffee. And they have have amazing coffee in the morning and açaí bowls. A must visit if you live locally or if you are from out of town! read more

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Page 8 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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Curious about the ingredients! So tasty AND vegan!! Does anyone know?

Yes - a few but very good

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An excellent breakfast spot in a neighborhood full of great breakfast spots. I went on a Monday…read moremorning and sat on the spacious outdoor patio. The iced mojito is a must-try-so refreshing and energizing. It tastes like a top notch cold brew with fresh mint and a hint of sweetness. The bags of coffee beans are from Colombia and Mexico, where some of my favorite coffees are from. The Serrano Chile, egg & cheese empanadas were delicious and two were just enough for breakfast. The chocolate chip cookies are some of the best I've had. The baristas were super friendly and welcoming. Definitely worth checking out for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

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I went into the store today to order iced coffee and the worker Layla was the best to my partner…read moreand I. Without people in line she talked to us about our day and was extremely communicative. It felt like she went out of her way to both assist us and give us a good experience at the store. Wanted to make sure she was commemorated for her exceptional service.

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Lofty Coffee is a spot I've been to multiple times now…read more Highlight The coffee is genuinely fantastic especially their beans. You can taste the quality in every cup, and the drinks overall are excellent. That said, my Red light it's really expensive for most people, so it feels more like a treat than an everyday stop. The one area they could improve is the service. The staff sometimes feel a bit rushed and not super helpful, especially if you're new or asking questions about their drinks. They don't always take the time to explain things. To be honest it's more like they just want to take your order and move on to the next customer. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5. Great drinks and quality beans make it worth visiting, but the higher prices and inconsistent service keep it from being a regular favorite for me. If you love good coffee and don't mind paying a premium with okay service, it's still worth checking out.

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Inside of Encinitas Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.

Queenstage Coffee House

4.3(118 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

Stopped by here real quick for a coffee and overall had a good experience. It was a little hard to…read morefind at first, especially w construction nearby, so just keep that in mind. I ordered a vanilla iced latte and they nailed it -- the vanilla flavor was balanced really well with the espresso and wasn't overly sweet. The coffee itself tasted smooth and fresh. Definitely a solid spot for a quick coffee run.

Stopped by yesterday to try this coffee shop and overall had a great experience. One thing I really…read moreappreciate is that their flavors are made in-house, which always makes drinks taste more unique and less artificial. I ordered a honey cinnamon latte with half sweetness and it was really good. The flavor balance was great and not overly sweet, which is exactly how I like my coffee. I also picked up an iced vanilla latte, and that one was just as good. When I was ordering, the person taking my order didn't seem very interested in giving recommendations when I asked, but the barista who made the drinks was very nice and the coffee itself was excellent, which made up for it. There's some construction going on in the area right now, but I was still able to find parking without too much trouble. The food also looked really good, though I only tried the drinks this time. There is ample seating and bathrooms for customers in the back. Overall, great coffee and I'd definitely come back to try more of their menu.

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Drink Menu

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Ham, gruyere on toasted brioche and poached egg

ESB Cafe

4.9(57 reviews)

0.5 mi

Im so glad I stopped by and got to check this place out! Thank you fellow yelpers :) I got the…read morehorchata cold brew which was so good! It was strong and that horchata cold foam gave it the perfect cinnamon sweetness I was looking for. I also got the mocha. They grind up the chocolate they get from Mexico and use it to make this authentic mocha. I also got to taste a little of their Vietnamese coffee. It didn't taste like your typical viet coffee. It tasted more like a creamy coffee. It's pretty good! This is a cute little kiosk located in a gas station parking lot. The barista Jesse was the sweetest! She was so nice in helping me pick a few drinks to try. I'll be back to try some of the other drinks

Little coffee shack in a gas station parking lot, overall super friendly service and super quick…read morecoffee, I got the Mexican mocha and it has a nice round bowl flavor! Super glad I decided to pop by on my way to work!

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Loaf of lemon cake

Our Vietnamese Style iced coffee!

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Front, fall decor

Honey's Bistro

4.1(887 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Had a fab breakfast today at Honey's. As other restaurants shrink their portions Honey's continues…read moreto serve appropriate servings and quality food. Great variety of food and their fruit is actually fresh. Lots of choices so let's support the really good ones!! Cobi the young man taking orders is super friendly and had something positive to say to each guest!! We will be back! You should visit.

Stopped for breakfast at Honey's Bistro. Enjoyed a honey latte and mocha latte. Would recommemd…read morethem...both delicious. Hubby got the homemade corned beef has and eggs and I got the veggie benny. I forgot to order the sauce on the side as I typically don't like too much sauce...but I forgot to ask. Still good though ..sauce wasn't too heavy or thick. Glad we stopped by and tried it. Was able to dine outside with our dog too.

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Inside

Veggie benny

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El Paso Benedict

Surfdog's Java Hut

4.3(219 reviews)

0.6 mi

•$$

Great neighborhood spot. People seem to know each other and have their share of regulars. I like…read morethat it's away from the major crowds down the 101. I loved my matcha and my friend enjoyed her latte. They have other items on the menu like smoothies, breakfast stuff, bowls and lunch items but I didn't eat. I would come back.

Great spot for coffee and other beverages. Really friendly service. Plenty of seating. But I'd skip…read morethe breakfast burrito - there are many other and better options. But hey, it's a Java Hut not a burrito restaurant.

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Local on croissant

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Chunky Monkey

Philz Coffee

4.1(474 reviews)

0.5 mi

•$

Being from SF, I'm so happy we have a Philz here--and even better, it's by the beach! It's always a…read moregreat stop before heading out to soak up the sun. Our go-to drinks are the Mint Mojito and Rose, and they never disappoint. Ordering through the app is also super easy and lets you skip the line. Definitely one of our favorite coffee stops!

Adorable coffee shop!!! Loved they had a a few samples, the coffee was amazing! We happened to be…read morecamping at San Elijo, so came a few times it was so good!! Everyone was super friendly! Definitely give it a try!!

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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.

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

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.

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.

6 years ago

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

meghan m.

5 years ago

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

Mat S.

4 years ago

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

Rakesh M.

5 years ago

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

Melissa C.

5 years ago

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

Jake H.

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

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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

Little Fox Cups and Cones

La Petite Bakery

Numbskulls

Healthy Creations Cafe

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

GelatoLove

Juice Holler

Banzai Bowls