I was on State Street for a quick day trip and was wandering around and saw a huge line in front of Tondi Gelato. I saw that the line was moving pretty quickly so I decided to wait in line. It was about a 15 minute wait, which was not bad for Saturday afternoon. Tondi Gelato hand churns the gelato (which they advertised in front), so I was excited to try. There were tons of flavors and they also allow you to mix. I decided on salted caramel and strawberries and cream. Once I got to the front, I was in and out in about 5 minutes. They also put on whipped cream, which I opted to skip. There's a small patio for seating, but I wandered around state street. The ice cream was pretty delicious, so creamy and tasty. The only thing is that my strawberry and cream over flavored the caramel. So I ate them one side at a time (lol). Next time, I will pick other flavors that mesh better. Definitely a must try when you're on state street. They also have a ton of vegan options, which looked really good. read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato! - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

While visiting the Santa Barbara mall stopped in at Tondi Gelato to satisfy our craving for something sweet. Employees were welcoming and friendly and trying their best to get everyone served. The shop was simple but cute. This was my first time having gelato, and I really enjoyed it. They had a variety of flavors to choose from however I went with coconut and lemon might go to flavors. Coconut was sweet and creamy and the lemon tasted like fresh lemons the perfect flavor for a hot summer day. read more

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I love this gelato stand. Been going here at least one a quarter. During the winter, they make the most magical Italian hot chocolate that is extremely rich and decadent. Long line this summer day. Lots of people waiting and coming in and out. Half menu is vegan. We love the perfect serving sizes for a snack. And the additional whip cream. Melts pretty fast but that makes it so exciting to eat. read more

Tondi Gelato - Pistachio Passion fruit Key lime pie Chocolate hazelnut - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Cute little mom-n-pop gelato shop right on State Street! I was shopping on a really hot day, and once I saw "gelato" it was game over. I'm a total gelato fanatic, and Tondi did not disappoint! The staff was friendly and let me try some samples before committing. They have a variety of flavors including vegan options, and after much (Very serious) decision making, I landed on Stracciatella and Tiramisu. Both were delish (especially the Tiramisu), and they offered complimentary whipped cream to top it off plus some tasty add ons! Such a perfect sweet treat for this summer day. I'll definitely be back! read more

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There was a line around 7pm on a Saturday night but it moved quickly. Many vegan options that are well-labeled and were still creamy. Having just come back from Italy, I can say this place is a solid 5 stars. I got a small which allowed 2 flavors and got the chocolate hazelnut and key lime pie. The key lime pie was on the tarter end but mixed well with the chocolate. I loved the graham cracker crust mixed in. Worth the wait and would totally stop by again! read more

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Farewell Tondi Gelato. You are the best gelato shop, ran by a husband and wife team. Hopefully, you will find a property lease that fits your needs and reopen soon. Some of my favorite flavors are pistachio, chocolate hazelnut, any of the fruit flavors, and honeycomb. read more

Tondi Gelato - Cherry and pistachio Gelato. - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

My fiance and I will never say no to good gelato. So when we saw Tondi Gelato, we knew we had to get some. Something about gelato being made inhouse hits different. Between the fruity and sweet gelatos, there's no need to be modest. Just get anything and everything because it's all so good. The texture is nice and soft, and creamy and rich. It's nice and sweet too but not overly sweet. And overall, I think the quality is pretty robust and distinct. Grab a cup and enjoy a little stroll afterwards! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Tondi Gelato closing is the saddest thing ever This was the last place that served real gelato, REAL GELATO read more

Tondi Gelato - Tondi Gelato closing is the saddest thing ever. Tondi!! Please re-open!! There are no other real gelato places now... - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I wouldn't wait in line for this gelato but the staff was nice and it had solid offerings. Cones were not stale but portions were small for the price. No seating indoors and a few tables outdoors. Dark chocolate was very dark and watermelon was a very refreshing sorbet. read more

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A fun but not necessary experience in downtown SB. We came late night and 2 out of 3 flavors were sold out: pistachio, strawberry cream and guava, which was disappointing, thus I opted for the strati and an almond sorbet. The strati was okay! Bit on the sweet side for me but creamy. I like how they add whipped cream on top if you'd like it. Almond sorbet was okay as well! It was $11 for two which is pricey. Staff were nice! Two of them are graduating as I write this review so be sure to congratulate if you do go! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Overall: A // 5 stars Tondi Gelato is another establishment on my short list of favorites from Santa Barbara, impressively tasting just as good as when they first opened their brick and mortar store. I love their expansive menu, which contains a high list of intriguing fruits and made without milk for our lactose intolerant friends, yet just as creamy. Their expertise in the gelato craft shows as their fruit gelato is all natural sugars developed from the fruit! Highly recommend. Food: +2 Presentation: E Price: E Atmosphere: E Service: E Menu: +2 Overall: 5 stars Insta/Beli/Yelp/TikTok: @amei_eats read more

Tondi Gelato - Insta/Beli/Yelp/TikTok: @amei_eats - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Came here for some dessert after dinner. There was no wait and the staff was nice and let me try several flavors. I ended up getting their pistacchio gelato in a cup and it was good. The pistacchio flavor was definitely there but the gelato got to be really sweet after several bites. The shop is small and doesn't have any seating indoors, so you just have to grab and go, which I didn't mind since it's located in downtown SB and you can walk around while enjoying your dessert. They also sold hot chocolate which sounded good, but I didn't get it. I'd definitely come back and try it next time, along with other flavors they have. read more

Tondi Gelato - Pistacchio - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

So delicious! Quick, friendly service, you can try samples before deciding. We really liked the espresso & mango. The mango was made from fresh fruit, super refreshing. It's a small shop but there's outdoor seating available. read more

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This is a cute little shop with delicious creamy gelato with both decadent and refreshing flavors. I love the seasonal fruit flavors such as peach. Top it with the homemade whipped cream and it's delicious, but I can never have more that their smallest cup because it's so rich. The service is always efficient as well. No complaints. I highly recommend having a cup while you stroll down State Street, especially during a nice sunny day. read more

No wait at about 3p.m. today but a line started to form behind us (farmer's market on State St was bringing in the crowds today!) Friendly staff. They do offer samples. I loved my combo of Hibiscus ginger and lemon scoops side by side in a small cup. So refreshing! Other hits were the chocolate chip and strawberry. Small outdoor tables only--luckily found shade! read more

Wow. This is the best gelato I have ever had, which says a lot bc I live within a few miles of an Eataly. I think all the flavors here are very likely fantastic given the ones we tried. We tried 2 Piccolo (small) cups w/2 flavors each: Vanilla Custard Honey Lavender Key Lime Pie Lemon It was so good, we went right back in to try more flavors! 2 more split Piccolo cups later: Vanilla Custard Milk Chocolate Watermelon Melon (like cantaloupe) All of the flavors were perfectly (not overly) sweet, perfectly (not cloyingly) flavorful, & delightfully creamy. The watermelon & melon flavors tasted like pure fruits! They ask if you want whipped cream on top or not. The Piccolo size gives you a generous amount of 1 or 2 flavors. So good on this breezy, sunny day. It was definitely busy w/a line of groups each asking for multiple tastes. But all the kids who worked here managed everyone patiently & expediently like total pros. So worth it!! read more

Tondi Gelato - Vanilla Custard & Chocolate, Melon & Watermelon : ) - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The key lime and tiramisu were really good! It's located on state street by paseo Nuevo. There were a few seatings outside. The staff asked if we would like whipped cream on the gelato.. no thanks! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is the real deal Gelato! It is creamy and rich in taste. I highly recommend this spot. They only use high end ingredients. No color or artifical flavors. I highly recommend the Pistachio Gelato made with the real nuts. They also got Vegan options. The owner is very friendly and originally Italian. He knows how to make Gelato. read more

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Such a cute Gelato spot! I love that they have so many non-dairy options. I got the key lime pie and the chocolate hazelnut and both were divine! Quick service we were in and out with no issues. I want to go back and try all of the non-dairy flavors! read more

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Wow, I am definitely coming back every time I'll be in Santa Barbara. The staff working was fantastic. I knew I wanted the lemon, and asked what would well and was suggested watermelon... chefs kiss. What a combo! You can do two flavored scoops and I always love when shops offer this. My boyfriend got dark chocolate and pistachio and it blew us both out of the water! Locals love this place, and converted this visitor too! Clean and fresh looking inside, I def recommend. Don't fret about the line, it moves fast and is worth it! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Was craving something sweet and stumbled upon Tondi Gelato. If there's a long line, it must be good, right? I got the medium size which allows you to get up to 3 flavors: - Pistachio (4/5): I judge a gelato shop by getting their pistachio. If they can make this popular flavor well, you know the rest of their gelato flavors will be good too. The pistachio flavor had a nice roasted flavor. Pretty solid. - Cioccolato (4/5): Dark and decadent chocolate flavor. Might be too intense for most people, but I personally liked this. - Caffe (3.5/5): Medium bold coffee flavor. If you are lacking caffeine, get this and you'll instantly feel more awake. The least sweet of all the gelato flavors I got. Maybe I'm spoiled by Bacio di Latte's gelato, but this was what I compared Tondi Gelato with. I did enjoy the gelato but felt like something was lacking. The gelato flavors aren't strong enough and the consistency felt a little watered down since it melted pretty quickly. I do like that they offer homemade whipped cream with your gelato though. Service was friendly and efficient at handling the long lines without making you feel rushed while trying the flavors. Only outdoor seating. read more

Tondi Gelato - Medium Size (your choice of up to 3 flavors): pistachio, caffe, cioccolato. Complimentary whipped cream topping. - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

if you are in Santa Barbara and in the mood of some gelato, Tondi is the spot. Not a big place, super cute and small. i love that they provide samples and the servers are kind with a smile on their face. Fantastic staff! i decided to go with Salted caramel and oh my it was delicious. we were a party of 8. so different flavors were selected. Salted caramel, Pistachio, Vanilla, Passion Fruit, Mango, and Ricotta all were enjoyed. read more

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OMG! Yesssssssss! Italy in a small shop making homemade gelato. My heart is soaring! The pistachio is chefs kiss amazing, but the guava and hazelnut are equally delicious, same with the key lime which includes bits of pie shell. We found it on the first day of our trip and will be there daily! Because it is just that freaking good! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Delicious!! There was a long line when I got here but we were quickly helped. They let you sample the flavors and they even have vegan gelato flavors. So delicious!! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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- Locale Destination - It's on Slate st and W Ortega st, at the corner of shopping plaza, nearby Men's Wearhouse, in Santa Barbara. Ambiance: cute, tiny. *** Gelato *** Flavors: not too many and missing some typical flavors like milk. Flavor quality: bolder and you can taste the ingredients. I think milk quality is pretty good. Texture: a bit too soft / melty for me. Very rich and creamy. Sweetness: a bit too sweet for my like. Overall: a bit too sweet and melty for me. - Gluttony Expedition - Hazelnut: bold flavor, very creamy and a bit too sweet. Lavender w honeycomb: bold lavender flavor, very creamy with great milk quality, nice crunchy texture of honeycomb, a bit too sweet. - Conqueror's Deduction - Surprisingly rich and creamy gelato. Good flavors yet a bit too sweet, which is a bit minus point. Santa Barbara has a few great ice cream nearby - Rori's and McConnell's. Compared with that, it's a lesser quality overall. But not bad. read more

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Great ice cream spot! Portions are big. There is a good amount of flavors to choose from. Can't go wrong with this place! read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A nice gelato shop in a great location. I had high hopes for this place since it was so hyped up, and while the gelato was good, the flavors I tried were a bit faint. I would have loved more texture--like chocolate chunks or extra cherry pieces--mixed throughout to give the flavors more depth. I did try a bite of lemon and it was super tart! Overall, a pleasant experience, but I'd love to see a little more intensity in the flavors! Black Cherry (3/5): mild cherry flavor, more on the vanilla side, with only occasional cherry pieces Dark Chocolate (4/5): rich and decadent Tiramisu (3/5): heavy cream flavor, but lacking the coffee and ladyfinger texture I expected read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Tondi gelato is a weeknight staple in our house! We love their variety of flavors and the staff are so friendly about sampling different gelatos. My personal favorite is the vegan dark chocolate, and my friends rave about the pistachio flavor. This is a must-stop for a day walking on state street or a post-dinner treat. Highly recommend! (For reference our cups were a size small!) read more

Tondi Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

You know it's good when there's always a line regardless on what time of day it is. Walked by earlier and the line was insane so gave it a missed. But during dinner, a couple next to us mentioned if we had Tondi's, obviously it was a sign to come back. Which was a good one. There was still a line but manageable. It's not a big place hence it's always crowded. There's a good selection of gelato and a few toppings. Also whipped cream if wanted. I went with the medium which was three flavors. Salted caramel, hazelnuts and mango. Also added some cookies straws and whipped cream. The flavors were great and were very smooth. Even with the tartness of the mangoes, it was perfect. Size wise, medium was a good choice for a selection of flavors. If you haven't been, it's worth the line. read more

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Some of the best gelato I've ever had! We were able to try a lot of samples and the service was super friendly. Complimentary whip cream. We tried a lot of the flavors and they were all creamy and delicious. So many vegan options. Nothing was too sweet or too heavy. Our last stop in SB before heading back to Orange County and it was the perfect way to end the trip! read more

This was the best gelato I've ever had! The fruit was so fresh and really came through in the gelato! We were in town for a wedding and went back twice! The staff was also super friendly! read more

Tondi Gelato - Guava, Chicago and tiramisu gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

As the saying goes, if there's a line it must be good. That was definitely the case for Tondi Gelato. The line was all the way outside the shop but it went by quickly. We got mango and watermelon on a cone. It is complimentary and optional to add the whipped cream on top. I said yes to mine since it reminded me of eating gelato in Italy. The cream was milky and airy. Both mango and watermelon were delicious! Super refreshing and you can tell it was made from real fruit. Tondi Gelato is definitely a place you must check out if you are craving for a healthier dessert or something refreshing! read more

Tondi Gelato - Mango & Watermelon - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Super nice service and they give you samples. Great prices only $6 for 2 flavors small or $8 for medium. Fresh homemade excellent quality. I had the jamaican hibiscus and the tiramasu. My friend had vanilla and my other friend had coffee. All was delicious. They have nice tables outside in the square with umbrellas so you don't have to walk and eat if you don't want to. read more

Tondi Gelato - Entrace and eating area - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Delicious gelato! Staff is very friendly and they give free samples for you to try before you order, which is a PLUS because there are so many great flavors there for you to try. We decided on the pistachio/tiramisu and lemon/passion fruit. I would say we chose fabulous combos if you like "creamy" and "fruity/tarty" flavors respectively. Everything tasted delicious. Even though it was a bit chilly and windy outside, we were able to enjoy the dessert. Prices are reasonable, credit cards are accepted, and there's street parking nearby. read more

Tondi Gelato - Pistachio/tiramisu and lemon/passion fruit - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Fresh flavor options, everything is made in house. Small local business that offered limited flavors that all deliver, we tried hazelnut and strawberries and cream. They even have fresh whipped cream though we didn't try any read more

Tondi Gelato - Hazelnut , strawberries and cream - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I will say was around the area and looking for either ice cream or gelato and this little gem popped up. I will say it was a bit hard to find cuz my friends didn't know how to read a map but we ended up finding it!! The shop is a little tiny but the space doesn't matter since it's gelato. It's a quick grab and go vibes :)). It was quick and prompt service. Again it's more of a grab and go vibes. But pretty quick. The line does get long but again wasn't there for super long. I got the tiramisu flavor. It was so soft and smooth. Kinda did wish it had more of a coffee flavor. So I give it a 8/10. But otherwise my friends enjoyed their flavors. read more

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Delicious gelato. Almost as good as Italy. I know gelato texture is not the same as ice cream, but this one is a bit on the softer side. Loved the crunch honey bits on the lavender. And the pistachio and strawberry and cream also had good flavor that didn't taste artificial. You can sample as multiple flavors. There will most likely be a line but it moves pretty quickly. Only outdoor seating. read more

Tondi Gelato - Pistachio Honey Lavender Strawberry cream - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This is the best gelato I have had in the United States. Reminds me so much of getting gelato in Italy. I knew it's be good when I saw the metal tins. We got pistachio, passionfruit, dark chocolate, and chocolate hazelnut and they were all incredible. The pistachio and passionfruit were particularly flavorful. And you can top it off with fresh whip!! This place is a MUST read more

Tondi Gelato - Pistachio, passionfruit, dark chocolate, and chocolate hazelnut gelato with fresh whip - Gelato Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Went back and tried their vegan flavors this time; they have as many vegan flavors as non-vegan ones! Got the pistachio (5/5) and dark chocolate (the best I have had!). Also really liked their vegan coconut (4/5) Great service. Some spots to sit outside / in the Paseo Nuevo area. read more

This place is exactly what we needed on a nice warm sunny Santa Barbara day. The gelato was so creamy and tasty. If we could've eaten a gallon, I'm sure we would have. Of course, it is pricey, but you get what you pay for and the quality is top notch here read more