[[HIGHLIGHT]]While walking around downtown, this little cafe in the center of the walkway drew my attention.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We decided look at their pastries and menu, they have pretty decent stuff to enjoy walking around like coffees and ice cream. The worker was so sweet and let us try some gelato they have and also kept great customer service; he was a cool guy. The one gelato he let us try was called Mandorla and that is most definitely my favorite ever. We got a small cup of it to go. Great experience! read more

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This place and this meal was abysmal. We waited over 25 mins for this, with no other "food" orders. Three other customers came through in that time and ordered ready made desserts or slices of pizza that needed warming. But no one else ordered food that needed to be prepped. I ordered this for my kid, went to a very busy Raising Canes down the street and got my order of three meals, and walked back to this place, before my kid got this order. Second, this is the literal portion they gave. That's like a 7x4 inch box. $16, no protein. That's 4 bites of pasta. When we got back to the hotel room and ate this, it had no flavor at all. Just terrible. I emailed their customer service two weeks ago (8/5). Absolutely no response. Doesn't seem like they even care. read more

Ugo - Fettuccine Alfredo. This was literally the portion... That's like a 7x4.5 inch take out box. - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Food may be good enough for the hungry. .Portions are too small and taste is not that satisfying at all. Staff are friendly but for a fettuccine alfredo served on a paper plate, that should be serve hot and right away. It took them 20 minutes to serve it even if there was no line. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The seating is alright for the location but can be tidier.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are better options somewhere else if you are hungry. read more

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Ugo Santa Monica, most definitely serves one of the most delicious Tiramisu, and a very tasty espresso. A lot more desserts, Gelato, and ice-cream for your taste. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A great place for a coffee break, while visiting Santa Monica.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Ugo - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Ugo Coffee pistachio latte was very disappointing. It didn't taste like real coffee at all -- more like hot water with pistachio syrup. The flavor was weak and not balanced. The service was also unpleasant. The woman working there was rude and did not speak politely with customers. Overall, not a good experience. I wouldn't recommend it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Just location and atmosphere is perfect, but not place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Ugo - Pistachio latte - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A nice place for a snack or dessert.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The pastries and gelato here are really good. There is a nice selection of pastries and a more limited selection of gelatos. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop is small, but there is a fair amount of indoor and outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The location makes this a fun place to visit and it is perfect for people watching.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Ugo - Ugo Handmade Gelato selection - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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In last year on Monday December 28, 2025. A cool place for foods or dessert, it's my first time to try homemade gelato strawberry ice cream it was so delicious and good. The service were great and friendly staff, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambiance was amazing as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I can't wait to come back again!! read more

Ugo - Strawberry ugo handmade gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]What a lovely little cafe, right in the heart of Promenade, lovely looking menu, pretty decore that mimics a secret little Italian cafe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There were few but very kind staff who smiled brightly and were quick with orders! [[HIGHLIGHT]]All together a very pretty, cute and fun outdoors cafe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The reason for the low rating is this is by far the worst iced chi I've ever had. I'm pretty sure it was made wrong because it tasted like a cup of syrup with some cinnamon in it. read more

Ugo - Iced Chai Latte - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Portobello mushroom fries we requested them done LIGHT instead of what we received were burnt to Chris and hard as rocks and impossible to chew or bite! The lobster ravioli is not real lobster, but imitation lobster surimi stix and they even skimp on the cheap ingredients !!! Do not trust anything because you don't know what you will be eating. This restaurant also has no Manager, no owner on premises and no one in charge either so if you have any problems, they're falling on deaf ears . read more

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Rudest place I have experienced in a while, and I don't think that I'm alone in having that reaction. Avoid.

It's decent. This place has delicious gelato It's creamy, juicy, and doesn't taste artificial. Although it's a little sweet , I'm a bit unsure about how the rest of the food here will taste since this feels more like a gelato-focused spot. That said, the service is good, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the seating area is decent too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Cool little spot with very creamy and tasty hand made gelato! We sampled the Nutella with coffee cream which was creamy and the raspberry which was also fruity and refreshing. We ended up with something creamy but not overly chocolate - strawberry cheese cake gelato and it did not disappoint! read more

Ugo - Strawberry cheese cake gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Kicked my friends and I out for no reason, made up things to kick us out, don't recommend

Really convenient for grabbing a bite when you're hungry on the promenade. We got one of the flatbread sandwiches and they ended up reheating the whole thing, so we had hot lettuce. Maybe choose something else from the menu. read more

Walking down ocean eating Gelato that had me in awe. Definitely come to this place again. read more

Ugo - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came here after dinner and got the pistachio gelato! Gelato was as expected and I think they were in the middle of closing so I'm glad that they still took my order. Service was really fast. This is right on the Third Street Promenade and it's almost like a kiosk but there's some chairs with some coverage. read more

Ugo - Pistachio Gelato - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Best pistachio gelato that I've ever had! Definitely reminds me of being in Italy. They just opened Ugo in Redondo Beach near my house. I'm so excited! read more

This food establishment is located right on the 3rd street promenade . The ambiance is great. You get to sit outside and it feels like you are in Europe with the outdoor seating and the people-watching . The food is not bad. I have had two of their desserts: chocolate mousse cake and a tart after having dinner in the area. Both were pretty delicious. I am having their breakfast sandwich today. The toasted brioche bread tasted fresh and flavorful. The egg patty could use more seasoning. I ordered a cafe latte and it was solid. They also serve gelato, salads and sandwiches. Service was just ok. They don't have any salt/pepper packets, or hot sauce and you have to go to the counter to order and get anything you need. I'm mainly giving it 4 stars because of the location and beautiful outdoor setting. Overall, it's a cool spot to grab a bit to eat and drink, people watch and chill outside. read more

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The gelato was actually really good, which makes this review disappointing to leave. Unfortunately, the guy taking orders at the front completely ruined the experience. His attitude came off rude, impatient, and unwelcoming from the moment we walked in. Customer service goes a long way, especially at a place people visit to enjoy themselves. Good food can only carry a place so far when customers are treated poorly. Hopefully management addresses this because the product itself deserves better representation. read more

Quick stop for coffee and Cannoli and it was absolutely the right thing that we did. The cannoli was delicious and the coffee was definitely refreshing. Stop by and give them a try!! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Terrible service, pricy, and the tables are dirty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For the price I expected more. The food is blah, nothing special. Coffee is too pricy for the simpleness. read more

The attitude that black hair short attendant had is crazy. Overheated my ugo Egg Sandwich. It wasnt fresh at all and felt like it was made yesterday and was sitting on the shelf. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Half of the chairs are exposed to the sun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The nearby area is cool its a promenade.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just dont wanna spend money on premade and reheated food. Not recommended. read more

Ugo - Ugo Egg Sandwich - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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We just ordered one large brewed coffee, one small hot chocolate and one vanilla gelato, total $17.90. The gelato was for my two years old. Since the cup is pretty full, I asked for another cup so I could split it just in case of the spill. The lady in the front was gonna grab me one but all of sudden, the male staff ran from the back and started yelling, "'We charge the cup!' He is a joke. read more

Ugo - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I asked if I could try the chocolate gelato flavor and The manager, Gabby, literally called me a b**ch. it's wild that she's the manager, I would think this place would do better. I didn't say anything because I was shook lol this lady was sitting down at the register and was so mad she had to get up. Would never come back and I wouldn't recommend anyone come here either. Still got the lemon gelato though- also wasn't good lol. But yeah crazy experience read more

I like coming to Ugo for a quick lunch on the promenade, especially for their sandwiches. This day I came around 2:30pm, and was able to find a seat. Lots of people were coming by to get gelato at this time! I got the prosciutto san danielle panini and it was really good, I like that it was hot and the cheese melted in my mouth. The bread was crunchy but soft and yummy. A good combo for sure. The place is a tiny bit pricey but it is the promenade, so it is expected. read more

Ugo - Prosciutto San Daniele Panini - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Perfect little spot as it sits in the middle of the shopping area of Third Street Promenade. Have been coming here in the mornings for a large cup of delicious coffee & a special dessert treat for later. The friendly morning staff made the visit even better. Pictured is their coffee up & their Nutella cream cake. The Nutella is wonderful light & not overwhelming in sweetness. A perfect combo. I would come back again for BOTH! I have had their gelato before when they used to be located at Santa Monica Place and can vouch that the gelato quality is high and legit. If you're looking for a shopping break stop - this outdoor cafe would be it! (find me on Instagram @aida.loves ) read more

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I have been a customer for a very long time when they had a location at the open mall. They always had great customer service What I just experienced is the worst that I have ever had in my life. Lady, who is currently working should be fired. One of the customers complained that she wanted an additional shot in her cappuccino, but the female employee refused to do so telling her that she "obviously don't know how cappuccino tastes?!?! Then, after 13 of waiting for a breakfast sandwich and 2 ppl who ordered after me got food before me, I asked to be refunded because I had to leave she started to scream, refused to refund me, and threw a sandwich at the window. Is this for real?! I have no words. read more

Nice Italian cafe on 3rd street with great outdoor patio to enjoy a coffee on a nice, sunny day. It does have a European feel, the place where you can slowly have a treat, people watch, enjoy everyone going by. They have a bit of everything, for savory to pastries, nice looking desserts and gelato! I enjoyed my sfogliatelle and espresso, the pastry was nice and crispy, coffee just right. I can see myself coming back here for a dessert or a nice gelato in the summer! read more

While shopping at the promenade we saw this hot chocolate add sign and decided to give it a try. We said if it looks and tastes as good as the picture then it's a great place. And guess what. It did look as good as the picture and tasted super sweet. My son and I shared a cup but of course he finished it all and I only had a sip. Thats all I could handle. Super sweet for my taste but the teenager loved it. It's a very cute spot that has a variety of pastries, gelato, coffee and Italian food. Great place to have lunch or take a coffee break. It's very lovely. Service was ok read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Ugo is a very cozy and cute cafe on Third Street which is a walking street with a relaxing atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered the margarita panini which was delicious! We also decided to order the hot chocolate because it looked so good in the picture. That was also a good choice as it was like drinking a high quality chocolate bar. The staff was very accommodating and service was timely and friendly. I only wish I had time to try the coffee! Love to go again! Linda & Bernard read more

I give this place a solid three stars. And one of the main reasons for that is because the price is fair for two flavors, coming in around $8.50 as of May 2024. Take it or leave Ugo. It's basically a dessert kiosk. You walk up, and order your items. It's prepped on the spot, and then handed to you. They do have some tables and chairs. I don't know if it's a post pandemic thing, but it seems like the staff that works at these type of places is kind of spacey, out of it, just not aware of how to engage customers. For instance, there were about eight of us standing around in a semicircle, because we didn't know that there were two lines, 2 cashiers, and none of the staff was clear about saying anything like, "hey can I help you?" Or, "hi, welcome to ugo's, what can I get for you?" Engage your customers if you're one of the staff people here, or one of the managers trying to train your staff properly. The staff was literally just standing around. And then I don't think the staff realizes that the more you engage your customers, the better your tips will be. Just saying! Gelato is "ok" at best. My main gripe is that it really doesn't have the texture or the taste of true Italian gelato. I don't think you're going to find that anywhere outside of italy. But for the ones that are here in the United states, this Gelato at this place tasted more like ice milk. It was like nonfat milk, par frozen, and then blend it up in a blender, then refrozen again. Either the ratio of sugar to Fat to cream isn't correct, or they're not using the proper technique or machine to properly freeze it. Also, one thing that was really annoying to me was that the hazelnuts were not toasted properly. I felt like I was eating raw hazelnut gelato. The hazelnut gelato specifically had no depth, or body, or notes of roasted hazelnut at all. The way you bring out the flavor in the hazelnut is by roasting it long enough, and correctly. They do mix in whole hazelnuts in that flavor, and you could absolutely tell that they were not roasted, or not roasted long enough. One good thing about the location is that it is about a block away from Santa Monica parking structure #4, which has a bathroom on the lowest level. So if you want a place to park for about an hour for free, and be within walking distance of the heart of the Third Street Promenade, I'd say this place could satisfy your generic ice cream craving. I believe Yogurtland is right across if that's more your thing. In summary, if you're on a date, or just enjoying a Santa Monica afternoon in the area, this is one of those okay spots. Is it worth it to drive somewhere to get a different experience, or go literally 50 ft to Yogurtland right next to it? You'll have to decide for yourself. read more

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After lunch on Thursday, I was craving gelato; Ugo on Third Street Promenade sounded like the perfect idea! After all, it's their cute mini location in Santa Monica, where I was already headed! Decor: So cute! Love the atmosphere, surrounded by shops & other restaurants on the promenade. The supersize colorful ice cream statue always stands out & easily makes me smile! Plus, it's fun to take photos next to it! Plenty of seating, open-air, as well as covered seating. Friend & I sat at a table! Gelato: While my favorite pistachio flavor was not yet available, I was able to step out of the usual & try something new; Nutella & coffee flavor. Not a coffee drinker, however, the Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread flavor satisfied. The ice cream scoop seemed smaller than the Culver City location. Gelato also seems creamier at the larger location. Actually tasted yummier & creamier after melting a bit! Menu: My favorite Fig Pizza wasn't on the extended menu, which I love at the Culver City location, but other items were! Plus, I was here only for gelato! Atmosphere/Customer Service: The girl at the register was sweet & my friend made her laugh by the way he quoted one of the restaurant signs!! Haha! After ordering, a woman in line in town from Italy started talking to me about gelato! Imagine that! She then asked me if I had ever been to Italy & seemed so happy when I said yes & we started talking about gelato in Italy! Fun conversation & then she asked me where to shop to get cute clothes! So sweet! Overall: Gelato was refreshing & a perfectly cold treat to cool us down on a hot & humid day! Super cute location, friendly customer service & gelato! Loved it! read more

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Horrible attitudes from employees. No line, not busy, rushing to order and don't understand English because the whole order was wrong. Won't come back. Disappointed. read more

The gelatos here are to die for, truly one of the best places to come get gelato. 1,000% recommend!!!

This is a small little store in Santa Monica. They do have a few table for outdoor dining. It looked cute kinda that italian cute eatery feel. Husband and I get drawn in for italian food. We tried the margherita pizza and 2 flavors of gelato. A bit disappointed. The pizza was okay. The gelato had good flavor but didn't have the dense texture of gelato. This was such a cute looking spot. Wish tue food tasted better. I'd say if you wanted a quick bite I feel this is a decent spot. Staff was nice ans friendly. read more

-1 star for the messed up line situation. When most people want gelato get two people scooping. The gelato is good but the real star today is Savannah. Most of the gelato flavors were gone, which means Savannah got a solid upper body workout today. She could've been cranky but she asked each person if they wanted to taste anything, smiled and made eye contact with the person she was serving. She was great! read more

This was my first time trying coffee here and I thinking it was not good at all! But three very friendly and friendly people were working in this cafe with the names: Ariel, Gregorio,Jasmin! who surprised me with his behavior and the way of ordering and I am very satisfied with my choice! Furthermore Gregorio makes very delicious coffees and pours love into them. Be sure to try them read more

Ugo - Cappuccino Chai Tea Latte - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Pretty good gelato! The cashier was nice and gave out samples to try. Cute little spot in the middle of the plaza~ I got the raspberry flavor which had a slight tart taste and wasn't too sweet. You can taste the raspberry flavor kicking in near the end. read more

Ugo - Raspberry! - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

After attending the 626 Santa Monica event, my husband I decided to walk over to Santa Monica Promenade. Majority of the stores in the area were closed early on Sunday. I was craving for a dessert and saw this cute little shop. I ordered a wonderful powdery Lemon Tart. I gave two stars due to lack of customer service. It took them awhile for the 2 associates to acknowledge customers waiting until I interrupted them. read more

Ugo - Lemon Tart - Gelato Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I went to Ugo in Santana Monica, to buy ice cream. I asked for samples, they told me they don't give samples. I obviously walked away. That was the rudest staff I have ever encountered. Stay away from this overpriced and unfriendly place. Those 2 rude women should be fired . Owner ship should investigate it. 11/06/24. 3:30 pm read more