Gelato



In Vancouver:

Downtown
East Side

Regional:

North Shore
Greater Vancouver

DOWNTOWN

MONDO GELATO
Consistently decent, as the lineups on Denman attest. Flavours are nuanced and vary with the seasons. Check out croccantino al rhum, a popular alcohol-infused version, or the Hawaiian papaya, a tropical treat. Some dairy- and sugar-free products. 1094 Denman St., 604-647-6638; 1222 Robson St., 604-694-0108.

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EAST SIDE

LA CASA GELATO
More than 200 flavours, sure, but do you really want garlic gelato? The place is wildly popular, but it’s marketing, not quality, that draws the crowds. If you enjoy the schtick, it’s fun; if you love gelato, it’s a letdown. 1033 Venables St., 604-251-3211.

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NORTH SHORE

L’ARTE DEL GELATO
Owner Gianni Bombelli is the maestro: he’s been making gelato since 1976 and knows his stuff. Dependable and delectable, in the Italian style. Go for one of the classic flavours made with ingredients such as Gianduia (Italian chocolate) imported from the old country. Several varieties are low sugar and made with natural fruits. 1441 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-4133.

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GREATER VANCOUVER

DOLCE GELATO
Head south for the best gelato this side of Milan, where owners Davide Pacifici and Elisabetta Minzoni hail from. This is the real deal: classic Italian flavours (stracciatella, bacio, cioccolatto), made daily on the premises, deeply infused with flavour and served up—creamily, dreamily—with spatulas rather than ice-cream scoops, the sign of perfect consistency. Da morire, as they say in Italy—to die for. 15045 Marine Dr., White Rock, 604-535-1070.

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