Toronto’s Best Gelato

Why settle on gelato when you can have gelati?

Mark McEwan sat down with guest judge, Tutti Matti’s Alida Solomon, to compare pistachio, fragola (strawberry), espresso and caffé gelato from six different spots across the city. After many tastings, they shared their thoughts and declared one the best gelato shop in Toronto.

Winner: Gelato Di Carlotta

Our judges were blown away by the pistachio from this Vaughan Mills shop. “It tastes like it came out of the shell,” says Alida. Mark agreed that the pistachio and caffé tasted the most authentic of the bunch. 1 Bass Pro Mills Dr. $33.89/litre

Runner-Up: Hotel Gelato

Both judges loved the creaminess of Hotel Gelato’s strawberry, espresso and pistachio. “Good creamy textures. Real colours,” says Mark. Alida agrees. “To me, this is the way gelato is,” she says. 532 Eglinton Ave. W. $18/half-litre

Hollywood Gelato

Alida and Mark found Hollywood Gelato to have one of the best strawberry flavours. “It’s super light,” says Alida. “It’s got a nice finish on it. It’s not seedy, and the consistency is really creamy.” 1640 Bayview Ave. $11.95/half-litre

XO Gelato

The colours drew our judges’ praise from the get-go. “I like the fact that these are lighter in colour,” says Alida. Of the caffé flavour, she says, “It’s light, it’s almost got a cappuccino milkiness to it.” 647 Mount Pleasant Rd. $15–$18/half-litre

Dolce Gelato

Both of the judges noticed the fluorescent green of the pistachio. “I think they use an artificial mix on the pistachio,” says Mark. “It’s tasty, old school with the flavouring.” Alida liked the strawberry. 234 Augusta Ave. $16.50/half-litre

La Paloma

This spot lost points for its lacklustre flavours. “It was kind of sweet on sweet,” says Mark. “Hard to distinguish the flavours.” Alida liked the coffee flavour, but found the pistachio to be more cashew-like. 3401 Dufferin St. $13/half-litre