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Ice cream and gelato in Chicago

You know the difference between standard ice cream and authentic gelato, and you aren't interested in the former.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Amorino image 1
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Ice cream shop

Gelato shop offers high-quality gelato with uncommon flavors in a stylish, warm atmosphere resembling a fancy hotel lobby. Seating is available both inside and outside, creating a comfortable and inviting space. The vibe is chill and classy, supported by attentive and energetic staff.

Gelato quality stands out with consistently perfect texture and flavor. A wide variety of options offers rich, amazing tastes that often surpass traditional Italian gelato experiences.

Smooth, creamy gelato comes in artistically formed flower shapes on cones. Flavors are exceptional and out of this world, consistently delivering high quality with perfect texture.

People are saying

"I thought the gelato here was the best I ever had."

"The blueberry cheesecake with tiramisu combo was amazing."

"I thought the gelato here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Gelato prices start at $8 for a small serving.

2

Expect long wait times during busy hours due to kiosk issues.

3

You can get as many flavors as you want for any size.

02
Black Dog Gelato image 1
Ice cream shop

Small gelato shop offers unique rotating flavors and free tastings with no indoor seating. Outdoor patio features cozy shaded tables and string lights, creating a relaxed vibe. Dog-friendly atmosphere includes pet treats and casual neighborhood energy.

Gelato stands out with unique flavors like goat cheese, caramel cashew, and whiskey bacon. The ice cream is creamy and fresh, made daily, and available even in winter months.

Smooth, creamy gelato with a custard-like texture stands out here. Unique flavors like goat cheese caramel, whiskey bacon, and rotating creative options offer a fresh, homemade experience daily.

People are saying

"I thought the gelato here was the best I've ever had."

"Their dairy free flavors, like strawberry and lemon passion fruit, are incredible."

"I've had the best gelato here, it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Black Dog Gelato only accepts card payments and does not take cash.

2

Outdoor seating is available at Black Dog Gelato.

3

On Wednesdays, they offer free ice cream daily.

03
Peanut Park Trattoria image 1
Italian restaurant

Rooftop dining with a retractable roof offers a quaint and intimate setting complemented by large open windows that blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Atmosphere balances comfortable space and lively energy, though noise can rise during busy times. The setup supports group gatherings while maintaining a pleasant view and inviting vibe.

Pistachio gelato stands out with a rich, creamy texture and is offered generously. Vanilla gelato also impresses with its smooth, classic flavor that invites seconds.

Pistachio gelato stands out with a rich, creamy texture and strong flavor. Vanilla gelato also impresses with its smoothness and sweetness. Portions come generous, making gelato a satisfying finish.

People are saying

"The homemade pasta here is so delicious."

"The pistachio gelato here is to die for."

"The ice cream here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Peanut Park Trattoria offers a happy hour between 4-6pm with $3 off pizzas.

2

Brunch is served on weekends with a special menu.

3

Expect long wait times on holidays like Valentine's Day.

04
Butcher and the Bear image 1

Steakhouse offers a dark intimate atmosphere with sophisticated, elegant vibe and beautiful decor. Live singer performances add to the swanky bar area ambiance. High-quality steaks and expertly crafted cocktails define the experience.

A homemade donut with ice cream serves as a sweet, creative dessert option. The crรจme brรปlรฉe gelato stands out for its rich flavor, while the vanilla gelato shines both on its own and as an affogato with espresso.

Crรจme brรปlรฉe gelato stands out for its rich flavor. The espresso martini gelato and vanilla gelato affogato offer unique, bold tastes that blend well with coffee.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"The espresso martini gelato was outstanding."

"The vanilla ice cream with wagyu fat chocolate chip cookies is amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; don't miss it.

3

The 'Girl Dinner' special on Sundays includes two martinis and caviar fries for $29.

05
Cafe L'Appetito image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with a true deli vibe and a dog-friendly outdoor patio offers a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. The place feels like a grocery store food court with an affordable menu focused on Italian sandwiches and coffee. It suits quick bites and casual meals rather than cozy dining.

Pistachio gelato stands out for its authentic texture, melting naturally without excess air. It comes at a very good and cheap price, making it a solid choice for gelato lovers.

Pistachio gelato stands out with its authentic texture that melts naturally in the glass. The gelato is very good and cheap, offering a tasty and genuine treat.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent."

"I really enjoyed the yummy pistachio gelato."

"I enjoyed some really tasty pistachio gelato."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early for full service.

2

The cafe closes at 6:20 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Affordable meals are available, typically around $10.

06
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Gelato stands out with its homemade tiramisu flavor that impresses. The ice cream overall is delicious and sensational.

Gelato comes in classic flavors and pairs well with desserts like cannoli and cheesecake. It complements savory dishes and offers a smooth, creamy finish.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The Italian food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"I found the authentic Italian food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

07
Bistro Monadnock image 1
French restaurant

Historic building hosts a French bistro with European charm and elegant design. Live jazz music creates a relaxing atmosphere complemented by a skilled bar offering standout cocktails. The space feels cozy and stylish, attracting those seeking a refined dining experience.

Profiteroles come with dulce de leche gelato or pistachio ice cream fillings. Ice creams serve as a solid dessert option alongside other sweets.

Profiteroles come with pistachio gelato or dulce de leche gelato fillings, paired with hot fudge or caramel-like flavors. Peach gelato appears as a dessert option alongside other dishes.

People are saying

"The escargot here is outstanding and alone worth the visit."

"The dulce de leche gelato filling in the profiteroles is amazing."

"The dulce de leche gelato filling in the profiteroles is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a $10 charge for each cheese on the charcuterie board.

08
New Paradise Bakery image 1

Old school Italian bakery with a 21st century vibe offers authentic Italian goods and top quality ingredients. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a clean, modern layout and beautifully decorated exterior. Known for outstanding gelato and pastries, it attracts those seeking genuine flavors.

Gelato stands out with creamy mouthfeel and full-bodied pistachio flavor that balances subtle sweetness and nuttiness. Rich dark chocolate and coffee gelatos offer intense, distinct tastes, while chocolate banana blends flavors smoothly without losing either.

Pistachio gelato stands out with a full-bodied, nutty flavor and creamy mouthfeel. Other flavors like coffee, dark chocolate, and chocolate banana blend rich, distinct tastes without dulling.

People are saying

"Their custom cakes are works of art, truly stunning."

"I loved the pistachio gelato made with imported cream from Italy."

"You have to try the pistachio gelato; it's imported from Italy."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a variety of authentic Italian baked goods and gelato.

2

Parking is easy and convenient near the bakery.

3

All baked goods are made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients.

09
Living Water Tea House image 1

Space offers a calm ambiance with natural lighting and beautiful teaware that creates a cozy, welcoming vibe. Soft instrumental jazz plays quietly while people enjoy tea tastings at the bar or work quietly. The atmosphere resembles a peaceful retreat, ideal for tea lovers seeking a serene escape.

Rich tea-flavored gelatos stand out here, especially the Pu'er and Oolong varieties. The homemade gelato offers refreshing, flavorful options with samples often available.

Homemade gelato offers refreshing flavors with a focus on tea varieties like Pu'er and Oolong. These gelatos are rich in tea taste and not too sweet, making them stand out among typical options.

People are saying

"I loved the personalized tea tasting experience and learning about each tea."

"The owner and staff are so nice and kind."

"I loved the tea gelato; you can really taste the tea."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for tea tastings, especially on weekends.

2

The tea tasting experience lasts about two hours and includes nine different teas.

3

The owner provides detailed explanations about the sourcing and uniqueness of each tea.

10
Whispers Coffee and Tea image 1

Cozy cafe nestled in a quaint park with outdoor seating by a relaxing water fountain. Atmosphere feels charming and inviting, offering a peaceful spot for coffee or gelato. The space attracts a mix of people enjoying the downtown view and casual gatherings.

Gelato stands out with European style coffee ice cream and flavors like vanilla, coconut almond fudge, and chocolate almond. The friendly service complements the tasty, gorgeous gelato, including a notable small mango option.

Gelato here offers delicious flavors like vanilla, coconut almond fudge, and mango. The texture leans more toward regular ice cream, lacking the usual creaminess of gelato, but the servings are tasty and come with friendly service.

People are saying

"I found the gelato here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found the coffee here to be pretty good."

"I found the gelato to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

They close at 10:30pm, despite stating midnight hours.

2

Parking is difficult; paid street spots are available if you're lucky.

3

Single scoop gelato costs $8 after tax, which is on the expensive side.

11
Dฤ“liz Italian Steakhouse image 1

Elegant steakhouse with a darker aesthetic and thoughtfully curated spaces including a stylish main dining room and lounge. Music features a live DJ that enhances the atmosphere without overpowering conversation. Exceptional cocktails and excellent steak define the dining experience.

People are saying

"The steak here is seasoned and charred beautifully."

"The ice cream came with a sparkler for a birthday."

"I think this gelato might be the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as the restaurant is often fully booked.

2

Street parking is available, but valet service is also offered.

3

The restaurant has a full menu available at the bar.

12
Partea image 1
Ice cream shop

Small shop with modern decor and neon accents creates a cute, lively atmosphere. Busy spot known for animal-themed ice cream and unique treats. Limited seating encourages quick visits in a cozy setting.

Caramel gelato stands out as spectacular. Cute animal-shaped cones add a playful touch. The dark chocolate gelato offers a rich, indulgent flavor with an adorable presentation.

Caramel and Cookie Monster gelatos stand out with rich, indulgent flavors. Adorable character-shaped gelato adds a playful touch, complete with a spill guard to catch drips.

People are saying

"The brown sugar milk tea with tapioca pearls was amazing."

"I thought the ice cream was really good and tasty."

"The gelato here is made into adorable characters like Pikachu and Kirby."

Good to know

1

Parking space at Partea is very limited, especially during busy hours.

2

Partea offers a free parking lot, but it is extremely tight.

3

There are only four seats inside, making it a small venue.

13
Venchi Chocolate, Chicago @ Eataly image 1

Chocolate shop offers a cool space with a relaxed vibe for hanging out and grabbing a bite. Gelato features sweet, fatty flavors with highlights like hazelnut and pistachio, though quality varies. Prices stay quietly responsible compared to nearby shops, and payment is card-only.

Gelato offers unique hazelnut and mango sorbet flavors alongside pistachio, lemon, coconut, and strawberry sorbets. Portions are small and prices are high, with a sweet and fatty profile.

The gelato features a unique hazelnut flavor that stands out. Portions are small and prices high, with an overall run-of-the-mill quality that some find nothing special.

People are saying

"The gelato here is fantastic, especially the hazelnut."

"The gelato here is fantastic, especially the hazelnut."

"The pistachio flavor was okay, but the lemon was yummy."

Good to know

1

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is not.

2

Gelato prices are around $7 per scoop.

3

Scoop sizes are decent, providing a fair amount.

14
Cafe Libra image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor patio offers colorful umbrellas and comfy seating, creating a cozy, peaceful vibe ideal for relaxing or working. Upbeat music and games like Jenga add to the friendly, inviting atmosphere. The space suits both small gatherings and larger groups, with a layout that minimizes street noise.

Creamy gelato and ice cream come in super unique flavors with dairy-free options available. The waffle cones are crisp and pair well with the delicious ice cream.

Creamy gelato comes in unique flavors including a standout pistachio. Non-dairy options are available alongside traditional ice cream.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be well made."

"They have super unique ice cream and gelato flavors."

"I loved the unique gelato flavors and the affogato."

Good to know

1

Cafe Libra offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with authentic Balkan cuisine all day.

2

The cafe stays open pretty late for a cafe.

3

Cafe Libra offers non-dairy options for their gelato and ice cream.

15
Nutella Cafe Chicago image 1

Nutella-themed decor creates a bright and inviting space with personalized Nutella jars as a unique feature. The cafe feels cramped and crowded, with small tables placed very close together, often leading to a noisy atmosphere. Outdoor patio seating offers an alternative to the tight indoor space.

Nutella gelato stands out with a very strong flavor and creamy texture. Crepes and waffles often come with Nutella gelato and whipped cream, creating rich, layered desserts.

Nutella gelato stands out with its rich flavor and smooth texture. It pairs well with crispy waffles and fresh bananas in crepes, creating a variety of Nutella-infused treats.

People are saying

"You have to try the Nutella Crepe with bananas; it's very tasty."

"The Nutella ice cream here is super delicious and a must-have."

"The Nutella gelato here is creamy and absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

The cafe opens at 8 am daily.

3

You can personalize your Nutella with your name for a unique souvenir.

16
Sweet Drip image 1
Dessert shop

Bright decor and ample seating create a cozy, peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxing or socializing. The space includes a grass wall for photos and offers casual seating for groups or solo visitors. A family-owned vibe adds warmth to the inviting environment.

Freshly made in-house ice cream offers unique flavors like Biscoff gelato and cheesecake. Sampling is allowed to help pick favorites.

Sampling is common with friendly staff letting you try before choosing. The gelato menu features pistachio and Nutella flavors, with Oreo also standing out.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich Turkish coffee; it was truly on point."

"Their house-made gelato is creamy and rich, especially the pistachio."

"The ice cream here is made fresh in-house and is to die for."

Good to know

1

Sweet Drip offers a variety of desserts including aรงai bowls, cakes, and puddings.

2

Expect higher prices, with items like cappuccinos costing around $7.

3

The cafe can get busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

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