Boston's Best Gelato

Gelato is the traditional Italian word for ice cream, prepared soft and with a comparatively smaller amount of air to its American cousin. This delicious frozen delicacy has grown exponentially in popularity in recent years here in the U.S., with many "gelaterias," or gelato shops, opening their doors to hungry customers across the country. Naturally, Boston is no exception, and there are many fine places to get your gelato on here in the city. Here are just five prime examples.

Gelateria
272 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 720-4243
www.gelateriacorp.com

It makes perfect sense that Gelateria is located within Boston's North End, a neighborhood that enjoys a thriving Italian community. As such, a little bit of gelato on a hot summer day serves as a little slice of home for many who live near this joint's Hanover Street location, as evidenced by the long lines and wait times typical of a busy Gelateria business day. Although some frugal customers may complain a bit about this spot's slightly pricey menu, the wide variety of flavors and gelato styles nevertheless makes Gelateria a great place for the sweet connoisseur to enjoy.

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Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-3050
www.mikespastry.com

Mike's Pastry is also located in the city's North End, and is a bakery specializing in delicious, homemade sweets. Cupcakes, cannoli and gelato are the name of the game here at Mike's, a cash-only and quick-moving joint that speeds through its customer service like an assembly line on a sugar rush. There's a wide variety of sweet confections here, and Mike's gelato is just one of the confections that keeps the clientele steady and loyal, from both local raving fans and visiting tourists alike!

Vittoria Caffe 
290 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-7606
www.vittoriacaffe.com

If there's any concrete "theme" to the journey here through Boston's best gelato, it's that the city's North End simply has an abundance of fantastic Italian cuisine, with gelato and other desserts most definitely included. Caffe Victoria is located near Mike's Pastry on Hanover Street in between Wesley Place and Lathrop Place and is the perfect place to grab a hot cup of coffee, expresso or cappuccino to enjoy with any of Caffe Victoria's decadent gelato flavors, while the spacious seating arrangements and warm, friendly decor makes this vintage Italian eatery a place worth revisiting.

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Modern Pastry Shop
257 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-3783
www.modernpastry.com

The Modern Pastry Shop is a comparatively under-the-radar gelato spot on Hanover Street, which nevertheless delivers sweet, delicious gelato goods for its legion of loyal patrons, many of whom have no problem waiting 20 minutes or more for their monthly, weekly or daily fix. Granted, there is plenty of friendly competition when it comes to the Italian dessert game in Boston, but Modern Pastry Shop holds its own in the gelato department, never skimping on the quality ingredients or delicious taste.

Caffe Paradiso
255 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-1768
www.caffeparadiso.com

Caffe Paradiso is a quaint, warm and traditional European-style cafe serving up strong coffee and sumptuous sweets with its own brand of old world charm. Many folks arrive here from any of the North End's Italian dining staples for an after-dinner sweet, a decision for which they are richly rewarded. Caffe Paradiso has it all, from biscotti and cannoli to its traditional gelato flavors ranging from vanilla and chocolate to hazelnut and everything in between. The al fresco tables outside make for a perfect mid-morning snack experience while people watching.