The bar has been raised for gelato. Bella Gelateria is the new boy in the Vancouver gelato world and this place is destroying the competition. If you are looking for potentially the best gelato in the world, try this place out.
When you visit Bella Gelateria be sure to talk to the owner James. He seems to always be there and he will initiate the conversation if you show interest in the gelato. This man went to Gelato University in Italy and holds a masters degree, to me he is a Rhodes Scholar of gelato if there was such a thing. His passion and love shines through in conversation and he will gladly tell you how he only sources the finest ingredients for his product. His pistachios come from Bronte, hazelnuts from Piedmonte, and sorrento lemons from California. While you may be concerned that his carbon footprint is larger than the Sasquatch, he shortens his shoe size by using local ingredients such as a Avalon Milk, Canadian Springs bottled water and local fruit straight from BC farms. I know using bottled water is hardly eco friendly but I assume that the chlorine from the tap water just doesn't cut it.
Walking in you can see two large gelato machines that look like washing machines merged with an oversized cylon head. Like with any restaurant, I am happy when I get to see what is going on behind the scenes, it is comforting to know they are confident enough to show the public what they are doing. Usually, I am happy to see that the cook is not wiping his nose but seeing the process also makes me happy. The gelato is all stored in covered stainless steel containers which help keep the gelato at its ideal temperature. I commend him for doing this, as it is definitely less appealing to the consumer however the strict temperature control definitely makes for a better product.
The pistachio was soo flavourful it forced me to come back again the next day. The blueberry was refreshing and tasted better than eating the fruit itself. And the chocolate, I usually don't ever order chocolate ice cream/gelato but this flavour was soo insane, I couldn't believe it, a perfect hit of sweetness and richness.
The double scoop runs at $5.95 which is very competitive to all the other gelato spots in Vancouver. I am surprised that he can make that price point considering that his rent must be through the roof, his ingredients must run up a bill and he has to save for the slower traffic of the winter time.
Everyone, lactose intolerant or not should make a trip down to Bella Gelateria to try this product out.
Bella Gelateria
1001 West Cordova StreetVancouver, BC
