Category: Misc.

Forget Ice Cream—the best Gelato Parlors in Arizona

By michaelgavin
updated 5 months ago

The old timeless saying about ice cream is totally true, we all freaking scream for some. But that old saying fails to acclimate to the more modernized version of ice cream, those being frozen custards and their likenesses. So while ice cream’s frothy, sugary and chilly aperture might make us all scream in delight for it—or because we got a headache from eating it too fast—gelato is also ice cream’s arch nemesis. When you live in a searing desert that can display scorching days of 110 degrees and hotter, cold drinks, ice cream and gelato, combined with cold air conditioning are what helps us desert dwellers survive. These are some of my favorite gelato parlors in the greater Phoenix area. Freeze on my friends!

Gelato Spot Italian Dessert

4166 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

This is one of the most popular gelato parlors in the state. They have locations just about everywhere. The one thing that I really dig about this place is how sheik and modern it is inside, while still somehow sticking true to the older-styled ice cream parlor notion. There is nothing old school about it though, once you are inside.

You can sample treats of more than twenty flavors that they display everyday. All are made fresh and from scratch, the yielding of ancient and secret (not really) Italian recipes. With tons of flavors to choose from, and several cones to select, as well as ample toppings from their topping bar, it’s hard not to make this Gelato Spot your spot.

Auntie Em's Frozen Custard

5625 W. GLENDALE AVE Glendale, AZ 85301

Auntie Em’s Frozen Custard may not look like much from the outside, but the delicious frozen custard treats they offer you on the inside will leave you committed to their frozen excellence. Their main treats consist of the combination of frozen custard, fresh berry toppings and all the fudge that you want.

Their scoops are out-of-this-world large, and just try eating a double scoop without feeling full. They have ample toppings to choose from and one can easily get iced out here for fewer than five bucks. Yup, five smackers will make your lips smack in anticipation of their great service and most importantly, their awesome frozen custards. Way to go Auntie Em!

Whole Foods Marketplace

2955 W Ray Rd Chandler, AZ 85224

Better known to most as a very large organic farmer’s marketplace, they have just about everything you could ever want, and all at one location. I am talking about the Whole Foods flagship location in Chandler, where they have a 20 flavor gelato parlor inside the front door and slightly to the left. You can sample flavors that you think you will like and they serve it fresh there, or are happy hand-pack it in all different sizes to take home. Their gelato is simply amazing, and the customer service is exquisite.

Nielsen's Frozen Custard

1942 E Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85204

While this 50’s styled frozen custard parlor is closed on Sundays, they are open the other six days of the week. Believe it or not, they call three scoops a small serving—wow! They have a wide array of excellent toppings that you can add on for a nominal charge. Their custard is very thick and always made from scratch by hand. You will receive huge portions for low prices, and excellent customer service. And yes, they have some of the best damn frozen custard in town!

Melt Gelato & Crape Cafe

4550 E Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

The most recent, and one of the fastest growing chains of gelato parlors in the state, expect to see this place become a national franchise over the next few years. This is because they also cater events, and pretty much have gotten their name around town to just about everybody and anybody who loves to freeze their lips off eating delicious gelato.

With three current locations, finding one near your area is simple, and sweet. They have more than twenty flavors on-hand on a typical business day. You are allowed free samples to assure that you get the flavor of your likening. Their recipe is trodden and true. Combining awesome flavor creations with excellent customer service and prices, and its no wonder why they are growing so freaking fast!

Angel Sweet Italian Gelato

1900 W Chandler Boulevard 24, Chandler, AZ 85224

A truly Italian feeling beckons you in the door when you swing through this home-style Italian gelato parlor in the newer part of beautiful Chandler, Arizona. The homely customer service is also very welcoming. And, they have plenty of great homemade flavors on-hand for you to sample, prior to you buying a few scoops of their sweet, frozen goodness.

Once you do get your hands wrapped around a cup of their frozen sweets, your mouth and your tummy will thank you. The only problem that I encountered when sampling their frozen fare, was that it tasted so darn good I could not stop eating it. After cramming several bites into my mouth, I suffered from a few moments of brain freeze. Only to begin the process over again once it cleared. Yum!