We all like ice-cream and frozen yogurt, but for some reason, we all just seem to love gelato. I know I can't speak for everyone when I say this, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn't like gelato. Personally, my love for gelato started when I was a little kid, when I was still too young to appreciate its quality and differentiate it from ice-cream. In time, as my palate started developing, I learned how to appreciate this famous Italian dessert, and I've never looked back.
I still haven't been to Italy, which means I haven't had gelato from its birthplace, but all good things must wait. This is why I have to find some alternative solutions, because there is no way I'll deny myself from one of my favorite desserts. Hence, I started doing some research; Vancouver has amazing places to eat, so it is only logical that I would find a good place for gelato. This is how I came across Bella Gelateria, and all I can say is that it took me back to my childhood years.
The Experience
I had the misfortune of going to Bella Gelateria on a particularly cold Vancouver night, and even though that didn't stop me from getting two cones (yeah, that's right), I think it might have been an obstacle for the friends I took with me. Regardless of the circumstances, however, I went there knowing I would have some gelato in 8˚C weather.
I ordered two double cones, but don't worry, I did not finish them myself. I ended up asking for several spoons so I could share with my friends in order not to feel completely judged for finishing two cones on my own.
The way the whole process works is like this: first, you order a cone or a cup with one, two, or three flavors at the cashiers. Then, the sweet ladies that work at the gelateria ask you if you want to try any flavors first, because let's be honest, I didn't even know that some of them could be gelato flavors. As I was browsing through my options, I spotted three of the sweetest words in the Spanish vocabulary "dulce de leche", and I was sold. South American kids will understand; we grew up eating dulce de leche in all sorts of ways, but once you leave that part of the world, it gets difficult to have it again. Hence, once I saw it, I knew in a heartbeat that I would take it. I decided to combine the "dulce de leche" with Straciatella because it just made sense, and boy, was I right!
For the second cone, I couldn't make up my mind on what to order, there were too many choices. Luckily, one of my friends had done her research, so she recommended me to order their specialty "old fashioned chocolate" with "pecan gelato with maple syrup". I genuinely loved every word in that sentence, so I decided to go for it, and I have to say I have #noragrets.
More Than Meets The Eye
I know that I've only been talking about gelato, and it's because I love it so much, but that is not the only thing this place has to offer. Bella Gelateria has two locations: one in Yaletown and one in Coal Harbour. I went to the one in Coal Harbour, and the location is small and cozy, with their specialty being gelato, coffee and other small desserts that could cause a heart attack. However, the location in Yaletown is a full-on restaurant that offers all kinds of appetizers, paninis, pizzas, and even brunch!
I know I've said wonders about this place already, but you don't have to take my word for it (although you kinda should). Why? Well, Bella Gelateria is wildly renowned internationally for its awards in the gelato industry due to its quality and innovation. Did you know that there is such a thing as a "Gelato World Tour"? Me neither, but oh well, this place has won countless awards in this magnificent tour. I'm telling you, this place is legit.
"A picture says more than a thousand words". I was very aware of this statement when I decided to include these pictures in the article, which is why I can infer that you're probably grabbing your coat and heading to Bella Gelateria right now. It really doesn't matter what flavor you order, because they're all amazing. But I do encourage you to go crazy and take some risks, surprise your palate, it will only be a delightful experience, guaranteed. I know that the next time I go there I will do two things: one, order the "banana bread" flavor with the "chocolate Belgian brownie" flavor, and two, order those two cones for myself.