The 7 Best Places To Get Gelato Outside Of Italy Are In Illinois And They're Amazing
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published April 16, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
You’re about to have a new favorite dairy treat. Instead of your typical ice cream stand, check out one of these seven epic gelato cafes in Illinois. Most are located in the northeast region of the state, but they’re totally worth the trip.
Gelato is similar to ice cream but is more milk than cream based. It also contains no egg yolks (typical in ice cream) and is slowly churned to let in less air for a denser texture. Sound good? Scroll on for the best places in Illinois to try some.
1. Manny's Gelato and Cafe, 11808 Main Street in Huntley.
This sophisticated cafe opened in early 2017. It serves gelato that is freshly made every day, and there are always 22 different flavors on display to please any taste, whether traditional or unique. The cafe also serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
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2. FRIO Gelato, 3721 N Southport Avenue in Chicago and 1301 Chicago Avenue in Evanston.
Opening in 2013, this fantastic cafe specializes in Argentina-style treats. The shop has more than two dozen flavors for patrons to choose from like dulce de leche, banana, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip. There are also a few sorbet options.
3. Massa Cafe, 7434 W North Avenue in Elmwood Park.
This is one of the most popular gelato cafes in Illinois as it was previously featured on the Food Network. The sweet treat is made in-house on a daily basis, and the cafe also serves lunch and dinner items.
4. Caffe Gelato, 2034 W Division Street in Chicago.
You'll have to make your way into the West Town neighborhood of Chicago for this frozen dairy delight. Made fresh daily from fruits, nuts, and imported goods from Italy, the gelato here comes in more than 20 different flavors like pistachio, coconut, and chocolate hazelnut.
You'll find this chain in several states around the country, and there are several in Illinois. Naperville, Highland Park, and Chicago are all home to one of these amazing gelato cafes, giving you ample opportunity to try it. Each store offers a wealth of flavors that change throughout the season.
6. Black Dog Gelato, 859 N Damen Avenue in Chicago.
Another Chicago delicacy, this place is worth a stop on your next trip into the city. The cafe sells gelato sheet cakes, sundaes, mini donut sandwiches, and more that you just have to stop in to see. Gelato flavors range from chocolate to espresso chip to blackberry passionfruit.
7. Zarlengo's Italian Ice & Gelato, 257 W Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights.
In operation since 1983, this is certainly one of the oldest and best-loved gelato cafes in the state. Gelato flavors include traditional tastes like fruits and nuts, as well as premium flavors like cannoli, honey vanilla, and bananas foster. The cafe also serves Italian Ice in many delicious fruit flavors.
