Bella Vita Ice Cream — Restaurant in Austin

⭐️ A Hidden Gem with the Most Unique & Delicious Gelato & Sherbet! ⭐️

From the moment I called ahead to confirm we could make it just ten minutes before closing, I knew this place was something special. The owner’s kindness and willingness to stay open for us set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Walking into the shop, I was immediately drawn in by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. But what truly stole the show was the incredible selection of unique flavors—many of which I had never encountered anywhere else: ube, passionfruit, tamarind, rose petals, saffron, and tropical Mexican fruit flavors. They even offered flavors inspired by alcoholic drinks! The owner generously let us sample different options to ensure we found the perfect flavors, making the experience even more enjoyable. Every scoop was an adventure and pure joy even for someone like me who doesn’t even like sweet stuff in general!!! 🤩

What sets this place apart is the thoughtful craftsmanship behind each creation. Made without heavy cream and eggs, and with significantly less sweetness than conventional American ice creams, every bite was rich, pure, and beautifully balanced. It was a refreshing change from the overly sweet, often overwhelming conventional ice creams found elsewhere.

The owner’s warmth made us feel like family, turning what could have been a simple ice cream visit into a truly heartwarming experience as they often referred to us as family. I left wishing I lived in Austin just so I could visit regularly! But one thing is certain—every time I’m in Austin, this will be my must stop.

If you go, don’t miss the ube, passionfruit, and tamarind flavors—they are simply out of this world! A must-visit for ice cream lovers!...

I walked into the ice cream parlor five minutes before opening, arriving first and holding the door open for a couple who followed behind me. This put them ahead of me as we entered, but the employee greeted us warmly at the door, which felt welcoming and set a positive tone. It was clear we were all first-time visitors, as we were all taking in the place. While the couple browsed the menu, I asked to place a quick to-go order: an affogato and a muffin. The affogato was delicious—rich espresso paired perfectly with creamy ice cream. However, the employee didn’t offer to heat my muffin, which I assumed was because it was a to-go order (I planned to heat it at home). I left a tip to support the local business and felt good about the experience initially.

Then I overheard the employee apologize to the couple for taking my order first, which really frustrated me. I had entered the shop first and was ready to order at the counter while they were still deciding. The apology made me feel like my order was an inconvenience, especially after the warm greeting, and it genuinely made me regret leaving a tip. I wondered if the muffin issue was related. It left a sour taste, despite the great affogato. I’d recommend this place for the quality of the food and initial hospitality, but I likely won’t return due to the service. I usually don’t leave reviews, but this experience annoyed me so much that I went out of my way...

This place is a gem! The environment is amazing here, super cheerful and a great place to hang out or bring the family. They have a menu item for any time of the day!

I came here for coffee initially. I tried the pumpkin spice latte and it was amazing!! They are fully equipped with a proper espresso machine and grinder, which made me very happy to see. The latte was perfect in the sense where it's strong (not watery) and not too sweet (although it can be sweet if you want!) They use the most delicious oat milk from Califia, which made me really happy!! Despite this place being known for ice cream, their coffee here really goes toe to toe with other coffee chains in the area. I'm very much looking forward to coming back and trying more coffee drinks.

The ice cream is all made in-house, and there are SO many flavors to try. Outside of that, they have tons of other popular drinks and snacks that are great for grab-and-go. They also sell cute knickknacks and cups!

Above all, the service here is phenomenal. The owner is incredibly passionate about the business and our local area. I am so excited to come back and try all the wonderful things on the menu!!

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