A Little Gelato and Bakery and The Olive Wagon — Restaurant in Durham

If I could give this place an extra star I would. I found this location on a whim looking for ice cream near my partner's workplace, which was a very happy coincidence. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but the interior is nice and homey, with all of their goods clearly displayed. The gelato is the best I have ever had, but a little gelato is so much more than the gelato. Aside from their namesake, they offer a variety of pastries and cakes including tiramisu, cheesecake, and various Italian desserts and some quiches, all handmade. The staff was all friendly, welcoming and more than happy to answer any and all questions, as well as provide samples of not only the gelato but also the tiramisu and cheesecake. I was lucky enough to catch one of the owners, which is when I was able to confirm that all of their products are made from scratch (but the quality was proof enough even before the discussion). Some of the items are a little pricey, but they are all more than worth the quality and care put into them, so I have no issue paying as much as they ask (I am usually pretty cheap with food and balk at high prices). There is a small discount when using cash, so I would recommend getting some cash before visiting. Overall, possibly my favorite location in the area, and I hope to go there regularly and eventually try all that they have to offer. If the owners see this review, you guys are awesome and deserve any and all success that comes your way.

TLDR: if you have the time, visit this place. It is freaking amazing and has the best...

Seriously Authentic [go to the back of building]

Highly probable best gelato, so far, in Durham, NC. Additional Special flavors always missing from selections but so un-secretly widely-accepted, they might as well be Key flavors. And are here.

Since I am more of a traveling pastry taster. their desserts, are Excellent. Worth the choice. Highly Authentic Italian….possibly to a “fault.” Every ingredient is so relevantly added, you know exactly what you are eating. In a ‘like the old-days’ way). To the point it could actually throw you off if you are expecting the normality of lazy. Hopefully, they can keep the standard as high as they aim at a reasonable price as time go’s on.

Best Pastry visits in Central NC so far

#1 Boulted Bread (Raleigh) #2 Kim’s Bake Shop (Hillsborough) #3 A couple tie but I’ll place A Little Gelato, to be seen, here just based on effort for the Authenticity of their craft.

(Atmosphere would be 5 stars but as a no-seating spot, I have to take one as all the others)

[additional notes: There is a dessert spot next door with great selections, however after I went inside their first, and decided to put my money in the business I feel has...

Their pistachio gelato was so incredible- color was a gorgeous muted green, texture was unbelievably smooth, and the pistachio flavor was so pure. We were poached for samples walking out of La Racette (also an amazing dessert business next door) to try the tiramisu and cheesecake- both were decent but the gelato was the star to me. Ken, the owner, was so friendly and lovely in explaining the process of gelato making! It is never frozen- meaning ice crystals do not have a chance to form.

They also sell savory pastries; honestly with the quality of desserts, not sure if they even need additional goods. But they looked gorgeous also!

I can’t wait to return...