Gelato del Mar — Restaurant in Newport Beach

PROS Quality small batch creamy Gelato

Great classic flavors and taste

Friendly, engaging service (Don't mind the poor pic of the staff, they were friendly, I just snapped in quickly in an awkward moment)

Nice owner named Peter I think? who seemed happy I was happy to find quality gelato...Great energy and passion, which I strongly appreciate. Clearly proud (in a good way) of the quality of the Gelato (family recipes, made in small batches locally, but not exactly in house, I think he said)

Clean

Great pricing for the good serving size (some places are a few bucks more or a very small size...this is well worth the price for what you get). I got a large 3 flavor size for under $8, just over with a tip. Menu with prices posted in a photo.

Some To Go options

Rewards program

Samsung/Apple? Pay easy checkout (I used Samsung Pay and added my phone number for the reward points)

Close to great parks and beaches in the area

Free non-metered street parking, easy on a Friday night 1hr before close, but I imagine it's harder during peak hours or when business picks up

CONS No seating or WiFi or outlets...not a place to hang out or have meetings, but great for pickup orders (didn't seem to be using delivery services yet)

Poorly lit signage/hard to see, we made 2 uturns to find it

Lack luster decor (add some plants in the window and a cute well lit sign to help attract customers, I'm always on the lookout for great Gelato places and we easily drove past this, would have missed entirely had I not been looking on Google maps for Gelato in the area)

Would love to see more unique flavor options and ideally rare to find toppings like marshmallows, mochi and hard shell chocolate fudge

Would love to visually SEE the Gelato. I'm so not a fan of these silver containers. I need to SEE my options.

NOTE We shared a Pistachio (a bit rich for me and my friend wanted more texture/nut pieces, I like it creamy), Confetti (Madagascar Vanilla with Sprinkles, but I think the vanilla is better without the sprinkles) and Brownie (chocolate with Brownie chunks...I'd prefer if we're chocolate chuncks than brownies, but IF they had warm brownies to order with it that could be bliss).

Overall one of the best Gelato places in Southern California and definitely seems like the best in the area. (I'm usually more in the Los...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a hidden gem in the heart of Corona del Mar – a delightful gelato store that left my taste buds singing with joy. Nestled on a charming corner, this gelato haven proved to be a sweet escape from the ordinary.

From the moment I stepped inside, the inviting aroma of freshly churned gelato greeted me, creating an anticipation that was surpassed only by the first heavenly spoonful. The selection was a palette of flavors, each more enticing than the last. Classic favorites shared space with inventive creations that are sure to make you want to buy quarts for the road.

The texture of the gelato was sheer perfection – smooth, creamy, and luxuriously velvety. It was evident that only the finest ingredients were used, resulting in a taste that transported me straight to the streets of Italy. What struck me most was the balance of sweetness; it was just right, allowing the true essence of each flavor to shine.

The staff at this gelato store were not just purveyors of frozen delights; they were passionate ambassadors of their craft. Their recommendations were spot-on, and their enthusiasm was contagious. They took the time to explain the origin of certain ingredients and happily offered generous samples to help customers navigate the extensive flavor selection.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring Corona del Mar, this gelato haven is a must-visit. Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that transcends the ordinary and indulge in a sweet symphony for your taste buds. Gelato lovers rejoice – you've found your oasis in...

Immaculate Shop, Incredible Gelato, and the Kindest Staff

Gelato del Mar completely exceeded my expectations. The shop is incredibly clean — everything from the display case to the floor looks pristine. You can tell the owners take pride in both their gelato and their space.

I ordered the Pistachio, which was rich, creamy, and packed with real roasted flavor — absolutely delicious. The staff (who were so kind and welcoming) suggested I pair it with the Chocolate Hazelnut… and wow. A perfect pairing. The nutty warmth of the pistachio with the smooth, slightly decadent chocolate-hazelnut was next-level good.

They offered samples without hesitation and made spot-on recommendations that clearly came from real passion for what they do. Every flavor tasted fresh and true to its ingredients — no artificial aftertaste, just smooth, authentic gelato.

Whether you’re a dessert lover or just looking for a cool spot to relax, this place is a gem. Clean, friendly, and absolutely delicious. I’ll definitely be coming back — and...