Pinolo Gelato — Restaurant in Portland

I just was in here and was so excited to try it but did not have a great experience to say the least.

There was an older lady in cute vintage clothes working the counter and a younger person too.

The older lady was helping a couple ahead of me who was taking a little while and trying samples. The younger server jumps in to take my order. I ordered a Pistachio gelato Affogato. She says ok I can ring u up for that over here. So we skip ahead of the couple in front of me that is still being served by the older woman. As the younger server was ringing me up, I ask them “what’s your favorite flavor gelato to have with an Affogato? They reply, “ummmmmmmm….. hmmmm maybe the Flor de Crème (or whatever the milk flower one is). I respond, “oh yum! Is that like a vanilla flavor or the closest to vanilla you have?” They reply, “yes”! Meanwhile I’m about to hit the tip button on the screen and the older lady barks at me to move since the couple behind “has been waiting” she says! I still proceed to tip 20% since the younger person was giving me good service.

The older lady proceeds to ring up the couple behind me. I wander off looking where to stand to wait for my espresso. I find the pickup counter around the corner and wait there but I have a sour feeling in my stomach like she’s about to snap at me for standing there or something. She hands me the Affogato (with the milk flower gelato flavor) and says enjoy! I look at it and I’m like hmmm that looks very pale for pistachio gelato but I guess it’s just dark in there. Nope it was the milk flower one. The older lady was so hasty that she just heard the tail end of our conversation and assumed that’s what I ordered. It’s too bad because I was really looking forward to trying the pistachio gelato especially for $7 plus tip. I’ve been making a lot of vanilla Affogatos at home and wanted something different.

This message is for the older lady that was too hasty to give me good service today: I know customer service can suck but people are patient and if you just slow down and be kind it will all work out! Maybe take a breath and be nicer to the younger staff you hire. They deserve kindness and respect just like your customers do! I too worked 8 hours in a hot restaurant working customer service today and I was still kind to you even after you barked at me and made me say “sorry” for literally existing while I was tipping you. Ps can I please have a free pistachio Affogato...

It's terrible, unbelievable, and disappointing.......that I have to drive almost TWO hours just to enjoy this amazing place.

Seriously, Eugene needs a gelato shop that is as good as this. This may be TMI but F it. I'm lactose, and I'm willing to pay the price for this place. There, I said it.

Yes, they have dairy free options, but you know...it's not the same. They're good options though. I've sampled them before, but I just can't trade the dairy free options for a scoop of their stracciatella or hazelnut gelato. Again, that doesn't mean that they're not good. If you seriously can't have dairy, I'm sure you will be very satisfied with their delicious dairy free gelatos or, sorbetti.

Cold or hot day, it doesn't matter, Pinolo Gelato is always a good idea. I took my niece a few weeks ago when we were in Portland and she loved it just as much as my wife and I did. She lives in Las Vegas and it's still hard to find good gelato like this over there.

I give this place 5 stars. The gelato is delicious. They don't have a huge variety like other "ice cream" shops, but what they do have, is enough. I'm sure you will find something for you, and I'm sure you will go back for more.

There is usually a line, but I've been lucky to only have to wait a maximum of 5 minutes. The employees are pretty patient when you're sampling flavors. There is indoor seating and I'm pretty sure there were some chairs/benches outside as well.

If you haven't had gelato before, this is where you need to go for your first time. If you've had gelato, outside of Italy, this place should definitely...

We’ve been here a few times this summer. One of the rare spots in PDX where you can still get legit gelato after 9pm, open 7 days a week, 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Hours are accurate on Yelp and posted on their door, but the voicemail is outdated (probably too busy scooping to update it).

It’s one of the better gelato places in Portland, made fresh daily with local ingredients, including dairy-free options that still hit the sweet spot. You really can’t go wrong with their seasonal or classic flavors.

Affogato is my go-to here, especially with hazelnut or pistachio: -$6.95 for a single -$9.25 for a double

Prices are on the higher end but still reasonable: -Small (2 flavors) – $5.95 -Medium (3 flavors) – $6.95 -Large (3 flavors) – $8.50 -Pints – $13.00

Service is mostly solid. They’re generous with samples, which is appreciated, no attitude if you want to try a few. During busy rushes, though, things can get chaotic and you may get skipped if your group is unclear or staff gets flustered. Be patient!

Seating: Plenty inside. Outside, there are four small round tables on the sidewalk, two chairs each.

Parking: Free street parking in the area, but good luck finding it during peak hours or weekends.

Restroom: One stall, no toilet seat covers, and a posted sign that speaks for itself:

PLEASE RESPECT THE USE OF THIS RESTROOM. IT IS BEING PROVIDED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. DO NOT URINATE ALL OVER THE TOILET AND THE FLOOR. THANK YOU.

(Yes, that’s...