Paola Gelato: A Sweet Escape with Exceptional Service Paola Gelato is a delightful haven for anyone craving an authentic taste of Italy, right here in Chicago. From the moment you step through the door, the inviting aroma of fresh ingredients and the vibrant display of colorful gelato beckon you into a truly charming space. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming, perfect for a quick treat or a leisurely indulgence. Without a doubt, the star of the show at Paola Gelato is the gelato itself. It is, quite simply, great gelato. Each flavor we sampled was incredibly rich, creamy, and bursting with true-to-life taste. Whether it was the intense dark chocolate, the refreshing pistachio, or a seasonal fruit sorbet, the quality shone through in every spoonful. The texture is perfectly smooth, melting exquisitely on the tongue, a true testament to traditional artisanal methods. It's clear that a lot of care and high-quality ingredients go into every batch. Beyond the delicious frozen treats, the experience is significantly enhanced by the exceptional staff. Every team member we encountered was genuinely friendly, patient, and eager to offer samples, helping us navigate the enticing array of flavors. Their enthusiasm for the product and their genuine helpfulness made the visit even more enjoyable. They were knowledgeable about the different options and quick to serve, making for a seamless and pleasant interaction. In conclusion, Paola Gelato is a must-visit. With truly great gelato that satisfies every craving and a staff that makes you feel incredibly welcome, it stands out as a top-tier spot for a...
Read moreI was debating between a one or a two star. This could be the top ranked gelato places in Chicago but will be out of business in a suburb close to Rome within 2 days. For more than $13, you’ll get an overcooked and hard cone that lacks any flavors whatsoever. And the best way that I can describe the gelato is that it tastes like it’s made from milk and cream with some sweetness but lacking any other flavors that they’re supposed to taste like. Note: nothing tastes like good quality, don’t know why they keep saying it’s natural and no additives. Not sure how it got the reviews it has.
Edit: all natural does not mean no flavor — it means either there’s not enough of that ingredient, or some cheap stuff is used that barely has any taste. The pistachio flavor barely had a hint of milk and cream and no creaminess or nuttiness from pistachios at all. I also had Trio which had chocolate and peanut butter. That one had plenty of flavors —and frankly hard to screw up and cheap to get, except it’s also sold at a ripoff price. (Trader Joe’s chocolate recipe might also be created in Europe eg Belgium? And I’m sure their cocoa beans are sourced throughout the world. Also, I’m pretty sure cocoa powder is all natural too, even if you used some). Many gelato places I had in Spain UK Italy all have all natural flavors, the moment you try it you can taste the nuts, the natural aroma and richness and no weird aftertaste. Hope future customers stay away and...
Read moreI don't normally like to put businesses down. But I am hoping this is a wake up call to this establishment to get back on track. This place used to be my go to the first year and a half they opened. There wasn't a better Gelato in the city. And some of the flavors brought me back to the memories of eating Gelato in Italy. I recently brought some family and friends this past week and I must say something has changed. Not one of us liked any of the flavors we had gotten. I had gotten the banana and nocciola. I have never had a good nocciola in the USA. Nothing holds a candle to it in italy. I thought if anyone can do it maybe paolos can. I must say it was the worst flavor I've had. The banana and the nocciola were barely flavorful. You couldn't pick the two out in a blind tasting. The pistachio you can tell was natural but left a bad aftertaste. The other flavors were just OK. I'm not sure if it's because of traffic into the shop if it's not viable to make fresh flavors daily. But I would suggest making a smaller flavor count and truly making the best and freshest flavors you can. I miss how this place used to taste. There's not many Gelato spots in the city so I would like to see...
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