GIO Gelati San Francisco

Ice cream shop · Union Street

GIO Gelati San Francisco

Ice cream shop · Union Street

3

1998 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by Patrick Wong
GIO Gelati San Francisco by Patrick Wong
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null
GIO Gelati San Francisco by null

Highlights

Chic shop serving creamy, flavorful gelato with unique California twists.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1998 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 Get directions

giogelati.com

$ · Menu

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1998 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 Get directions

+1 415 867 1306
giogelati.com
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@gio_gelati

$ · Menu

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Aug 18, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Gelato Shops in San Francisco

"This gelateria and mini-grocery store hybrid in the Marina serves ultra-smooth, mostly Italian flavors like stracciatella and tiramisu, as well as fruit-forward vegan gelato. Of course, you can get your scoops in a cup or a cone, but you could also get them stuffed inside bread. Ask for a brioche bun that’s been split wide open, and filled with a big scoop of your choice of gelato. No matter the approach, we always suggest ordering a filled-to-order cannoli on the side and grabbing a seat by the window to count how many passing dogs are wearing fitted jackets." - patrick wong, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/best-gelato-shops-san-francisco
View Postcard for GIO Gelati San Francisco
@infatuation

Gio Gelati San Francisco Review - Marina - San Francisco - The Infatuation

"This gelateria and mini-grocery store hybrid in the Marina serves ultra-smooth, mostly Italian flavors like stracciatella and tiramisu, as well as fruit-forward vegan gelato. Of course, you can get your scoops in a cup or a cone, but you could also get them stuffed inside bread. Ask for a brioche bun that’s been split wide open, and filled with a big scoop of your choice of gelato. No matter the approach, we always suggest ordering a filled-to-order cannoli on the side and grabbing a seat by the window to count how many passing dogs are wearing fitted jackets." - Patrick Wong

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/reviews/gio-gelati-san-francisco
View Postcard for GIO Gelati San Francisco
@eater

The Best Ice Cream Flavors in San Francisco - Eater SF

"For beautiful, summery Italian gelato, look no further than Gio, whose classic flavors are each wonderful expressions of their ingredients. Pistacchio might be a highlight: Simple, elegant, and packed with nutty flavor." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/maps/san-francisco-ice-cream-flavors-best-shops
View Postcard for GIO Gelati San Francisco

Carli Brunner

Google
The gelato here is absolutely amazing—so delicious with tons of flavors to choose from! We stopped by one Thursday night, and even though a big birthday party came in right at closing, Evan went out of his way to keep the place open and make sure everyone was served. He was super friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. This is hands down the best gelato spot in the Marina and definitely worth a visit!

Katia Martha

Google
Pretty good selection & they let you try samples. Very tiny inside so you’ll be lucky if you get a table. They have some milk-based and some without dairy. The passion fruit is tangy & zingy. The creamy fig was interesting.. very melty and creamy. Overall, a solid option in the area but does not get an overly enthusiastic endorsement from me- it’s competitive if you start comparing gelato and ice cream places in SF because there’s a lot of them and I’ve honestly had better elsewhere. The nice thing about this place is it’s located close to a lot of food/dinner spots so you can get dinner, walk around, and then come here for dessert.

Theodore Kramer

Google
GIO Gelati is more than just a gelato shop, it is a community staple that puts smiles on all of its customers. They are constantly innovating with their flavors, products and marketing. Pro tip: their coffee is great. I put some vanilla gelato in mine.

Donald Dunn

Google
Great gelato. Went around 9:30 pm on Saturday night. We got a table and enjoyed our dessert.

Marco Obersnel

Google
This is actually a real delicious gelateria! I must say, it's hard to find gelato this good even in Italy (and I'm Italian, you can trust me!). I love how they have traditional Italian flavours but also more local and creative ones, and every single one is worth trying. There's a wide selection of fruit flavours, creamy classics, and even vegan options, which were the real surprise for me. The guys are super friendly and happy to let you taste before you choose. I'm missing home a little less now, so thank you and see you soon!

amanda lee

Google
I was excited to try the gelato here especially because I read that they had several vegan flavors. We arrived and they did indeed have multiple vegan flavors (mostly fruity like lemon, mango, strawberry, passion fruit, plum, banana, etc. We didn't end up ordering or eating though because I noticed that many of the vegan flavors were about half liquid. I don't know why they were partially melted like that, but I really didn't look appetizing. It wasn't a warm day at all - 64 and cloudy, so it made me wonder if something wasn't right about their temperature control. I'd be willing to come back another day and try again because I know business can have an off day, but I wanted to share my experience.

SF EATS

Google
Wow. This spot has really exceeded my expectations. The fact that I almost didn’t come because I was super full from dinner.. thank god I sucked it up and ended up going. There was a young gentleman running the whole shop from offering samples, serving, and running the cash register. He definitely deserves a lot of recognition. Despite how busy it was, he was super patient and friendly. We ended up choosing the passionfruit sorbet and the pistachio. Both really took me by surprise. It tasted exactly like what you would expect passionfruit and pistachio to taste like. Nothing artificial. The passionfruit was perfectly tart. You keep wanting more after every bite. I also sampled the cappuccino gelato and it was one of the best ones I’ve had. Nothing but positive things to say!! Highly recommend! 12.28.2024 | Saturday @ 7:45pm

Mira R

Google
The real deal! I recommend the tiramisu gelato or one of their signature affogatos.
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A. M.

Yelp
I've been to Gio Gelati in San Francisco many times, and it never disappoints. They use fresh, California ingredients, including ripe and flavorful fruits, which makes their gelato taste incredibly yummy. My personal favorites are the cantaloupe, lemon, pistachio, nectarine and tiramisu flavors. The cantaloupe and the nectarine gelato is refreshing and captures the sweetness of the fruit perfectly. The lemon gelato is tangy and bright, ideal for a warm day. And the tiramisu gelato is rich and creamy, with just the right balance of coffee and cocoa flavors. Each scoop bursts with flavors, capturing the essence of the fresh produce they use. Whether you're enjoying a classic flavor or something new, the quality and taste of Gio Gelati's creations are always top-notch. Highly recommended for any gelato lover!
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Jamila S.

Yelp
I found this place on a whim. I happened to be in the area having lunch and stopped by for their vegan gelato. I had never been to a place that served vegan gelato so I was excited! Upon waiting for my turn, another patron allowed me to go in front of her because she was waiting on her friend. The server gave me a very unwelcoming look. He was not the one who helped me, but I asked the other server questions about the flavors, and he also had a very unwelcoming energy, he didn't even look at me while I asked the questions. I asked to taste the mango flavor, he did, then I asked him about another flavor because there was no signage. Anyways the flavor ended up being banana, it was delicious, so I went with that. I got a baby cone, I was not expecting the scoop of gelato to be so tiny, like an old school bouncy ball. Lol, but it was perfect for my appetite as I only wanted a small sweet treat. It was a little pricey for the tiny scoop ($4.50), but I didn't mind the price. My issue is the unwelcomed feeling I received, but then again I had just come from The Italian Homemade Company (also on Union - highly recommend) where I was treated kindly and had a very welcoming vibe. For the service alone, I would not return to this place, but hope that everyone who patronizes this business gets better service in the future.
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Cece Y.

Yelp
I just stopped by for the first time and got a Medium (3 flavors) for $11. They had so many appealing options I wasn't sure what to get, so I asked what their most popular flavors were. No need to explore further because the first three I tried were all hits! -Dark chocolate orange -Tiramisu -Fig The dark chocolate orange was my favorite. Very rich, so it's good to pair with other non-chocolate flavors to balance it out. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to finish it all and one go, so I got a cup lid also. Very friendly staff who offered samples. There are tables and chairs if you want to sit, but it's nice to ambulate down Union Street with gelato to go too.

T.k. B.

Yelp
Dessert after dinner @ The Roll. The place is small and cute, they also sell pasta and stuff I think? I liked that they also provided water, and had a bathroom. Service was nice and patient while I sampled! Sampled the lemon sorbet, passionfruit sorbet, choco orange, and dark chocolate. From what I sampled, this place is true to its flavors. The lemon and passionfruit were TANGYYY none of that "hint of fruit" and then artificial flavors n sugar biz. TRUEEE TO FLAVORS!!!! In the end we got the dark chocolate and passionfruit. Decadent chocolate, ACTUAL PASSIONFRUIT SOURNESS AND FLAVOR!!!! (because the correct way to make fruit ice cream is to make ice cream... THAT ACTUALLY TASTES LIKE THE FRUIT!!! which some places do not get for some reason) and both had greatttt texture. yep 5/5
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Nat P.

Yelp
Love coming here! The best gelato place in the area because they have the best flavors made from fresh ingredients! My favorite is stracciatella. I love the little crunch from the chocolate! I also love the passionfruit, nectarine, and cantaloupe. So fresh and so lovely, especially on a nice summer day. The service is amazing. They don't rush while you try different flavors because they just want to try what you want! Yes this may cause a long line, but everyone else will end up wanting to try different flavors anyway. It's worth the wait!
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Kelly N.

Yelp
What a sweet surprise! I had an appointment for the first time in the area and I ended up walking in the wrong direction trying to return to my car. I looked up to check the street I was on and saw a cute gelato shop on the corner. It called my name and I ended up with some of the best gelato ever. I was surprised to find that they have many dairy-free flavors. Many of them were fruit flavors when I went like kiwi, persimmon, banana, and more. I ended up getting the kiwi flavor and it tasted so fresh. They use using farm fresh ingredients. The texture is so light and I easily devoured it. I can't wait for my next appointment in the area so I can "happen" on this gelato shop again!
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Dave O.

Yelp
3.5 roundup to 4 I was looking for good ice cream shops in San Francisco when Gio GelatI popped up on my radar. They had a decent variety of gelato and I was able to sample two or three different different flavors. The pistachio I sampled was very good although I don't really care for nuts. But pistachio is a good measure to judge a gelato shop by. There was a big selection of vegan flavors as well. However, I think due to the fact that there were so many vegan flavors. There was no selection of chocolate gelato and I'm a chocolate person. Usually you can find a chocolate, a dark chocolate, and some other combinations of chocolate, but the only options they had for chocolate was Capriccio which is a mix of chocolate, hazelnut, and vanilla, and Bacio which is hazelnut and chocolate. Like I said before, I am not a fan of nuts. So I begrudgingly selected Bacio and Italian Cream as my flavors. The Italian cream was good, and there was nothing wrong with the Bacio but I just prefer a good chocolate or dark chocolate by itself. I will note that there was one empty space of gelato, which I could only imagine, held a decadent, flavorful chocolate that they ran out of. The staff was very friendly and helpful in explaining some of the different flavors.
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Aubany G.

Yelp
This place is always hoppin' and for good reason- it's fantastic. The selection is great, but the taste and texture of the gelato feel super authentic. You can taste/sample any flavor before you make up your mind, and while I love a few flavors, Pistachio will always be what I get. Service is always extremely friendly and attentive and while there is seating inside, it's always packed so don't plan on having a seat. If you're in the Marina and need a cool treat, this is your spot!
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Vivienne C.

Yelp
Honestly ice cream is so expensive it's kind of crazy. I feel like 2 scoops in a place can get you a whole pint in a grocery store and I know a lot of people don't think the ones at the supermarket are all that great but honestly Trader Joe's is awesome. Regardless got some ice cream here which was pretty expensive but I do appreciate how much creative flavors they have here. - Pistachio - I feel like the flavor profiles of this place is so strong and I loved the pistachio here. I think it's so interesting how that has been a mainstream ice cream flavor but this one was so delicious and so creamy. It didn't seem very overwhelming at the end which I appreciated - genuinely can eat a whole pint of this and would not get sick of it. - Capriccio - I didn't know this was nutella so I was pleasantly surprised but this was so delicious! The flavor profile was so intense and it felt like you were eating it straight from the jar. I wish they had some hazelnut chunks in here though. Overall, loved the flavors here and the shop was so cute. The prices were expensive so -1 star although I'm not sure how justified this is because everywhere has this price.
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Tracy R.

Yelp
Was so excited to find a well known, authentic gelato place in the Marina. With many stars and reviews, I knew I needed to stop in and try after lunch and I was not disappointed. Cheesecake (5/5) - creamy, good balance of the cheesecake flavor and the creaminess of the gelato. Tiramisu (4.5/5) - not too sweet but good flavor. Pistachio (5/5) - a must try, the flavor came through really well. They gave HUGE portions for the single scoop and I was so pleased. The store itself is adorable, filled with people but not too busy, and really cute Christmas decor. They allowed me and my friends to try as many flavors as we liked, and the man was very nice and even offering up recommendations based on the flavors we were choosing. What a gem in the marina district!
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Ojoma O.

Yelp
The Gelato is full of flavor and there are tons of options. The service is great, I was recommended the nectarine gelato which was creamy and not too sweet. Definitely recommend and worth the visit.
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Jeff W.

Yelp
Amazing house gelato! Ingredients made by Italian chefs, Guido is the best! They have vegan options, fresh organic espresso from Mr. Espresso in Oakland, gelato for dogs and a beautiful space right on cow hollow. A taste of Italy in SF and a delightful date place on the corner for a warm night or chilly evening that deserves a nice treat. I feel the small size serves well, because gelato is rich and for taste and not a massive cup is needed for satisfaction, because this gelato is so tasty! Lastly, get the affogato (espresso and vanilla or coffee gelato) your tongue and tummy will thank you! Ciao!
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James A.

Yelp
This is a wonderful place. They have delicious gelato in many fantastic and sweet flavors as well as exquisite coffee. I highly recommend!
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Jason K.

Yelp
Great gelato spot in the marina. They've got a couple of tables inside and a bench outside. The staff are super friendly and they give you free samples. We tried the salted caramel and lemon cream last weekend, and both were delicious. They also have vegan flavors if you're into that.
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Aadya V.

Yelp
Guys. this is the best gelato I have ever had - and it's not just me, I've brought every single friend, family member, acquintance, neighbor, who was willing to come, here. The one thing I will say is that they get very busy and the shop is small, which sometimes reflects on how the staff interact with customers. I do understand, though, and it's all worth it for the quality, flavors, and freshness of this gelato. Can we talk about the texture? The gelato here does not scoop, it is dolloped because of how creamy and smooth it is. I always get the capriccio (chocolate + hazelnut swirls), the milk and figs, or the passionfruit. The fruit flavors are always fresh, and sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll find a few chunks of fruit in the gelato. The milk and figs is particularly memorable and the milkiness of this gelato has altered my brain chemistry. Even the simplest of flavors have the biggest impact at GIO! Please try it out and give this small business some love!
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Patricia D.

Yelp
I waited in line for 15 minutes, thinking this must be good since it's so busy, except when I got inside I could see basically all of the flavors were melting. The women in front of me asked "are they always this melted?", and the person scooping said "no, I think it's because it's so hot in here". Uh, something seems terribly wrong, as it's currently 61F outside. I'm not paying $7.50 + tax & tip for melted gelato on a mild day. I bailed.
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Corina L.

Yelp
The first thing I noticed about this place when I walked in was how warm and toasty it was, which I very much appreciated since it was cold and windy outside. It made indulging in gelato a pleasant experience regardless of the weather. I sampled the vegan passion fruit gelato and then ordered a scoop of it in a small waffle cone. I wanted the vegan vainilla to pair with the passion fruit, but the staff informed me it was mislabeled and unfortunately wasn't vegan. I didn't have any lactase tablets on me, so I stuck with the safe option. There's not much seating inside because it's a small establishment, but eventually, a couple of tall chairs at the window bar opened up. This place is super cute and cozy and conveniently located next to several restaurants and stores. It's a great place to stop by for dessert!
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Jacquelyn C.

Yelp
Super good gelato place with plenty of options for everyone. This place has a cute storefront and interior, with super friendly staff. Lots of dairy free, gluten free, vegan options. Also lots of variety in the flavors ranging from your average vanilla to a unique sour cherry crunch. I got the strawberry and guava. The strawberry was super good without an intense artificial taste some places have. The guava was surprisingly even better, with some little seeds for a texture I enjoyed. Both were so creamy and soft and melted in my mouth. Didn't feel 5 pounds heavier after eating this too! Very refreshing and light.
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Maxine L.

Yelp
Super cute gelato spot with a nice variety of flavors and friendly service. The gelato is nice and creamy, pretty sweet, but has a good flavor. The matcha and hazelnut flavors were good together too. They also load up the small cup with gelato which I appreciate!
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Bally L.

Yelp
We were craving some gelato after dinner and this spot was opened across the street. It was staffed by a single employee who looked like he wanted to go home which is valid considering we came in 10 minutes before closing. He let us sample a flavor and we ended up choosing the mango and passionfruit sorbet in a kid's cup. The mango was super smooth and creamy; in contrast, the passionfruit was very tart, but still good! They also offer a number of other sorbets and gelato. There's a couple of tables inside and a bench outside. If you're looking for a quick dessert after a meal, this is the spot to go to!
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kristin h.

Yelp
The pistachio and hazelnut combo was delicious. A little pricey but worth it. Creamy and natural tasting.
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Adrian L.

Yelp
My wife and I just finished dinner at Wildseed and we're in the mood for dessert. While enjoying the Union Street neighborhood, my wife noticed this gelati place and the Yelp reviews were awesome. We were greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable person. I thought about getting the cappuccino one but decided otherwise when he told me about the espresso infusion. It was late and I didn't want to be caffeine wired. I opted for the tiramisu and it was great. My wife had the vegan mango and she said it was like having a fresh mango from Hawaii. We will definitely be back to try more flavors.
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Leeann C.

Yelp
Was so much fun to be at Gio yesterday when the owners daughter surprised him. Great Family business.
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Yunjin K.

Yelp
The best gelato! All of their cream based flavors are so rich and their sorbet are just amazing. I love they have plenty of vegan option as well. My husband has lactose intolerance, but he can still enjoy their gelato no problem! I now live in LA, but still would comeback to SF for this gelato
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Tom N.

Yelp
Absolutely the best gelato around and excellent customer service from Jessie. On a Crowded night he facilitated a sample for everyone in my party and filled our order with a smile - pro tip! There are some extra flavors that aren't on display so always ask whoever is helping you! I got cheesecake and dark chocolate and we ate inside. Perfect cute vibes with relaxing music. Perfect date spot after dinner on Union! Always gelato with a Smile :)
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Sheena B.

Yelp
I ALWAYS come here when I'm in the area because it's one the best gelaterias in the city!! I love all the flavors they have and it's all natural, no artificial flavoring! The consistency is so smooth and creamy, some of my personal favorite flavors are pistachio, tiramisu, and hazelnut. They allow you to sample the flavors before choosing which I appreciate. Their customer service is always friendly and they also have tables inside to enjoy your gelato. IG: girlseatbayarea
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Alexander H.

Yelp
Really small portion of ice cream which wasn't even that good. Would not come here again for affogato.
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Sophia C.

Yelp
Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5 Food 5/5 YOM! A gelato place I consider a go to spot. Nothing to complain about for service and ambiance. Gelato is solid and they have a great variety of flavors, including non-dairy options. It's located in Cow Hollow on a corner so it's a cute and quick dessert spot.
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Ricky K.

Yelp
Really really good! I came here spontaneously after a workout, and this was such a good treat to come to. I love the texture of gelato and here they have plenty of unique flavors to choose from. I was in a citrusy mood, so I got a trio of flavors! For a small cup, you get a duo of flavors. I really wanted the blood orange but they were basically out, with just the scraps of ice cream left. But my server was so nice and she basically scooped whatever was left in the tub and just topped my duo ice cream with the flavors instead. On top of the blood orange, I got the grapefruit (which I loved), and the navel orange. The blood orange was delicious. That's actually the first time I ever seen that as a flavor before too. You can basically sample whatever you want beforehand as well. But overall, this was a great place to grab some gelato and I would love to come back again!
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C D.

Yelp
I wrote a bad review of this place, then I took it down when they refunded me ... yet an hour later I was still pissed off because they blamed me. So all right, here I am again to let them know that everyone has a story. I was coming back from physical therapy. Very painful today. I had neck surgery last month. Decided to stop for gelato, take it home, pop a painkiller and enjoy it in my comfortable chair. Maybe a large cup of gelato, then I'd have some for tomorrow, which I'm celebrating for personal reasons. I don't eat gelato that often. That's why I'm in here getting a large single serving to eat over the course of a three-day weekend rather than investing in a pint which is likely to sit in my freezer door until the top is all cracked. It's an occasion. I did this last March, right after my surgery. Stopped here with my friend who was taking care of me afterwards. She got a huge waffle cone thing and I got a small vegan passion fruit sorbet. In a to-go cup, which was still in my freezer last I looked because I've been eating it a couple spoonfuls at a time because I'm old and diabetic and that's how I roll. And Gio Gelati had, at that time, to go cups with little clear plastic tops. Two months later. Suddenly they no longer have to-go cups. Dude puts it in a regular cup with no lid. Puts another cup on top. It kind of fits. Put that in a paper bag. I'm only going home, which is three blocks away. Lived there for many years. This paper bag makes it two blocks before it completely fails, dumping all the gelato out onto the sidewalk. Getting plenty of it on my clothes and on the other stuff I was carrying as it descended. Fantastic. Now I'm not only in pain, I'm covered with melted gelato. I'll be the first to admit I have a temper, so after I got home, and cleaned up, and took my painkillers, and pitched the passion fruit sorbet that was still in my freezer in the trash (out of spite), I wrote a small one-star review, as well as complained at length on the receipt. The owner immediately contacted me and gave me a refund upon learning I was unhappy. That was sweet of him. But then he did one other thing. He said it was my fault for having only a cup of gelato instead of investing in a pint. So I suppose this is not a gelato place for people like me, just for tourists who want to snarf down some sugar on the premises. Which is weird because I've been taking tourists there for years, just like I did in March. From now on I think I will be taking them to Ghiradelli, or maybe to Ben and Jerry's in the Haight, or the awesome place at Japantown, or practically anywhere else that will give me a GD MF SOB single serving of frozen dessert that I may remove to my home to eat at my leisure. My painkillers are finally working. PT was particularly brutal today. In another dimension GIo Gelati had a good supply of to-go cups and was able to say "sure lady, here's your sugary dessert" (like they did in March) and I didn't have to spend half an hour cleaning melted gelato off my shit without even being able to eat any, and went home and did some self-soothing until my Irish rage calmed down. In this one, they get a bad review, and now I shall go take the rest of it out on some hapless videogame opponents.
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Micah G.

Yelp
Stopped in for some gelato with my partner, we both got the Milk and Caramelized Figs gelato, one in a cone and the other in a cup. Truthfully, it was delicious- so creamy and smooth. The staff were very friendly and helpful! Only taking away a star due to the portion size compared to the prices, but the product itself is excellent, so based on that and the location, it does make sense.
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Megan C.

Yelp
They had a lot of vegan flavors which was really nice! But there wasn't a lot of seating indoors - there was a large group taking most of the chairs. The staff was very friendly and offered samples of the flavors which was super helpful. We got the milk and figs & salted caramel (kids sizes - $6 each) Milk and Figs: Such an interesting combo which was delicious! Wished there was a bit more fig taste to it though. Salted Caramel: A classic! Nice and sweet, and the chunks of caramel were so yummy! Checked in on Yelp and got a free espresso! A bit pricy for being the kid's size scoop, but they did give a decent amount. Would come back, but wouldn't go out of my way.
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Jason F.

Yelp
When walking around the trendy Union Street in San Francisco's Cow Hollow neighborhood, seeing GIO Gelati is like a beacon of light, especially on a warm sunny day in the city. Located on the corner of Union and Buchanan Streets, the GIO in GIO Gelati stands for "Gelato Italiano Originale" and their goal is to create the perfect gelato, thanks to the handcrafted all-natural and locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients they use for every scoop they sell. Not a day or night goes by, in the busy thoroughfare that is Union Street where there isn't a line out the door of GIO Gelati, as fans throughout the city come far and wide to try their rich unique flavor combinations. What brought myself and a group of friends here on a warm weekend afternoon was a little desire to go shopping in the trendy neighborhood, and the desire to satiate our sweet tooth's while we were there, and with little to no competition around, no wonder they remain so popular. There was a line out the door of people waiting to order their scoops of gelato, but I have to admit the team managed to move rapidly and smoothly enough that the wait was not long at all. The variety of flavors of gelatos that GIO Gelati sells includes your standard Vanilla, Pistachio, Salted Caramel and Milk & Figs, plus they have a number of unique vegan flavors including Banana, Kiwi and Lemon. After sampling a number of favorites including both their Espresso and Cappuccino, there was something about their Tiramisu that kept calling my name, and thankfully I wasn't disappointed as a cup of their single, which was small in size but mighty in flavor thanks to the extra ladyfinger piece that was added to the top of my cup, which made things not only festive in appearance but managed to break up the monotony of what normally is a cup of basically Italian ice cream. Others in my party ordered a cup of the Espresso and their Strawberry and everyone really seemed to be satisfied with their purchases that enjoying their delectable gelatos in our cups as we sat on two benches that they conveniently had in the front of their storefront that had open windows to allow sunlight and fresh air to come through the interior of their gelato shop. Beyond coffee drinks, they even have baked goods and chocolate covered gelato popsicles that resemble pieces of artwork for sale, so obviously a return visit will always be in order for GIO Gelato - San Francisco, as they are one of the few restaurants exclusively dedicated to serving up dessert in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, which is a surprise considering all of the happening nightlife and activity that constantly goes on here. Now are they the most affordable place for your traditional dessert? That's debatable, but their price for a small cup being about 6 dollars is, for the most part, comparable to the neighborhood in which they are serving up their treats. When I checked in on Yelp, they had a deal for a complimentary espresso with a 10 dollar purchase and after presenting the check-in deal to their staff, they looked at me dumbfounded, so I would suggest that they update that check-in deal moving forward or at least stop promoting giving Yelp reviews at their counter area, when quite frankly there is no rush to do so. Nevertheless, GIO Gelato provides a nice respite with all of the traditional trappings of a street and neighborhood in full business mode, with shoppers, families, and exercise enthusiasts all out and about, making for a wonderful stop for all to enjoy every once in a while.
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Catherine B.

Yelp
GIO is a cute gelato shop in a peaceful neighborhood with lots of sweet, fruity, and vegan flavors to choose from. You can try some of the flavors before buying which is a great bonus. I loved the combination of sour cherry chip, capriccio (chocolate swirl), and the very tart passion fruit flavors. Milk and fig was also very sweet and unique. I sampled kiwi and it didn't have a strong flavor. Overall, great dessert in a great location if you're in the area!

Ying Jung C.

Yelp
Too many options and too much fun in trying out different flavors and making decisions. Staff is friendly and patiently, watching me struggling to make decisions. ;)
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Norases V.

Yelp
The passionfruit was amazing! Tart and tastes like passionfruit. Kiwi and raspberry sorbets were amazing as well. All really tastes like the fruits with real kiwi seeds and raspberry pulps. $10 for medium which is big enough to share. Will come back to try the hazelnut one!
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Navila H.

Yelp
Top 5 Spot for Gelato in SF! Location Right on the corner of Union St in the marina, this location is easy to access both by bus and car! Ambiance Casual, trendy Italian with bar seating lining the windows. Service Super friendly and fast, she let us try all the flavors we were curious about: the sour cherry chip and all chocolates with different levels of hazelnut. Food I always love a simple vanilla after a large meal so that's what I went with. My friend went with a split scoop of one of the chocolate ones. Will definitely come back for another ice cream craving!
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Ajay K.

Yelp
Had to stop here for dessert after a meal of spicy dumplings and Gio did not disappoint! We got the medium size to try 3 flavors (pistachio, gianduja, sour cherry): each flavor was excellent - rich and creamy. The staff was also friendly and let us try multiple flavors before we made our choice. The portions are also generous: we could only finish half in one setting and managed to get home in time to save the rest for later!
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Christen D.

Yelp
My mother-in-law kept pushing for another gelato place as it was closest to her hotel but I insisted on trying GIO as I have heard many great things about it from my coworkers and friends! I'm so happy we made the drive over. It was very worth it! I got chocolate and pistachio in a cone. My MIL got the coffee flavor (I can't remember if it was cappuccino or macchiato - either way, it was DELICIOUS!). The consistency was very creamy and just right. Not too soft, not too thick, and definitely lots and lots of flavor! Highly recommend!
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David M.

Yelp
Hey, when is toasted almond coming back? The picture is me being sad that toasted almond isn't back :(
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Nicole T.

Yelp
Most importantly they have a restroom Gelato cool and refreshing hit the spot And definitely yummy
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erika e.

Yelp
Plain vanilla is always my go to. So delicious! Outdoor seating available. Friendly staff.
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M T.

Yelp
First time here and got a large cup with 4 flavors. Their Pistachio is THE best pistachio gelato I've ever had! So is the salted caramel, and I've been to Italy and other Little Italys in the country. Will definitely be back!
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Luke W.

Yelp
This is one special spot, dripping full of flavored Italian ice cream both originals for the purists, and great options for the dairy free crowd. Us five guys noticed higher prices than our home Midwest town but no less friendly staff. The atmosphere is fun and easy to hang around, extra special bathrooms too. I found the cappuccino a bit stale but the milk and figs made up for it. It would do well to see discounts on the older options that need a quick home! The others enjoyed their orders too quick; we were all thankful to get a good end to our Saturday of seeing the city and making up for a dull and below average dinner experience down the block at the Brazen Head. GIO won out for the day!
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Samantha L.

Yelp
Flavor: bacio (chocolate with hazelnut chips) They have lots of non-dairy options available. I heard must try is the coffee flavor.
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Karlee J.

Yelp
The best gelato in SF. We get a pint now instead of scoops because it's our favorite. The capriccio is the best. Also love passionfruit if you want something fruity
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Greg G.

Yelp
Ah, amazing gelato (though they're always out of strawberry) - though the staff can be alright at times. Like one time, we came 15 minutes before close, and they locked the door already and just ignored everyone who knocked. I'm not sure if we were being rude by coming 15 minutes before, but we figured it was gelato and not like, cooking an entree. Anyhow, the quality here is really high - and you can often expect lines here. The gelato reminds of the stuff in Europe - though definitely more expensive here, it's also a lot more convenient than flying to Italy or Slovenia haha. Strawberry is my favorite but in the past times (like 2 years), they've never had it because it's out of stock or out of season. Honestly, it's the main flavor I get so I usually just opt out if they don't have it - but my friends usually grab a smattering of others like hazelnut, pistachio, etc. Overall, really great dessert place if you're in the area!
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Elizabeth N.

Yelp
Cute little Gelato shop in the Marina! Situated on a busy pedestrian corner, it was perfect for an after-brunch, mid-afternoon treat when the smell of fresh-baked sugar cones originally drew us to this shop. The place is small, and there was a long line out the door when we arrived. When we got up to the counter, there were several servers helping the line move along and they let us sample the flavors we were interested in. They had a variety of different flavors from popular Italian ones that included Italian Expresso and Cremino (an Italian chocolate sweet), to fresh seasonal flavors including plum, strawberry, and hazelnut. We ended up going with Hazelnut and Pistachio split, both great choices. The gelato actually tasted like the fresh ingredients and not overly sweet. They sell the gelatos by the pint and other goods, including jams and creams, candy and chocolates, Italian coffee, and even dog treats. Cute little shop to stop by if you find yourself wandering the Marina on the weekend.
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Oren L.

Yelp
Seriously mediocre gelato. 4 of us got small cups with two flavors and we all agreed we couldn't taste a difference between the flavors. They didn't have that smooth mouth feel expected from gelato; more like play-dough. We thought we'd try something new instead of Loving Cup down the street and regretted it. Shoutout to the kid behind the counter doing everything by himself. We felt bad for him. I hope he gets some help or finds a place that would staff up better so he doesn't drown.