Momento Gelato and Coffee

On May 14, 2026, a local near Michigan Central Station recommended an ice cream spot to me. Craving something sweet, my friends and I made our way over, only to arrive right at closing time. As we approached the entrance, co-owner Ruth kindly gestured that they were closed—but then opened the door just to hear us out. We explained that we had come based on a local’s recommendation and fully understood that we’d have to return another time. Moved by our story, Ruth invited us inside to at least say hello to her husband Tom, the other co-owner. We stepped in, just to show appreciation and let them know we’d respect their hours and be back. To our surprise, Ruth and Tom generously offered each of us a scoop of ice cream—letting us choose our flavors—and welcomed us with warm, genuine conversation. We talked about Detroit, the auto industry, Michigan Central Station, and more. It wasn’t just the dessert that made the visit special, but the hospitality and human connection they shared. Their kindness and the overall experience were truly remarkable. Ruth and Tom embody what it means to go above and beyond for their customers. I look forward to bringing others back to enjoy not only the delicious ice cream but also the cozy, inviting atmosphere they’ve created. The shop is family-friendly, with plenty of nearby parking, a clean and bright interior filled with natural light, and a welcoming space perfect for relaxing, meeting neighbors, or playing games together. Tom and Ruth are outstanding people, and their shop is a true gem in the neighborhood. I highly recommend visiting and enjoying everything they have to offer.

My husband & I came across this little gem one day while we were exploring Detroit. We stopped by for a refreshing lemonade and a sweet treat. Momento hands down has the best pistachio cannolis around. We talked about how delicious they were days later 😆. The staff were very friendly! The establishment itself is so charming inside and out. Highly recommended checking them out!

One of the best pistachio gelato I’ve had in Detroit. I got the pistachio and the dark chocolate. Both were great. The place is also cozy and nice. There are indoor and outdoor areas for hanging out. Highly recommend this place.

Here’s why you’ll love it: Gelato Excellence: Their gelato is made from scratch, and the commitment to quality shines through. Try the pistachio—it’s creamy and flavorful. Coffee Variety: The full-menu coffeehouse offers an array of flavors, including chocolate chip and Sumatra. Pair it with a baked good for a delightful experience. Friendly Atmosphere: The staff is accommodating and creates a positive vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or enjoying a leisurely dessert, they make you feel welcome. Hours: Momento is open daily, with extended hours on weekends. You can swing by from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM1. Remember, gelato and coffee are a match made in heaven, and Momento nails it! 😊👌

This place is on our Rover route so I'm doomed to become a regular. Great coffee and friendly staff.. also beer sandwichs and gelato. Relaxing room to sit in.

Affogato was wonderful. The kids had gelato and enjoyed it, grabbed a cannoli to go. Fantastic

I would give it a 3.5. High marks for the Gelato (we ordered a flight and chose: hazelnut, pistachio, buttered pecan, and peppermint bark), and zero stars because the flight was listed at $16.99, but we were charged $20. We asked, and were simply told the digital display hadn't been updated. It was worth the extra 18%, but this is shoddy treatment. Probably illegal, too. UPDATE - MESSAGE TO MANAGEMENT: Thank you for your reply. I appreciate that you're looking into the pricing discrepancy. However, I do hope this is more than just an internal review—customers should not be charged more than what’s displayed. I would recommend updating the digital display immediately and issuing partial refunds when overcharges like this occur. Transparency and accountability go a long way in customer trust. Thank you again for acknowledging the issue.

They didn’t have much of a variety on a Saturday night…. Kind of strange. I got the coffee gelato and it wasn’t very good. After a couple of mouth fulls, it was too rich. I wish they had a classic chocolate or vanilla, or really any classic flavor. I am surprised they are rated so highly - maybe if they had other flavors it would be better? The person behind the counter was quiet and didn’t give us a welcoming impression either. Idk, the whole experience was weird. I won’t be back.

Made several visits to get gelato while in Detroit and this place was super convient to where we were staying in Corktown. Service was always great and there were slight variations to the flavors offered. The gelato was always creamy and good and a staple flavor for me on each visit was pistachio. I also tried other flavors that we rely good also - chocolate, butter pecan and Michigan strawberry. Coffee, tea and baked goods are also available. Seating inside is limited but there are a number of tables the adjacent area and outside.

This is a perfect date night spot if you're looking for high quality and delicious gelato. I have been here twice and I am always impressed with the handcrafted flavors they have. The gelato is not overly sweet and you can tell that it is made with love. I highly recommend getting a flight, if I recall correctly, it's around $9 and perfect for sharing. The staff is always friendly and more than happy to let you sample the flavors before choosing. I will definitely be returning soon! Check out my Instagram for more @hangry_detroiter

I do appreciate trying to bring some authentic gelato to Detroit. The space is really cute. There is a fun counter with stools to sit on one side then a small room with tables and places to glance out of the window while studying or socializing with friends. There is a small case with baked goods, the almond cake with a scoop of gelato did sound very tempting and they offered a nice coffee drink selection. The server was helpful and cheery, told us all about the product and offered tastes before we decided. Overall a very positive experience. There was also a nice small steam of customers which is good. Personally though, I am not sure why the gelato was not displayed like your typical style where it is laid out in the case in a rectangular bin with the toppings to show the different flavors. It cannot be because they do not do that in Europe, because that is the traditional way to display gelato there and most other places. The ice cream was good but had some icy spots and did not have any chunks from the toppings.

So great when you can get authentic gelato in Detroit! The pistachio is amazing, as well as the other flavors. Always a great spot to hit up while downtown. Get some affogato and have a good time in Detroit!

I've been craving good gelato since Italy and this hit the spot! They have a great flavor selection. The gelato is creamy and tastes so fresh. The texture was a bit different from gelato I've had from Italy and was melting quite quickly. They sell pints to take on the go and some baked goods. They have a nice indoor and outdoor seating area.

Place is just amazing when you walk it, friendly service, wife and I have gone there for date night treats and it never disappoints, some original flavors made in house that are just amazing.

I know there's inflation and I don't eat gelato frequently but this seemed quite expensive. All the flavors we got were delicious though. I'd go back to try more but it really has to be a special reason why.

This place was so good and the staff was so friendly! I got the dairy free toasted coconut and it was so rich and creamy. It paired perfectly with an americano. They surprisingly had a lot of seating inside and they even had a sign up for trivia on Wednesday nights. I'll definitely be coming back all summer.

The gelato here is very tasty, and it's such a welcome addition to the Detroit dining scene. But I have to say above that, the staff here was beyond friendly. Just incredibly personable, helpful, eager to offer up any samples we wanted. With the downtown dining scene, the service is very hit or miss. There are a lot of apathetic, and/or disaffected hipsters that seem pained to be there. And I know how awful being in the service industry can be; as that was my job for many years. But I still think it's better to air on the side of friendly and polite, especially in a tip-based position. And this is something that's been fomenting for years, long before the pandemic. But they have a great staff here, and it was just a fun and nice experience overall. Which is what going out for gelato should be.

I found this place in a seemingly rebuilding neighborhood amongst a surprisingly scant Detroit dessert scene. They have a substantial indoor and outdoor space to sit for a while. Their main attraction is gelato, but some pastries and paninis are available, and their coffee operation fairly extensive as well. The gelato was packed away where you couldn't see it, which makes things a bit tough as desserts are sold on appearance, but doing that preserves the flavor better than having an open display, and speaks of their commitment to quality. I wasn't thrilled with the flavor selection, which had basics like chocolate, pistachio, and caramel, but no mint and nothing especially creative. The most interesting one was a chocolate chip coffee flavor, which I sampled and bought with my other flavors. They had a respectable sorbetto selection for those wishing to avoid dairy. The gelato was quality stuff, though it starting melting quickly on an unseasonably warm day. The price was quite high, the selection not quite what I was hoping for, but if they're new here I think they have a chance to do well.

I withheld a star only because I went looking for their watermelon sorbet & it wasn't on the menu. SUPER friendly service!

We came here for the gelato they were nice and gave us lots of samples I had the Michigan fresh strawberry it was wonderful! Cute little place that also serves coffee drinks, sandwiches, and a few pastries.

Dropped by quickly for an iced coffee after having brunch down the street. The kids loved the gelato.

I love Momento! Right in the heart of Corktown, Momento stands out as the only gelato shop in the city and definitely one of the most flavorful gelatos. They have the typical chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and dive into the Italian flavors as well. And no worries if you're lactose-intolerant because their fruit sorbets are delicious and refreshing all the same. Although the inside of Momento is small, they have an outdoor patio that lines the alleyway outside and creates an amazing summer vibe. Be sure to check out Momento for your next gelato fix, and yes even in the winter it hits the spot!

I think this place deserves a 5 star rating because it's not often I get to have homemade gelato. The gelato is really tasty and creamy. Actually some of the best I've had. I'm so glad that they dont display it to the open air and that it's safe and contained air germ free!! Had the dark chocolate and added the hazelnut. All you really need is a small it's so rich and satisfying!! I think I've found my favorite spot for dessert !! Very well made indeed.

From the outside, this place looks a bit plain. It's one of these storefronts in a mixed use development next to the ballpark. It doesn't have that cool edgy hipster feel if that's what you're looking for. But, this place has its core values right. The staff is friendly and helpful. They make you feel like they actually want you to come in and eat at their establishment. The ice tea is refreshing with a taste of lemon. Lots of ice. The beef barley soup was outstanding. All the beef bits were boiled enough to be soft and unctuous. There were even bits of fat and collagen that had been slow cooked into a really delicious soup. There is a nice gallery wall of important people to Detroit - Charles Wright Gordie Howe Joe Louis Henry Ford. Grace Lee Boggs. This must be the momento part of the coffee shop. I was only visiting from out of town but I could see myself coming back here again and again.

So I'm a regular now!!! As a matter of fact I've self proclaimed myself the best customer ever. This visit I literally had my favorite cup of coffee, ever!!

Excellent gelato & coffee! What a lovely surprise! We had mango, strawberry, amaretto cherry, & hazelnut. We will definitely be back!

This just may be our new favorite spot! They even have a gelato flight of four flavors!

Salted caramel?.. Yes, please!! The staff here are kind, swift, and generous. Sample away, until you fall in love, as I did. Also, it's a great location, with quick freeway access after a meal and this dessert in Corktown.

Asia's high quality friendly service is the reason: 1) I leave my house, and 2) eat dairy products again. Asia is really knowledgeable about the flavors and ingredients of all the products and makes awesome recommendations.

First time visiting last night! Awesome treats in a great building. The entire family enjoyed our gelato. Another great addition to Corktown!

Never noticed this place before but it's "newer". The staff seem friendly but had to ask if the Americanos he ordered at 7:40am are "hot right?" The price for a Momento breakfast sandwich isn't listed and $8.85. A bit steep considering it had only one egg. The lemon scone tasted old/freezer burned after they heated it up in the microwave--which did it no justice. Should have gone into an actual oven but never microwave. And no prices and labels of items aren't on stands so you have no idea what this stuff is. Pastries look dry and stale. Maybe the gelato is better but I'm not tempted to try it from this experience and knowing there is Tolenti (which is good) and cheaper.

By far the best gelato in town. Very promising affogato. Service is usually good. They play a lot of early 2000s top 40 music (not my fave but gelato is worth it) and there is ample seating.

"DELICIOUS strawberry gelato". Although parking is a problem. So plan on a bit of a walk

Such a cute coffee spot! Came here after dinner with a couple of friends who had been here before. We were debating getting affogatos but after having a pretty filling dinner we settled on just getting some lattes. I ordered a hazelnut latte with oatmilk which was quite good. A little on the sweet side for me so next time I would probably ask for less syrup, but otherwise a pretty solid latte! The staff there was very friendly and offered a few suggestions which helped us make our choices. Definitely looking forward to coming back again to try an affogato or just some gelato on its own.

Best gelato I ever had-nice building and location too. Loved the lemon and strawberry

A nice addition to the Corktown neighborhood. The gelato is really tasty and creamy. The service was helpful and cheery, we were told about the products and offered tastes before we decided. Their fruit sorbets are delicious and refreshing. The price was a bit high, the selection not quite what I was hoping for, but if they're new here so maybe more options over time. The dark Chocolate was a bit bitter, the vanilla was great. The Raspberry sorbet was like eating fresh raspberries. Overall a very positive experience. Parking though at times limited was available for free on the street.

Went there this past Sunday for gelato and decided to get a sandwich first. We order the vegetarian panini with a pesto sauce. I wish I had taken a pic of the sandwich. It had 1 tiny strip of a mushroom. 2 tiny strips of pepper. 2 tiny baby spinach leaves. 2-4 slivers of onion. And 1 slice of pepper Jack cheese. We were cracking up at the skimpiness of this panini!!! It was really pathetic. The ONLY thing that saved it was the side dish of pesto that we slavered on for some taste and sustenance. Please don't waste your money here. Got to Rocco's Deli for a really delish and substantial panini.

Amazing gelato and friendly staff! Their menu is long with additional coffee and dessert options. Cannot go wrong with any flavor and love that they have pints to take home too.

Wonderful gelato and nice space. Go with a friend or two to try a flight and affogatto!

Creamiest gelato ever!!!! Was looking for coffee and ended up leaving with pints of the best gelato I've ever had. What a hidden jewel. Stop here next time you go downtown for anything. You won't be sorry. Yummmmm

What a great little dessert place! Our first time there, found it while searching for dessert place in downtown Detroit. Service was done with a smile, the interior was bright and welcoming. They have punch cards to help you return. The person helping us referred to the punch card as a mullet (business in the front, party in the back ). Ordered the gelato milkshake (dark chocolate and cherry mixed together) which was super smooth with pieces of real cherry. Coming back next time to get their To Go pints!

The espresso coffee and gelato here are legit! I lived in Europe for over a decade, which made me picky about my coffee and coffee shops. Love the space for studying and grading papers too.

Terrific gelato place right across from the old location of Tigers Stadium. Great service. The dark chocolate was best I have ever had. Pistachio was also excellent. They have dairy free options. Will definitely go back for more.

You must run, don't walk, to this new gelato and coffee cafe in Corktown, Detroit. The gelato is Every good as shops in Italy. Great espresso and coffee, including affogatos! I've been a few times, the food items have included great soups and sandwiches, and delicious dessert and breakfast offerings.