Paolo's Gelato and Gourmet

Ice cream shop · Charleston

Paolo's Gelato and Gourmet

Ice cream shop · Charleston

41 John St, Charleston, SC 29403

Highlights

Paolo's Gelato and Gourmet is a cozy Italian gem in Charleston, serving up artisanal gelato, small plates, and a delightful selection of wines.

41 John St, Charleston, SC 29403 Get directions

$$ · Menu

@eater

"Long-standing staple Paolo’s Gelato has reopened as Paolo’s Gelato and Gourmet. Changes to the 41 John St. storefront include a total makeover of the dining room and the offerings. Paolo’s now has more seating, a wall of Italian retail items created by owner Paolo Dalla Zorza, a small wine bar, and cases full of not just gelato, but small bites and meats and cheeses. The chalkboard menus on the wall offer items like panini sliders, a pasta of the day, and a surprise plate. As far as adult beverages go, those 21 and up can try Dalla Zorza’s bellini made with fresh South Carolina peaches, a variety of wines and beers, a prosecco-spiked scoop of gelato, or an Aperol spritz. There’s also an espresso machine for those in need of caffeine. The retail items, ranging from pastas to prosciutto to tomato sauces to wine are available for order online and pick-up in the store. Italian native Dalla Zorza moved to Charleston eighteen years ago at the insistence of his friends at French restaurant Rue de Jean, and he and his frozen desserts have been a staple of Upper King since. Paolo’s opens Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, from 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, from 3 p.m. to midnight; and Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m." - Erin Perkins

Paolo’s Gelato Reopens With Retail, Real-Deal Bellinis - Eater Carolinas

View Postcard for Paolo's Gelato and Gourmet

Andy Parsons

Google

My wife and I were visiting Charleston as we’re getting ready to move to the area from NY. We just spent the day exploring the city, checking out the parks and the food (if they were open, which if they were, it was all takeout - friggin Covid). As we were getting ready to leave, we wanted to grab a coffee for the road, but every place we went to was closed. We accidentally stumbled onto Paolo’s place. We were greeted by Paolo himself. Paolo is an awesome guy who takes pride in the work and the service that he provides. The espresso was perfect. Not bitter, not sour. The tiramisu that he had just made was spot on. And Paolo himself was just an awesome guy to talk to. Super friendly and outgoing, and eager to talk to customers as people, not just as customers. When we move to the area, we already have a go-to place picked out. Highly recommend Paolo’s Gelato and Goumet to anyone. Now I tell anyone that I know who’s going to be in the Charleston SC area, make sure you don’t leave without going to visit Paolo’s place first.

Michael Waddell

Google

Simply, some of the best gelato I've ever had! My wife had been coming here for years and I can't believe I hadn't eaten here before! If you are in the neighborhood and need some good, old-fashioned, creamy gelato, look no further. Paolo's will not disappoint. They're flavors change frequently, so coming back another day will lend to a new experience! The inside is cozy and feels warm and inviting. Make sure this is on your list when in Charleston!

Peter Marquez

Google

Absolutely love the pasta here and the seafood is local which is amazing!!! The gelato and customer service is fantastic!!

Christina Benson

Google

Love at first taste! This is an adorable little shop. They have about 10 different flavors to choose from and you can try them before you order. There are 3 different size cups to choose from and you can pick 1or 2 flavors for your cup. I got the lemon and the chocolate. Delicious!! They also give you a little wafer that tastes similar to a sugar cone. So good! Can't wait to go back!

Kevin Woolfork

Google

Paolo's is another intimate gem in downtown Charleston. A small selection of their wide variety of flavors are made daily on site. Other options are more cones than you can shake a stick at. If quality and customer satisfaction can be measure by the length of the line, Paolo's is great! The small area was packed with customers and more kept pouring in. Staffed by one cute young lady, she never seemed overwhelmed and was always courteous and professional. The fruit flavored gelato were incredibly flavorful, more even, than I expected. If you happen by, do try the lime.

Domingo Perez

Google

A must visit establishment, a gem amongst the shallow imitations. If, and only if, you are looking for TRUE Italian products, hospitality, desserts, wine, FLAVOR... Look no further, Paolo has the corner and the ability to fulfill what you miss the most from Italy. As a patron who also lived in Italy for four years, I can say with zero doubt, this is the REAL DEAL! Friendly staff, fair prices, and an amazing selection beyond just gelato is all you will find here! We drive almost an hour to get here and it's worth it everytime!

Leroy Green

Google

My wife has a gluten allergy and this shop goes out of it's way to make sure they understand your allergy concerns. She loves macarons and according to her this place has the best she has ever had. I can't stress this enough the chef was understanding and went out of his way to explain what she could and couldn't eat. For all of you with gluten allergies this place is safe and should be on your bucket list to visit. Also next door there is a great vinyl store so it's a win win!!

Jono Young

Google

This is the place to go. First time there was today, after 10 yrs living in Charleston. I will go back as much as I can, this was better than most ice cream in Charleston. The service was amazing, we happened to show up when the owners were working. A 2yr old, a four yr old, and my wife and I were blown away by what we had been missing. This is authentic, and a new staple in our downtown excursions with the kiddos. Move over ice cream, gelato is taking over. :)