Xanath Ice Cream

Super enjoyed both of my flavors! The saffron ginger hit the spot in a way ice cream rarely does. Like you get that really nice zest from the ginger and the saffron give it a little bit of an exotic twist. Plus you know that it’s organic so it’s better for the environment and your body AND that the flavors are pure and the best that nature has to offer.

Love the ice cream here. They have a bunch of flavours to choose from. They also seem to be environment friendly, using the least amount (if not none) of plastic. Would definitely recommend this place for great ice cream and friendly staff.

the saffron + ginger has become my most favorite ice cream flavor of all time. they also are a vanilla & saffron importer so be sure to grab some saffron threads or powder while you're there to sprinkle on top! 💛

Was on a biking adventure zipping up Valencia street when I see an extremely catchy sign: '$1.99 Organic Frozen Yogurt.' Wowzers; how could anything worth having in the Mission be sold for that little?! The next time I was wandering around in the area following a wonderful meal at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant, I mentioned what I had seen the other day. She was equally stoked regarding the affordability (note: starting at $1.50 for a child-size scoop in a cone if you pay in cash) & local feel of the place and so we gave it a shot. After trying a decent amount of flavors (brown sugar banana banana, roasted almond, matcha), she decided that brown sugar banana chip was superior, whereas I fell for the caramel toffee. We both went for a two-flavor split single cup - she went for a small scoop of brown sugar banana chip atop a scoop of Tahitian coconut vanilla , while I went for a small scoop of caramel toffee atop a scoop of brown sugar banana chip (3ish bucks). We enjoyed the ice cream and banter on the super-cool wooden bench/table combo that faces the main window. The scene was peaceful, and reminded me of The Yogurt Pump (YoPo) in Chapel Hill, which is held dearly close to my heart. This place is amazing. I would hardly consider going anywhere else - with exception of Bi-Rite - in the area, because the quality of the ice cream is so good here and at such an affordable price point. This very well may be my favorite ice cream shop in The Mission, San Francisco, even Bay Area!

Another great ice cream place in the Mission. Great attention to flavor without using too much sugar. We had the huckleberry and the brown sugar and fig flavors and they were very distinct.

They may not look as hip as Smitten OR have unique flavors like bi-rite and humphry slocombe but their ice cream got quality! They aren't overloaded with sugar. Personal favorite is FIG...cause there is no sugar added in it! It's creamy and sweet with no artificial sugar...double win!

nice small little ice cream store, thick and creamy and tastes great. pretty much exactly what you're looking for if you're just looking to stop in and grab something. really nice covid safety measures too

Once more for a visit to to the land of Xanath for more of their delicious ice creams. This time a story of Strawberry and Dutch Chocolate. Always great when the local strawberries are in season. Super creamy and super fresh as always. after a scoop of each there were a pints to go home for later enjoyment. My thanks to the staff on 6/1/2017. They were quick a pleasant. But that must be easy with the great ice offered here making all the customers who enter happy ones.

Wow...let me just start with their Gelato being super delicious, authentic, and only ten% sugar??? It was heavily raining in SF and my gf and I were looking for a dessert place in the mission and luckily stumbled in here. I'm picky with my flavors and was curious to try their Pandan flavored gelato, and as someone with Southeast Asian roots, I was very impressed with her recipe! Hila even pulled out the pandan leaves she sourced directly from Thailand to use in her Gelato. It was so good...that we came back for a second helping on our first visit. When we asked about her story, it was inspiring to hear the owners passion for food, as she said something I'll never forget: "I only use good quality for ingredients and I get it from all over the world.." Hila then serves us a generous portion of her gelato with a warm smile that made our night! I loved the ambiance it had, especially with the Italian ice cream cart and espresso machine, I felt like it was a little part of Italy in the mission. This is my favorite gelato place in the city and I can't wait to come back again!

Hila Gelato is one of the best gelatos I've ever had in the states! It is a woman and LGBTQ owned business, and the owner was super nice and quick. I chose the medium cup with three flavors: mixed nut, mixed berry, and chocolate chip, but honestly, every flavor is a hit! The gelato is creamy and soft. There is limited seating. There is also some pints available to take home. Overall, really fresh and delicious gelato and made with local ingredients.

Review from April 2024. Service was excellent--staff was helpful and patiently explained flavors and process of what went into the gelato. Tried a couple of flavors (there's quite a few options) and decided on dark chocolate and almond. The texture is creamy and it isn't too sweet, and I found that the flavors are quite balanced and not artificial tasting. Hoping that the next time I'm in SF I'll be able to visit!

Cute spot! Randomly stumbled in around 9:30pm and it was popping. No samples but they have some really fun flavors (pumpkin, blueberry, cucumber, etc). Got a medium with grape, limoncello, and yogurt. My personal favorite was the yogurt! It's not tart like greek yogurt but is creamy and smooth. In fact, all of the flavors had this light, fluffy & smooth texture. Was very delicious and fun to see the gelato being churned(?) Would go back!

Gelato was a bit watery. Service was awesome, there was only one worker running the show. Italian custard taste like banana laffy taffy. Overall not amazing but not terrible either.

It was ehh, honestly not much of a wow factor. I've been to many gelato shops and this is not for me, regardless of all the 5 star reviews. The gelato tasted off and the consistency of it as well. Flavors sort if tasted artificial in some like the Matcha which was too sweet, I want to mention. The coffee had that weird aftertaste and bitter. The walnut was the one that made it bearable to eat. Also, I came in and couple of people, the worker instantly has the vibe of rushing us to pick and order. We had about 39 minute from closing. If they decided to close early then the workers could've announced it in a better way.

Twirling gelato under shiny domes had me hypnotized! I've never seen a rainbow of churning gelato in a display case before, so this was a fun spot to check out. The only downside: no sampling allowed. I went with the worker's recommendation of pistachio. It's not too sweet (woohoo!) and lightly nutty. I do wish the pistachio flavor was stronger.

Hila is awesome. We stopped in twice in one night. Before and after dinner. Dark chocolate was my favorite. The owner is very passionate about her gelato and it is exceptional. Thanks for having us.

A new highly rated gelato spot in the Mission. What's not to love about that? If you are lucky, the lines won't be too long, but considering they make it fresh everyday in limited quantities, the quality must be good! We got the pistachio and stracciatella in a waffle cone, and that was definitely the move! The pistachio I liked a bit more, but definitely thought the flavors were on the lighter side than other places. It's also meltier than other places, but tbh that's how you know that it's good quality! The waffle cone was light and tasty, paired well with the light ice cream. Only wished they allowed samples so we can try it earlier, but I guess this gets us to keep coming again to try other flavors!

I walked into this cute little sicilian gelato place but found no one around for a while. This place does not allow samples which was very disappointing. There were so many cool flavors but it was hard to decide on looks alone. I went through Yelp reviews and found that Pistachio was the most recommended. In the time I finished researching, someone came to take my order. The gelato did not have much structural integrity (very melty) but the flavor was incredible. It actually tasted like real pistachios and was very sweet. They had a small bench for seating where I quickly inhaled the rest of the gelato. I would definitely go back again.

Headed over at around 7:30 pm and there was only one person in front of us in line which gave us time to look at the flavors. My friend told me that they rotate different flavors and you can find most of them in the purchasable to-go tubs. The staff was super nice making small talk with us when we were debating between flavors. Pistacchio, Stracciatella - I wanted to try some of the more classic gelato flavors and decided on these two. It had a great texture: soft, velvety smooth and creamy. The flavors were light where I could have used a little more punch from both. I love that they use natural, sustainable products and everything is handcrafted as well. A great place to get quality gelato!

As an Asian who loves desserts but also has an affinity to desserts that are not too sweet. This place was waaaay too sweet for my taste. I haven't tried their premade desserts and they do look interesting but I'm reluctant to try them now knowing how sweet their gelato is. Also want to preface that they DO NOT offer taste test.

Hands down one of the best gelatos I've ever had. The variety of flavors were incredible and so unique. The owner was truly so passionate about her gelato. I love when small business owners truly share their passion with their customers. It makes the experience so much more meaningful and if I was a local I would definitely one once per week. There were so many amazing flavors that I wanted to try. The texture is so creamy and luscious. You would highly be missing out if you are in San Francisco and do not try Hilas!!!!

This place is a gem. I can't believe it took me a year to discover it. I went today and had the pleasure to meet the owner. So many good flavors to choose from. I had fragola and limone. It was so good! My friend had mint and the orange/cinnamon/ginger. Will go back to try more flavors and desserts. If you miss good gelato, do yourself a favor and go!

Omg. I was never a fan of gelato, until now! The owner is super hospitable and kind! She makes every flavor from scratch herself. They are super authentic from Sicily, and many of the near and far Italian folks come through just for them! I can never pick 1-2 items. I ALWAYS go for 3-5! Yup. They allow 3 flavors max in a single kid cup even just to help you out with all of the choices they go! So good! I come by often! You should too.

Better than some of the gelato I had in Italy!! This little gelato and pastry shop in Mission is so cute and the owner is so sweet. Their gelato is all very natural and has so few ingredients, so it tastes really fresh. My favorites were the mango and vanilla -- I'm not normally a fan of mango but it was sooo creamy and refreshing. The vanilla was perfectly sweet and you can taste the real vanilla flavor in it, since they use various parts of the vanilla. They also offer a 2 hr gelato making class which I highly recommend! You get to make 4 flavors with the owner, try generous samples of them, and even take pints of them home :)

A nice little gelato and dessert shop on the fun, thrilling, and lively Valencia street. The owner is from Sicily, so there is some solid legitimacy to the flavorful gelatos. Friendly gal served up gelato with a smile. $8 for a two scoop medium, which I got Pistachio and Chocolate Hazelnut...good stuff! I've had better gelato that is creamier and more intense rich flavors, but still delightful at Hila. Limited seating, as most dessert spots in San Francisco.

RICOTTA CHEESE GELATO. Stumbled upon this shop because Garden Creamery stopped their line, and I am so glad we found Hila. I got their Yogurt & Ricotta Cheese gelato and both were SO DELICIOUS. I was a little nervous since they don't give out samples, but seems like they don't need samples because their gelato is that good ;) the Yogurt was perfectly tart & creamy, and the Ricotta Cheese was soooo smooth and creamy but not heavy at all which surprised me, & the cheesiness wasn't overwhelming and was just perfect all around. I ended up coming back the next day and got a PINT of the ricotta cheese. Will definitely be coming back !!!

Hila Gelato Caffe offers authentic gelatos in the Mission that is creamy and worth checking out. On a recent visit to the city, the weather finally warmed up after weeks of constant rain. It seemed like the perfect time to get some gelato. Given the recent buzz for Hila, my friend and I decided we would give it a try. The decent line for the place definitely was a signal that other people had the same idea as well! Taking over for the former Xanath, they have some of the similar gelato flavors like Saffron. However, what changed with the ownership seems to be a renewed focus on making it with simple fresh ingredients the Italian way. The new owner was originally from Sicily where she had been making gelato for years. Even as you enter the shop, there is a cozy cafe feel with little details that give it a little bit of Italian life like the Testa di Moro statues that were featured in White Lotus. The owner helped us with our order and she was super fast and friendly. The scoop was creamy and luscious much like the gelatos I enjoyed back in Italy. I did wish it had a little bit more of the pistachio flavor, but would go back again to try other flavors. Overall, Hila is a gelato shop that brings high quality ingredients that makes it a worthwhile stop if you are in the mood for something cool in the Mission.

OK, I know I'm kinda late on this one. I have to admit I had never become a fan of Xanath, the previous longtime occupant of this space, because the consistency and flavors never matched their organic good intentions. I was surprised another organic ice cream shop moved in last year. However, this one is quite unique, a one-woman business specializing in two dozen flavors of Sicilian gelato. Her name is Ilary Biondo, and her nickname is Hila (thus the name). She makes her gelato with just milk, whatever natural ingredient is highlighted, and sugar, no more than 10%. I spent precious little time perusing the flavors, but I think I picked two good ones - Almond (Mandorla) and Saffron (Zafferano). That translated to an $8 medium cup (photo: https://yelp.to/6CtWdBD89c). It worked. Very fresh and not overly rich or oversweetened. Hila definitely got me more hyped about her gelato than Xanath did with their ice cream. GELATO - 4 stars...natural tasting and certainly flavorful enough AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...still looks like Xanath SERVICE - 4.5 stars...Hila spoons it herself TOTAL - 4 stars...Sicilian gelato is worth seeking out RELATED - Exploring the Mission? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2NHtst6

This gelato is amazing, maybe too good because for the first time I ate almost two scoops (medium size) by myself. I love how fresh each flavor tastes and how the consistency of the gelato is spot on. While I haven't been to Sicily yet, it's on my bucket list, I have visited Italy quite a few times. This gelato matches or honestly out performs some of the shops there and definitely makes you feel like your on holiday in Europe. I had two flavors, hazelnut and chocolate. You could tell that both were made from the raw products and that there wasn't just a flavoring used. I loved that about this shop as it really tasted like the true ingredient and not the additives. The shop owners were super nice and were willing to scope in more than a set number of flavors, mentioning that it was common in Sicily. It was such a welcoming environment there. They just reopened, so I think we lucked out that the wait was short (the rain probably helped too). I definitely look forward to returning for more of their flavors in the future.

Solid flavors! Silky texture! Friendly staff! All around, Hila Gelato is a solid cafe that serves fresh gelato and some small kitchen essentials. The gelato is constantly being churned in the machine (which I've never seen before) that gives a velvety texture for all the gelato choices. There is a variety of flavors ranging from fruit to more milky based flavors. The fruit flavors are definitely the shining stars!

Hila Gelato Caffe is situated on busy Valencia street, and their gelato is delicious - smooth, creamy, and fresh. The pistachio gelato had a wonderful flavor and wasn't too sweet. My friend asked about their baked goods and the reply was "you probably shouldn't get them, they were baked on Thursday," which isn't ideal (we were visiting on a Sunday). The store itself is pretty cramped, but there are a few small benches outside. The gelato is wonderful, but I'd be cautious about the pastries.

Amazing gelato. Freshly churned. Awesome owner. What a great find. Chocolate hazelnut and walnut were excellent.

I'm going to flex on you real quick. Yeah I went to Italy. This Gelato is every bit as good as anything in Italy. I had like 4 different flavors. Had the lemon, stracciatella, mint and chocolate chip and the pistachio. There were no samples allowed (whatever, deal with it okay). But I'll save you the trouble. Get the pistachio. That was some high level stuff right there. They do all sorts of creative stuff with the gelato and adding it to croissants and cannolis. Don't get all high brow on me. It's a bold move and I commend it I bet it's awesome. Im coming back for that next. I also noticed the fridge with all the other pastries. They had a sfogliatelle which is like my favorite Italian pastry. I wasn't leaving without that. This was as authentic as any Italian dessert offerings you will find in the Bay. (4.6 Stars)

Great gelato place, you can actually see how fresh it's made . Got 3 flavors; pistachio, gianduia chocolate hazelnut, and safron. It is smooth, creamy and not too sweet. Definitely will come back again ;)

I've had gelato in some of the best places in Italy, but this is the best gelato I've ever had. Hila (the owner) is a real gem, and her passion for truly artisanal gelato is contagious. If you live in San Fran or are visiting there, here's your non-official Michelin stars telling you: this is well worth going out of your way for. Now we just need to find a way back there a second (or third?) time before we leave!

I recently visited this adorable gelato shop, and it transported me straight to Sicily! The charming ambiance, with its quaint decor and cozy seating, creates the perfect setting for enjoying a sweet treat. The shop is beautifully decorated with colorful tiles and vintage posters, giving it an authentic Sicilian feel. The gelato here is simply divine. Every flavor I tried was rich, creamy, and bursting with authentic taste. The pistachio was a standout, with its vibrant green color and perfectly nutty flavor, reminiscent of the finest gelaterias in Sicily. The lemon sorbet was refreshingly tangy, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.

Came here a couple times now and it's always been a treat. There are no samples and the staff are really friendly. I always reach for fruity flavors and really enjoyed the mango and the orange+cinnamon+ginger (vegan). I just feel a little bad since it can get busy and it seems like theres usually only one person working the later shifts. The line today was out the door and went a bit down the block.

Hila Gelato Caffe is very nice to try with friends or family --- We all had fun visiting while we all enjoyed what we had.

walked in after dinner bc we wanted something light and refreshing, and the yogurt hit the spot perfectly:) basically like a plain tart in Yogurtland but x4 the taste of organic Greek yogurt. The pistachio was also good - rlly smooth but a bit on the sweeter side. It's a quaint shop with not much seating inside, so maybe grab and go! The lady there was also very nice and friendly:D

Fun to see the gelato mixing in front of you in their little pods. Portions are generous. Pistachio nice flavor They have refrigerated cases of other desserts as well like marzipan and cannoli

Stop in here for some delicious gelatto! With a handful of flavors to choose from, all of which feel like authentic Italian flavors, this place will definitely be my go to gelato spot when visiting SF. I tried their cardamom flavor, which had the perfect level of sweetness. definitely recommend!!

This is a solid, authentic gelato spot! I had the strawberry, croccante amarena, and pistachio. The strawberry was by far the best flavor and so refreshingly delicious. The strawberry was on par with what I've had in Italy. The one slight disappointment was the pistachio, which could've been more flavorful. It's also unfortunate that you're not allowed to sample any of the flavors before buying because most other gelato or ice cream places nearby allow sampling. I can see myself coming back again to try some more of the fruity flavors. I was really hoping there would be raspberry when I went.

The Sicilian-owned Hila Gelateria is more than a gelateria, it's a pillar of the SF Italian community in just a few months. I bought a special made mint chocolate cake for a family birthday that disappeared within minutes at the table. Sold as a portion for 8, we made it serve about 15 people with smaller slices. We also bought an array of pastries - the lemon pastry and Sicilian cassata were our favorites with people fighting for the last bite. Don't sleep on their pastries! It's worth the price to try at least once. I come here frequently with friends for the gelato and my favorites are tiramisu, gelsi (mulberry), nocciola (hazelnut), fragola (strawberry) and pistacchio. This is the only freshly made gelateria in SF, and it reminds me of being back in Sicily. Plus, the owners Ilary and Ceci are quite lovely and often organize live music outside on the weekends. A great place to bring friends. Not to mention, If you need a little espresso after 5pm, they will make it.

The gelato was excellent. Highly recommended. Why? Because when I tried the pistachio, chocolate and fruit flavors, it was excellent. The texture was soft, and the flavor was strong yet balanced. I will definitely visit again soon.

My large family group migrated from dinner nearby to ice cream at Hila on a May evening to celebrate my husband's graduation. The store employee (owner?) was surprised by the large group but was efficient in first getting a count of ice cream sizes and then working to scoop each person's chosen flavors. They were really helpful and friendly, each person bouncing off outside to happily eat their ice cream cone! I ordered the Nutella flavor. I liked that there were attachments that made the gelato smooth. My ice cream was very tasty! I was also intrigued by the saffron flavor that my MIL ordered. Thank you for serving us such tasty authentic gelato! It was a great way to end the night. :)

Indoor & Outdoor Seating. Free, One & Two-Hour Residential Parking As Well As Paid Meters/Garages. Affordable Prices for San Francisco. Kind, Enthusiastic Service. Welcoming, Happy Ambiance. Gelato Made In-Shop. Natural, Authentic Gelato. Closed Monday & Tuesday. See Below for More Info: Indoor & Outdoor Seating: Hila Gelato Caffe offers indoor and outdoor seating. Inside the shop, there are two, round tables, each looking out into the street. Outside the shop, there are two benches, one of which is closer to the ground and ideal for families and kids. Free, One & Two-Hour Residential Parking As Well As Paid Meters/Garages: There is free, one and two-hour parking in the residential streets off of Valencia. Please look at the street sign to ensure there is no street cleaning and learn what the specific limit is for the block you park on to not get a ticket. There are paid meters around the perimeter of Hila and a parking garage two blocks over, which you enter on 21st Street between Valencia and Barlett. Expansive Gelato Selection: Affordable Prices for San Francisco: Kind, Enthusiastic Service: Welcoming, Happy Ambiance: Gelato Made In-Shop: Hila is passionate about making tasty gelato. Her lab is in-shop, where she makes her gelato badges. Natural, Authentic Gelato: There were plenty of flavors that caught my attention, but I went with Hila's favorite, pistachio. Unlike ice cream which has up to 50 ingredients, most of which I cannot even pronounce, Hila's pistachio consists of three ingredients: milk, pistachio, and sugar. The pistachio was decadent. I am a fan of the natural approach Hila is taking to providing authentic gelato to San Francisco. Thank you, Hila. Closed Monday & Tuesday: To dedicate time to her craft of making fresh gelato, Hila Gelato Caffe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Your neighborhood friendly gelato spot! Recently saw this all over Yelp Bay Area's IG and decided to fix my gelato cravings. (Because gelato is better than ice cream, IMO) 1 sample per person to help save the environment in regards to plastic spoons! My partner and I tried rocher and the pistashio flavor and ended up getting exactly that. These two flavors were super solid! It makes me believe that the other flavors would have the same consistency and impactful flavors as well. Next on my list: their Affogatos. Service was smiley and fun. Parking is on Valencia so try the neighborhood area for parking spots. Excited to try more!

Oh Xanath, how I missed you so much! I always adore Mexican vanilla so much, which happened to be my most favorite ice cream! So intense, so robust, and so sweet to the core! Wish to bring the flavor back from Veracruz, Mexico, so I would let everyone know what real vanilla tastes like. The best vanilla of the trio beside Tahitian and Madagascar must never be forgotten! The reason I came to Hila was to remember that Xanath had resided here in Valencia. This gelato parlor was powered by solar panels to keep appliances up and running. The one person in charge of Hila was a Sicilian queer owner who had a dozen different batches of gelato available. The refillable water machine (at the left side near the glass window) was removed, but the packets of vanilla bean still around since Xanath. Overall, the ambience will absolutely stay the same, so that I might come back to see what new flavors are available. By the way, that hit the needle on my head about the huckleberry flavor, which was beyond vegan. Missed that flavor as well, but it's extremely rare to have. I'll be back to Hila Gelato Caffe before the hot summer ends.

After receiving a Yelp email about Hila Gelato Caffe, we decided to take a Lyft across the city to explore their flavor options. Upon our arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find no line, leading to swift, friendly, and efficient service. The shop had a very minimalist and basic setup with only two tables for seating inside, and a bench outside. However, this simplicity didn't deter anyone from indulging in the gelato as many people like to roam and stand outside. Unfortunately, there were no tasting options available but that speeds up the process in ordering. I ordered a cannoli stuffed with two flavors: a scoop of hazelnut, and a scoop of vanilla cherry chocolate flavor, while my friend opted for dark chocolate. We both enjoyed our choices, finding them to be well-balanced and reminiscent of the authentic gelato you'd savor in Italy. Hila Gelato Cafe did not disappoint and worth the trek.

Truly amazing. Feels like you're transported to a gelato shop in Italy. Lots of beautiful ice cream treats and desserts ready to take home, or you can custom order. Both options are delicious. We ordered a custom vanilla sponge cake with gianduia and pistachio gelato. When we picked it up we also grabbed a peanut cheesecake that was pre made and an affogato just for fun. You guys. This affogato. We got a large with gianduia and coffee gelato with their homemade whipped cream on top. This was the BEST afternoon treat. We brought the cakes to a birthday party later and everyone said it was the best they've had! (This is coming from a family that exclusively celebrates with ice cream cakes. We've tried ice cream bar, Mitchell's, bi-rite - this one wins.) The cheesecake was more like a mousse but so delicious and a fun surprise. The owners are so sweet and you can tell they put a lot of love into their shop! The vibe is so good. I love that it's so authentically Italian.

Service is ok and delicious Gelato. I got dark chocolate and saffron flavor but saffron didn't come through as much. The price is too high for what it offers.

This is a small local shop with amazing gelato!! I only got to try the pistachio but will be back for others!

3.5 STARS Hila just arrived just in time to squash your hot girl summer bod plans...or not. If round is your shape. This gelatiera took over long-time Xanath Ice Cream serving sicilian gelato. M E N U Rotating 20+ flavors of sicilian gelato with a portion of them being vegan. Scoops available in cup, cone (sugar or waffle), cannoli, or cornetti (Italian croissant). FREE samples! G E L A T O * Small Vanilla ($6) Waffle Cone (+$1.50): https://tinyurl.com/ycxcxmdt For gelato, I either go basic or extreme (Marco Polo's durian) so vanilla it was at Hila. Smooth, airy, and vanilla-y. While Hila uses no stabilizers, it was only 58 degrees outside yet the gelato melted very quickly so make sure to grab some extra napkins. They use Joy brand waffle cones that's very sturdy and sweet, sugar cone-like. S E R V I C E Kind and prompt (no line at the time). A M B I A N C E Casual with two window tables for enjoying your gelato onsite. P A R K I N G Challenging street parking; beware of no parking signs until 10 pm. Mission-Bartlett Garage is 1.5 blocks away. Overall, while there's no shortage of ice cream shops in the city, Hila is a welcome addition to the area serving sicilian gelato. 3.5 stars rounded up for a local small business.

Some of the best gelato I've had in the city! Warm and welcoming upon stepping in. Bright and clean space. All of the gelato is clearly on display and made with minimal all natural ingredients. Opted for a small cup of mango for $6. Clean genuine mango flavor. If you're looking for something extraordinarily sweet and savory, definitely get the croissant filled with gelato. this is a large treat that is perfect to share for two people and balance as well between the savory buttery croissant and the sweet soft gelato. With the weather warming up it's a perfect treat when in the mission.

Walked in around 5pm on a sunny Saturday. There was a short line that moved quickly. Counter style service with two tables and a couple seats along with a bench outside. Food: Small cup of gelato with a choice of 3 flavors. Strawberry - a sorbetto style, really nice sweet strawberry flavor well balanced and flavorful Mango - sorbetto style, rich Alphonso mango flavor, not too sweet, creamy and velvety in texture Pistachio - milk based gelato, super toasty and nutty with deep rich pistachio flavor, so delicious, nice balanced creamy sweetness, a must try Espresso - milk based gelato, really nice espresso flavor with a hint of bitterness that complimented the creamy sweetness, would love to try this in an affogato Service was warm and friendly, generous with the samples. Owner was scooping so got to know a little more about the business, it's mostly a one woman operation so go support! Overall a delicious new gelato spot in the Mission. Give them a try! Love that even the small cup size allows you to try multiple flavors. Be sure to check the right side of the register to get the full selection.

An enchanting, gracious Italian couple own Hila Gelato on Valencia St. It's 9 am on Saturday morning and the class begins. A perfect cappuccino was served ( not boiling hot! - thank you! )and we were instructed how to make gelato. They use top grade, Italian machines and follow strict recipes that transported us all to Italy for a few hours. We got recipes and tasted the 4 gelatos that we made together. I discovered Hila also makes Italian pastries! Sfogliatelle or lobster tails were so authentic and delicious. She makes 3 different kinds! Sorry , Buddy, you're no Hila. The orange flavored Pastiera Napolitana was outstanding. If you're not familiar with Italian pastries come get educated and amazed. Ricotta gelato.... Crazy delicious. Don't miss this small chunk of Italy and its beautiful passionate owners. Get there.

They do not allow samples but I went with the pistachio gelato and it was yummy. It was a bit of a wait for the gelato to be ready as the show owner wanted it to be a certain consistency. If you have time and are willing to trust your instinct on a flavor then go here!