I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on a school trip when I was fourteen years old.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t interested in much beyond boys with dark locks, shoes, pasta and… gelato.

Left to our own devices in the afternoons, gelato quickly became a favourite lunch item.  So smooth, so rich, so creamy.  Good as any sandwich.  It wasn’t until I was in my twenties, however, when I really started to crave gelato over ice cream.  And it was around this time that it became much easier to find.  La Paloma was a favourite when I lived in Toronto.  The last few years in Edmonton saw many a dollar go to Da Capo and Leva, with particular memorable cones of cinnamon, whisky cream and lavender.  My travelling also usually involves seeking out a good place or two.

No dry spell hit when I came to Vancouver.  There are so-so spots within walking distance and some special ones (NOT La Casa Gelato) a short drive away.  My bases are covered.  Now, much more than I could ever hope for.

Bella Gelateria recently opened and after one visit, I know it’s the best I’ve ever tasted.
If you like frozen treats, you must go.  The owner, James, is friendly, well-trained and will sing you the praises of gelato much better than I ever could.  Spend time on the website if you want the full run-down on his philosophy and process.  He takes it seriously and it shows.
Did I mention the freshness yet?  If you’ve ever reached into your freezer for some loving from that old pint of ice cream and realized the air has been at it too long, you’ll know why freshness is important.  And when you see a pile of lemon carcasses on his workstation that have just been juiced for his lemon sorbetto, you’ll have the opportunity to taste why freshness is important.
Sicilian pistachios, Meyer lemons, black walnuts coming from the American South.  Those are some cherries from Bologna in my cone.  Nicely nestled beside some fior di latte.

Please pick me up if you’re on your way there.

Bella Gelateria
1001 W Cordova St
Vancouver, BC