Known for its creamy texture and fresh ingredients, Bacio di Latte is an Italian gelato store that operates more than 220 locations worldwide. The chain recently opened in Stanford Shopping Center, attracting long lines of customers with its variety of flavors and minimalist interior. Their gelato comes in cups, sugar cones, or waffle cones, and can be coated in pistachio cream or Nutella. The most popular option, the cup, comes in three different sizes: the two-flavor-fitting piccolo at $7.45, the three-flavor-fitting regular at $8.95, and the four-flavor-fitting grande at $10.75.
Strawberry Sorbet: 8/10
Bacio di Latte’s strawberry sorbet is unlike many of the strawberry desserts out there. Instead of coming off as overly sweet or artificial, the store’s gelato tastes fresh. Unlike most strawberry-flavored sweets, the sorbet genuinely tastes like the fruit: somewhat tangy, not-too-sweet, and authentic. The intensity of the strawberry flavor is refreshing, but not overpowering, making the flavor a top choice for those seeking a simple, vibrant option.
Raspberry Sorbet: 9/10
Much like the strawberry sorbet, Bacio di Latte’s raspberry sorbet serves as a refreshing sweet treat for a hot, summer afternoon. However, unlike the strawberry sorbet, which can often be too simple, the raspberry sorbet offers more depth. Its initial tartness gradually gives way to a more mellow sweetness, creating a balance that remains true to the fresh raspberry flavor.
Greek Yogurt: 5/10
The Greek Yogurt flavor offers a straightforward option for those who can appreciate its tangy taste. Although the texture is rich and melts in the mouth, the gelato is ultimately just a creamier, sweeter version of plain Greek Yogurt—it might just be financially wiser to just buy sweetened Greek Yogurt from the local grocery store.
Salted Caramel: 3/10
Despite being praised as one of Bacio di Latte’s signature flavors, the salted caramel ultimately manages to be one of the most disappointing yet. The gelato is plenty more “salted” than “caramel,” to say the least. Rather than complement, the balance of the flavors—salty and sweet, rich and light—clash in the mouth. It’s an unpleasant taste that lingers for too long.
Pistachio: 8/10
Another acclaimed flavor, the pistachio gelato—Bacio di Latte’s bestseller—lives up to its reputation. The authentically Italian-grown pistachios offer a nutty, rich, and earthy taste; the gelato flavoring is intense enough to be savored, yet not overpowering to the point of discomfort. The pistachio pieces sprinkled throughout offer a subtle crunch that complements the otherwise smooth texture, making the dessert seem simultaneously indulgent and refined.
Tiramisu: 7/10
The texture of Bacio di Latte’s tiramisu flavor is definitely the highlight. The crumble gives the gelato a satisfying crunch, while the rest of the dessert remains smooth and creamy. However, the espresso flavor that characterizes traditional tiramisu is faint at best. There is no particular fault within the texture nor the taste—although some might find the gelato on the sweeter side—but to name the flavor tiramisu is simply misleading.
