Splendora’s Gelato Cafe
317 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Splendora’s Gelato Cafe Menu
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Address :
317 E Main St
Charlottesville, VA, 22902 - Phone (434) 296-8555
- Website https://www.splendoras.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
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Alice W.
In college, this was the sweet spot in downtown Charlottesville to go during the weekends. A cute gelato cafe, Splendora's offers 24-36 different flavors on a daily basis. Flavors range from traditional Italian faves like pistachio and hazelnut to American classics like cookies and cream, and even some unique flavors like green tea and blood orange. I also preferred getting either the traditional Italian or unique flavors. Splendora's also offers espresso drinks and other Italian desserts and pastries. It's a locally owned gelateria with a friendly staff and cozy interior. Perfect for a hot summer day!
(4)Yemisi E.
An adorable store nestled on the strip of downtown mall in Charlottesville. The staff is friendly and will let you try as many flavors that you please. Which is perfect for those who are picky about their gelato *proudly raises hand*. The decor is comfy and perfect for children or adults. This place is a staple and is always buzzing with people. The staff is quick and efficient so your wait will never be long. Every time I stop by Charlottesville I make sure to pick up some gelato. My favorite: Coconut. Trust me.
(5)Victoria N.
SAMPLER. All I will say. 7$ for 6 moderate sized scoops of gelato/sorbet, and any flavors you want? Perfect to share with a person.
(5)Marbles L.
My friend and I came here two days in a row. LOVE the place! We got the sampler, which had 6 scoops (smaller than regular scoops) of gelato/sorbet of your choice. The coffee and hazelnut (they had a special name I am blanking on right now) was my favorite, it wasn't too sweet yet had the luxury taste of hazelnut and the great smell of coffee. My friend loved the roasted almond flavor. We also had the mint chocolate, mexican coffee, salted caramel, and plain hazelnut. My friend, who has never had gelato before, was so in love with it that she insisted we return the second day. We tried most of the sorbet the second time, the lemon sorbet was my favorite among the sorbets. The lemon sorbet was sour, yet had a hint of sweetness. I also liked the raspberry sorbet, though not as much as the lemon sorbet. We also had the blueberry lemon zest, papaya, roasted almond, and coffee and hazelnut flavors. We were very happy with our choices. Kudos to the staff who are always very friendly and willing to let you try any flavor you'd like. :)
(5)Sarah S.
It just tastes meh. I've been here twice before. The first time was when I got a small cup with 3 flavors for about $7. The taste was just average / below average area and the price was killer. The second time my friend got some for me but it just tasted okay. I would have never bought it on my own, it's way way overpriced. And I don't get the hype in the least bit. There is a real gelato place called DeLuca's in Richmond and even the Telenti brand at Harris Teether tastes much better than this stuff.
(1)Sandy N.
Came to visit UVA and stopped by here. I got the Kalamansi and Blueberry Lemon, while my mom got the Papaya and Passion Fruit and they were amazing! They have unique flavors ranging from richer, chocolate types and light, fruity types. All the flavors were delectable and genuine (the Passion Fruit tasted like the real fruit - tart but sweet - and not the artificially sweet flavor most passion fruit flavored things are like). I will definitely come back here if I revisit Charlottesville.
(5)Tanim I.
There is probably a good reason why Splendora's is busy during the coldest day of the year -- this place has amazingly good gelato. I ordered the chocolate and Mexican coffee small gelato, and it was so good I wanted to order it again.
(5)F U.
Negative - it is very popular so there is a line. Only negative I can speak of with just one visit. Positive - pistachio ice cream was not overly sweet. Creamy, smooth deliciousness. Chocolate was outstanding. The portion size was just right. Recommend.
(4)Han V.
The gelato itself never blew me away but it is decent and they do use fresh ingredients to produce it. They give such a dinky amount though that it's not really worth the price you pay for it. Given that it's the only gelato spot in Cville, I guess they have the ability to charge however much they want. However, during the winters they do have a special where you just buy a medium cup for all-you-can eat gelato so be on the look out for that! The service here is always pleasant. Even during busy times, they don't rush you and that's always nice for an indecisive person like me. My favorite flavors here include pistachio, mango, lemon, and raspberry. Food: 3 Value: 2.5 Service: 4
(3)Agnes L.
I may be a bit biased because my husband and I once vacationed in Italy, eating gelato in place of all meals for at least three days in a row... Splendora's had a few unique flavors during my visit, like the Asian-influenced Pandan leaf, and all the classic ones. I've tried the mango sorbet, salted caramel gelato and hazelnut gelato. The gelatos were flavorful but not as rich as I've had, and the sorbet was more sweet than fruity. Decor/ambiance was pretty generic but some details were still fun like the bright, wavy padded benches inside. In the end, worth visiting but not incredibly different from other American gelato spots.
(3)Sydney L.
Great gelato- lots of flavors, and lots if authentic Italian flavors. Not much seating, tho
(5)Eustacia P.
I have only one word - heaven! This was the best gelato I've had, bar none! They serve generous portions, too!
(5)Lauren S.
So, so good. They had this amazing flavor, I think it was goat cheese and fig or something, which may sound unappealing, but it was dankiediedankdank. I think they might've taken it off of the menu. Sad :(.
(5)Dave C.
Nice gelato shop. The pistachio gelato was amazing. Tried the salted caramel, pumpkin, and maple flavors as well. All were good, but not quite as flavorful. They also had hot apple cider = win. Friendly service.
(5)Florence K.
I really like gelato and was really glad to run into Splendora's. The décor of the place is nice and the service, as slow as it may be when people are trying all the flavors in front of you, is good. I got the Amarena and Zabaglione, and they were so good together! Amarena is an Italian sour cherry and the Zabaglione is a sweet wine infused Italian custard... the two complimented each other really well. They also had a wide array of flavors to choose from and don't be shy to ask to try... (hell, the people in front of you weren't!) I was really appreciative of the true Italian flavors they offered and will definitely come back to try more!
(4)D S.
Love it. Perfect for coffee, gelato, and pastries. The staff is always pleasant, the food is always made fresh, and they keep the place squeaky clean. They have a great variety of flavors and cycle in new ones daily. Also, free wifi and outdoor seating for when the weather is nice and I can people-watch on the mall.
(5)Sara P.
You can hardly ever rank a dessert shop less than a four or five and this place is no different. They have a large selection of dairy and non dairy options. My son ate the salted caramel which tasted good to him, he said, and of course it made his sore throat feel good too. I asked for a non dairy option, and chose the chocolate one rather than one of the fruit flavors. It was very chocolate-y. Thanks to the waitstaff for handling my questions regarding dairy in the mixes and understanding the importance to me. Great staff, great selections, and great price especially on the small size cup (less than two bucks).
(5)Dan S.
So many unique flavors and they do a neat trick to accommodate those sensitive to nuts.
(5)A S.
Fast service even with long lines; salted caramel and coconut were a great combo
(5)Sybil S.
This was my first Gelato experience; I can't describe my happiness. First time I tried the double chocolate. Holy heaven. Then this last time we had the salted caramel/pistachio mixed. We had smalls both times, totally enough for 2 people to share. It's a nice sitting atmosphere, and they let you try a crap ton. They are really nice there, AND they have a drinking fountain ;) WIN WIN.
(5)Mari C.
This is a tough one: the nocciola was amazing!!! But the salted caramel had ice chunks in it....quite unpleasant. I'd still go back though and take my chances with the ice cubes. :)
(4)Dawn O.
Great gelato at reasonable prices. Conveniently located on the downtown mall. Air conditioned , soft leather seats and tables. Tons of flavors. Coffee and water too. My daughter loved Happy Birthday cake flavor. I liked pistachio.
(5)J H.
Lived in Italy twice and haven't been back in four years. Stopped by for a macchiato and was warned it was "traditional" (ie, authentic). Spot on ! Bravo! Pls open in Williamsburg. Gelato was awesome as well.
(5)Holly P.
We came here two evenings in a row while staying in Charlottesville. This place had a huge selection of unique flavors to choose form. The first night I got Chipotle chocolate (spicy!) and chocolate coffee crunch, both were yummy and rich. The next night I got chocolate coffee crunch (again) and Giuardio (probably spelling this wrong completely) which is a combo of chocolate and hazlenut. The giuardio was the best. My husband, who can consume caffeine at night and still sleep well, got the Affogato both nights, two scoops drowned in espresso! The best combo was the cinnamon gelato with the espresso, the flavor combination was meant to be!
(5)Jeff Y.
Spendora's Gelato is a super fun gelato place within Downtown Mall. My friends and I sampled a few flavors before settling on our choices. I was debating between the large cup (up to four flavors) and the painter's palette (six flavors). Since I don't come to Charlottesville often (and really wanted to take a photo of the plate), I opted for the painter's palette. All of the gelato was delicious and the employees were friendly to boot. The interior is clean and bright with comfortable booths too!
(4)Michal F.
Chocolate Hazelnut is the bomb. Otherwise it's like any other gelato place.
(3)Shauna H.
After a long walk around Monticello with three kids resulted in an epic meltdown when the blood sugar bottomed out, I was desperate for a rescue. Found Splendora's via Yelp, and we are SO happy we did! The staff were super friendly and funny, which is a skill that is increasingly scarce these days. The kids loved their gelato cones, my husband savored his mocha espresso (served in a mug as big as his head, much to my amusement), and I was most pleased with Splendora's Sampler. How I managed to choose six flavors from 40, I'll never know. But the chocolate was decadent, the stracciatella was on point, the salted caramel just fabulous... So, yeah - get thee to Splendora's if you swing through C'ville!
(5)World War Z.
I came here on two separate dates and it's a great place to enjoy gelato. There are a ton of selections, the gelato tastes fantastic, the price is reasonable, and the quantity is plenty. The seats are very comfortable and it's nice place to sit down and socialize or just relax. You can also get your gelato to go and enjoy the historical downtown architecture. This gelato is as good as it gets! Woot Woot!!
(5)Lindsay P.
I visited Splendora's Gelato Cafe on a Wednesday afternoon. I was immediately greeted by a friendly young woman. I had an affogato with chocolate/hazelnut gelato. It was absolutely wonderful. The price was also decent for two scoops of gelato and shots of espresso- $4.75. I also purchased some Italian candies- Baci. I was so happy to see this product because it's something I grew up with. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and freshness of the ingredients used at Splendora's. I would like to try more of their coffee offerings as well as gelato flavors. There is also free wifi. This is a great spot for a date or to get some work done. I will be back!
(4)L G.
i don't know how they make such delicious gelato - amazing. coconut was out of this world, best i've ever had. love this place. super rich, creamy, tasty tasty. highly recommend.
(5)Kelsi G.
Really really delicious, legit, gelato. They always have some kind of unique flavor! You get less than if you were to get fro-yo or something, but I savor the gelato alot more :) If you like chocolate, yo u MUST TRY the chocolate sorbet!! It is the most intense chocolate ice-cream like thing I have ever tasted, it tastes like cocoa powder in gelato form in the best way possible. So good. I haven't tried their sorbets, I usually like the chocolate-y/coffee/dessert flavors for gelato, but I bet they're also really good!
(5)Joy G.
According to Wikipedia, in Italy, gelato must have at least 3.5% butterfat - you can be 100% butterfat but you can't be 3.4% - which makes it reason #100000 why gelato is better than your average ice cream cone. Difference between gelato and ice cream: less air, more milk, less cream = stronger flavor? There's also something about how the Medici family of Florence (basically the Rockefellers if the Rockefellers controlled the banks, the oil reserves, the political system, and were also a royal family) stuffed themselves silly with gelato. I don't usually like dessert and I'll always stop at a gelato shop to see if they can get the pistachio and hazelnut flavors right. And Splendora does! Ding ding ding - but cookies and cream was surprisingly bland. My only other complaint is that as soon as the girl scooped out my gelato, the whole thing sort of collapsed into a watery mess, whereas well-made gelato should retain some kind of structure, but luckily, the cashier possessed enough foresight to offer me a bigger cup to catch all the drips. Also, thank you for being open at the terribly, awfully, tremendously late hour of 8:00 pm on a freezing March night - it was nice to sit inside, chow down on some cold gelato, and bask in central heating.
(4)Samantha E.
While killing some time before dinner I decided to indulge in a bambino cone of cookies and cream gelato. It was a steal at $1.50 and you get a decent sized little ball of gelato. They have quite a variety of flavors to choose from beyond your basic gelato and ice cream flavors. I did sample the salt caramel and found it a bit too salty for my tastes. The decor was nice and the location is prime on the downtown mall.
(3)Andrew M.
Pretty good stuff. Although I love coffee ice cream more than anything, I tend to find coffee-flavored gelato pretty hit-or-miss, but Splendora's was very satisfying -- strong, pleasant aftertaste. I had another flavor, too, but whatever it was it must have been less memorable.
(4)Robyn S.
The last time my husband and I decided to go to Splendora's the line was literally out the door, but we decided to wait because the gelato and sorbet Splendora dishes up is so fantastic. We always get the sampler, which is 6 smallish scoops of your choice for $6.75. I normally go for the gelato and my husband opts for the sorbet. The counter staff are always friendly and are happy to give you little samples of any of the many flavors, so if you're not sure you'd like something (and I don't like all the offerings) just ask. My perennial favorite is the pistachio gelato- it's creamy, nutty and not too sweet. My husband loves the lemon sorbet, which is super tangy. I also like that they switch up some of the flavors depending on the season.
(5)Lauren B.
On a recent road trip to C'ville, I was very happy to enjoy some fresh gelato to help me cool off from the horrible heatwave. The prices are not that bad and the varieties of flavors will appease any tastebuds. Cute decor and friendly staff makes this a great place to visit for some good gelato.
(4)Hillary C.
Delicious, it was the perfect treat and the staff there were all very friendly and helpful!
(5)Laura M.
Tasty gelato in a trendy area of Charlottesville.
(3)Jennifer W.
Best pistachio gelato I've had since my trip to Venice in 2006. All the gelato is made fresh in house. Creamy, nutty, amazing! Will definitely be going back on my next trip to C'Ville. Can't speak for the other flavors, but don't think I'll be trying anything else. This was too good!
(5)Beth A.
Friendly. Fast ( they were packed) and yummy.
(4)Tash K.
Coffee Heath bar is soo good. Prices are typical for gelato. A small (2 scoops) was $3.75
(4)Julie S.
Salted caramel -- wow!
(4)Lauren H.
This is probably my favorite place in Charlottesville! The variety of flavors is incredible, I've yet to get the same thing twice and I've never been disappointed. Try a few flavors before you settle on one (or two!). They also have a nice little coffee bar, overall its a wonderful place!
(5)Anna P.
Outstanding gelato. Great flavor selection, great texture. A+ on that front. Friendly people and great hours don't hurt, either - but be warned that this is not the most romantic of dessert spots on the Downtown Mall (though it is the most convenient and probably the tastiest). The chairs are cute but not super comfortable, so I never stay too long. Still, absolutely my favorite post-dinner spot!
(4)Zazie D.
Excellent Gelato! I tasted a few flavors, and liked the banana and the gianduia (chocolate and hazelnut). I was not sure what other flavor to add, and asked the very nice young lady at the counter for a suggestion. She said pistachio. I tried the pistachio, and it was a perfect combination! My kids had cookies and cream, coffee, banana, and torrone. Everybody enjoyed their gelato. It was amazing! We were sorry Splendora's was out of the lavender and spicy chocolate flavors, but that is a good reason to go back!:)
(5)Ted D.
Not the best gelato but having had it all over Europe my expectations are high. The consistency isn't what I expected, wasn't very creamy, almost had the texture of regular ice cream.
(3)Annie Y.
I've been here on a number of occasions, with either friends, dorm suitemates, or my significant other. The gelato is thick and creamy and comes in a wide variety of flavors. My favorite single flavor is the pistachio, but you can sample taste any of the flavors before you make a purchase. They also offer a sampler plate with bambino-sized scoops of six different gelato favors. This is a terrific option for if you are together with a larger group of people. Definitely check it out if you're looking for something thicker and more luxurious in taste than the froyo places downtown and on the corner.
(5)Glen C.
Holy Macro. Even a small cup was more than mouthful. Tasty yummy delight!
(4)matt h.
The gelato was very good, though the price is a bit higher than I would have liked. They have a bunch of variety and each of the eight flavors I tried was good. The location on the mall is nice and you can't beat strolling around with gelato in hand on a warm summer evening.
(4)Bill C.
It's not that the service is bad, it's not that they don't have interesting seating, it's not that it is a trendy place in a trendy area; it's just that I don't like paying 3.50 for a small cup of ice cream that tastes like what's in my freezer at home. The best ice cream is Graeter's in Cincinnati. Just ask Oprah.
(2)John K.
Good place for desert. Has that modern chic feel to it. Definitely like the hanging lights that look like candles. Makes you feel like you're at Hogwarts (maybe I shouldn't have said that). Gelato is very good and who isn't a fan of ice cream? Tons of flavors to choose from. You may be a little overwhelmed at first, but I'm sure if you like it, you'll be back for more. What is the difference between gelato and ice cream anyway? Is it b/c one is from Italy and one is from everywhere else?
(4)Justin C.
**** 4.5 stars **** We came into Splendora on a Sunday, when very few other shops on Main St were open, and it was sweltering outside, made even worse by the heavy humidity. Being in desperate need for a bottle of water for a variety of reasons (beginning with but not limited to those described here: yelp.com/biz/bodos-bagel… ), I was hoping to at least pick that up in here if nothing else caught my eye. Well, as most people know who've seen my pictures of Greece, where gelato is on nearly every other corner, and quite often in my hand, you can guess that quite a lot caught my eye in here. They don't go all out with the elaborate adornments on each pile of gelato like the Greeks do, but there is certainly no lack of flavor to be had. So many flavors in fact, we couldn't decide which to limit ourselves to, so instead we got the "painters palette" sampler, which has 6 small scoops of any flavors you choose for a modest $6.25. We opted to do a good mix of fruity and intense. First up we went with the cucumber mint, a really cool, refreshing mix that sounds strange as a flavor but turned out to be one of my favorites. Next we moved to the peaches and cream, which was somewhat forgettable, especially compared to the third flavor, black currant, which was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. After finishing the three sweet flavors we moved on to the more heavy ones, starting with the stracciatella which was ok compared to others I've had. We finished up with the amaretto followed by the gianduja, both of which were good, but not as good as I had hoped.
(4)Jonathan H.
I only knew thickly spooned ice cream, then I quickly swooped upon a new theme: More milk and less cream, texture's silk and the flavor's a dream. It's Gelato! Gelato is divine and it'll blow your mind, gotta know I ain't lyin', just jump in line. Get red currant or whatever's your favorite, bet a torrent of flavor will make you savor it.
(5)Krissy M.
Family was in town, and though I had never been to Splendora's prior to this weekend, I had heard rave reviews! We stopped in Saturday night and since the downtown mall was kickin, so was this place! Pretty busy, but a manageable line for the most part. Mom and sister had a few samples before deciding on their doubles: mango & almond and salted caramel and lemon white chocolate! They loved it, and I loved the bites I took, too! My only caveat was the set up in the store...very congested in the front, and the large stylish table makes for an unruly and heavy obstacle in the entry way.
(4)Lisa C.
This place has the best gelato... Even better than many places we ate at in Italy. This is our favorite ice cream place in Charlottesville.
(5)Lisa N.
Splendora is over-hyped in my opinion. The gelato isn't bad, but I've only had 2 flavors that I really like: Mango and Roasted Almond. Besides these, I believe the gelato is just average, the prices are on the high-end for dessert, and the wait is long, especially right after dinner.
(2)Angela N.
Good mango and nutella gelato though pricey.
(3)David C.
We had the C n c, salted caramel, Mexican coffee, cherry n milk gelatos. It was good, but not as good as New England ice cream.
(3)Kristen H.
Tasty, but not real gelato, at all. Really overpriced, but delish flavors, as I said. Definitely a great asset for a place like C'ville, but honestly, one the average day, I'd prefer to go to that regular ice cream place on the Mall and get more for my money
(4)Steve F.
Yummy gelato. IKEA decor. Hipsters and the peanut gallery agree. Always a good bet! Me likes the gianduia.
(5)Jen H.
I've never had bad gelato, just flavors i liked and liked less. So it's hard to compare to other gelato places. I just can't resist gelato though. Gelato was good and they had a lot of flavors. I didn't see any standout flavors but they were all good. The inside is nice with nice seating and the staff is friendly.
(4)Jim D.
What better way to crown my 100th yelp review than with a delicious dessert destination?! Splendora's was a perfect fit. This is some serious tasting gelato. I usually find many places make their gelato way too hard and that's just disappointing after having had some of the most dreamy and luscious gelato over in Italy. Well, Splendora's gets it right on the mark. I ordered a small which comes with two flavors. I chose red currant which was sinfully sweet and panna cotta which was decadently creamy. It was the perfect balance. I could have easily gone into a gluttonous sugared debauchery here. Their gelato is way, way good. The inside is cute and the staff is very friendly. No one ever questioned me even after my 5th sample. I love that. Make a mental note to pay a visit to this downtown destination. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
(4)Emily C.
Yum. My favorite thing about prevailing standards in gelato shops? Multiple flavors are a given! Finally someone who understands that I can't pick just one. My choices: -Raspberry Sorbet: Good, but didn't blow my mind. -Dulce de Leche: Ditto. I wanted a stronger caramel flavor, and more of the caramel ribbon. -Gianduia: My dependable favorite when it comes to gelato, and the definite winner among these three. Great concentration of flavor. The store has a nice ambience, and provides a great mobile dessert for eating during an evening stroll along the pedestrian mall.
(4)Phoebe O.
I love this place, best gelatto I've ever had. they have interesting flavors like rum raisin, almond, coconut, mango, etc. When I went to Italy town in San Francisco to look around for gelatto, they didn't even have flavors like Splendora's. In a small town like Charlottesville, I am impressed. The staff is really nice. Will come back for more.
(5)Rick S.
Stopped in today for some gelato and espresso. The gelato was mediocre - have had much better in chains like Paciugo and other locally owned shops across the US. It was "ok" though, what we expected and what we got. This review concerns the "service" we recieved. The place is essentially a couple of gelato scoopers and cashier behind a counter with a large tip jar next to the register. We ordered a few gelato cups, espresso and chocolates, handed the cashier the credit card as we moved the cups and plates to our table. We returned, signed the CC receipt and were given a snotty-a** comment by the tatted/pierced wannabe-hipster cashier, who looked at the ice cream scooper, held up our receipt and proclaimed for all to hear, "This is your tip". The last time I checked, leaving a tip in a place like this was optional. By "place like this, " I mean a shop where customers stand in line, bring their plates to their own tables and clear their own tables One has to wonder what tipping here actually rewards? Excellent ice cream scooping? Wonderful cashiering? Anyhoo - we won't be back here.
(1)Jeremy H.
Every family dinner downtown ends at Splendora's. I love the stracciatella.
(5)Phillip K.
Service is spotty and unpredictable; seems to have gotten less personable in the past two years. They don't have much imagination with marketing themselves, so at best it's mediocre. It used to be one of my favorites, but not any more. The Lavazza coffee is one reason to keep going, however.
(3)Geoff O.
Delicious gelato. Great variety of flavors. It was a nice place to stop in after an evening eating on Main Street.
(5)Chris O.
Great place, nice stop while walking the downtown mall
(5)Angela T.
Amazing!!! I have been begging my hubby to take me there again!
(5)Ana P.
Had a macchiato coffee there- it was amazing! And you gotta trust me on this, I'm Italian ;)
(5)Louise F.
Do you breathe air? Does your heart beat? If it does, that means you are in fact, a human, and you WILL love the gelato here. Enough said.
(5)Meredith P.
Very good, tasty, nice variety, not the best I've ever had (go to Florence it is amazing, Philadelphia has a really good place too).
(4)Kim T.
Best gelato I've had outside of Italy! They even have torrone flavor (OMG, I loooove Torrone!). They have the usual suspects for flavors -- lots of hazelnut flavors, pannacotta, and pistachio. They also have a bunch of other flavors I'd never seen before (rose, mango, etc) that are less traditional, but still YUM. The prices are insanely reasonable, and, like any good gelato place, you can mix and match to your heart's content. The vibe is very cozy and modern, and the staff are very very friendly (and willing to let you taste as many flavors as you need to before you decide!). I also recommend going with the sampler, if you want to try a lot of flavors. I can't wait to go back when it's warmer outside!
(5)Beatrice P.
good price for gelato, expensive if you compare it to ice cream. the wait can be long during fall, spring and summer weekends there are lots of flavors (both traditional and not) and there are always new flavors (or maybe rotating..) (i once had thai iced tea flavor) there isn't much seating (outdoor and indoor), but everything can be taken out of the shop so i suppose it doesn't matter too much.
(4)Cville A.
The best place for dessert on the mall and one of my favorite places in Cville!
(5)Matt H.
Excellent, had Guinness gelato - very good.
(4)Kate S.
Splendora's is just so EXCITING. So many unique flavors to choose from; it's all so tempting! I have only been there twice, but the combination of spicy chipotle chocolate with rose gelato was so incredibly delicious, I will never forget it. I think the other time I went I had pistachio and raspberry, which was also wonderful. Grab some Splendora's gelato on a hot summer evening and take a stroll along the Downtown Mall!
(5)Ben B.
Great flavors, good prices, and a light, relaxed atmosphere. A great place to grab a dessert after dinner or escape from the heat. It's also nice that they let you pick two flavors for the small cup. That way you get the variety without having extra left over.
(4)Amy H.
Their chocolate sorbet mixed with raspberry sorbet is amazing. The chocolate is so cocoa-y and scrumptious. Their portions may seem small compared to most American standards, but I find it the perfect amount after a good dinner. Their 8 sampler is pretty fun to experiment with.
(4)Vivian W.
Holy crap! I'm an ice cream fanatic (and snob) and this was hands down the best ice cream I've had in the US to date. My favorite is the gianduja (hazelnut/chocolate flavor). I might even one day move to Charlottesville to be near this place. Can't wait until our next trip to C-ville to taste more flavors.
(5)Trish A.
I'm no gelato expert, but I've never gotten something I didn't enjoy here. Fun place for friends or family, really tasty flavors (and a lot to choose from)! I really liked the lychee sorbet/gelato. The last time I went, I had the Thai tea flavor which tasted just like a cold thai tea but in creamy form. SO good!
(4)A G.
Their chocolate sorbet was one of the most delicious and intense chocolate experiences I've ever had. It wasn't icy like sorbet usually is; it was incredibly creamy but with such intense dark chocolate flavor. If you usually get chocolate gelato, try this for a change.
(5)Constance C.
On my first, short, accidental trip to Charlottesville today, I was lucky enough that my niece demanded dessert and we just happened to be a few steps away from handcrafted gelato. Even though I was already full, I ordered the medium because it gives you three flavors and I couldn't limit myself to less than three. I ordered the straticella, the pistachio, and the Mexican coffee and they were unbelievably creamy. The pistachio had a really wonderful nutty flavor and was the best I've ever had. I also sampled my husband's cardamon which was very subtle and elegant. I would drive to Charlottesville just to eat this gelato.
(5)K S.
Part of the Downtown Mall "OMG this is so good yet amazingly inexpensive" trifecta (along with Marco & Luca's and Christian's)...as someone else mentioned, get the sampler (a little artist's palette of deliciousness) to share,
(5)Anna Y.
It's not the best gelato that I've had, but pretty good. I love the mango flavored. They will let you try a sample of different flavors, so try away. Here's a date tip: Try the sampler platter, you can get about 7 or 8 different scoops of different gelato. And perfect for two to share. Modern interior. Hip addition to the every-changing Downtown Charlottesville.
(3)Lenny T.
Splendid! Get the 6 mini-scoop sampler to share!
(4)Elaine W.
Yum yum!! They have all kinds of flavors or a mix & match. They are great for all seasons. I love pistachio, cookie dough, and chocolate chip mmm. Can't go wrong with the price.
(5)Andrew W.
Delicious, delicious gelato. I'm a huge fan of the mango, chocolate hazelnut, and blood orange and they have some off the wall flavors to choose from like ginger, salted caramel, and Jack Daniels. It's a great place for a couple scoops after dinner, since it's right there on the downtown strip.
(5)Erin T.
This place gets a bit crowded for my taste, but the decor is so happy, the location so great, and the treats so delicious that it still gets five stars. I've never had a bad gelato here. But the chocolate sorbet might be the best frozen thing I've ever had. And i'm not even a fan of plain chocolate flavored frozen treats.
(5)Ericka C.
I love this place. I would get several chocolate/coffee flavor variations of gelato each time I went. And it's on the outdoor mall. Lovely.
(5)Mary L.
I love the decor in this place. It's casual but also really fun, warm and inviting. The gelato on the other hand is really good. I really like their fruit flavors. I love that you can mix and match the flavors that you want here. Plus, I really like that I can take my gelato outside if it happens to be too crowded inside and soak up the vibe of this downtown area. It's great - there are artists on the corners, street vendors, and people everywhere.
(4)May Y.
Very tasty, and a good place to stop by after dinner, or anytime really. This place is a favorite, and validates parking. It's locally owned, much like many other establishments in cville.
(4)Laura C.
A great little gelato place. We tried the chocolate and hazelnut (gianduia), pistachio, and pumpkin flavors. The pistachio was very good, the gianduia and pumkin were both excellent. I mean, out of this world tasty.
(5)Sue G.
This place was fantastic. Gelato was smooth and the flavors were powerful. Wish I had one closer to our home town.
(5)Cathy D.
Fantastic gelato shop. They have lots of different flavors like lychee and pumpkin.
(5)Tosh K.
The gelato is good. Pretty comparable to the stuff over in Europe and the flavor selection is awesome. The interior is done nicely and the store front is a nice addition to the Downtown Mall. The price is a tad high for my budget but an occasional indulgence won't kill it either.
(4)H. C.
Absolutely inspired flavors and the quality is hard to beat. Try the Salted Caramel...you will be thinking about it for months to come!!!
(5)Rod O.
FAST Moving Lines! The are Super Efficient so if the line is out the Door (and it was all night Saturday) do NOT be discouraged, grab your Date or if you want to say "he's just a Friend" like from the song, OK, I can tell, you say you are going to call later and she says "You don't have my Number" slick! Bambino or Platter? Usually my answer would be BOTH! Three Bambinos is not quite half a platter! Platter is for sharing unless outside on a very Cold Day! All days in Cville are cool, even the hot ones Usually in a place like this I'm giving yelp stars for the Food Mainly, NOT the Fantastik Service, though they are FAST, Friendly and Efficient! Lookalota! Lots of College Students and lots of Complete Strangers and a few incomplete strangers, outside Patio seating and some Very friend-Friendly indoor seating, you can get away with sitting on multiple people and it won't be awkward here because it is a LOVING Shop Mango and two More Inventive Flavors, one had Fennel Seeds (so finely ground you did not know - NOTHING like an Italian Sausage) Maybe he was just a Friend, now you are too close to tell! Tell anyway(s)
(5)Rachel O.
Did you see the Bambino size gelato I got?! It's so freaking cute! The line was out the door when we got there, however staff are efficient and quick! One young lady was giving out samples as the line moved forward so that you would know what you wanted when you got there! There are a lot of great flavors, both traditional and outside the box, and they do gelato very well. It comes in various sizes you can even get a platter! I opted for the Bambino size which is one scoop of gelato on a little baby ice cream cone. For me it's the perfect size and exactly what I wanted. Not too much and not too little. We definitely will be back here!
(5)Karen R.
You won't be disappointed with gelato! Came here last weekend after a wonderful dinner date! I ordered the salted caramel and coconut gelato. My date ordered the Mexican expresso and some other kind of coffee gelato. It was all delicious!! They had a neat looking seating area that was one long booth on one side and chairs on the other side of the tables. Great little place to get yummy gelato!
(4)Mai P.
Splendora is a great place in Cville to satisfy my hankering for tasty gelato. So far, I've had the Mexican coffee, cookies and cream, Thai iced tea, salted caramel, chocolate, and vanilla. One word comes to mind to describe them all: smooth. Every flavor that I've had there has been pretty true to it's flavor origins. Whether it be their coffee, which has a definite espresso aftertaste, or the basic vanilla which is light but sweet, Splendora does it right. Located on the downtown mall this little place is a great casual place to hang out after events, dinners, or dates. The price point is decent and the serving size is surpassingly more filling then you realize. The service has always been friendly as well as happy to provide samples. All in all, this place is tops.
(5)Jennifer W.
This is my absolute favorite dessert ship in town. It's always changing (for the good) and their gelato offering can't be matched. Be it their spicy gelato, sweet fruit gelato, or flavors I didn't even know I wanted, Splendoras always has just what I need. Their gelato cakes are delicious and reasonably priced. The staff greets you with a smile, despite you being after the 30 people ahead of you. Their Facebook page makes me smile and keeps me updated on their offerings. Keep up the good work guys!
(5)Stephen P.
I go here for coffee, because mud house is always packed. I am introverted not extroverted, I like a nice quiet relaxing place to sit and talk with whoever I am out with. This is a really cool place to have coffee and chill. And my date can get gelato or a pastry or something if they have it, I don't really pay attention to much except for coffee. And the energy, which is quite good here.
(5)Jaeau O.
I'm usually not a dessert type of person but this is an exception. What lured me is that it is in a perfect location in the Downtown Mall so everyone walking around after dinner can easily walk here. The outside decor is attention-getting and makes people turn their heads to get a glance of the inside. When you finally step inside, the ambience just makes you want to sit down and eat gelato on a hot summer evening. I am a pistachio lover so I ordered a scoop along with cookies and cream. The pistachio was definitely better than the cookies and cream but both were good. This is definitely a place to visit after dinner or anytime you're craving gelato.
(5)Jennifer O.
Crazy good gelato with really creative flavors! Perfect for a hot summer day. The small portion is actually pretty big in my opinion. I need to go back like 20 more times so I can get all the flavors.
(5)John S.
I just got bitch-slapped by Splendora's gianduia gelato: chocolate and hazelnut (Nutella, there I said it!). It was like getting a Nutella IV. So silky, smooth and flavorful. Anyone not ordering this flavor should have their head examined by a team of trained specialists and be banned from eating any tasty desserts by a federal judge.
(5)Sam R.
I live about two hours away from Charlottesville, VA but luckily I get a chance to visit Cville and frequent the downtown mall area which is where Splendora's Gelato Cafe is located. If you are looking for a sweet treat, this would be one of the places that I would highly recommend. First you are greeted by friendly staff who immediately greet you and invite you to sample one of their flavors. I love how each staff member seems to readily know the ingredients of each flavor which is particularly helpful for those who need to look out for food allergies. I love that the gelato cafe features both basic flavors and creative flavors as well...my all-time favorite being a goat cheese fig flavor (which I didn't think I would like at all). I love that they feature those seasonal flavors and I always look forward to trying something new and end up liking/loving it. All the gelato flavors that I have tried are creamy and at a perfect consistency. Please do yourself and favor and try the sampler so that you can taste test the flavors that spark your eyes and taste buds. This spot is a DO-NOT-MISS in Charlottesville!
(5)Bonnie L.
Take advantage of their All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays during the months of January & February! My goodness, the gelato is so creamy & satisfying! Hands-down, my favorite is the rose-water gelato- it is PERFECTION. The only reason why I'm giving my experience 4-stars because the All-You-Can-Eat ends at 8:30 PM. The store closes at 9 PM. Why does it end half an hour before closing time? Because of that, I wasn't able to try as many flavors as I wanted to :(
(4)Jeremy H.
Every family dinner downtown ends at Splendora's. I love the stracciatella.
(5)Phillip K.
Service is spotty and unpredictable; seems to have gotten less personable in the past two years. They don't have much imagination with marketing themselves, so at best it's mediocre. It used to be one of my favorites, but not any more. The Lavazza coffee is one reason to keep going, however.
(3)Geoff O.
Delicious gelato. Great variety of flavors. It was a nice place to stop in after an evening eating on Main Street.
(5)Chris O.
Great place, nice stop while walking the downtown mall
(5)Angela T.
Amazing!!! I have been begging my hubby to take me there again!
(5)Ana P.
Had a macchiato coffee there- it was amazing! And you gotta trust me on this, I'm Italian ;)
(5)Louise F.
Do you breathe air? Does your heart beat? If it does, that means you are in fact, a human, and you WILL love the gelato here. Enough said.
(5)Meredith P.
Very good, tasty, nice variety, not the best I've ever had (go to Florence it is amazing, Philadelphia has a really good place too).
(4)Kim T.
Best gelato I've had outside of Italy! They even have torrone flavor (OMG, I loooove Torrone!). They have the usual suspects for flavors -- lots of hazelnut flavors, pannacotta, and pistachio. They also have a bunch of other flavors I'd never seen before (rose, mango, etc) that are less traditional, but still YUM. The prices are insanely reasonable, and, like any good gelato place, you can mix and match to your heart's content. The vibe is very cozy and modern, and the staff are very very friendly (and willing to let you taste as many flavors as you need to before you decide!). I also recommend going with the sampler, if you want to try a lot of flavors. I can't wait to go back when it's warmer outside!
(5)Beatrice P.
good price for gelato, expensive if you compare it to ice cream. the wait can be long during fall, spring and summer weekends there are lots of flavors (both traditional and not) and there are always new flavors (or maybe rotating..) (i once had thai iced tea flavor) there isn't much seating (outdoor and indoor), but everything can be taken out of the shop so i suppose it doesn't matter too much.
(4)Cville A.
The best place for dessert on the mall and one of my favorite places in Cville!
(5)Matt H.
Excellent, had Guinness gelato - very good.
(4)Kate S.
Splendora's is just so EXCITING. So many unique flavors to choose from; it's all so tempting! I have only been there twice, but the combination of spicy chipotle chocolate with rose gelato was so incredibly delicious, I will never forget it. I think the other time I went I had pistachio and raspberry, which was also wonderful. Grab some Splendora's gelato on a hot summer evening and take a stroll along the Downtown Mall!
(5)Ben B.
Great flavors, good prices, and a light, relaxed atmosphere. A great place to grab a dessert after dinner or escape from the heat. It's also nice that they let you pick two flavors for the small cup. That way you get the variety without having extra left over.
(4)Amy H.
Their chocolate sorbet mixed with raspberry sorbet is amazing. The chocolate is so cocoa-y and scrumptious. Their portions may seem small compared to most American standards, but I find it the perfect amount after a good dinner. Their 8 sampler is pretty fun to experiment with.
(4)Vivian W.
Holy crap! I'm an ice cream fanatic (and snob) and this was hands down the best ice cream I've had in the US to date. My favorite is the gianduja (hazelnut/chocolate flavor). I might even one day move to Charlottesville to be near this place. Can't wait until our next trip to C-ville to taste more flavors.
(5)Trish A.
I'm no gelato expert, but I've never gotten something I didn't enjoy here. Fun place for friends or family, really tasty flavors (and a lot to choose from)! I really liked the lychee sorbet/gelato. The last time I went, I had the Thai tea flavor which tasted just like a cold thai tea but in creamy form. SO good!
(4)A G.
Their chocolate sorbet was one of the most delicious and intense chocolate experiences I've ever had. It wasn't icy like sorbet usually is; it was incredibly creamy but with such intense dark chocolate flavor. If you usually get chocolate gelato, try this for a change.
(5)Constance C.
On my first, short, accidental trip to Charlottesville today, I was lucky enough that my niece demanded dessert and we just happened to be a few steps away from handcrafted gelato. Even though I was already full, I ordered the medium because it gives you three flavors and I couldn't limit myself to less than three. I ordered the straticella, the pistachio, and the Mexican coffee and they were unbelievably creamy. The pistachio had a really wonderful nutty flavor and was the best I've ever had. I also sampled my husband's cardamon which was very subtle and elegant. I would drive to Charlottesville just to eat this gelato.
(5)K S.
Part of the Downtown Mall "OMG this is so good yet amazingly inexpensive" trifecta (along with Marco & Luca's and Christian's)...as someone else mentioned, get the sampler (a little artist's palette of deliciousness) to share,
(5)Anna Y.
It's not the best gelato that I've had, but pretty good. I love the mango flavored. They will let you try a sample of different flavors, so try away. Here's a date tip: Try the sampler platter, you can get about 7 or 8 different scoops of different gelato. And perfect for two to share. Modern interior. Hip addition to the every-changing Downtown Charlottesville.
(3)Lenny T.
Splendid! Get the 6 mini-scoop sampler to share!
(4)Elaine W.
Yum yum!! They have all kinds of flavors or a mix & match. They are great for all seasons. I love pistachio, cookie dough, and chocolate chip mmm. Can't go wrong with the price.
(5)Andrew W.
Delicious, delicious gelato. I'm a huge fan of the mango, chocolate hazelnut, and blood orange and they have some off the wall flavors to choose from like ginger, salted caramel, and Jack Daniels. It's a great place for a couple scoops after dinner, since it's right there on the downtown strip.
(5)Erin T.
This place gets a bit crowded for my taste, but the decor is so happy, the location so great, and the treats so delicious that it still gets five stars. I've never had a bad gelato here. But the chocolate sorbet might be the best frozen thing I've ever had. And i'm not even a fan of plain chocolate flavored frozen treats.
(5)Ericka C.
I love this place. I would get several chocolate/coffee flavor variations of gelato each time I went. And it's on the outdoor mall. Lovely.
(5)Mary L.
I love the decor in this place. It's casual but also really fun, warm and inviting. The gelato on the other hand is really good. I really like their fruit flavors. I love that you can mix and match the flavors that you want here. Plus, I really like that I can take my gelato outside if it happens to be too crowded inside and soak up the vibe of this downtown area. It's great - there are artists on the corners, street vendors, and people everywhere.
(4)May Y.
Very tasty, and a good place to stop by after dinner, or anytime really. This place is a favorite, and validates parking. It's locally owned, much like many other establishments in cville.
(4)Laura C.
A great little gelato place. We tried the chocolate and hazelnut (gianduia), pistachio, and pumpkin flavors. The pistachio was very good, the gianduia and pumkin were both excellent. I mean, out of this world tasty.
(5)Sue G.
This place was fantastic. Gelato was smooth and the flavors were powerful. Wish I had one closer to our home town.
(5)Cathy D.
Fantastic gelato shop. They have lots of different flavors like lychee and pumpkin.
(5)Tosh K.
The gelato is good. Pretty comparable to the stuff over in Europe and the flavor selection is awesome. The interior is done nicely and the store front is a nice addition to the Downtown Mall. The price is a tad high for my budget but an occasional indulgence won't kill it either.
(4)H. C.
Absolutely inspired flavors and the quality is hard to beat. Try the Salted Caramel...you will be thinking about it for months to come!!!
(5)D S.
Love it. Perfect for coffee, gelato, and pastries. The staff is always pleasant, the food is always made fresh, and they keep the place squeaky clean. They have a great variety of flavors and cycle in new ones daily. Also, free wifi and outdoor seating for when the weather is nice and I can people-watch on the mall.
(5)Sara P.
You can hardly ever rank a dessert shop less than a four or five and this place is no different. They have a large selection of dairy and non dairy options. My son ate the salted caramel which tasted good to him, he said, and of course it made his sore throat feel good too. I asked for a non dairy option, and chose the chocolate one rather than one of the fruit flavors. It was very chocolate-y. Thanks to the waitstaff for handling my questions regarding dairy in the mixes and understanding the importance to me. Great staff, great selections, and great price especially on the small size cup (less than two bucks).
(5)Dan S.
So many unique flavors and they do a neat trick to accommodate those sensitive to nuts.
(5)A S.
Fast service even with long lines; salted caramel and coconut were a great combo
(5)Sybil S.
This was my first Gelato experience; I can't describe my happiness. First time I tried the double chocolate. Holy heaven. Then this last time we had the salted caramel/pistachio mixed. We had smalls both times, totally enough for 2 people to share. It's a nice sitting atmosphere, and they let you try a crap ton. They are really nice there, AND they have a drinking fountain ;) WIN WIN.
(5)Mari C.
This is a tough one: the nocciola was amazing!!! But the salted caramel had ice chunks in it....quite unpleasant. I'd still go back though and take my chances with the ice cubes. :)
(4)Dawn O.
Great gelato at reasonable prices. Conveniently located on the downtown mall. Air conditioned , soft leather seats and tables. Tons of flavors. Coffee and water too. My daughter loved Happy Birthday cake flavor. I liked pistachio.
(5)J H.
Lived in Italy twice and haven't been back in four years. Stopped by for a macchiato and was warned it was "traditional" (ie, authentic). Spot on ! Bravo! Pls open in Williamsburg. Gelato was awesome as well.
(5)Holly P.
We came here two evenings in a row while staying in Charlottesville. This place had a huge selection of unique flavors to choose form. The first night I got Chipotle chocolate (spicy!) and chocolate coffee crunch, both were yummy and rich. The next night I got chocolate coffee crunch (again) and Giuardio (probably spelling this wrong completely) which is a combo of chocolate and hazlenut. The giuardio was the best. My husband, who can consume caffeine at night and still sleep well, got the Affogato both nights, two scoops drowned in espresso! The best combo was the cinnamon gelato with the espresso, the flavor combination was meant to be!
(5)Jeff Y.
Spendora's Gelato is a super fun gelato place within Downtown Mall. My friends and I sampled a few flavors before settling on our choices. I was debating between the large cup (up to four flavors) and the painter's palette (six flavors). Since I don't come to Charlottesville often (and really wanted to take a photo of the plate), I opted for the painter's palette. All of the gelato was delicious and the employees were friendly to boot. The interior is clean and bright with comfortable booths too!
(4)Michal F.
Chocolate Hazelnut is the bomb. Otherwise it's like any other gelato place.
(3)Shauna H.
After a long walk around Monticello with three kids resulted in an epic meltdown when the blood sugar bottomed out, I was desperate for a rescue. Found Splendora's via Yelp, and we are SO happy we did! The staff were super friendly and funny, which is a skill that is increasingly scarce these days. The kids loved their gelato cones, my husband savored his mocha espresso (served in a mug as big as his head, much to my amusement), and I was most pleased with Splendora's Sampler. How I managed to choose six flavors from 40, I'll never know. But the chocolate was decadent, the stracciatella was on point, the salted caramel just fabulous... So, yeah - get thee to Splendora's if you swing through C'ville!
(5)Rod O.
FAST Moving Lines! The are Super Efficient so if the line is out the Door (and it was all night Saturday) do NOT be discouraged, grab your Date or if you want to say "he's just a Friend" like from the song, OK, I can tell, you say you are going to call later and she says "You don't have my Number" slick! Bambino or Platter? Usually my answer would be BOTH! Three Bambinos is not quite half a platter! Platter is for sharing unless outside on a very Cold Day! All days in Cville are cool, even the hot ones Usually in a place like this I'm giving yelp stars for the Food Mainly, NOT the Fantastik Service, though they are FAST, Friendly and Efficient! Lookalota! Lots of College Students and lots of Complete Strangers and a few incomplete strangers, outside Patio seating and some Very friend-Friendly indoor seating, you can get away with sitting on multiple people and it won't be awkward here because it is a LOVING Shop Mango and two More Inventive Flavors, one had Fennel Seeds (so finely ground you did not know - NOTHING like an Italian Sausage) Maybe he was just a Friend, now you are too close to tell! Tell anyway(s)
(5)Rachel O.
Did you see the Bambino size gelato I got?! It's so freaking cute! The line was out the door when we got there, however staff are efficient and quick! One young lady was giving out samples as the line moved forward so that you would know what you wanted when you got there! There are a lot of great flavors, both traditional and outside the box, and they do gelato very well. It comes in various sizes you can even get a platter! I opted for the Bambino size which is one scoop of gelato on a little baby ice cream cone. For me it's the perfect size and exactly what I wanted. Not too much and not too little. We definitely will be back here!
(5)Karen R.
You won't be disappointed with gelato! Came here last weekend after a wonderful dinner date! I ordered the salted caramel and coconut gelato. My date ordered the Mexican expresso and some other kind of coffee gelato. It was all delicious!! They had a neat looking seating area that was one long booth on one side and chairs on the other side of the tables. Great little place to get yummy gelato!
(4)Mai P.
Splendora is a great place in Cville to satisfy my hankering for tasty gelato. So far, I've had the Mexican coffee, cookies and cream, Thai iced tea, salted caramel, chocolate, and vanilla. One word comes to mind to describe them all: smooth. Every flavor that I've had there has been pretty true to it's flavor origins. Whether it be their coffee, which has a definite espresso aftertaste, or the basic vanilla which is light but sweet, Splendora does it right. Located on the downtown mall this little place is a great casual place to hang out after events, dinners, or dates. The price point is decent and the serving size is surpassingly more filling then you realize. The service has always been friendly as well as happy to provide samples. All in all, this place is tops.
(5)Stephen P.
I go here for coffee, because mud house is always packed. I am introverted not extroverted, I like a nice quiet relaxing place to sit and talk with whoever I am out with. This is a really cool place to have coffee and chill. And my date can get gelato or a pastry or something if they have it, I don't really pay attention to much except for coffee. And the energy, which is quite good here.
(5)Jaeau O.
I'm usually not a dessert type of person but this is an exception. What lured me is that it is in a perfect location in the Downtown Mall so everyone walking around after dinner can easily walk here. The outside decor is attention-getting and makes people turn their heads to get a glance of the inside. When you finally step inside, the ambience just makes you want to sit down and eat gelato on a hot summer evening. I am a pistachio lover so I ordered a scoop along with cookies and cream. The pistachio was definitely better than the cookies and cream but both were good. This is definitely a place to visit after dinner or anytime you're craving gelato.
(5)Jennifer W.
This is my absolute favorite dessert ship in town. It's always changing (for the good) and their gelato offering can't be matched. Be it their spicy gelato, sweet fruit gelato, or flavors I didn't even know I wanted, Splendoras always has just what I need. Their gelato cakes are delicious and reasonably priced. The staff greets you with a smile, despite you being after the 30 people ahead of you. Their Facebook page makes me smile and keeps me updated on their offerings. Keep up the good work guys!
(5)Jennifer O.
Crazy good gelato with really creative flavors! Perfect for a hot summer day. The small portion is actually pretty big in my opinion. I need to go back like 20 more times so I can get all the flavors.
(5)John S.
I just got bitch-slapped by Splendora's gianduia gelato: chocolate and hazelnut (Nutella, there I said it!). It was like getting a Nutella IV. So silky, smooth and flavorful. Anyone not ordering this flavor should have their head examined by a team of trained specialists and be banned from eating any tasty desserts by a federal judge.
(5)Sam R.
I live about two hours away from Charlottesville, VA but luckily I get a chance to visit Cville and frequent the downtown mall area which is where Splendora's Gelato Cafe is located. If you are looking for a sweet treat, this would be one of the places that I would highly recommend. First you are greeted by friendly staff who immediately greet you and invite you to sample one of their flavors. I love how each staff member seems to readily know the ingredients of each flavor which is particularly helpful for those who need to look out for food allergies. I love that the gelato cafe features both basic flavors and creative flavors as well...my all-time favorite being a goat cheese fig flavor (which I didn't think I would like at all). I love that they feature those seasonal flavors and I always look forward to trying something new and end up liking/loving it. All the gelato flavors that I have tried are creamy and at a perfect consistency. Please do yourself and favor and try the sampler so that you can taste test the flavors that spark your eyes and taste buds. This spot is a DO-NOT-MISS in Charlottesville!
(5)Bonnie L.
Take advantage of their All-You-Can-Eat Wednesdays during the months of January & February! My goodness, the gelato is so creamy & satisfying! Hands-down, my favorite is the rose-water gelato- it is PERFECTION. The only reason why I'm giving my experience 4-stars because the All-You-Can-Eat ends at 8:30 PM. The store closes at 9 PM. Why does it end half an hour before closing time? Because of that, I wasn't able to try as many flavors as I wanted to :(
(4)Alice W.
In college, this was the sweet spot in downtown Charlottesville to go during the weekends. A cute gelato cafe, Splendora's offers 24-36 different flavors on a daily basis. Flavors range from traditional Italian faves like pistachio and hazelnut to American classics like cookies and cream, and even some unique flavors like green tea and blood orange. I also preferred getting either the traditional Italian or unique flavors. Splendora's also offers espresso drinks and other Italian desserts and pastries. It's a locally owned gelateria with a friendly staff and cozy interior. Perfect for a hot summer day!
(4)Yemisi E.
An adorable store nestled on the strip of downtown mall in Charlottesville. The staff is friendly and will let you try as many flavors that you please. Which is perfect for those who are picky about their gelato *proudly raises hand*. The decor is comfy and perfect for children or adults. This place is a staple and is always buzzing with people. The staff is quick and efficient so your wait will never be long. Every time I stop by Charlottesville I make sure to pick up some gelato. My favorite: Coconut. Trust me.
(5)Victoria N.
SAMPLER. All I will say. 7$ for 6 moderate sized scoops of gelato/sorbet, and any flavors you want? Perfect to share with a person.
(5)Marbles L.
My friend and I came here two days in a row. LOVE the place! We got the sampler, which had 6 scoops (smaller than regular scoops) of gelato/sorbet of your choice. The coffee and hazelnut (they had a special name I am blanking on right now) was my favorite, it wasn't too sweet yet had the luxury taste of hazelnut and the great smell of coffee. My friend loved the roasted almond flavor. We also had the mint chocolate, mexican coffee, salted caramel, and plain hazelnut. My friend, who has never had gelato before, was so in love with it that she insisted we return the second day. We tried most of the sorbet the second time, the lemon sorbet was my favorite among the sorbets. The lemon sorbet was sour, yet had a hint of sweetness. I also liked the raspberry sorbet, though not as much as the lemon sorbet. We also had the blueberry lemon zest, papaya, roasted almond, and coffee and hazelnut flavors. We were very happy with our choices. Kudos to the staff who are always very friendly and willing to let you try any flavor you'd like. :)
(5)Sarah S.
It just tastes meh. I've been here twice before. The first time was when I got a small cup with 3 flavors for about $7. The taste was just average / below average area and the price was killer. The second time my friend got some for me but it just tasted okay. I would have never bought it on my own, it's way way overpriced. And I don't get the hype in the least bit. There is a real gelato place called DeLuca's in Richmond and even the Telenti brand at Harris Teether tastes much better than this stuff.
(1)Sandy N.
Came to visit UVA and stopped by here. I got the Kalamansi and Blueberry Lemon, while my mom got the Papaya and Passion Fruit and they were amazing! They have unique flavors ranging from richer, chocolate types and light, fruity types. All the flavors were delectable and genuine (the Passion Fruit tasted like the real fruit - tart but sweet - and not the artificially sweet flavor most passion fruit flavored things are like). I will definitely come back here if I revisit Charlottesville.
(5)Tanim I.
There is probably a good reason why Splendora's is busy during the coldest day of the year -- this place has amazingly good gelato. I ordered the chocolate and Mexican coffee small gelato, and it was so good I wanted to order it again.
(5)F U.
Negative - it is very popular so there is a line. Only negative I can speak of with just one visit. Positive - pistachio ice cream was not overly sweet. Creamy, smooth deliciousness. Chocolate was outstanding. The portion size was just right. Recommend.
(4)Han V.
The gelato itself never blew me away but it is decent and they do use fresh ingredients to produce it. They give such a dinky amount though that it's not really worth the price you pay for it. Given that it's the only gelato spot in Cville, I guess they have the ability to charge however much they want. However, during the winters they do have a special where you just buy a medium cup for all-you-can eat gelato so be on the look out for that! The service here is always pleasant. Even during busy times, they don't rush you and that's always nice for an indecisive person like me. My favorite flavors here include pistachio, mango, lemon, and raspberry. Food: 3 Value: 2.5 Service: 4
(3)Agnes L.
I may be a bit biased because my husband and I once vacationed in Italy, eating gelato in place of all meals for at least three days in a row... Splendora's had a few unique flavors during my visit, like the Asian-influenced Pandan leaf, and all the classic ones. I've tried the mango sorbet, salted caramel gelato and hazelnut gelato. The gelatos were flavorful but not as rich as I've had, and the sorbet was more sweet than fruity. Decor/ambiance was pretty generic but some details were still fun like the bright, wavy padded benches inside. In the end, worth visiting but not incredibly different from other American gelato spots.
(3)Sydney L.
Great gelato- lots of flavors, and lots if authentic Italian flavors. Not much seating, tho
(5)Eustacia P.
I have only one word - heaven! This was the best gelato I've had, bar none! They serve generous portions, too!
(5)Lauren S.
So, so good. They had this amazing flavor, I think it was goat cheese and fig or something, which may sound unappealing, but it was dankiediedankdank. I think they might've taken it off of the menu. Sad :(.
(5)Dave C.
Nice gelato shop. The pistachio gelato was amazing. Tried the salted caramel, pumpkin, and maple flavors as well. All were good, but not quite as flavorful. They also had hot apple cider = win. Friendly service.
(5)Florence K.
I really like gelato and was really glad to run into Splendora's. The décor of the place is nice and the service, as slow as it may be when people are trying all the flavors in front of you, is good. I got the Amarena and Zabaglione, and they were so good together! Amarena is an Italian sour cherry and the Zabaglione is a sweet wine infused Italian custard... the two complimented each other really well. They also had a wide array of flavors to choose from and don't be shy to ask to try... (hell, the people in front of you weren't!) I was really appreciative of the true Italian flavors they offered and will definitely come back to try more!
(4)World War Z.
I came here on two separate dates and it's a great place to enjoy gelato. There are a ton of selections, the gelato tastes fantastic, the price is reasonable, and the quantity is plenty. The seats are very comfortable and it's nice place to sit down and socialize or just relax. You can also get your gelato to go and enjoy the historical downtown architecture. This gelato is as good as it gets! Woot Woot!!
(5)Lindsay P.
I visited Splendora's Gelato Cafe on a Wednesday afternoon. I was immediately greeted by a friendly young woman. I had an affogato with chocolate/hazelnut gelato. It was absolutely wonderful. The price was also decent for two scoops of gelato and shots of espresso- $4.75. I also purchased some Italian candies- Baci. I was so happy to see this product because it's something I grew up with. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and freshness of the ingredients used at Splendora's. I would like to try more of their coffee offerings as well as gelato flavors. There is also free wifi. This is a great spot for a date or to get some work done. I will be back!
(4)L G.
i don't know how they make such delicious gelato - amazing. coconut was out of this world, best i've ever had. love this place. super rich, creamy, tasty tasty. highly recommend.
(5)Kelsi G.
Really really delicious, legit, gelato. They always have some kind of unique flavor! You get less than if you were to get fro-yo or something, but I savor the gelato alot more :) If you like chocolate, yo u MUST TRY the chocolate sorbet!! It is the most intense chocolate ice-cream like thing I have ever tasted, it tastes like cocoa powder in gelato form in the best way possible. So good. I haven't tried their sorbets, I usually like the chocolate-y/coffee/dessert flavors for gelato, but I bet they're also really good!
(5)Joy G.
According to Wikipedia, in Italy, gelato must have at least 3.5% butterfat - you can be 100% butterfat but you can't be 3.4% - which makes it reason #100000 why gelato is better than your average ice cream cone. Difference between gelato and ice cream: less air, more milk, less cream = stronger flavor? There's also something about how the Medici family of Florence (basically the Rockefellers if the Rockefellers controlled the banks, the oil reserves, the political system, and were also a royal family) stuffed themselves silly with gelato. I don't usually like dessert and I'll always stop at a gelato shop to see if they can get the pistachio and hazelnut flavors right. And Splendora does! Ding ding ding - but cookies and cream was surprisingly bland. My only other complaint is that as soon as the girl scooped out my gelato, the whole thing sort of collapsed into a watery mess, whereas well-made gelato should retain some kind of structure, but luckily, the cashier possessed enough foresight to offer me a bigger cup to catch all the drips. Also, thank you for being open at the terribly, awfully, tremendously late hour of 8:00 pm on a freezing March night - it was nice to sit inside, chow down on some cold gelato, and bask in central heating.
(4)Samantha E.
While killing some time before dinner I decided to indulge in a bambino cone of cookies and cream gelato. It was a steal at $1.50 and you get a decent sized little ball of gelato. They have quite a variety of flavors to choose from beyond your basic gelato and ice cream flavors. I did sample the salt caramel and found it a bit too salty for my tastes. The decor was nice and the location is prime on the downtown mall.
(3)Andrew M.
Pretty good stuff. Although I love coffee ice cream more than anything, I tend to find coffee-flavored gelato pretty hit-or-miss, but Splendora's was very satisfying -- strong, pleasant aftertaste. I had another flavor, too, but whatever it was it must have been less memorable.
(4)Robyn S.
The last time my husband and I decided to go to Splendora's the line was literally out the door, but we decided to wait because the gelato and sorbet Splendora dishes up is so fantastic. We always get the sampler, which is 6 smallish scoops of your choice for $6.75. I normally go for the gelato and my husband opts for the sorbet. The counter staff are always friendly and are happy to give you little samples of any of the many flavors, so if you're not sure you'd like something (and I don't like all the offerings) just ask. My perennial favorite is the pistachio gelato- it's creamy, nutty and not too sweet. My husband loves the lemon sorbet, which is super tangy. I also like that they switch up some of the flavors depending on the season.
(5)Lauren B.
On a recent road trip to C'ville, I was very happy to enjoy some fresh gelato to help me cool off from the horrible heatwave. The prices are not that bad and the varieties of flavors will appease any tastebuds. Cute decor and friendly staff makes this a great place to visit for some good gelato.
(4)Hillary C.
Delicious, it was the perfect treat and the staff there were all very friendly and helpful!
(5)Laura M.
Tasty gelato in a trendy area of Charlottesville.
(3)Jennifer W.
Best pistachio gelato I've had since my trip to Venice in 2006. All the gelato is made fresh in house. Creamy, nutty, amazing! Will definitely be going back on my next trip to C'Ville. Can't speak for the other flavors, but don't think I'll be trying anything else. This was too good!
(5)Beth A.
Friendly. Fast ( they were packed) and yummy.
(4)Tash K.
Coffee Heath bar is soo good. Prices are typical for gelato. A small (2 scoops) was $3.75
(4)Julie S.
Salted caramel -- wow!
(4)Lauren H.
This is probably my favorite place in Charlottesville! The variety of flavors is incredible, I've yet to get the same thing twice and I've never been disappointed. Try a few flavors before you settle on one (or two!). They also have a nice little coffee bar, overall its a wonderful place!
(5)Anna P.
Outstanding gelato. Great flavor selection, great texture. A+ on that front. Friendly people and great hours don't hurt, either - but be warned that this is not the most romantic of dessert spots on the Downtown Mall (though it is the most convenient and probably the tastiest). The chairs are cute but not super comfortable, so I never stay too long. Still, absolutely my favorite post-dinner spot!
(4)Zazie D.
Excellent Gelato! I tasted a few flavors, and liked the banana and the gianduia (chocolate and hazelnut). I was not sure what other flavor to add, and asked the very nice young lady at the counter for a suggestion. She said pistachio. I tried the pistachio, and it was a perfect combination! My kids had cookies and cream, coffee, banana, and torrone. Everybody enjoyed their gelato. It was amazing! We were sorry Splendora's was out of the lavender and spicy chocolate flavors, but that is a good reason to go back!:)
(5)Ted D.
Not the best gelato but having had it all over Europe my expectations are high. The consistency isn't what I expected, wasn't very creamy, almost had the texture of regular ice cream.
(3)Justin C.
**** 4.5 stars **** We came into Splendora on a Sunday, when very few other shops on Main St were open, and it was sweltering outside, made even worse by the heavy humidity. Being in desperate need for a bottle of water for a variety of reasons (beginning with but not limited to those described here: yelp.com/biz/bodos-bagel… ), I was hoping to at least pick that up in here if nothing else caught my eye. Well, as most people know who've seen my pictures of Greece, where gelato is on nearly every other corner, and quite often in my hand, you can guess that quite a lot caught my eye in here. They don't go all out with the elaborate adornments on each pile of gelato like the Greeks do, but there is certainly no lack of flavor to be had. So many flavors in fact, we couldn't decide which to limit ourselves to, so instead we got the "painters palette" sampler, which has 6 small scoops of any flavors you choose for a modest $6.25. We opted to do a good mix of fruity and intense. First up we went with the cucumber mint, a really cool, refreshing mix that sounds strange as a flavor but turned out to be one of my favorites. Next we moved to the peaches and cream, which was somewhat forgettable, especially compared to the third flavor, black currant, which was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. After finishing the three sweet flavors we moved on to the more heavy ones, starting with the stracciatella which was ok compared to others I've had. We finished up with the amaretto followed by the gianduja, both of which were good, but not as good as I had hoped.
(4)Glen C.
Holy Macro. Even a small cup was more than mouthful. Tasty yummy delight!
(4)Jonathan H.
I only knew thickly spooned ice cream, then I quickly swooped upon a new theme: More milk and less cream, texture's silk and the flavor's a dream. It's Gelato! Gelato is divine and it'll blow your mind, gotta know I ain't lyin', just jump in line. Get red currant or whatever's your favorite, bet a torrent of flavor will make you savor it.
(5)Annie Y.
I've been here on a number of occasions, with either friends, dorm suitemates, or my significant other. The gelato is thick and creamy and comes in a wide variety of flavors. My favorite single flavor is the pistachio, but you can sample taste any of the flavors before you make a purchase. They also offer a sampler plate with bambino-sized scoops of six different gelato favors. This is a terrific option for if you are together with a larger group of people. Definitely check it out if you're looking for something thicker and more luxurious in taste than the froyo places downtown and on the corner.
(5)Krissy M.
Family was in town, and though I had never been to Splendora's prior to this weekend, I had heard rave reviews! We stopped in Saturday night and since the downtown mall was kickin, so was this place! Pretty busy, but a manageable line for the most part. Mom and sister had a few samples before deciding on their doubles: mango & almond and salted caramel and lemon white chocolate! They loved it, and I loved the bites I took, too! My only caveat was the set up in the store...very congested in the front, and the large stylish table makes for an unruly and heavy obstacle in the entry way.
(4)Lisa C.
This place has the best gelato... Even better than many places we ate at in Italy. This is our favorite ice cream place in Charlottesville.
(5)Lisa N.
Splendora is over-hyped in my opinion. The gelato isn't bad, but I've only had 2 flavors that I really like: Mango and Roasted Almond. Besides these, I believe the gelato is just average, the prices are on the high-end for dessert, and the wait is long, especially right after dinner.
(2)Angela N.
Good mango and nutella gelato though pricey.
(3)matt h.
The gelato was very good, though the price is a bit higher than I would have liked. They have a bunch of variety and each of the eight flavors I tried was good. The location on the mall is nice and you can't beat strolling around with gelato in hand on a warm summer evening.
(4)John K.
Good place for desert. Has that modern chic feel to it. Definitely like the hanging lights that look like candles. Makes you feel like you're at Hogwarts (maybe I shouldn't have said that). Gelato is very good and who isn't a fan of ice cream? Tons of flavors to choose from. You may be a little overwhelmed at first, but I'm sure if you like it, you'll be back for more. What is the difference between gelato and ice cream anyway? Is it b/c one is from Italy and one is from everywhere else?
(4)Bill C.
It's not that the service is bad, it's not that they don't have interesting seating, it's not that it is a trendy place in a trendy area; it's just that I don't like paying 3.50 for a small cup of ice cream that tastes like what's in my freezer at home. The best ice cream is Graeter's in Cincinnati. Just ask Oprah.
(2)David C.
We had the C n c, salted caramel, Mexican coffee, cherry n milk gelatos. It was good, but not as good as New England ice cream.
(3)Kristen H.
Tasty, but not real gelato, at all. Really overpriced, but delish flavors, as I said. Definitely a great asset for a place like C'ville, but honestly, one the average day, I'd prefer to go to that regular ice cream place on the Mall and get more for my money
(4)Steve F.
Yummy gelato. IKEA decor. Hipsters and the peanut gallery agree. Always a good bet! Me likes the gianduia.
(5)Jen H.
I've never had bad gelato, just flavors i liked and liked less. So it's hard to compare to other gelato places. I just can't resist gelato though. Gelato was good and they had a lot of flavors. I didn't see any standout flavors but they were all good. The inside is nice with nice seating and the staff is friendly.
(4)Jim D.
What better way to crown my 100th yelp review than with a delicious dessert destination?! Splendora's was a perfect fit. This is some serious tasting gelato. I usually find many places make their gelato way too hard and that's just disappointing after having had some of the most dreamy and luscious gelato over in Italy. Well, Splendora's gets it right on the mark. I ordered a small which comes with two flavors. I chose red currant which was sinfully sweet and panna cotta which was decadently creamy. It was the perfect balance. I could have easily gone into a gluttonous sugared debauchery here. Their gelato is way, way good. The inside is cute and the staff is very friendly. No one ever questioned me even after my 5th sample. I love that. Make a mental note to pay a visit to this downtown destination. Your taste buds will thank you for it.
(4)Emily C.
Yum. My favorite thing about prevailing standards in gelato shops? Multiple flavors are a given! Finally someone who understands that I can't pick just one. My choices: -Raspberry Sorbet: Good, but didn't blow my mind. -Dulce de Leche: Ditto. I wanted a stronger caramel flavor, and more of the caramel ribbon. -Gianduia: My dependable favorite when it comes to gelato, and the definite winner among these three. Great concentration of flavor. The store has a nice ambience, and provides a great mobile dessert for eating during an evening stroll along the pedestrian mall.
(4)Phoebe O.
I love this place, best gelatto I've ever had. they have interesting flavors like rum raisin, almond, coconut, mango, etc. When I went to Italy town in San Francisco to look around for gelatto, they didn't even have flavors like Splendora's. In a small town like Charlottesville, I am impressed. The staff is really nice. Will come back for more.
(5)Rick S.
Stopped in today for some gelato and espresso. The gelato was mediocre - have had much better in chains like Paciugo and other locally owned shops across the US. It was "ok" though, what we expected and what we got. This review concerns the "service" we recieved. The place is essentially a couple of gelato scoopers and cashier behind a counter with a large tip jar next to the register. We ordered a few gelato cups, espresso and chocolates, handed the cashier the credit card as we moved the cups and plates to our table. We returned, signed the CC receipt and were given a snotty-a** comment by the tatted/pierced wannabe-hipster cashier, who looked at the ice cream scooper, held up our receipt and proclaimed for all to hear, "This is your tip". The last time I checked, leaving a tip in a place like this was optional. By "place like this, " I mean a shop where customers stand in line, bring their plates to their own tables and clear their own tables One has to wonder what tipping here actually rewards? Excellent ice cream scooping? Wonderful cashiering? Anyhoo - we won't be back here.
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