La Dolce Vita Gelato & Pastry is one of those rare gems that doesn't just serve dessert - it builds…read morecommunity, connection, and genuine joy with every visit. From day one, the owner has made us feel welcomed, remembered, and truly part of his world, and that level of hospitality is something you can't manufacture. It's real, and it's why this place stands out. The gelato is on another level entirely. I've traveled, tasted, and tried gelato in major cities and abroad, and nothing (absolutely nothing) compares to what's being crafted right here in our growing Ocala. The flavors rotate constantly, keeping every visit exciting and perfectly matched to whatever mood you're in. Each batch is rich, smooth, balanced, and made with a passion you can taste. We've never left with a single regret, only smiles and that satisfied "this hit the spot" feeling. And honestly, the gelato here deserves worldwide recognition. It's that exceptional. But what truly elevates La Dolce Vita is the owner himself - someone who cares deeply not just about his shop, but about the people who walk through his doors. His pride, kindness, and consistency have created a place that feels like home for so many of us. Ocala is lucky to have this treasure. Thank you to the AMAZING owner who has poured years of heart into serving this community. This is a must‑visit, a must‑return, and a place that continues to set the bar for what great gelato (and great hospitality) should be.

It's got to be me...with all the rave reviews, I was so excited to try dessert from La Dolce Vita…read moreGelato and Pastry. I just don't understand why everyone but me is raving about this place. My friend went in to order sfogliatelle and a black and white cookie. He said the woman behind the counter was a bit impatient with him as he was looking at all the pastries and actually shook her head in frustration. I took one bite of the cookie and couldn't eat it. Both it and the sfogliatelle had a musty taste, though my friend said the inside of the shop didn't smell musty. I wanted to be one of the ones to rave about this place. Sadly, I cannot.

I have been here many times and let me tell you she makes some of the best Cupcakes around...she…read moresells a variety of delicious flavors that make you want to come back and try another...as soon as you arrive you are greeted and taken care of right away, fast service and your on your way..her shop is just adorable and so homey inside and very welcoming..you have to check out her Cakes, they are a work of art..if you are on the Crystal River area, you must stop in!

I actually found out about Queen of Cakes from an ad on Facebook. What intrigued me the most was…read morethat she offers Keto baked goods. Great for those people like my husband and I watching their carbohydrate intake. My husband who loves sweets had to give them up when he became a severe diabetic and misses them so much. With Queen of Cakes keto baked items he can have an occassional treat without raising his blood sugar significantly. Queen of Cakes also offers delicious regular baked items plus beautifully decorated cakes for special occasions. She also bakes savory items such as biscuits, rolls, mini pizzas, take and bake pizza dough plus pepperoni pizza rolls. Queen of Cakes is a small business but the owner/ baker bakes an impressive amount and variety of baked goods. Beautifully baked and decorated there's something for everybody in her bakery cases. I love the fact that she sells pieces of cake along with her numerous cupcakes. Whenever I go my husband warns me don't overspend because quite frankly everything in her bakery just calls out to me! I do hope you will try our hidden gem of a bakery here in Crystal River and support a small business whose owner is wonderful and will do anything to make her customers happy!

Fantastic flavors and great customer service. The Brownie explosion is a meal in itself. We will…read moredefinitely be back.

Yummy choices of ice cream. Got a turtle sundae, dole whip cup and pup cup. Fast and friendly…read moreservice. Cash tips only for the workers. Clean and bright atmosphere with many ice and drink choices.

Yum! This great little Ice cream place is perfect!…read moreLocate in the Historic District of Dunnellon, It is just what our little town needs. We asked for mix in ice cream blizzards, and got exactly what we were looking for, with a smile to go with it. They are within walking distance of our home, and they will be a frequent destination for us from now on. They are open just late enough too.

Great friendly service , young gentleman is a great asset to this establishment. Ice cream and…read moremilkshakes Tasted great!! party of three enjoyed

I get the banana split and it's always so good I love the coco icecream the kids love the blue…read moredragon

Where do we start? What a great story. I love this crew. Kelly, Dianne, Bev and everyone else. You…read morecan come try these Fresh Fruit Pops right here in Inverness. They are making 1000s of pops a week. Selling to huge accounts in Florida. Almost all the fruit in the pops is from Florida. I posted pics of the current menu. These pops are so fresh cool refreshing so light. They have a bite to them because of the temp they are kept at. Locally at -15 degrees. To explain what they taste like: It's like eating a fresh strawberry/blueberry/orange but lighter cooler and way more refreshing. These would be the best by the pool, on the River, at the beach on a super hot day. I could eat 10 of them at a time!! Can't wait to come back This is a must and I'll be looking for where they go next. Come drive down to Inverness and try these out. I'll be coming back from Ocala and buying a bunch of them to bring back. See you soon, Good Knight Now!!

During my kayak I came across a tiny pink motorboat that had 2 people selling popsicles on the…read morewater! I've never seen such a thing! It was perfect to have in the hot Florida sun. They had fruit pops for $4 and cocktail/wine pops for $6. I tried the blueberry mojito and it was so yummy

Tried the DUBAI chocolate brownie from this new baker and it was DELICIOUS. I noticed it on the…read moremaps so figured I would give it a try. It is her house so she said to call ahead. Prices are super fair too. She says she also does catering and will be hiring her for my daughter's wedding. THANK YOU KATE!!!!

Oh my, oh my! I love popcorn and when I first walked in I felt like I did as a kid walking into a…read morecandy store. The staff is super nice & patient. I asked to try a lot of their flavors and there wasn't a dud in the bunch. Of course I favored certain flavors. Will definitely take out of town guests here because it's fun & delicious. Whoever is developing the flavors has a great palate, as the flavors were all on point. So go! Or go back soon! :) Sorry no pictures - forgot as so preoccupied with flavor options. Store is very cute

Where do I even start?! What first caught my attention was the silly sign. What made me walk in was…read morethe enticing offer of samples. What made me stay and buy something was the rush of giggles that overcame me from the delightfully inviting sweet smell from just walking inside. I'm celebrating my sobriety and was able to literally put together a gift box for myself. I picked the box and all the items that would go inside. I feel the price was fair and reasonable considering the amount of samples I tried. It was absolutely delightful speaking to and working with the two ladies working there today; especially since the gift box was put together and wrapped right there for me. Even the customers were delightful to speak to. Yes, it is a reaaaaaally tiny hole-in-the-wall place but, it brought me to a place of instant inner joy. That's not something I feel in many places. I can't wait to go again. It.... was pure joy.... really