My go-to neighborhood spot for ice cream and coffee drinks. Always interesting selection of sorbets and gelato, perfect espresso drinks and great coffee. Salted Caramel gelato is my fav, with the Valhrona chocolate a close second, but the Toasted Sesame flavor, not so much. Pastries are purchased from Bonaparte (bistro in G-Town and a booth at the Dupont Farmers Market); pretty damn close to the real deal found in France. Service might be occasionally questionable, but I have sadly been desensitized to the Hipster Coffee Shop attitude. read more

Having moved from Boston to DC, I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to ice cream as my favorite ice cream shops are in Boston (christina's, toscinini's) - that is until I tried the gelato at the argentina inspired gelato at Dolcezza's. Their gelato is creamy and rich, with unusual sometimes powerful flavors. Last night I tried their Sea Salt flavor - yes sea salt. I'm still dreaming of it - it was delicious. My other favorite flavor that I tried with the sea salt scoop that I highly recommend is their dark chocolate. Sadly I live blocks away from their dupont shop - this is a dangerous thing. Oh and their coffee is amazing as well. And finally I considered knocking it down one star because it is a bit expensive - though I tend to ignore the costs because it's truly delicious. read more

I read so many good review before went to Washington DC. I wanted to get good coffee. so I always try to go to many different coffee place. Coffee taste was not bad.. :( I might so excited about this place:) Macchiato was better then regular coffee. And caramel Ice cream was so great I never had before.. They gave me very small though. and Almond croissant was good to have with coffee. but It wasn't home made. I wish Almond croissant was warm.. read more

My favorite gelato place in D.C! Josh was very helpful with helping me decide on a good pairing for the Thai coconut milk. The lemon ricotta cardamom paired perfectly. I'm also not a big fan of sorbetto, but I must say I really enjoyed their lemon. I also love getting their affogato. Big heaping scoops of the flavor(s) of your choice and Stumptown espresso...yummerz...love Love LOVE! This is definitely on our "must take visitors to" places. read more

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but there's a lot of action when you come in. I'm on the hunt for the good coffee shops that also have great working spaces. As a grad student, I'm going for a mix of hip and comfy. This place gets the hip & the coffee right, but this is more for maybe coming up with a lesson plan for kids (what the people next to me were doing) and general group work. I have a lot of reading to do, so this wasn't the kind of comfy I was looking for, but the much & quiche I had were absolutely wonderful. Hoping to come back for the gelato pops! read more

Want to wait 10 mins for a single espresso, while watching 3 listless staff doing zombie walks? This place is for you. Every other Dolcezza I know of has great coffee and service. Why this spot hires non-working staff is beyond me. read more

... I think the only good reviews come from the people working here, or sitting at the table with nothing better to do. Coffee is average, service is terrible. But I guess it's about what you can expect from a coffee shop. Reminds me of those times I went to a wine bar expecting good wine, only to realize really good wine is at the top restaurants not little wine bars with exposed brick walls and the menu on a chalk board...... Just saying .... ;) read more

Very nice atmosphere and very authentic ice cream. Happy we found this place! That was a little bit pricy but I guess that is the price you have to pay for quality. Will definetly go back. Btw I had the pistachio and chocolate. My husband had the lemon flavor and cardamom read more

Pretentious with a capital P! A little too full of themselves in the coffee department. Too many rules! Just give me a coffee and don't make it so complicated. There are also too many people who use the one main common table as their "home office" and plant themselves there for hours on end with an empty coffee cup in front of them while others who would like to sit down for a minute to enjoy their coffee are forced to go elsewhere - like out the door! For the record, I love/prefer to support the little guy and stay as far away from Starbucks as possible, but in the end, it's never relaxing to go in to Dolcezza. I always leave frustrated with my coffee experience. Gelato and pastries are good. read more

This place is definitely artisanal as they had a lot of unique flavors. I had tried a few though and it did not fit into my taste. There is only sometimes I like to experiment with food but gelato is not one of them. I ended up with something that tasted like coffee--my favorite! Because of this specialty, prices are expensive but the service here was very good. read more

Absolutely loved this place for its gelato! Despite being crazy expensive, it was definitely worth it! I got the lime cilantro gelato, which was a change for me because I would normally opt for the chocolate gelato. The lime and cilantro gelato was just a burst of freshness in my mouth. Considering it was a warm day, it was very refreshing. The ambiance and staff were great! It looks like a cute little place to just kickback and read. I don't know if I'd be back for the gelato because of the price, but I'd definitely come back for the ambiance and people. read more

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Yes. it's good. it's addictive. it's irresistible. My only complaint: it is wayyy too expensive!! I think they came up with the pricing strategy using Euros. But, yes, it is very good - damn it! They have the most amazingly innovative blends of gelatos and sobertos. If you know what you like, that's great. I like to be adventurous and try new things, so I get different flavors every time I go. Ladies behind those gelato bins are very patient and are happy to explain what the flavors are all about. So, do sample a few, to pick your favorite ones. I have had their drip coffee - it's ok. I am not a big fan of hand drip coffee. So, don't listen to me if you are a fan of drip coffee and know much about it. Another downside of this place is that it's TINY! If you are with a group of people, forget about it. You won't be able to find seats. They have one big communal table, and a bar seating by the window. If you want to get a coffee to sit around and relax, make sure to avoid peak hours. Sometimes, you just have to spoil yourself. Then, this is the perfect place to do it. Get a big thing of gelato, sit under the sun, and forget about all the stressful things in your life! Happy licking! read more

Haiku # 34 Dulce carino Nostalgia, el amor Siempre sera Dolcezza has several spots (here in Dupont, one in Georgetown, and one in Bethesda). All three are cute, but this DAG in Dupont is my favorite by far! Dupont Dolcezza--why is it my fav? The ambiance has a nice upscale modern coffee-house feel, there's actually some seating available (window bar and communal table), and unlike the other two Dolcezzas you don't feel crammed in. Of course, the product is great--delicious espresso done right, heavenly gelato, and of course, one of my absolute favorite sweet treats of all time: the alfajor! Really, you can skip the gelato and go straight for the alfajores (don't let yourself get sidetracked by the churros, which also good, simply don't compare). If you are unfamiliar with the alfajor, please stop whatever it is you're doing right now (even if that means reading this review) and head to DAG immediately! Order two alfajores (you'll need more than one, let me assure you of that!). You heard me, stop reading and go now! For those of you who are already familiar with alfajores, I still suggest getting up off the couch or walking away from your computer desk and bookin' it to Dolcezza for the amazing pillowy sugar cookie filled with dulce de leche caramel! These are some legit, Argentinian-style alfajores--DAG is not messin' around. read more

Came over here to work ( I was in search for an espresso cup comparable to San Francisco Espressos and free wifi). Turns out DC is a Starbucks city really.. People were actually offended when I asked where I could find "good espresso" next to a Starbucks branch. Eventually, I found this place myself. So here's the juice (or rather 'coffee'): It's great. Really great. Good barista. Not only that, they have gelato they prepare themselves and pastries which come from fantastic bakeries all over the city so I'm informed. Oh yeah. And work. WIFI. Great. Working now. read more

4.5/5 Dolcezza - Gelateria AND Coffee shop extraordinaire (what?! did that blow your mind? I think it did) What a quirky and perfect marriage. Commonalities between the G and the C 1) They do their research - they ain't no slouches, those folks. Quality of ingredients is bang on! Don't worry, we do help foot the bill ;) 2) Flava-flava - They have an active policy to rotate G and C flavors/beans so that our palettes are never bored. Don't worry, their all-time superstar flavors and beans do join permanent collection. Let's talk coffee I've come to know two of the baristas at Dolcezza, Eric (Steady State) and Liz. Lemme tell ya, they can pour a drink. I'm only at the beginning of my caffeinated education journey and both of them have been extraordinarily patient and helpful talking to me about beans, roasters, drip filters, it goes on. Love the ambiance. It has a very rustic chateau feel. Catch you soon at their community table. read more

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG THE BEST GELATO I HAVE EVER HAD!! So I haven't been to Italy but this is the best gelato I've had in the U.S. I've never had gelato so creamy and perfectly churned. I got the dark chocolate (40% cacao I think?) and the Thai Coconut milk. Perfect combo! I'm sad I waited until my last full night (after 2 months) here to go...Or maybe it's a better thing because I would've been broke coming here multiple times. It's pretty pricey for a small size (~$5) but you get your money's worth in quality. Apparently Dirksen's cafe (next to the Senate Buffet) gets their gelato from here too... read more

This cafe was a nice find. They serve good coffee and you can sit to work on what you need to. Communal table. The ice cream and pastries looked great but I stuck with the coffee. read more

Wonderful, outstanding coffee and gelato place. How good is the gelato? I stopped by in the morning and had, on a whim, gelato for breakfast ... and that I had some more in the late afternoon on a brutally hot day when I was wearing a wool coat. I don't even drink coffee, but it seems like they had some pretty cool coffee options including something that was coffee and gelato combined? Who knew? read more

I consider myself a strong critic of gelato & having it be my go to treat when I'm Italy, I find it hard to find gelato in the states that comes close to the good stuff over there. However the gelato at Dolcezza met those expectations very well. The gelato was amazing!! It was the perfect texture and right amount of delicious flavor. The Dark chocolate was out of this world. I paired it with the Butter Pecan. However the toasted strawberry and espresso were also very satisfying. read more

This gelato was amazing. Creamy, flavorful, and just enough. My friend and I wanted ice cream, and a DC native swore by Dolcezza. I totally get it. I would swear by it too! read more

Dolcezza - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I can't believe I paid almost 7$ for an afogato. For fellow vegans, the sorbetto selection is actually as decent as gelato, so dig in. read more

Beautifully hand-crafted gelato, flavors sourced locally whenever possible. You won't go wrong with any flavor (or sorbet). They also have international sweets, like churros and alfajor, an Argentinean corn biscuit sandwich cookie, and good espresso. Chocoholics, proceed directly to the Valrhona Chocolate 70%. Guaranteed to hit the C spot. ("C" meaning chocolate, you dirty bird.) Maldon Sea Salt ("goes with everything") and nocciola del Piemonte (Italian hazelnut) is recommended for the chocolate lover on a brief hiatus. read more

I'm a gelato aficionado and make pilgrimages to gelaterias around the country and world. This is, in my opinion, as good as it gets. First of all, in their Dupont Circle store, they have these super deep lidded containers, which is definitely the way to store gelato ensuring even temperature control and unexposed goods. Their flavours are simple but very robust and rich with the purity and integrity of the ingredients preserved. Some of the flavours are surprisingly light and subtle while others are intense and on the verge of being overwhelming. The texture is perfectly smooth, creamy, and dense. Overall, perfection. Valrhona chocolate - This was simply divine. I've never had a dark, bittersweet gelato this concentrated in chocolatey goodness. Dulce de leche - Also, beautifully done...creamy and so intense in flavour bordering on being too intense. However, it was a little on the sweet side for me. Sumatra cinnamon - This was simply lovely. There are tiny flecks in there that is almost reminiscent of a crushed gingerbread cookie. Quince - Tart and yummy. Honey Tangerine - Indifferent toward this one. Gianduja - I actually prefer Pitango's take on this one. The difference being that Dolcezza's version has finely ground bits of hazelnut in the gelato and Pitango's is completely strained off. Yes, I personally consumed 2 large orders in one sitting. I am so glad that places like this have gained a following. The pervasive amount of run-of-the-mill ice cream shops like Ben and Jerry's that serve large portions of candy-filled calorie-packed mass produced ice cream is such a shame. I love small producers that take great pride in their craft. read more

Delicious!!! Perfect place to take a date. I recommend the thai coconut milk, avocado honey, and the lemon ricotta cardamom. read more

Cam was the best!! Dark chocolate, espresso, and cinnamon topping was the bomb! Thank you!

This place is amazing. I almost wanted to cry when I discovered it. I've been bemoaning the lack of independent coffee shops that really know how to make a good cappuccino ever since moving from the San Francisco Bay Area earlier this year. To discover this place sells Ritual coffee AND makes gibraltors (1/2 espresso, 1/2 milk in a tumbler glass) was sooo exciting! The only thing they are missing is Blue Bottle Coffee and they told me they are working on it! sweet! Their gelato is also D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! I've tried the lemon-opal-basil and the pistachio, both wonderful. They have many different, unlikely combinations- completely unique and interesting. Looking forward to trying more. So stoked to have found this gem in D.C. read more

best gelato (and flavors you've never seen and will wish were everywhere) great coffee prepared the way it should and croissants that make you so happy, you will weep with delight in french. and the service... they make you feel like you live in a small town and this is the only coffee shop. read more

Pretty expensive for the portion you get. Tastes pretty good, though very sweet. They don't sell water, but offer tap water through a cooler. Except the water tasted noticeably soapy. Grossed me out. read more

DC Food Goal #2(local ice cream/gelato): accomplished with rave reviews. Um, I need a gelato place like this in Colorado, please. Otherwise I will be forced to move to this fantastical and amazing city just so I can get my craving fulfilled... I had way too many flavors in one cup, so many that my mouth was a little confused but still very happy. I had some lemon ricotta cardamom (gelato) blueberry lavender (sorbet) deliciousness that had a strong blueberry bite, some creamy ricotta warmth, a little lemon zing, and a slight aftertaste of lavender and cardamom. Oh. My. God. Best combination ever, possible in the entire universe. E got a mix of tiramisu, blackberries and cream, and mango lime habanero - I'm sure it mixed well down at the bottom, even though the flavors sound weird together. But I wouldn't know, because his three scoops were gone long before my two. Add on to that cool and creamy goodness a dulce de leche churro, which is the crunchiest, greasiest, most delightful churro (filled with warm caramel, I might add!) and you have got a MUST DO in the Dupont Circle area. I know I am not a local, and I don't count, but DROP EVERYTHING AND GO NOW because places like this come along once a century. read more

The staff are generous with the samples, so if you're curious about whether basil sorbet could possibly taste good, just ask. When I told the staff I wanted more of their excellent peanut butter gelato, they said I might like the hazelnut too, and offered a sample. They were correct. It was superb. Flavorful and dense and creamy without being too heavy. read more

Their gelato is great, and when i stopped in early with my girlfriend, they made us the best affogatos I've had in a long time. If you've never had one, I highly recommend them. Other positives: free wifi, cute space, great people-watching from the counter. read more

This particular dessert stop turned out to be the perfect way to end a hot summer night. I really enjoyed the Pistachio Siciliano. There were no actual pistachio pieces in the gelato itself, but held it's distinctive taste combined with a creamy-like texture. It was unlike any other pistachio ice cream or gelato I've ever had before and for that, Dolcezza's artisinal way graciously transcended to the top of my list. Totally memorable. Not to mention their Gianduja (Hazelnut) is also a total hit. It tastes just like the hazelnut creme that oozes out of a piece of Ferrero Rocher when you bite into one. Dreamy and totally satisfying. Their eco-friendly cups provide just the right amount. Although, I gottta admit, I'm contemplating on bringing a pint or two home during my next stroll around Dupont Circle instead. I absolutely approve and applaud Dolcezza. read more

Ah, sweet, Dolcezza! Their gelato just hit the spot and this evening I was in the mood for something with chocolate. What a treat. Their gelato is dense, sweet, and smooth in texture. And they use ingredients locally in crafting their gelato, which is a plus. Dolcezza is a great spot in Dupont to drop in for a gelato. Go treat yourself! read more

My favorite place in DC to get sorbet and gelato. This is especially important since everyone who knows me knows that ice cream is the way into my heart. Sometimes I get frustrated when they switch up the flavors on me, but when I find another perfect combo (one gelato, with one sorbet since you can get two flavors in a small cup) I'm happy all over again. Their white peach sorbet with the blackberry gelato has probably been my favorite combination to date. Also, the staff is always nice and very helpful. It's a bit pricey, but it's DC! What do you expect??! Plus, the quality of the product makes the price completely worth it. read more

Dolcezza - Peach sorbet with blackberry gelato! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As others have said the prices are a bit high for what you get, but the location and decor are really neat. It's worth a visit if you're in the area. I tried the espresso hairbender and valhrona chocolate gelato. They were both tasty, but the chocolate edged the espresso as it didn't taste espresso enough for my liking. While it's labeled as dark chocolate, the valhrona is actually the right amount of chocolate. My wife ordered the Thai coconut and salted caramel. I'm not a fan of the coconut but the salted caramel is worth a try. Overall, try it out! read more

Georgetown location is better. The gelato here is covered up in metal containers so you can't see any of it. Flavors are written on an dry erase board on the back wall. Gelato is amazing. That day, they had Valrhona chocolate which was so dense and thick, it tasted like cold creamy Valrhona chocolate fudge. Mexican chocolate had a nice kick of cayenne and cinnamon. Brown Butter tasted good but had an odd grainy texture to it. Dulce de leche is always a winner. The cookie they serve with dulce de leche sandwiched in-between 2 cookies with shredded coconut on top is not that good. It was pretty dry and flavorless; didn't taste nearly as good as it looked. Everyone's raving about the coffee, so I'll definitely have to try that next time! read more

This is rated as the highest gelato shop in Washington on Yelp. Really? We came in at 8pm, and since most of the flavors were out (including the raved about coconut), we got milk chocolate, salt caramel, and vanilla. I've mentioned to someone today that was the worst vanilla I have eaten, including the regular store-purchased vanilla. The chocolate was okay. The salt caramel was actually really good, to be fair. The service was great (!!), but they weighed our ice-cream (there was a scale next to the cooler), which was amusing and a first for me. Maybe this place is more of a coffee shop, and maybe the coffee is amazing, but the "gelato" more-or-less sucks. read more

This review is for the breakfast/coffee here, not the gelato. Unfortunately, they were all out of pain au chocolate when we went here, so we got a prosciutto and gruyere croissant, and a regular croissant. The regular croissant didn't come with any jam or butter (annoying) but was still very good. As was the prosciutto and gruyere one. I had a mocha and it was very very good. I wish it had been a little less expensive, but still very good. Can't wait to go back and try the gelato! read more

I live right around the corner from Dolcezza...and even though I walk by often (always casting long, wistful looks at other people's gelatos), I actually don't go in...mostly because we're getting married in a few months, and I'm hoping to not get as fat as my inner-foodie wants me to be. However, we were out with a group of friends at Bistrot du Coin last night, and stopped by Dolcezza for dessert...and my fiance treated us both to a small cup of 1/2 pistachio and 1/2 cappuccino gelato. I'm usually a sucker for cappuccino (or anything coffee-flavored), but I will say that it was completely overshadowed by the salty-sweet-nuttiness of the pistachio. I actually regretted not getting a full cup of pistachio! It was just great. I hope you understand what I mean when I say it actually tastes like pistachio--not the artificially-flavored, artificially-colored crap that (unfortunately) all too common. read more

I came with my friend while I was visiting DC. I'm giving it four stars because I will admit that the shop was pretty cute inside even if it's small. The gelato was really good and I enjoyed most of the flavors. I got pistachio and it was one of the best pistachio flavored ice cream/gelato that I've had. I highly recommend trying it if you're into this flavor. However, I was shocked to see how small the "regular" cup was and that it was one of the most expensive ice creams that I have had at $5.60+tax Overall I would recommend this place to try but not sure if I would go back. read more