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    EscoGelato

    4.7 (1k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    EscoGelato Photos

    Business Info

    ESCOGELATO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - EscoGelato

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    flavors
    Lam B.

    Reasonably priced with generous portions, but the flavors were ultimately underwhelming. There were 14 flavors available during my visit, including two sorbets. While the selection was respectable, there were not many particularly unique offerings. Most leaned heavily toward familiar vanilla or chocolate based profiles. The staff was generous with samples and allowed me to try as many flavors as I wanted, but unfortunately none of the three that caught my attention truly impressed me. The espresso was perhaps the weakest rendition I have encountered. It lacked both the boldness and aroma that make coffee flavored ice cream appealing. Whether the espresso itself was too diluted or simply not brewed strongly enough, the flavor struggled to make any impact. The stracciatella featured a straightforward milk base studded with chocolate shards. While this was a very traditional interpretation without unnecessary additions, the ice cream lacked the richness and depth needed to carry such a simple flavor profile. The chocolate provided texture, but the base itself felt flat. The sour cream and brown sugar ended up being my favorite of the three, largely because the brown sugar was actually distinguishable. The sour cream contributed an unusual tanginess that made the flavor more interesting, though the balance was inconsistent. Some bites highlighted the warm sweetness of the brown sugar, while others tasted predominantly of sour cream, creating a combination that occasionally felt at odds with itself. I appreciated that the small size included two flavors, and the employee serving me was generous with the scoops. Still, this ended up being a fairly forgettable stop. Those who enjoy gelato with bold, inventive, or highly concentrated flavors may find the offerings here a bit too restrained.

    Apricot goat cheese (center), salted caramel (right), chocolate (back), mud pie (left)
    Alice C.

    Gelato was the perfect consistency and sweetness. We all got a small for $4.50 and that's way more than enough for one person. Samples are also provided and they said they rotate flavors daily! Service was very quick and employees were super sweet. Ambiance is that of a cute cafe where you can also order cakes, lattes, and other drinks!

    Mei T.

    Came here with my daughter, friend, and her daughter. The gelato is really good here! I had the chocolate dipped strawberry and strawberry combo on a small cone. I had not realized that I had inadvertently ordered a scoop of each flavor. Here I was, thinking it was a half scoop of each, but I ended up with a massive cone! It would be a crime to toss away ice cream and I felt it was my civic duty to finish my cone. You guessed it; I finished it! My belly thanked me at the time, but now my belly is giving me the guilt trip...Was it worth it?? TOTALLY! There's a nice outdoor patio where you can sit and enjoy your sweet treats. It's quite spacious so bring your friends & family! Really friendly service!

    Loan N.

    Such a cute little shop in downtown Escondido with a lovely outdoor patio! We stopped here for a post-dinner dessert and it was definitely the place to be. Service was quick. The blueberry mascarpone was my favorite in terms of flavor. The taste was spot on, however, the consistency was a bit runny and it started to melt almost immediately. It became messy. Parking Tip: If you can't find a spot on the street, there is a lot located right behind the shop.

    Lots of flavors available including sorbet
    Jan H.

    This is one of the better known local spots in Escondido, located conveniently on Grand Avenue, with plenty of parking in the surrounding area. I came here after an event with some friends recently, it was pretty busy and the patio was mostly full. Luckily I was able to grab a table. The line was a bit long but moved pretty fast. It's very small inside so it does tend to feel pretty cramped. You can also buy merchandise here, some of it from other local small businesses which 8 appreciated. They always have some great flavors and happily give you samples if you ask. I went with a plain sugar cone and had 2 scoops, one chocolate as it's my favorite, and one that had goat cheese in it. It was so good i ate almost the whole thing even though it was pretty good. You can get waffle cones as, and they also have sugar cones that are dipped in chocolate and have sprinkles. If you live nearby or are in the area definitely stop in to treat yourself, especially now that is getting warm. If you don't like gelato they Ashley gave sorbet and baked goods.

    Sweet cream caramel. Size small.
    Stormy R.

    Wow! After hearing great things from a friend about this place, I decided to stop in around 6pm on a weekday when I was craving something sweet. Parking can be challenging but thats expected in the downtown area. You just have to be willing to park a block away. I never mind when I know I'm going to be indulging in extra calories. The inside of the shop is clean and well-decorated and a darker moody color theme. Service was immediate and polite. I ordered a single scoop of a flavor they had called sweet cream caramel. $5 felt like a fair price. I noticed they had lots of unique flavors as well - apricot and even a bourbon. I was craving something simple but next time I'll have to try one of the specialty flavors. My friend told me they change them out frequently. I'll definitely be returning!

    vanilla
    Soo H.

    Cute shop with baked goods, drinks, and gelato.  Vanilla bean gelato was rich and creamy with a delicious sweet vanilla flavor. Pint was nicely priced at $7.95. Croissant had a thin crunchy exterior while the inside was fluffy and buttery.  Great tasting croissant. Service was fast and friendly.

    Gelato selection
    Jessica C.

    An all time favorite in the area!! Made so well, creamy and so rich in flavor. Service is so patient and friendly as you decide what to get because everything is so good. They have a cozy indoor dining space and an outdoor area to enjoy your gelato. Their cookie butter gelato is my favorite, and it's my go to choice for the affogato. So good and always recommend this gelato place!

    Cyndi L.

    What an amazing place ! we are so lucky to have this by us in escondido. they serve gelato and wonderful coffees. the fruit they use to make the gelato comes from local farmers (me included!). it's a real community feel and when you eat the gelato you can tell it's hand crafted with care. their fruit flavors are amazing as well as their savory chocolates and vanillas. this is a perfect place to stop at after dinner in downtown!

    Menu as of August 2025
    Regina L.

    Quaint little gelato shop that also sells sandwiches, soup, salad and coffee. The selection of gelato seemed limited, but the flavors do rotate. I decided to get a Large ($5.60) of the Chocolate Cookie and the Double Chocolate. They both had great chocolate flavors and it was reasonably priced for what you get. Service was standard and although there was a small line, it moved relatively quickly. Indoor seating is very minimal, but there is an outdoor area with a few more seating options outside.

    Joriene M.

    Small ($4.60) - This was such a good deal, especially because it came with 2 flavors! The gelato was smooth and creamy. I was surprised by how much I liked the Lucky Charms flavor! They replicated a sweeter milk very well, but the cereal pieces could've been crispier. And you can't go wrong with Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup--it's the best combo.

    Cute vibe
    Heidi C.

    ESCOGELATO, ESCONDIDO. What a treat! From the moment I walk up and open the door I am greeted by a charming, small-town vibe with tables in a sizable outdoor patio and sweet coffee shop decor and boutique inside, a warm smile followed by a sincere "how are you?" I took a gander at the flavors and knew for sure I wanted the pistachio and debated between two other flavors, Speculous and Brown Butter Pecan. I asked the lady and she helped me decide on the latter based on my preferences. I got a large with an affogato. Check out the pic and video of this beautiful display and oh was it a joy to eat. Savor each spoonful slowly to make it last. A delectable reward to a hard day's work! I'll be back!

    Butter pecan gelato
    KayAnna S.

    They have a lot more than just gelato, but I absolutely loved their butter pecan gelato! They have many great gelato flavors, and dairy free options too. Their breakfast and lunch menu and drink menu is great and they definitely run as a cafe and gelato parlor. Wonderful and welcoming to all! They have a few tables with some seats inside, but they have a lovely porch out front with more seating. Great to come study/work/meet up with family and friends. Easy to find parking right outside it too!

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    Healthy! Yummy! The gelato is yummy! Made on site. The service was friendly and amazing. It's a cute little cafe!

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    3 months ago

    Delicious made in house gelato. Prices can't be beat. Outdoor seating. With plenty of shade.

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    Page 1 of 27

    Ask the Community - EscoGelato

    Dubai chocolate gelato on the menu?

    I'm not sure. They change up the flavors every day, so i would check their website to make sure. :) it would be awesome though!

    What are the dairy free flavors available?

    Every day they have at least 2 sorbets. Also, the have at least 1 dairy free flavor from a plant- based milk. Saturday I had a hazelnut gelato from almond milk. It was excellent. The flavors change daily or even during the day. Check their website… 

    Any gluten free desert options?

    Yes they do.

    Do they have Vegan options?

    Yes they do! You can request a vegan panini, and there are vegan chocolate chip cookies and the sorbet is vegan.

    View All 6 Questions

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    I wanted to give this place another shot, I know people love. I was in the area and popped in…read more I ordered a large hot non fat mocha. Which is my standard order. And picked up an almost croissant. They do not shelve non fat milk, but have oat and almond. So I went with oat. Two customers that came after me go thier drinks first. And when mine came up, it was lovely but not right. It was a cold mocha. They remade it. It was just a wee annoying, especially since I was coming here with the hopes of a mind blowing experience. The coffee was fine. The staff seem to know the local regulars and chat them up appropriately. The seating it still hard and uncomfortable. I'll try again one more time to see if hey flip my bippy. So far two stars for they way they interacted with other. One star for the pastry and the coffee mis up and late service was a - of stars. And my picky pastry folks (she knows who she is) would say it's not a true croissant, as there are cuts across the pastry... but it's buttery and flaky..

    Photos
    My first "coffee" experience with my kids. What a special experience! The hot chocolate gives them the vibe.
    My first "coffee" experience with my kids. What a special experience! The hot chocolate gives them the vibe.
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    Better Buzz

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    I received excellent customer service from Ethan P. The line was long and he treated every single…read morecustomer with kindness and courtesy. He is a very professional and patient young man. The decor of this location is much brighter and more inviting than the PQ one. I will be sure to stop by this location when I am in the area.

    Came to this location while visiting my sister. I wanted to come back to a Better Buzz after my…read morewonderful experience at the Carlsbad location. However this location was a 180 experience from Carlsbad. I order the iced mint espresso drink. I noticed the first time I had this drink they filled the cup to the top with ice which gives you less of your drink you're paying for. So I asked the girl to give me less ice. She said they couldn't do that. When asked why , her response was because that's not how they are made. We sat there going back and forth for a moment me asking why I just can't get less ice, then she said because the liquid won't fill the cup up to the top if they do less ice. But offered to top it off with water to fill it. We seemed to be getting no where so I just said make it however you guys normally make it then. She then proceeds to talk about me in front of me to the barista as they kept looking at me and laughing like I was an idiot to request less ice. Not a great second experience. My drink tasted very watered down. Next time I visit I'll happily drive to Carlsbad where they seemed to care about how you wanted your drink made to make sure you like it.

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    Better Buzz
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    Matcha Cafe Maiko

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    I visited the Escondido Matcha Cafe Maiko for the first time last week! I can officially say I've…read morevisited all three locations in San Diego! There was plenty of parking in the plaza. There were a few tables, and high top bar seating inside the location. I enjoyed a matcha latte with less sweetness, less ice, and with boba. The boba quality was great! I feel like the boba could be hit or miss at the Mira Mesa branch.

    I was visiting San Diego and came across Matcha Maiko, so l decided to stop by because I'd been…read morewanting to try their matcha. When I walked in, the kiosks weren't working, so ! waited at the front for someone to take my order. Instead, all I could hear was an older lady loudly screaming at one of the employees. It was loud enough that I could hear everything from the front counter, and it honestly gave me secondhand embarrassment. The employee was being embarrassed in front of everyone in the store, which made for a really uncomfortable atmosphere. Because of the confusion, I ended up ordering through their website instead. Unfortunately, the drink was disappointing. They added a huge scoop of strawberry syrup that completely overpowered the drink. I went there to try Matcha Maiko's matcha, not a cup full of strawberry syrup. On top of that, the syrup wasn't even mixed in properly, so l kept getting mouthfuls of syrup at the bottom I was really looking forward to trying this place, but between the uncomfortable experience in the store and the poorly made drink, it wasn't the experience I had hoped for.

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    Matcha Cafe Maiko
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    Matcha & vanilla swirl with banana pudding
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    4.4
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    The good and coffee here are absolutely delicious. I'm not a coffee person really(tea's my thing)…read morebut I really enjoyed the mocha I had here. The turnover 11/10, and I will make special trips just to get great pastries. The service here is very kind, inviting and so helpful. They have some seating inside and a few tables outside as well for ample seating. The ONLY negative thing about this place they have no control over. The parking SUCKS OUT LOUD. I hate trying to park in downtown Escondido. I can't take anything away from them for this but-for me- the frustration in this keeps it from being my regular place. If you live in the area and like good coffee and food, 100% would recommend

    I love the ambience here, but always feel a little meh about the coffee, but let me explain: I'm a…read morebold coffee person. I love a rich roast. Their coffee tends towards a brighter, citric flavor that reminds me very much of cold brew. Which I don't care for. But others might! So if a brighter, lighter flavor is what you enjoy (what up tea people) then this might be the place you're looking for. And again, I adore the vibe here. Probably the chillest work/read spot in all of Escondido. Parking can be rough if downtown is busy, but only if you're adamant about needing to be very close for mobility reasons etc. Otherwise you can usually find something walkable. Beautiful, open cafe with a lovely view of the small park across the street and downtown Esco.

    Photos
    Avocado toast, with housemade pickled onions and local microgreens, on levain bread
    Avocado toast, with housemade pickled onions and local microgreens, on levain bread
    The front of the shop on Grand Ave., Escondido. MANZANITA is located in the Grand theater complex
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    Brown Butter Latte.

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    EscoGelato - coffee - Updated August 2026

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