Restaurants

Mad Italian Gelato Bar

Currently 3.21/5

Rating: 3.2/5 (89 votes)

Posted by Gadjo Sevilla / Reviewed on May 22, 2010 / review policy

49 Comments

The Mad Italian Gelato Bar on Bayview is a family-owned gelateria that scoops up 42 flavours of homemade gelato. Open for about 3 months now, the biggest sellers so far have been Ferrero-Rocher, Lemon and Mint Chocolate.

For anyone wondering about authenticity, look no further than the fact that owner Alessandro Settimi's family was in the gelato business for 28 years in Rome. He makes gelato here in the authentic Italian way which means ingredients are imported from Italy and each flavour is painstakingly crafted in small batches with the family's secret recipes.

Mad Italian Gelato Bar My Italian friend, who is also something of a gelato connoisseur, had the Stracciatella (vanilla with fine chocolate shavings) and boldly declared it the best she's had in Toronto. The gelato is available in a variety of cup sizes ($3.75 for 2 scoops) but I suggest going for the freshly made waffle cones.

Also on the menu are a wide selection of fruit-based gelato, all colourfully and thematically presented.

Like all my visits to gelaterias, I had a tough time choosing flavours because there was so much to try and it all looked so good.

Mad Italian Gelato Bar I finally decided to order two scoops - one of their chocolate and the second their superb coffee flavour. The chocolate was thick and creamy and easily satisfied the chocoholic in me. Few things compare to cold chocolate gelato on a toasted waffle cone.

Since there are 42 flavours, I couldn't resist also sampling their pistachio gelato. Made from 100% pure pistachio, it was heaven in a cone - packed with the taste of roasted pistachios and devoid of the medicinal aftertaste that's so common in pistachio flavoured desserts.

While gelato is undoubtedly the main attraction here, Mad Italian Gelato Bar also offers a rich assortment of freshly baked goods like biscotti, butter cookies and cakes as well as tiramisu ($5.00), pannacCota ($5.00) and a full espresso bar serving Caffe Haiti Roma coffee.

Mad Italian Gelato Bar

Discussion

49 Comments

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Claudia / May 23, 2010 at 11:09 am

Went a few nights ago as I live nearby. Found it a little too sweet, but that's probably just my own taste. Wouldn't recommend the blood orange flavour, but I do second the reviewer's recommendation for the waffle cone - when I was there, they were actually making them on the patio, in front of customers. Looks like Hollywood Gelato has some (very nearby) competition :)

Jennifer / May 23, 2010 at 03:23 pm

The greenish gelato in the second picture doesn't look very appetizing. It looks like a large pile of diarrhea. Ew.

Taylc / May 23, 2010 at 09:33 pm

I've been there every night so far this weekend! My family and I love it! At the moment grapefruit is my favourite, but with so many delicious options its bound to change. That "greenish" gelato, otherwise known as pistachio, is actually one of the most delicious gelato flavours, its extremely popular in both North America and Italy!

Michael / May 24, 2010 at 05:11 pm

Their pistachio is quite possibly the best pistachio gelato I've ever had -- but overall I think if I'm in the area I'd go for Hollywood.

Laine / May 25, 2010 at 08:31 pm

Actually, the greenish gelato in the picture is Pistachio, and one of the most popular flavours here and abroad. "Ewwww" is not correct, its delicious!

Hollywood sad to say is more ice cream, nothing authentic about it. Not to knock the guy but if I wanted a kiddie ice cream cone I'd go to Dairy Queen.

This stuff is truly the best- I consider myself a gelato connoisseur and have traveled all over Europe tasting it, and this is the real deal.

David / May 25, 2010 at 08:33 pm

The Mad Italian has so much passion its crazy. Stopped in this weekend and the owner makes a point to know his customers and treat them like family.

He is also focused on serving quality product even if he has to import from Italy. Now if that's not heart I don't know what it.

Toronto could use some more businesses that practice like this.

Jennifer B. / May 25, 2010 at 09:28 pm

This place is the best, hands down. The owner had a place in Sarasota, FL, Settimi's, that was also the best. Toronto is lucky to have Alessandro and his family. Move over Hollywood.

Harry / May 25, 2010 at 09:50 pm

Well, I just got back and all I can say is WOW, this place is awesome. We couldn't decide which one to order, so we tried 4 or 5 tasters. My favourite was the Dolce something...?(the caramel one), very creamy and they say very little fat. I will definately go back and try some of the others refered to in earlier posts. The kicker is, after the Gelato we ordered a couple of beers and sat on the patio. This is going to be a favourite hangout. Any body know if they will be showing the World Cup?

Vatsana / May 25, 2010 at 11:31 pm

Having been to Italy twice...one of my favorite memories was experiencing their yummy gelatos, one of the many things I wished I could've brought back in my suit case. The mouth watering flavors and how it brings people together amazed me. Thought I would never experience that in Canada until The Mad Italian come along with their rich authentic real Italian flavors. The Mad Italian not only has the best assortment of flavors, the atmosphere is so welcoming with Alessandro's friendly and personable personality makes you feel like he's one of your best friends which brings me back to being in Rome.

The "greenish" flavor gelato is by far the best flavor out there...not only did I fall in love with it's lovely real pistachio flavor in Rome I reconnected with it's beauty at The Mad Italian..Mmmmmmm; ) I would travel the distance to The Mad Italian for that flavor ALONE!

So if you are looking to experience true authentic Italian gelato the Mad Italian is the place besides Italy to have that REAL gelato taste and Italian family experience, the only thing we need in Toronto is the Trevi fountain to enjoy our gelato.

Thanks to the Mad Italian family for bringing Italy to Toronto; )

Chin Chin to The Mad Italian

Nelson / May 25, 2010 at 11:39 pm

The ice cream is wonderful. The best!

Noemi / May 26, 2010 at 12:03 am

I love gelato. Tonight I took the gelato from "The Mad Italian. I had been suggested by some friends. I swear the gelato is delicious. I got the waffle cone with Ferrero Roche, mint and yogurt with berries. Come back tomorrow because I want to make orange, pear and chocolate.

Mimi M / May 26, 2010 at 10:11 am

Best gelato I've ever had. Period. Go try it

Kate / May 26, 2010 at 10:46 am

Unbelievably delicious gelato! If you want the real Italian experience, this is it.

Mani C / May 26, 2010 at 11:36 am

Seriously the most delicious gelato I've ever had!! Just like Italy :) You will be back for more once you've tried it the first time. I don't even have a favorite flavor because everyone time I try a new one it changes. A must try if you haven't been in there yet!!

Prem / May 26, 2010 at 12:05 pm

So this is up there with Hollywood? I was wondering if anyone has tasted their praline ice creams? n what the best recommendation would be, i'm going to be in the area this weekend.

Erin / May 26, 2010 at 08:09 pm

The Mad Italian's Gelato can't be beat! I've travelled around Europe and this is the first place I've been where I can honestly say it is sooo authentic and delicious that it makes me feel like I'm back in Italy again. The attention to detail along with the excellent costumer service make this a warm and inviting hot spot in Bayview Village. They also have a great patio out front which will definitely be occupied this summer with world cup cheer and a great family atmosphere. The Mad Italian is by far the best Gelato bar in Toronto and I recommend trying the Ferrero Roche and Wild Strawberry...in a homemade waffle cone of course!

Beth / May 27, 2010 at 02:08 am

Death By Gelato! Ymmmy! My favourite is Mint Chocolate but I find the Grapefruit and Lemon are really nice and refreshing in this heat. Love the Blueberry Yogurt flavour too.

pm / May 27, 2010 at 09:15 am

Best!!!! nothing in this city compares!!

working through trying everything....SO fresh, SO delicious! and SO authentic!!

Everyone should try it

jen / May 27, 2010 at 09:44 am

The gelato is like italy the best in town...
They rapresent a coffee company called haiti caffe' roma very good espresso...
We like to say thank you to the owner to bring real italian product in toronto...

Prem / May 27, 2010 at 10:40 am

from all of the comments, it definitely sounds like it beats out Hollywood in competition for desserts..i think i'll choose this to go to this weekend!

Btw, please feel free to chat more about all things Italian on my forum: http://bookcibo.ning.com/forum/topics/best-italian-desserts

THNKS!!

Stella / May 27, 2010 at 05:48 pm

I should be paying these people rent because I live there now...it seems. Not only do they have the best gelato I've ever had but they are now licensed so its great to sit and have an Italian beer, drink, or wine. Coffee is great at night or morning. Pastries authentic and to die for.

mauro / May 30, 2010 at 08:35 pm

mad as hell-sorry but! when people pay for three spoonful of ice cream!not three tea spoon of ice cream thats where holliwood ice cream is the real place to be u pay for three spoonful you get three spoonful of ice cream last client at madi/italian gelato bar. caio.service not so good kids need to be trained better on gelato spoonpy out-

mauro / May 30, 2010 at 08:42 pm

it is a art to scoping ice cream in a bowl your fanscope is the art not the bowl

jen / May 31, 2010 at 01:20 pm

I go there everyday and i get a 3 scoop...the size is always perfect...the people working there are very well trained.
Hollywood hired kids that can't even say hello...
I think people that travel understand the real product and we are so happy that The Mad Italian open on bayview...i think that the last comment on the blog is not true...

Host replying to a comment from Jennifer / May 31, 2010 at 05:22 pm

Although I agree that the colour is not to appealing, I think that your ignorant and limited vocabulary not only discredits you as someone with a valid opinion, but it also make you a douche.

mauro / May 31, 2010 at 07:15 pm

ask me how old i am well , i am 50 years old paying the price of an ice cream is one thing and saying hello is anther thing think before you talk customers are first but jen you wouldn't understand that. Time will tell. Ciao XD

Prem / June 1, 2010 at 10:27 am

wow, this place has stirred up a lot of tension!!
please feel free to carry over the discussion to http://bookcibo.ning.com to talk about all the hot spot dessert places in town on our forums! :)
btw i had the pleasure of visiting this place this weekend, and i was VERY pleased with the taste as well as customer service.

tony / June 1, 2010 at 03:28 pm

The gelato is fantastic..i just come back from Rome and the Mad Italian is the real deal.
We love the service and the cappuccino is the best.
We are going back tonight.

mark / June 19, 2010 at 09:42 am

I just can't beleive that no one has mentioned Il gelatiere. This is the family run gelato shop on Mt Pleasant that has been there for 3+ years now and is by far the best in the city. Of course we all have our oppinions and that is what makes it so much fun... anway I dare you to at least try it.

mark / June 19, 2010 at 11:00 am

oh yeah,here is Massimo Capra's take on il gelatiere.

http://www.postcity.com/Post-City-Magazines/July-2009/Toronto-rsquos-Italian-ice-capades/

rudy / June 19, 2010 at 04:45 pm

that article is one year old

ii / June 24, 2010 at 12:32 am

unfortunately too sweet for me!! would of like to indulge more, tried 4 flavours, and half way through my teeth started to hurt from the sweetness. could do with half the sugar!

peach / June 28, 2010 at 12:19 am

great gelato but waffle cone too sweet. also, ferror rocher too sweet and left what seemed to be an artifical sweetner taste on my pallette. Pistachio was great but no pistacios; of course, I only received a small smear of this. Small servings tho for $3.75...I was under the impression that 2 flavours meant 2 scoops; not one very small scoop and then a smear of the second flavour. So very small amount for the $$$. Americano was really good tho.

David / July 31, 2010 at 09:40 am

The best quality gelato I've ever had. Try the choclate with hot pepper - sounds bizarre but incredibly good - deep chocolate flavour with a hot pepper kick - hot and cold at the same time! Well done, Alessandro and family!

Sabrinna / August 31, 2010 at 06:59 pm

Absolutely delicious gelato! My personal favourtie is the fruits of the forest flavour. But the pistachio is probably the best I've had in the city.

eda / October 6, 2010 at 07:50 am

Winter is coming and for sure it will end soon but the fresh gelato and pastries at Mad Italian will always be the best.I found them really really really delicious. Pistachio, ferrero,huzlenut.....everything

jeff / October 8, 2010 at 12:43 am

not sure if they had a bad day or what. We went there a month or two after they opened. The gelato we had was the worst i had in my life, we could not taste anything other than sugar.

The other gelato place across the street is 10x better

Joma / November 28, 2010 at 05:46 pm

I have had much better gelato than here. It's not a very warm or inviting type of atmosphere either, leaves much to be desired.

Laine / January 7, 2011 at 10:44 pm

One of the female staff pawned off a broken waffle bowl on us. She also gave us small, skimpy portions compared to the first time we made a visit.

eda / March 25, 2011 at 09:16 am

Hi, everybody
It`s a long time I haven`t tasted icecream at Mad Italian.
But I am sure things have changed...a lot..I mean a big difference, a huge one and they are doing good.
Little Italy needs Mad Italian to become big.

V.S. / June 18, 2011 at 12:04 pm

Mad Italian Gelato is the best I've ever had. I recommend blood orange with pineapple on a fresh, warm waffle cone. I also really enjoy the ferrero rocher flavour.

Anyone who says anything bad about the store probably works at Hollywood Gelato.

Daniel / July 8, 2011 at 01:29 pm

Had it a couple days ago. Wow! I was in Italy a couple weeks ago and was craving Gelato. I think I went to about 5 or 6 places in Toronto. So far this is the best. Pistachio is phenomenal. Taste it and you'll understand why it's the best. They had some bad flavours like passionfruit. Stick with the classics.

Adam / August 15, 2011 at 03:24 am

I tried the Angel flavour — it's a flavour meant for kids and it's coloured blue. I don't actually remember what combination of flavours it is, but you can ask. The bottom line is that it was actually really good. I recommend it. :)

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Josh / February 1, 2012 at 02:23 pm

The Mad Italian has the best gelato in Toronto. However the BEST of the BEST and definitely authentic is Gelato Gelato in Woodbridge just off Langstaff Road. It is certain worth the drive! Only three store locations world wide ( Germany, Italy & in Woodbridge ON)

LaRossa / July 11, 2012 at 12:03 pm

Any gelateria that colours their ice cream is not authentic and artisinal. They have bad gelaterie in Rome too, believe it or not.
Toronto needs to do better with gelato in general. There is not one that is fanatastic like some I've had in other North American cities.

Jimmy / August 25, 2012 at 07:46 pm

way too sweet and portions are too small. The owner is a friken rude. I went in there to try the ice cream and and went to pay, I was trying to pull a 5 dollars out of my pocket and he sees a 10 and asks for that, then gives me back a lot of change. I looked at him to say what the f#%k and he just walked away. The ice cream sucks and so does the owner!

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