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Ciao Ciao Gelato & Cafe
$$ · Donuts

5355 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Donuts in Irving Park

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Ciao Ciao Gelato & Cafe 7.6
Portage Park
Vibes: Sweet Treats Escapes Family Friendly Favorites Solo Dining Sanctuaries Instagram Worthy Wonders
A Portage Park gelato-and-cafe setup where donuts show up as part of a broader sweets-and-coffee menu rather than the main event. It’s best for a mixed-order stop—one fresh donut plus gelato or espresso—when the group wants options.
Must-Try Dishes: Fresh donuts, Spumoni gelato, Limoncello gelato
Scores:
Value: 7.5 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.3 Food Quality: 7.6 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A wide sweets menu where donuts are a side-by-side option with gelato and coffee.
Who should go: Groups wanting dessert variety in one stop
When to visit: Afternoon or after-dinner dessert run
What to order: Fresh donuts, spumoni gelato, an espresso or coffee drink
Insider tip: Treat donuts as the add-on—pair with one gelato flavor for the best balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered and unmetered street parking in the surrounding blocks; usually manageable, but can tighten during peak evening dessert hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally calm and conversational, with occasional bursts when families or groups come in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dessert rush; often shorter if you’re just ordering at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the sweets, coffee, and gelato menu is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — usually a few fruit-based sorbet or dairy-free gelato options, but donuts are typically not vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gelato or sorbet flavors may be gluten-free, but donuts are not, and there’s no dedicated prep area.
Best For
Better for: Groups or pairs who want dessert flexibility — donuts, gelato, and coffee all in one stop rather than committing to a single-format sweets shop.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re specifically hunting for destination-level donuts or a deep, technique-driven donut program — a dedicated donut shop will deliver more focus.