ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Forest Hills
Master Critic Review
La Dolce Italia
7.7
A neighborhood Italian bakery where gelato is a supporting player alongside cookies, pastries, and celebration cakes. Treat it as a quick in-and-out: one gelato to-go plus one classic pastry, keeping expectations aligned with a bakery counter rather than a dedicated scoop shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gelato cup, Gelato pint to-go, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A bakery-counter gelato option paired with a deep Italian sweets lineup.
Who should go: Locals who want gelato plus Italian pastries
When to visit: Mid-afternoon for a quick, low-stress pickup
What to order: Gelato cup, gelato pint, cannoli
Insider tip: Grab gelato to-go and eat it immediately—bakery counters move fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Metropolitan Avenue; generally manageable mid-day but tighter evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — everyday neighborhood attire, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low — quick counter environment with minimal background noise.
Weekend wait: No wait typically; brief line possible during peak dessert hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — gelato and most bakery pastries are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some fruit-based gelato flavors may qualify, but availability varies and is not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gelato itself is generally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible and pastries are not suitable.
Best For
Better for: Pairing gelato with Italian bakery classics like cannoli or cookies in a fast, neighborhood setting.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a dedicated gelato shop experience with broad flavor depth, seating, or a lingering dessert vibe.