New Frozen Sweets Shop Brings California Gelato to Texas

Gelato Paradiso, the California gelato mini-chain, is opening its first-ever Texas shop in Austin. It’s found at 1400 South Congress Avenue, taking over what had been Francisco’s Salon in suite B160. The name of the gelato store appeared on the plaza’s directory, found between Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Perla’s in April 2019. The shop is now open as of early January 2020.

Gelato Paradiso is known for its array of gelatos, covering Italian standards like tiramisu, stracciatella, mint, cheesecake, and even banana, as well as fruity sorbets (mango, strawberries, etc.). Then there are affogatos, blended espresso/gelato concoctions, and gelato shakes. It also offers gelato cakes.

South Congress’s frozen sweets game is already really strong. Across the street is Amy’s Ice Creams, and down the street is Big Top Candy Shop with ice cream, sundaes, and floats. Gelato shop and amaro bar Gelateria Gemelli is planning on opening across the street within the forthcoming Music Lane development sometime in 2020. And then national chain Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is opening its second Austin location on South Congress too.

Gelato Paradiso opened in 1999 in San Diego, followed by locations in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Coronado Island.

February 21, 12:02 p.m.: This article has been updated to reflect that Gelato Paradiso opened in Austin.

• Gelato Paradiso [Official]
• Gelato Paradiso [Facebook]