Summer is a brutal time of year to be walking around downtown Coconut Grove. No matter where you wander, though, you’re never far from some frozen relief.
Have you ever stopped to consider how many shops in Coconut Grove sell some kind of frozen? Of course you have. It’s late summer and temperatures are blistering. You’d think everyone would chill at home. Instead, they’re standing in line for frozen yogurt, flash-frozen ice cream or gelato. Go figure. So we did. We visited eight different shops to figure out what makes a scoop worth the walk in this heat. Here’s what we found: On a single walk through the Grove, you can choose healthy, you can choose craft, you can sample science, or lean into a bit of family history. Whatever your preference, the hardest part won’t be finding a frozen treat. It will be choosing just one.
Bianco Gelato on Commodore Plaza
Craving gelato, but feeling guilty? Bianco Gelato markets itself as a healthy option for its customers. Since opening in 2013, Bianco has made gelato in small daily batches using organic, non-GMO milk and organic cane sugar. No hydrogenated fats, GMOs or artificial flavoring. Alongside its standard case, Bianco carries no-sugar and vegan versions made with almond, cashew or coconut milk, an unusually deep menu for a gelato shop its size. “A lot of people in the area are looking for healthy options,” said Jonathan Alvarez, a shop employee. “You have to be careful with what you’re putting in your body.” The store is popular with families – something Alvarez credits to the shop’s kid-friendly vibe. Alvarez’s recommendation: lemon sorbet. “It’s really refreshing,” he said. A small cup with one scoop costs $6.99 (10% off for 33133 locals).
Danielle Gelato on Main Highway
Danielle Gelato traces its recipes to Argentina, where the Paradiso family has run Daniel Helados since 1978 with the family’s Italian-inflected technique – denser and lower in air than American ice cream. Store owner Emilio Rinaldi said much of the shop’s business is driven by foot traffic and a search bar. “People are on Google Maps or Apple Maps looking for a gelato store after dinner, and they come here,” he said. Rinaldi’s recommendations: Pistachio, Lotus Biscoff, Caramel Cookie Dough, and Salted Caramel. A medium cup (two scoops) goes for $9.75; a kid’s cone is $8.
Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream on Main Highway
Where Bianco sells health and Danielle sells history, Chill-N sells an interactive experience. The chain freezes ice cream to order with liquid nitrogen. The Grove location, which opened in 2020, puts that process on full display. A liquid dairy or alt-milk base is flash-frozen at negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit, then mixed with a choice of flavor and toppings. The made-to-order approach also means a menu that flexes for almost any diet. Store manager Javi Yanes said that flexibility, paired with the shop’s location, attracts a wide range of customers. Chill-N also hosts occasional field trips for school kids who learn the science behind nitrogen ice cream. Asked for a recommendation, Yanes didn’t hesitate: Nutella. “I firmly believe it’s the best flavor. If you like Nutella, which most people do.” A small cup costs $6.95.
Salt & Straw on Grand Avenue
For customers looking to expand their palette, Salt & Straw offers five new flavors a month. The Portland-based chain opened in the Grove in 2021. All the shop’s waffle cones are made fresh, which explains the sweet smell outside the store. “All the ingredients and fruits that we put into our ice cream are super organic,” said Jose Triana, the store’s manager. The menu is where Salt & Straw leans hardest into differentiation. Triana said regulars are used to it, but the chain also draws skeptics, especially around the holidays, when the lineup gets stranger. His recommendation: order off the specialty menu. “Chances are we only have them for the month.” On the menu now: Gruyere & Tomato Custard Tart. A single costs $6.95 ($5.95 for kids).
Pura Vida on Grand Avenue
Pura Vida sells its handmade gelato the same way it approaches the rest of its menu: by catering to health-conscious customers. Alongside its bowls, smoothies, salads, and baked goods, the Grove location offers refined-sugar-free and sugar-free gelato. One of the most popular choices is “Welcome to Miami,” a flavor inspired by the chain’s tropical smoothie. “It features mango, banana, and passion fruit, and is really refreshing, especially for summer,” a store employee named Kim told us. “The passion fruit cheesecake is also a delicious option as well.” A solo is $8.
Tata’s Yogurt Bar on McFarlane Road
At Tata’s Yogurt Bar, frozen yogurt is considered less an indulgence and more a health-conscious snack. The shop, which opened in February, prides itself in serving yogurt with no added sugar. The only sweetener: honey or fresh toppings from the store. “Our yogurt is made from very whole ingredients, very natural ingredients,” a store employee named Anna told us. “Most of our toppings are made in house, and they are all very healthy.” The most popular order is yogurt topped with homemade pistachio sauce, olive oil, honey, and sea salt, a combination that balances sweet and savory. Anna’s recommendation: guava and coconut. “It’s just such a good combo,” she said. Tata’s is also a spot to linger rather than pick up and go. A small frozen yogurt with one topping is $10. “Sometimes, being healthy is more expensive,” Anna explained.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas on Main Highway
Morelia Gourmet Paletas offers something other shops do not: a frozen dessert built around the Mexican paleta. Named after Morelia, Mexico, the company opened its first location in Coral Gables in 2016 before expanding to Coconut Grove. Rather than choosing just a flavor, customers can customize their paletas with dips, drizzles and toppings. One popular combination starts with an oreo paleta then adds a dark chocolate dip, oreo crumbs, and a white chocolate drizzle. Another favorite is passion fruit filled with condensed milk. Sorbet paletas start at $6.49; gelato paletas are $6.99.
Go Greek Yogurt on Florida Avenue
When customers walk into Go Greek, Jonathan Patarkatsi hopes they’re getting more than frozen yogurt. “I wanted it to be more than that,” said Patarkatsi, owner and CEO of Go Greek’s Florida operations. “I wanted it to be a place where you can come hang out with your friends, or even if you’re alone and you want a pick-me-up in the middle of the day.” Go Greek offers a Mediterranean-inspired alternative to more traditional ice cream and gelato shops, with a menu centered on Greek yogurt, fruit, and premium toppings. The shop imports many of its ingredients from Europe, including its yogurt base, while its honey and olive oil come from Greece. Frozen yogurt and toppings are sold by weight, at $1.39 an ounce ($11.12 for eight ounces). “Given the quality of product, we’re always going to a more premium-priced business,” Patarkatsi said.
Spotlight Editor Don Finefrock contributed to this report.
