Planning a trip to San Diego?
Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.
Pappalecco
Ice Cream Parlor, Dessert Shop, and Café$$$$
Little Italy, San Diego
The gelato at Pappalecco is a can't miss
"Definitely recommended for those who love the true Italian gelato!"(48 Tips)
"Loved the veggie focaccia and the crostata Nutella."(2 Tips)
"Authentic Italian feel and people are so nice!"(3 Tips)
"Delicious espresso order a pastry too while you're at it"(18 Tips)
119 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- gelato
- coffee
- espresso
- casual
- ice cream
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Karen ChiangJuly 19, 2016I still give the gelato edge to Bobboi in La Jolla, but this place gives them a run for their money. Could see this place having the best gelato in Little Italy. Tiramisu was also good.
Gil MoralesMarch 11, 2020This place just got a brand new face lift! On Wednesday they have a special, 50% all paninis! You can make it a soup/salad combo. The staff is super sweet and the coffee is super strong!
Josh NolanSeptember 25, 2016Best gelato and best espresso/coffee you'll find in the city. One location in hillcrest and also in little Italy. Often you'll find Italians there, very authentic. My very favorite coffee shop!!!
- Elise ChretienMarch 25, 2017This is place is my favorite to visit in San Diego. Great decor, amazing service, and food is to die for. Authentic Italian feel and people are so nice!
Justin SullivanDecember 8, 2014I could get addicted to the food, the hospitality and the sound of Italian. Get an extra side of balsamic glaze for your breakfast potatoes.
Nina GhamrawiOctober 7, 2014The best gelato I've ever had! 3 flavors: papalecco's, pistachio, and hazelnut. And also a perfectly dry double cappuccino with almond biscotti!
MeliSeptember 3, 2014Top-notch gelato. The pistachio and the pappalecco are must tries! A small cup is $4.50 but well worth it. Avoid the strawberry.
Scott R.March 6, 2012Arguably the best gelato in San Diego but DEFINITELY the best gelato in Little Italy. Do your taste buds a favor, avoid the inferior product on India Street and stop in here. You'll be glad you did.
Joe JohnstonSeptember 20, 2011This is a true Italian experience. Pistachio is the test of a great gelato place: theirs is perfect. The espresso is Danesi, so it has robusta. Therefore, you need milk: macchiato or cappuccino.
Tony CorsiniFebruary 3, 2013The Pistachio gelato is AMAZING! You cannot go wrong with this flavor! Your tastebuds will thank you :)
VickiJanuary 3, 2016Gelato was the best I've ever had. So authentic and a wide variety of flavors! Will be back to explore more !!
Monika DarkoOctober 15, 2011Everything is amazing here. Try the paninis (with extra balsamic glaze) and the gelato... The pastries are great too. Oh and don't forget to get some delicious coffee!!
- Kate KlampeAugust 25, 2017Loved the veggie focaccia and the crostata Nutella. The passion fruit iced tea is mild yet delicious.
Best Gelato in San Diego. Plus, the atmosphere makes you feel like you are truly in Italy. Molto delizioso!
Marsinah HopkinsJanuary 14, 2015#frutti di bosco is so good! And the ppl here are so friendly! Also the #zucca is pretty darn good too!
- Irene CiuciNovember 15, 2013Italians can't ask for more.. Definitely recommended for those who love the true Italian gelato!
- Eugene KhramtsovSeptember 3, 2017Strawberry Gelato here is really good, and probably the best customer service we've received in a while.
Steve RJuly 9, 2019Best pistachio ice cream/gelato I think I've ever had. Wasn't impressed with the dark chocolate though - tasted like sorbet.
Nutella gelato is special. I cant say the same for other flavors, especially fruity ones are not consistently well.
Ricardo JerezDecember 9, 2016Delicious gelatto!!!! After you pay you can try all flavors before you decide.
Need to learn Italian...it's a verbal challenge each time...I freakin love it🇧🇬
There's more than just coffee and ice cream. They also have delicious sandwiches (including breakfast)
Dave EnglishAugust 8, 2013Try the Mare Breakfast - Salmon, fresh mozzarella, zucchini, greens, eggs, potatoes & Italian bread. Yum.
Absolutely the best gelato in town. Discovered it last year and remembered to return this year. Fabulous! Closes at 9:30 pm.
Marcus FoudyMarch 28, 2013Awesome gelato, the nutella was a bit rich foor my blood, but still delicious!
Must try the marocchino... espresso, nutella & frothy milk amazingness!!!
Suzanne YadaNovember 25, 2012Gelato on a croissant. I would have never thought of it, but it's fantastic!
483 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Pappalecco serves award-winning Italian gelato, coffee, breakfast, panini, salads, bruschetta, pizza and wine at 3 San Diego locations.
Open until 10:15 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 7:00 AM–10:15 PM
- Fri
- 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Sat
- 7:30 AM–11:00 PM
- Sun
- 7:30 AM–10:15 PM
(619) 238-4590
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Dessert
See More
You might also like
- 8.0
"Awesome tropical flavors like lychee, mango, passion fruit. Chocolate coconut macadamia so good too. Order a fight to try a variety of different flavors"
Julie Kawakami - 8.6
"Great flavors overall. My favorites are strawberry basil and passion fruit."
Ashley - 9.2
"Vegan ice cream options. Got the Pb&J w/Chocolate. Loved it❣️Loved the helpful & friendly staff. Would definitely have V ice cream here again."
John Kelleher
Places people like to go after Pappalecco
- 9.0
"One of my favorite neighborhoods in the city... Has some of my favorite restaurants here as well as the one I work at."
Paul Smith - 9.3
"Try the chantrelle mushrooms! Hand-foraged and delicious! Perfect for vegetarians."
Beth Elderkin - 9.3
"Great park! The water fountains are fun for the kids!"
Juan Lalinde
Appears on 331 lists
Created by Cakes
209 items • 103 followers
Created by Stephie
186 items • 45 followers
Created by Scott R.
191 items • 99 followers
