Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Introduce
For residents of Maryland, particularly those in the Bethesda area, the name Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee has become synonymous with a truly exceptional dessert and coffee experience. This is not your average ice cream shop; it's a culinary destination that brings the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Argentinian gelato right to our local streets. Founded by a couple inspired by the vibrant gelaterias of Buenos Aires, Dolcezza has grown from a humble Georgetown storefront into a beloved local institution with a commitment to quality that is second to none. The founders, Violeta Edelman and Robb Duncan, began their journey with a simple idea: to create something with their own hands that was delicious and made with pride. Their passion for old-world gelato methods and a deep appreciation for local, seasonal ingredients are the cornerstones of their philosophy. This dedication is evident in every scoop, creating a dessert that is not only flavorful but also tells a story of local farms and artisanal craftsmanship.
The unique approach of Dolcezza sets it apart from other dessert shops in the region. They are meticulous about their ingredients, sourcing fresh fruits, herbs, nuts, and dairy from local farms and partners. This commitment to using seasonal produce means their menu is constantly evolving, offering new and exciting flavors that reflect the best of what the Mid-Atlantic region has to offer. This focus on farm-to-gelato creates a product that is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with natural flavor. They believe in letting the high-quality ingredients speak for themselves, which results in a gelato that is both simple and sophisticated. Beyond the ingredients, the gelato-making process itself is a work of art. Unlike traditional ice cream, their gelato has less fat and less air, giving it a denser, smoother texture that is incredibly satisfying. It's also served at a slightly warmer temperature, which allows the intricate flavors to truly shine on the palate.
Dolcezza is more than just a place to get gelato; it's a community hub where locals can gather and enjoy a moment of sweetness. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a casual date, a family outing, or a quick pick-me-up. The staff, as noted by customers, are friendly and happy to help, even if the shop is busy. While a visit might sometimes involve a brief wait due to the popularity of the shop, the experience is consistently worth it. The shop’s dedication to its craft has earned it a stellar reputation and a loyal following, with customers returning again and again to try the latest seasonal offerings or to enjoy a tried-and-true classic. The popularity is a testament to the quality and unique experience that Dolcezza provides, solidifying its place as a cherished part of the Bethesda community.
The Bethesda location of Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee is conveniently situated right in the heart of the bustling Bethesda Row area, a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The address is 7111 Bethesda Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. This prime location makes it easily accessible for anyone visiting or living in the area. Bethesda Lane is a pedestrian-friendly street, making for a pleasant stroll before or after enjoying your gelato. The area is well-served by public transportation, including the Bethesda Metro station, which is within walking distance. For those driving, there are several public parking garages nearby, so finding a spot, while sometimes a challenge during peak hours, is certainly manageable. The shop's central location ensures that it's a natural stop for locals and visitors alike who are enjoying a day or evening out in the vibrant downtown Bethesda community.
The accessibility of the location is a significant benefit for local customers. Whether you're heading out for a night at the movies, finishing a day of shopping, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on your walk, Dolcezza is perfectly positioned. It's a place where you can pop in for a quick espresso and a scoop of gelato, or linger and soak in the atmosphere. The "gorgeous" interior of the shop, as described by a customer, provides a welcoming and comfortable setting, making it more than just a grab-and-go spot. It’s an integral part of the Bethesda social scene, offering a place for people to connect and relax over delicious food and drink.
Services Offered
- Artisanal Gelato: Handcrafted daily in small batches with a focus on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
- Authentic Sorbetto: Offering a dairy-free alternative to gelato, made with fresh fruits and no fat.
- Expertly Crafted Coffee: A full coffee menu including espresso, americanos, lattes, and other specialty coffee drinks.
- Seasonal and Unique Flavors: The menu changes to reflect what’s in season, providing a constantly rotating selection of new and exciting flavors.
- Take-Home Pints: Customers can purchase pints of their favorite flavors to enjoy at home.
Features / Highlights
- Commitment to Local Farms: Dolcezza builds relationships with local farmers to source the highest quality ingredients, a core part of their business philosophy.
- Traditional Italian Methods: The gelato is made using old-world techniques, resulting in a denser, smoother, and more flavorful product than traditional ice cream.
- Diverse Menu: Beyond gelato, they offer a wide range of coffee drinks and even other seasonal beverages, such as their limited-time matcha drinks.
- Award-Winning Reputation: Dolcezza has been recognized by numerous publications for having some of the best gelato in the area, a testament to their dedication to quality.
- Community-Oriented Vibe: The shop fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved gathering spot for locals.
Contact Information
Address: 7111 Bethesda Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Phone: (301) 215-9226
In conclusion, Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee is a truly outstanding local business that provides a unique and high-quality experience for Marylanders. It's a place that perfectly blends artisanal tradition with local flavor, creating a product that is both authentic and deeply connected to our community. The emphasis on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients means that every visit offers something new to discover, keeping the experience fresh and exciting for regulars. Its prime location in the heart of Bethesda makes it a convenient and ideal stop for a treat, whether you're out running errands or enjoying a night out. Dolcezza is more than just a shop; it’s a celebration of good food, community, and the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted dessert. For anyone in the Bethesda area looking for a top-tier gelato or coffee experience, a visit to Dolcezza is an absolute must. It is a local treasure that continues to delight and surprise with its inventive flavors and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Menu
Gelato Pints
- Coconut With Dulce De Leche Pint $17.19
Sweet coconut gelato with coconut flecks and rivers of dulce de leche. No paddles needed for this trip -- let the warm tropical air lead you home!
- Roasted Strawberry Pint $17.19
so much depends upon a red wheel barrow glazed with rain water beside the white chickens. — william carlos williams strawberries roasted in-house mixed with our warm vanilla base. life doesn't need to be complex to surprise you.
- Sorbet, Mango Pint $17.19
- Mascarpone & Berries Pint $17.19
- Milk Chocolate Pint $17.19
- Pistachio Siciliano Pint $17.19
Pistachio gelato made with pistachios from the legendary Sicilian region of Italy. These pistachios are sweeter and richer than their counterparts which makes for a deep and rich pistachio gelato.
- Cookie Butter Crunch Pint $17.19
Biscoff cookie gelato with generous portions of chocolate-covered biscoff cookies folded in.
- Stracciatella Pint $17.19
Stracciatella is the elevated gelato version of the classic chocolate chip ice cream. It differs by way of how the chocolate is added. Instead of throwing in waxy preformed pieces of chocolate as you would in the standard fare, stracciatella uses compound chocolate that is added in liquid form and hardens instantly upon contact with the gelato. The gelato is then massaged breaking the chocolate into delectable shards, nuggets, and bombs.
- Dark Chocolate Pint $17.19
The number one seller in our cafes, the venerable dark chocolate. Bittersweet, earthy with a slightly smokey finish. We call it frozen fudge -- to go any darker is not recommended.
- Black & White Cookie Batter Pint $17.19
- Hazelnut Crackle Pint $17.19
Hazelnuts from the sacred Piedmont region of Italy. Chocolate hazelnut praline with flecks of wafer and hazelnut chunks. Pair these two together and you summon a beast capable of obliterating the most passionate disciples of self-control. Fear the crackle. UNLEASH THE CRACKLE.
- Coffee And Cookies Pint $17.19
This flavor marks a storied Dolcezza tradition of shameless combinations of our favorite (legal) drugs -- caffeine and chocolate. Juiced-up coffee gelato, chocolate-covered speculoos-nugs, littered with delicate chocolate flakes. Mind-altering gelato without the destruction of life, limb, and property.
- Banana Split Pint $17.19
- Butter Pecan Pint $17.19
It’s gray. It tastes like an earthier Honey Nut Cheerio. And yes you should get it — if only to remind yourself this life resides in the unexpected space between light and darkness.
- Peanut Butter Stracciatella Pint $17.19
Creamy natural peanut butter with dark chocolate chips — a peanut butter cup for the yearning masses.
- Vanilla Bean Pint $17.19
This vanilla is all about body and warmth. We use both vanilla extract and vanilla beans from Madagascar which has a profile that is earthy, round, and slightly sweet. Amazing on its own — even better on a slice of apple pie. Pair it with any baked item to attain hero status.
- Peanut Butter Cup Pint $17.19
Now that's what I call gelato vol 21. Rich peanut butter gelato. salty chocolate covered pretzels. chopped peanut butter cups grooving on monster waves of dulce de leche. Enter the mash pit and jam all night to the sweet soundtrack of an uncompromising youth.
- Dulce De Leche Cookies Pint $17.19
Dulce de leche & cookies is a uniquely argentine gelato flavor. the flavor itself is cream base with ribbons of dulce de leche and chocolate pearls folded in. it’s a love song to the great milk and dulce de leche of argentina and a staple of gelato parlors in argentina.
- Black Sesame Pint $17.19
It’s gray. It tastes like an earthier Honey Nut Cheerio. And yes you should get it — if only to remind yourself this life resides in the unexpected space between light and darkness.
Pushpop
- Mango Sorbet Pushpop $8.59
- Espresso Pushpop $8.59
- Milk Chocolate Pushpop $8.59
- Roasted Strawberry Pushpop $8.59
- Vanilla Bean Pushpop $8.59
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Photos










Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Location
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee
7111 Bethesda Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee Reviews
flavorsespressolattemascarponehazelnutdark chocolateberriessesamebaristacappuccino
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Loved this experience! We saw this place the first nice we were here there was a line outside the door and it peaked my curiosity. What was so good about this gelato! We cameback after dinner on Saturday. The inside was gorgeous I grabbed the most popular flavor the hazelnut crackle which was so delicious! Overall the portion size for the small was really good. Definitely recommend this place!
July 13 · Yameliz RodriguezWent for a limited time drink and was pretty disappointed. The Strawberry Matcha while it was a cute drink, it had a thick puree at the bottom which was not enjoyable.Stood there a bit confused since it was my first time there and I didn’t know where I should be ordering. Staff was friendly when they helped but it was busy so no one greeted me when I walked in. I also had to wait about 10-15 minutes for them to make my drink.Would definitely go back to try the gelato since I didn’t at this visit!
June 30 · KristinaAuthentic and delicious. Pistachio and gianduja were just as good as anything I had in Italy. My daughter's coconut and my wife's dark chocolate fudge were both great. We bought a pint of black sesame to take home- also fantastic. Sweetness is just right, smooth and creamy. Absolutely worth stopping by if you're in Bethesda Row, or just in search of superior ice cream.
July 17 · Chris OlsonThe customer service here was amazing. Upon entrance we were greeted, and everything was explained to us. They instantly offered to give us samples of our choice to try. This was definitely a great experience. I got the blueberry lavender gelato 4/5 and my husband got half-and-half of two different flavors. They had basic options, which is always nice to have and they also had fancy options as well. They had a great variety so everyone can enjoy their ice cream experience. I recommend stopping here over Jenni’s splendid if you’re in the mood for ice cream.
August 04 · Mariah VesselI didn't realize this was a chain but this place serves the most authentic gelato in the DC metro area. My son and I had straciatella, gianduja, and pistachio flavors.
June 22 · Mark Benitez
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