La Dolce Vita has been making gelato for more than two decades, and its downtown location carries that experience into a bright space where the owner hands out samples and steers first-timers toward the right scoop.

The cabinet runs deep: classic gelato alongside half a dozen dairy-free sorbets, with the lemon crunch yogurt flavour earning a devoted following and pistachio and hazelnut close behind. Cups hold up to three flavours, and the counter extends well past the freezer case, with soft serve, milk and vegan shakes, and a short espresso menu that includes affogato and café frappé. Litre tubs to take home and a handful of seats inside and out make it work as both a quick stop and a place to stick around.