I've tried many dairy-free ice creams in my day, and this is truly some of the best I've ever had—if not THE best. I'm guessing the key difference between Grinning Face and what I've eaten previously is the egg, because most dairy-free ice creams are also vegan. Grinning Face does also sell vegan flavors, but I found the texture of those slightly different from the egg-containing ones. I think the egg as an emulsifier works better.
I tried the lemon one and my partner tried the peach (or raspberry, can't recall), and we both loved ours, but the lemony lemon was our favorite. The shop is very small and can get crowded, but we live nearby and usually grab containers to go.
Regarding the hours: I checked Grinning Face's website and the Zomato hours are not accurate. They're now open on Thursdays and much later Friday through Sunday (although they may have seasonal hours). If they had more regular hours, I'd probably go at least once a week.
Next up was Grinning Face, a non-dairy gelato shop in Cabbagetown, who was one of the vendors at the festival. They specialize in house-made, dairy free, coconut milk–based gelato that are not only dairy-free, but gluten-free, and contained no nuts. I was given a sample of one of their gelato products, and I chose the "The Mighty Coconut". The gelato comes in single serving cups at $4.50 each flavor. The gelato is made with coconut milk, natural flavors and coconut palm sugar, and is a healthier alternative to sugary ice-cream and gelato.
A great find in the neighbourhood. This is a lovely little shop that serves non-dairy and vegan gelato. Run by a pair of sisters, it is a wonderful place to visit and buy some dessert for an upcoming meal, or a small container of your favourite flavour to snack on while you continue your walk along Parliament Street
The owners make their gelato with coconut milk that they process themselves on site. No canned coconut milk with all the additives and chemicals for them! It's all natural, and for someone with a sensitivity to canned coconut milk, this is a great find indeed.
And the flavours are amazing! We tried the pumpkin and maple and coffee creme brule to start.
If you like ice cream and gelato, you absolutely must try this place out!
The lack of dairy is definitely not noticed with their very interesting flavour combinations. Our favourites was Lemon Lemon which tastes like a Lemon Meringue. That being said we opted to grab the Raspberry Mint as refresher for this hot weekend.
Cute little gelato place tucked in a basement in Cabbagetown. Price is probably the steepest I've seen for a casual joint, but I suppose it goes towards the coconuts freshly cracked for the vegan cream base. Small but interesting selection of flavours, very friendly owner :)
Great place for Coconut based gelato. Uses local products when available for example Ontario strawberries. Gelato is very creamy with great flavors such as lemon, bourbon vanilla, chocolate to name a few. Cups, cones or take home tubs are available.
Summer hours start in July till September and open every day. Rest of the year only open Friday to Sunday.
One of the few coconut milk based ice creameries I've found in Toronto! Creamy and delicious ice cream, price is a little more than you may want to spend, but worth it for the quality and definitely for anyone avoiding dairy. They sell by the quart and have small containers for sale as well. Available flavours are unique and stock changes every few days as it sells out because it's all fresh. The staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Highly recommend this little creamery to anyone who loves ice cream! Please like to upvote if my review has helped you at all or encouraged you to visit. Thank you!
So much flavour and they are constantly coming up with new creations. Quite possibly the best dairy free ice cream spot in the city! You can get a smaller selection at some other businesses around Cabbagetown too. Just wish they were open Monday!
This place is honestly amazing! We used to live in the neighbourhood but still come back for the gelato. We say it’s the best gelato in Toronto, coconut or not! They have so many flavours that Change all the time but the vanilla bean, strawberry and raspberry mint are a few of our favourites. If you haven’t tried this gelato yet you are missing out !!
It's so nice to discover a place like this in my own E neighborhood.
I really like the lemony lemon flavor.
I just wish they had a few more flavors.
Will come to visit again!
Happy to meet new neighbours!
💜💙💚❤️🧡💛
The gelato was surprisingly creamy and flavorful. Surprising because it's non-dairy (made with coconut milk). This was a gem of a find in Cabbagetown. Although not as rich as the best Italian gelato I have tried, some may prefer their gelato on the light side. Many will definitely leave this place with a "grinning face". Customer service was great - friendly and genuine.
Lemony Lemon: Fantastic. Reminds me of the lemon curd or custard on lemon tarts and pies. Perfect balance of sweet and sour. 5/5
Mighty Coconut: The coconut did not shine for some reason. Also not as "creamy" and sweet as I expected. 2/5
Rhubarb & Strawberry: Great combination. Loved it. 4/5
Not enough stomach to sample all the flavors! I'll be back.
Stephen-Thomas Maciejowski
+5
Love love love this shop! I can't do dairy but love gelato. Finally I can enjoy gelato without getting upset stomach. And the flavors are unreal! I am not just saying this because we work with them. I am saying it because I really enjoy this place!
The best tasting Gelato ever! Knows the store owners , very decent place. Amazing flavours my favourite is Raspberry Mint! 😋 Two thumbs up ! 👍🏾👍🏾
I ordered a non vegan gelato and when I realized the costumer (or maybe she run the business) offered me to change it for a vegan one. She was so nice, and the texture and flavour, on point!
I have a dairy allergy so I look for milk free gelato everywhere I go. This was the best I have eaten. Peach and blackcurrant was my favourite.
Small selection. Quaint little place.
Do note for vegans, the vegan selection is separate from the ones on display as those still have egg yolk in them.
Great tasting Gelato! They even have vegan options. The staff is very friendly and helpful!
Little bit pricey as for four starts. But they have good selection. Try coconut. They also have vegan and gluten free options.
We tried different flavors. All good. Made of homemade coconut milk. Delicious!
Delicious non-dairy ice cream / gelato. Just wish they had more flavours.
Delicious dairy free gelato in the most wonderful flavours!
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