Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe

What is Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe? Perched at 307 Queen Street West near John Street, Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe brings the regional dessert traditions of Sicily and Abruzzo to the Queen West strip. Founded by Paolo Di Lallo and Denise Pisani, the bright, bustling cafe pairs an authentic Italian espresso counter with refrigerated display cases showing off award-winning, small-batch gelato and fresh baked goods. Indoor cafe seating gives guests a place to sit with an espresso, though much of the crowd takes scoops out the door for a stroll through the downtown core.

Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe Menu & What to Order Start with the acclaimed Pistacchio Siciliano, an intensely nutty and velvety scoop made with imported Sicilian nuts, or opt for the Bacio for a rich hazelnut-and-chocolate profile. Pastry fans should look straight to the cannoli, which are piped fresh to order with sweet ricotta or hazelnut crema, alongside the ricotta-and-candied-fruit Cassata Siciliana gelato. Dairy-free diners are well looked after with vivid seasonal fruit sorbetti and an intense water-based Dark Chocolate, best paired with a properly pulled espresso doppio.

Know Before You Go Mizzica runs entirely on walk-in counter service, so expect lines to form quickly on warm summer evenings and after shows in the nearby Entertainment District. Street parking on Queen West is tight, making the 501 Queen streetcar or a quick walk from Osgoode Station your best transit bet. The shop stays open daily from early morning until 11:00 p.m. or midnight on weekends, making it one of downtown's most reliable late-night dessert runs.