Bacio di Latte: A Taste of Italy in Manhattan Beach
There's something about Italian gelato that instantly brings to mind summer afternoons in Italy. And now, you don't need to hop on a plane to enjoy it.
Bacio di Latte, the Italian-inspired gelateria known for its freshly made gelato and traditional recipes, is located in Metlox Plaza in downtown Manhattan Beach.
Whether you're spending the afternoon shopping in Manhattan Beach, enjoying a beach day, or looking for dessert after dinner, it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
From Milan to Manhattan Beach
The Bacio di Latte story began in 2011, when brothers Edoardo and Luigi set out from Milan to travel across Italy, learning the secrets of traditional gelato-making.
Their idea was simple: create authentic Italian gelato using high-quality ingredients and make it fresh every day.
Today, that same approach is at the heart of Bacio di Latte. The gelato is made daily in each shop, using ingredients including pistachios from Italy, hazelnuts from Piedmont, Belgian and Italian chocolate, and milk and cream sourced from California's Sonoma County.
The result? Creamy, rich gelato with plenty of Italian character.
What to Order at Bacio di Latte
If you're a gelato lover, choosing a flavor might be the hardest part of your visit. There are Italian classics, chocolate favorites, fruity sorbets, and rotating seasonal flavors.
A few to look out for:
Pistacchio: Made with Italian pistachios, this is one of Bacio di Latte's signature bestsellers.
Bacio di Latte: The namesake sweet cream flavor. Simple, smooth, and creamy.
Giandujotto: A rich combination of chocolate and hazelnut, inspired by the classic Italian gianduja.
Stracciatella: Creamy gelato with chocolate pieces. An Italian favorite.
Fruit sorbets: Refreshing options such as strawberry, raspberry, and lemon, made without dairy.
You can order your gelato in a cup or cone, and flavors may vary depending on the day.
Don't Miss the Affogato
For something a little different, try an affogato.
This classic Italian dessert combines a scoop of gelato with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top. The coffee melts into the gelato, creating a delicious combination of hot, cold, creamy, and bittersweet.
Bacio di Latte also serves Ciocchinos, which take your gelato a step further with pistachio or Nutella cream and crunchy nut toppings.
A Sweet Stop in Downtown Manhattan Beach
One of the best things about Bacio di Latte is its location.
Tucked into Metlox Plaza, just a short walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier, it's an easy addition to an afternoon exploring downtown.
Browse the boutiques along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and finish with gelato before heading down to the beach.
Or make it your dessert stop after dinner. With its central location and generous evening hours, there's really no wrong time for gelato.
And if you're visiting Manhattan Beach with kids, this is an easy crowd-pleaser.
Know Before You Go
Bacio di Latte – Manhattan Beach
Address: 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Metlox Plaza, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hours: Currently listed as 11 AM–11 PM daily. Check before visiting.
What to try: Pistachio gelato, Bacio di Latte sweet cream, Giandujotto, or an espresso affogato.
Website: https://baciodilatte.us/
Good to know: Fruit sorbets offer dairy-free options, although the shop is not an allergen-free environment.
Whether you're a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, Bacio di Latte brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Manhattan Beach. And a stroll through downtown is always better with gelato in hand.
