Enlarge Photo

There’s no need to run to Italy when your next craving for gelato strikes. Luckily, Gelato Vero – located on the border of Hillcrest and Little Italy – has the real thing. This gelateria (that’s just Italian for a bona fide gelato place) recreates this blissful Italian treat for San Diegans.

Gelato Vero offers more than 12 different flavors of gelato daily, as well as two non-dairy sorbets. While the classics like tiramisu, spumoni, pistachio, and strawberry are available year-round, other flavors pop up to coincide with the seasons.

This little café offers other delights as well. A coffee bar serves up fresh, signature caffeinated drinks, and a baked goods counter will tempt you with delectable scones, muffins, and a general assortment of baked goods.

Seating inside this popular little gelataria can be hard to come by – but just take your gelato scoop and little, neon-colored spoon to the outdoor tables, and watch the world go by. Gelato Vero’s creations are so good, that if you close your eyes, you swear you could be in Italy.

Insider’s Tip: Gelato Vero opens early and closes late – so even if you’re on Italian time, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth.