Here’s the scoop: 3 Central Texas stores make Yelp’s Top Ice Cream Spots list

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nicki Valencia left San Diego to start a new chapter in Austin, opening Gelato Paradiso on South Congress Avenue. Then, COVID shut the city down.

“When they first opened, it was right before COVID, so those two years really took a downfall,” she said. “Nobody knew us.”

But just five years later, Gelato Paradiso is one of the three Central Texas stores that scooped up a spot in Yelp’s rankings of the nation’s 100 best ice cream stores.

Valencia said she is “very proud” that her store was ranked at No. 30 for its hand-crafted gelato.

“It’s just really rewarding honestly, and we’re just so happy that a lot of people are also getting to know Gelato Paradiso,” Valencia said.

Yelp’s rankings, which are based on a compilation of user data, included a total of 11 ice cream stores in Texas. The top-ranked Texas store — Manoli’s Ice Cream, Sorbets and More — is also located in Austin.

Manuel Romero opened the food truck with his wife in 2018 after he was unable to find passionfruit ice cream in Austin. Cristian Romero, their son, said his father’s love for ice cream grew into the flourishing business.

“The idea came up to make a couple flavors and start a business,” Romero said. “The next thing we knew, people were falling in love with it as well.”

Romero said he is “very proud” that his parents’ hard work was recognized after Manoli’s secured the No. 4 spot in Yelp’s list.

“It’s years and years that people don’t see and don’t know about,” Romero said. “Being able to know that it’s recognized for what it is — for the quality and everything — it’s very rewarding.”

Pflugerville-based Rollie Rolls Ice Cream also secured a spot, ranked just above Gelato Paradiso at No. 23. The Thailand-inspired ice cream offers patrons a sweet treat and a show as employees make the rolls in front of each customer.

Tinia Le, the manager of Rollie Rolls Ice Cream, said she loves to see her customers walk away happy after coming into her store.

“We just love to see the kids so amazed, and even the parents and adults as well,” Le said.