Is there anything better than a cold, refreshing sweet treat on a hot summer day? Whether you’re into ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato or prefer a cone or a thick shake or malt, we’ve rounded up the best places to visit during your stay in Bellevue.
I scream you scream….
Ice cream is where it’s at. We can’t get enough of the cold, rich, creamy stuff. And if you’re visiting Bellevue this summer, you can rest assured your favorite treat will be on hand. Here are some of our favorite spots to drop in and indulge.
Ben and Jerry’s
Visit Vermont’s finest, iconic ice cream shop in Bellevue Square, Kirkland or Factoria Mall locations. Pamper yourself with a classic like Milk and Cookies, Cherry Garcia, Peanut Butter Cup or one of our top picks: Chunky Monkey with bananas, fudge chunks and walnuts. Or choose from frozen yogurt, non-dairy and gluten-free flavors just as creamy and enticing. And you can feel good about indulging. Ben and Jerry’s is made only with fair trade ingredients.
Molly Moon’s
A Seattle favorite, Molly Moon’s has finally found a home on the Eastside in downtown Redmond, just a short drive east on Interstate 520. This local Seattle handmade ice cream shop has won numerous “best ice cream” awards since its inception in 2008. With locally sourced ingredients and unique flavors like Honey Lavender, local Stumptown Coffee and Theo’s Melted Chocolate, Molly Moon’s has built quite a fan base. Check out seasonal flavors like Sweet Cream Rhubarb Crisp. Our favorite? Scout Mint in a sundae topped with homemade hot fudge, thin mint crumbles, local Chukkar cherries and whipped cream. Gluten-free and vegan flavors are always on the menu as well.
Cold Stone Creamery
Located at Bellevue Crossroads, adjacent to the International Market, Cold Stone is always a top pick on a hot day in the Pacific Northwest. Create your own flavors or try one of their signature creations like Oreo Overload, Peanut Butter Cup Perfection or the Pie Who Loved Me made with cheesecake ice cream, Oreo cookies, graham cracker pie crust and fudge. How do you spell indulgent? If you prefer sipping your cold treat, you can create your own shake or smoothie.
Godiva Soft Serve
You had us at Godiva. How does the world’s best chocolate maker do soft serve ice cream? You can probably guess. It’s some of the creamiest, dreamiest stuff we’ve ever tasted. Located in Bellevue Square, you have to stop in for a swirl of Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Rose Anniversary Collection or White Chocolate Vanilla Bean.
Frozen yogurt anyone?
Indulgence without the guilt, frozen yogurt is here to stay. Here are some of the hottest shops to check out:
Located in Bellevue Square, you can treat yourself to some of the best frozen yogurt we’ve ever tasted. Red Mango offers up tart and sweet flavors like Madagascar Vanilla, Milk Chocolate and Pomegranate as well as special seasonal concoctions. Top it off with fresh berries, dark chocolate chips or our favorite—peanut butter cups with Ghiradelli chocolate sauce.
Menchies
If variety is what you’re looking for in frozen yogurt—Menchies is the place to be. Located at Kelsey Creek on Main Street in Bellevue, choose from dozens of low-fat, non-fat, sugar-free and even low carb delicious flavors like Greek Vanilla Bean, Banana, Cookie dough, Pure Chocolate and Classic Cherry. And it’s all sold by weight so you can indulge as much or as little as you desire. Did you say toppings? How about every fresh fruit you can think of as well as your favorite candies, cookies and even mochi. If you love the “build your own” method of frozen yogurt—you may also want to visit Peaks Frozen Yogurt Bar and Yogurtland in Bellevue.
Pressed Juicery
Prefer a healthier cold treat? Look no further than a delicious Freeze from Pressed Juicery, located at the Lodge in Bellevue Square. The Freeze is the latest and greatest creation from these California juice-makers. Packed with the same nutrition found in their popular juice flavors, Freeze is a soft-serve frozen treat and the first of its kind: by using only juices from fruits and vegetables, almonds and coconuts, Freeze is a vegan, gluten and dairy-free dessert. But after your first taste, you’ll never believe it.
The Best Gelato on the Eastside
You don’t have to travel to the Italian Riviera to taste the world’s best gelato. Here are a few places to find this creamy sensation:
Sirena Gelato
Sirena Gelato is an oasis for gelato lovers located in beautiful downtown Kirkland. With the help of a third generation Italian gelato maker from Venice, Brian Ugurlu and his family handcraft unique recipes utilizing both exclusive specialty imports and local Northwest ingredients. The result is a tasty and distinctive blend of old world favorites with a modern American flair. Indulge in delicious flavors like Red Velvet Cupcake and Amaretto. If you close your eyes, you can almost feel the breeze off the coast of Portofino.
Tutta Bella Pizzeria
Come for the incredible pizza but stay for the gelato. Better yet, just come for the gelato. Tutta Bella features gelato from Seattle’s own award-winning gelato shop, Bottega Italiano. Choose from scrumptious flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Lemon, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip, Nutella, Pear or whatever’s in season. Pizza and gelato go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Metropolitan Market
Located in Kirkland and a short drive east on Interstate 90 in Sammamish, is Metropolitan Market serving up fresh, incredible gelato by the cup or cone from Seattle’s own Pike Place Market favorite, Gelatiamo. Maria Coassin opened the doors of Gelatiamo in 1996, after dedicating years to learning the art and science of making authentic Italian gelato in her Italian hometown. Lucky for us, she now makes this delicious stuff in small batches in Seattle. Choose from from flavors like Pistachio, Dark Chocolate, Coconut and Almond.
Written by – Tami Rogers
Photo Credits – Top to Bottom: Ice cream stock image via Pexels.com, Ben & Jerry’s server via Ben & Jerry’s Bellevue on Google Maps, Molly Moon’s Redmond storefront via Molly Moon’s, Cold Stone flavors via Cold Stone Creamery Bellevue on Zomato, Godiva soft serve via Godiva on Instagram, Freezes via Pressed Juicery on Instagram, Sirena gelato flavors via Sirena Gelato on Instagram, Tutta Bella gelato via Tutta Bella Bellevue, Gelatiamo flavors via Gelatiamo Seattle on Instagram
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