Sorella Italian Gelato
Gelato at Sorella is made in-house with the same approach found throughout our kitchen. Simple ingredients, careful technique, and attention to balance. Rather than treating gelato as an afterthought, it is prepared with the same intention as pasta, bread, and everything else on the menu.
The video above shows chef and owner Justin Wills walking through the process of making gelato from start to finish, offering a look at how each flavor begins with a shared base and is shaped through technique.
The Process
All of our gelato starts the same way. As Justin explains, “We make our gelato in-house like everything else.” The base is built with whole milk, sugar, vanilla bean, and egg yolks. From that foundation, a range of flavors is developed, each treated slightly differently depending on the ingredient.
That base allows for a variety of flavors, including chocolate cardamom, salted caramel rum, lemon, olive oil, orange olive oil, vanilla, and basil. While the ingredients change, the goal remains the same. Clean flavor, smooth texture, and balance.
For herb-based gelato like basil, the process begins by blanching the basil to preserve color and freshness. It is then puréed directly into the base before churning. This method allows the flavor to integrate fully without overpowering the gelato.
Chocolate gelato follows a different path. Valrhona bittersweet chocolate is melted down and tempered into the base. Justin notes that the base is gently heated before the chocolate is added so it stays smooth. This step prevents the chocolate from setting up into chips and keeps the texture consistent throughout.
Each batch is churned carefully, focusing on mouthfeel and structure rather than speed. The result is gelato that finishes cleanly and complements the meal rather than weighing it down.
A Thoughtful Finish to the Meal
Gelato at Sorella is meant to bring balance to the end of the dining experience. It is rich without being heavy and expressive without being excessive. Like the rest of the menu, it reflects a respect for ingredients and process.
If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look, explore more features highlighting how food and drink are made at Sorella:
Sorella Italian Pasta
Tagliatelle alle Vongole
Casarecce alla Bolognese
Rigatoni alla Vodka
Ginger Plum Sour
To see what is currently available, visit our menu: