Unionville Gelato Co. is a much needed addition to historic Main St. in Unionville, which was sorely lacking a solid ice cream/gelato shop. Located in the Mill off Main St. they're doing handmade gelato, panini, baked goods and hot drinks.

The storefront is small and is done up in modern and simple decor. Grey and black tones adorn the walls, with sparse seating. They will, however, be adding tables and making use of an outdoor patio overlooking Main St. in the near future.

Their gelato selection isn't the biggest but does include diverse options, with classics like baccio and lemon to more off-the-wall flavours like Reese (peanut butter and chocolate). Many of their fruit flavours are also dairy free.

After sampling a few flavours I settle on mango and tiramisu in a small cup ($4). The mango is a perfect treat on a hot day; it's refreshing with a strong burst of sweet mango flavour on the palate. The tiramisu will be a hit with any lovers of the confection as it's rich and creamy with a strong coffee kick.

Other flavours of note include the classic lemon, which is extremely tart and equally creamy. For those who love more traditional gelato this is definitely a must try. A notable item for those looking to feed their inner glutton is their gelato sandwich, available in a cookie ($4.50) or in between a bombe (a kind of Italian donut, $8).

Italian desserts being a particular weakness of mine I opt to try a sfogliatelli ($3). This lobster tail-shaped pastry is a crispy shell of perfectly flaky dough filled to order with a light mascarpone cream. The cannoli are also gorgeous and creamy.

The ownership here seems to have big plans for the future including a daily assortment of Roman style pizza to lure in the lunch crowd. If the quality of their gelato and desserts is any indication, this shop is poised to become a favourite of locals and tourists alike.

Photos by Hector Vasquez