Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe is a go-to place in Toronto for gelato that tastes like it's straight from Italy.

Started by owners Paolo Di Lallo and Denise Pisani, Mizzica is more than a gelato shop - it's a love story.

"When I came to Canada a long time ago, I met my wife, and we were both working in gelato," Chef Di Lallo shared.

What started as a friendship developed into something more thanks to their mutual passion and appreciation for the creamy cold treat. Together, they had the idea for Mizzica, an exclamation often meaning 'wow!'

"We always had this dream to open something unique. To bring some of Italy here," Di Lallo explained.

And the two have done just that.

Inspired by the blue and white colours of the Mediterranean Sea, Mizzica transports you directly to one of Italy's seaside coasts.

Pisani, who has been working in gelato since the early age of 15, is also an artist. She's responsible for much of the location's design and even hand-painted some of the interior walls. She also designed the logo, a small gelato scoop in the shape of a heart.

Inside the shop, conversations in Italian greeted my ears, and I watched as regulars chatted with the owners as though they were long-time friends.

"We offer the same service you would find in Italy," said Di Lallo. This means taking the time to get to know every new face that walks through the door. It also means getting to sample as much gelato as you like, especially since the team frequently introduces new flavours.

Their generosity, combined with their artisanal award-winning gelato, is a big reason for the constant flow of customers. Friends, families, and couples fill the outdoor patio and the line to order wraps around the side of the shop. But long lines only mean one thing - you’ve come to the right place.

The gelato is made fresh in-house daily, and the shop takes pride in using only the best quality ingredients, many of which come sourced from all over Italy.

Take, for example, Pistachio. Directly from the nutrient-dense soils of Sicily, the pistachios have an unrivalled taste that lends to a slightly sweet, rich, and earthy-flavoured gelato.

Another nut-based gelato, Nocciola, made with toasted hazelnut, is equally as delicious.

Other popular flavours include Sicilia and Tiramisu.

Sicilia is made with fresh sheep's milk ricotta, pistachio cream, and chocolate curls.

Tiramisu features the classic combination of creamy mascarpone, lady fingers, whipped eggs, and subtle notes of coffee and cocoa.

For something a little more refreshing, the Lampone or raspberry vegan gelato is a must-try. Vibrant in both colour and taste, it’s the perfect summer scoop.

You can opt for one ($5.25), two ($6.50), or three flavours ($8.50) in your choice of cup or cone. Each comes with a crunchy homemade wafer on top.

If you're looking to also get your coffee fix, try the best-selling Affogato ($7), a generous scoop of gelato with Lavazza espresso poured on top.

There are also several classic Italian desserts available including Cannoli, Cheesecake, Mango Panna Cotta, and Tiramisu.

The Cannoli (small $3.90, large $5.90) are made fresh to order and come in four varieties - Ricotta, Pistachio, Nutella, and Custard.

I'm of the belief that you can never go wrong with a simple Ricotta. Made with 100 per cent cow milk, it's tangy and sweet and pairs perfectly with the crunchy cannoli shell.

Di Lallo and Pisani have even taken their gelato talents to an international artisan ice cream festival in Italy, where they received third place for a winning combination that symbolized their union.

"We wanted to create something that comes from both of us," explained Pisani. The two presented a flavour made with handpicked saffron from Di Lallo's home region of Abruzzo, and pistachios from Bronte, Sicily, as a tribute to Pisani.

"We are so grateful that Torontonians understand and appreciate the quality of what we serve and our culture," Pisani delighted.

Mizzica Gelateria & Cafe is located at 307 Queen Street West.