Bacio di Latte Establishes Presence on North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, California – Bacio di Latte, the internationally acclaimed gelateria renowned for its artisanal Italian tradition, has marked a significant milestone in its North American expansion with the grand opening of its latest U.S. flagship location. Situated at the prestigious address of 452 North Canon Drive in the heart of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, the debut introduces an authentic Italian gelateria experience to one of Southern California’s most iconic districts. This opening is not merely an addition to the local dessert scene but represents a strategic anchor point for the company’s ambitious growth plans across the United States.
The family-owned enterprise, founded in 2011 by brothers Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli in São Paulo, Brazil, has rapidly grown into a prominent name in the global gelato market. From its origins in South America, Bacio di Latte has expanded to operate over 200 locations across Brazil, building a reputation centered on the quality of its ingredients and the authenticity of its production process. The move into the U.S. market, particularly with a high-profile opening in Beverly Hills, signals the brand’s confidence and commitment to bringing its unique offering to a discerning international audience.
Strategic Expansion Across California
The Beverly Hills debut is a cornerstone of Bacio di Latte’s broader strategy for solidifying its presence in the Golden State. The company has set an aggressive target to reach 25 locations throughout California by the end of 2026. This expansion plan underscores California’s importance as a key market for the brand, leveraging the state’s appreciation for quality food, international flavors, and lifestyle experiences that resonate with the artisanal nature of traditional Italian gelato.
The new 1,400-square-foot shop on North Canon Drive has been designed to fully immerse visitors in the Bacio di Latte experience. More than just a retail space, it functions as a fully operational gelateria where the core product – the gelato itself – is crafted with meticulous care. A fundamental element of the brand’s identity, and a key feature of the Beverly Hills location, is the commitment to making gelato fresh daily on-site. This ensures the highest quality, optimal texture, and vibrant flavor profiles that are hallmarks of authentic Italian gelato.
A Global Palette of Premium Ingredients
central to Bacio di Latte’s philosophy is the sourcing of exceptional ingredients. The company employs a thoughtful approach that combines the finest produce from around the world with high-quality local resources. This global and local sourcing strategy is evident in the components that make up their signature gelato flavors.
The creamy base for many of their creations utilizes organic milk and cream sourced locally from Clover farms in Sonoma County, California. This commitment to local, high-quality dairy forms the foundation of their rich and smooth gelato texture. For other key ingredients, the brand looks to regions renowned for specific products:
* Hazelnuts are imported from Italy’s Piedmont region, celebrated globally for producing some of the most aromatic and flavorful hazelnuts.
* Pistachios are sourced from Southern Italy, known for their distinct taste and vibrant green hue, crucial for a premium pistachio gelato.
* Cane sugar, providing the essential sweetness balance, comes from Paraguay, a region recognized for its quality sugar production.
* Fresh fruit incorporated into their sorbettos and fruit-based gelatos is sourced from California farms, ensuring seasonal freshness and supporting local agriculture.
This blend of internationally acclaimed ingredients and carefully selected local produce allows Bacio di Latte to maintain authenticity while also connecting with the Californian context.
The Beverly Hills Menu: Tradition Meets Innovation
The Beverly Hills gelateria offers an expansive menu featuring over 22 daily gelato flavors. The selection includes beloved classics and signature creations that have become customer favorites worldwide. Patrons can indulge in foundational flavors such as Pistacchio (crafted from the fine nuts of Southern Italy), Giandujotto (a classic blend of chocolate and hazelnut, utilizing Piedmont hazelnuts), Cioccolato Belga (featuring high-quality Belgian chocolate), and Nutellina (a rich flavor inspired by the popular hazelnut spread).
In addition to these staples, the menu rotates to include seasonal options, offering inventive flavors that capture the essence of California’s produce or celebrate timely themes. An example of a recent seasonal offering highlighted by the brand is Buttercream Pretzel, showcasing a creative fusion of sweet and savory notes.
Beyond the wide array of gelato flavors, the North Canon Drive location provides a comprehensive dessert and coffee experience. The shop features an dedicated in-store Affogato Bar, allowing customers to enjoy the classic Italian pairing of hot espresso poured over cold gelato. A full espresso bar offers a range of coffee beverages, prepared by skilled baristas, providing the perfect complement to the gelato.
The menu also includes Bacio di Latte’s signature “Ciocchino” creations, which are unique chocolate-based drinks and desserts, further diversifying the offerings and catering to different preferences.
A Touch of Italian Culture in Los Angeles
The opening of the Beverly Hills flagship is more than just a business expansion; it is the introduction of a cultural experience. Bacio di Latte aims to transport visitors to Italy through the authentic taste and atmosphere of its gelaterias. The 1,400-square-foot space is designed to be inviting and evocative of Italian charm, providing a pleasant environment for customers to savor their gelato and coffee.
For founders Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli, bringing Bacio di Latte to a location as prominent as Beverly Hills represents the culmination of years of dedication to the art of gelato making. Their commitment to quality, from sourcing to production, is intended to resonate with the sophisticated palate of the Los Angeles community.
The Beverly Hills opening at 452 North Canon Drive serves as a powerful statement regarding Bacio di Latte’s intentions for the U.S. market. As the company works towards its goal of 25 California locations by the end of 2026, this flagship store will play a crucial role in establishing the brand’s identity and attracting new customers to its unique blend of traditional Italian artistry and contemporary appeal in the vibrant setting of Southern California.
