After returning from a recent family trip to Italy, I found myself craving gelato. To my delight, I’ve discovered many gelato shops in the greater Boston area! If you and your family are craving a bit of la dolce vita, check out these fantastico gelaterias.

Delini Gelato :: West Roxbury

Gelato at Delini is made from scratch in their store — each and every day! Their locally sourced, organic ingredients help to create a unique blend of amazing gelato flavors, like honey lavender, crème brûlée, tropical paradise, and tiramisu.

Dulce D Leche :: Framingham and Ashland

The gelato at Dulce D Leche is free of lactose but as delicious as any other gelato! Their Italian flavors have a “South American flare,” including key lime pie, roasted blueberry cheesecake, and coconut chocolate chip. They also have vegan sorbetto in flavors like mango, passionfruit, and guava.

Amorino :: Harvard Square and Back Bay

This brand originated in Europe and has quickly spread to the U.S. The rich, delectable flavors (all preservative-free) include stracciatella (fancy for chocolate chip), organic orange and cinnamon, and tiramisu. And if you’re looking to switch things up a bit, try the gelato-filled macarons!

Caffè Paradiso :: North End, Boston

Who doesn’t love the North End? This old-school cafe is not only a great place for dessert, it also offers many gelato options. They don’t have an official website or much of a social media presence, but they have wonderful, classic gelato flavors. My favorite is the nocciola (hazelnut).

Dolce Freddo & Gelato :: Methuen and Newburyport

This family-owned shop prides itself on authenticity, originality, freshness, and outstanding service! They boast a rotation of more than 120 flavors, including birthday cake, white chocolate peanut butter cup, and gingerbread. In addition, they also offer gourmet coffee, cappuccino, and espresso.

Gorgeous Gelato :: Downtown Boston

Located inside the new High Street Place food hall, Gorgeous Gelato is exactly what its name implies. This Portland-based franchise (with owners from Milan) imports many of its ingredients from Italy. Their gorgeous flavors include sea salt caramel chocolate, coconut, Ferrero Rocher, strawberry, and pistachio. And of course, you can try a gelato-filled cannoli!

Dragon Pizza :: Somerville

Would you ever imagine a tiny pizza shop in Davis Square would have gelato? (The pizza is great, by the way!) Although the selection is not large, Dragon Pizza’s homemade gelato is perfect to satisfy any craving.

Giovanna Gelato e Sorbet

Giovanna’s founder left his job as an architect to try his hand at gelato making. His small batches — made with premium ingredients and hand packed in a Malden facility — are now sold in more than 120 stores in New England! If you want to try some at home, check your Whole Foods or another local market.

Any of these tasty options are a welcome change from ice cream, and they’re sure to transport you off to beautiful Italia, if only for a moment!