By: Julie Means

Situated in the charming village of Corona del Mar, Gelato del Mar has quickly become a local favorite for bringing the flavor of Italy to the California coast with its elevated, small-batch gelato and sorbetto. Delivering joy in every spoonful, the shop offers hand-crafted delights featuring well-known and beloved classic flavors like cookies & cream and pistachio to unique, seasonally driven ones such as s’mores and key lime pie. Opened in 2023 at the corner of PCH and Narcissus, this artisanal gelato shop was born from a desire to offer something delightfully flavorful, made with intention—and above all, made with heart. Their goal is also to bring the Italian focus on family and friends (including furry ones) to their locations.

“Our vision was to create a vibrant place where local residents and visitors alike could enjoy chance encounters and meaningful little moments of connection with friends and neighbors over something fun and flavorful,” said owners Peter and Gina Klebanoff. “To offer an elevated taste experience without being too serious.”

Gelato del Mar was inspired by the couple’s travel experiences, combined with their son Blake’s genuine love for gelato. With a foundation in wellness and a deep appreciation for clean, real ingredients, they set out to create more than just a dessert shop— they envisioned a welcoming space where flavor meets connection. Guided by a philosophy rooted in authenticity, freshness, and purity of taste, they deliver an elevated experience that’s as joyful as it is delicious.

Gelato del Mar serves handcrafted gelato and sorbetto, a world away from the mass-produced variety. Made from scratch in small batches by their gelato chef, their products are free of preservatives, added colorings, or artificial flavorings. Instead, you’ll find ingredients you can pronounce and flavors you want to remember. From classic favorites to seasonal creations, there’s always something new to try. And it’s not just humans who get to indulge—dogs are welcome too, with non-dairy pup cups made from the same clean, thoughtful ingredients.

The attention to detail continues in the way the gelato is served. “Even though we love sunshine and fresh air, gelato doesn’t,” explains Gina. Instead of open pans, the shop uses traditional Pozzetti displays imported from Italy. These closed carapina containers protect the gelato from light, oxidation, and temperature fluctuation—preserving its quality and integrity. It’s a nod to tradition and craftsmanship that’s hard to find elsewhere.

In keeping with the vision to create a space that offers a fun and welcoming experience and further embrace the owners’ commitment to community, they enjoy engaging with and supporting local, emerging, and established artists. “We work with the artist to curate and feature a signature original piece in our shop - a synergistic visual pairing that complements our offering. After all, we are an ARTisanal gelato shop,” Gina mentions. They are proud to currently have the stunning, fine art photography of CULTERRA by Taylor O’Sullivan punctuating and transforming their space in Corona del Mar. It’s a beautiful synergy of visual and culinary art that elevates the customer experience.

This sense of creativity and care extends to the community as well. Gelato del Mar proudly supports local schools, teams and nonprofits, including Harbor View Elementary, Corona del Mar Middle and High Schools, the CDM Surf Team, CureDuchenne, and the Newport Hills Swim Team. They’re also behind the growing 3rd Thursdays community initiative in Corona del Mar and maintain active memberships in the CDM and Laguna Beach Chambers of Commerce.

With a second location opening soon on Marine Avenue on Balboa Island, Gelato del Mar continues to grow—it’s just a golf cart ride away from their original shop. Additionally, they can also bring their flavor experience to you with a curated event collaboration and catering. Through it all, they remain grounded in their mission to deliver something special: a thoughtfully made product that reflects the coastal lifestyle and values of the Newport Beach community.

Stop by for a scoop (or two) and experience the artisanal difference for yourself.

Visit Gelato del Mar:
📍 3500 E Coast Hwy, Suite 130, Corona del Mar
📍 226 Marine Ave, Balboa Island – coming soon
📲 Instagram: @gelatodelmar
📞 (949) 274-9296