Something SWEET has arrived in Ladera Ranch… just in time for Spring! 

Ricco Gelato opened in the Mercantile West Shopping Center right before New Years’ and the young entrepreneurs who pulled it off couldn’t be happier with their Ladera surroundings. “We were close to signing a lease in Quail Hill (Irvine) but found this location at the last minute,” said Jay, who runs the front-of-house operations. It didn’t hurt that the space was a better value and serving an Italian desert next to Joe’s seemed like the perfect après to Italian food.

Johnny is the man behind all of that rich goodness – each flavor is his own creation with more than 32 and plans to double the offering. “I have recipes for over 64 and am working on perfecting several vegan ones as well.” he said, adding that they plan to add alcohol-infused ones in the future too. 

Unlimited tastes may help you decide but you can combine up to four flavors per cup if you can’t. Best sellers include Tiramisu, Wildberry Yogurt, Brown Butter English Toffee and Caramel Salted Peanut Butter. Ricco has a great selection of sorbets (Mango Passionfruit, Peach, Rose Lychee, Lemon, Guava), an Asian-infused palette (Matcha, Jasmine Tea, Black Sesame, Red Bean) and a few surprises like Parmesan Cheese and Tomato Apple Kombucha.

Not only are the flavors divine, but Ricco’s ingredients are next to Godly too. “We use only the best ingredients,” said Jay. Organic milk is one example. Others ingredients come all the way from Italy.

Faith is a theme with these two who are not only partners, but also brothers! Be sure to look on the bottom of each cup for a hidden message of inspiration. Jay and Johnny our also only our youngest entrepreneurs at age 25 and 29.

Ice cream and gelato are both delicious but the two are decidedly different. Ice cream is made with more cream while gelato is made with more milk. Ice cream is whipped and has more air (and fat) while gelato is smoother and denser. That’s why small amounts of gelato are as just satisfying as a double scoop of ice cream. We wouldn’t go so far as to call gelato healthy but each small cup is only around 100 calories and many flavors are gluten-free. Check out the macros on the wall for full details.

You’re going to like this place!