Bacio di Latte Opened New Santa Monica Gelato Shop
The international gelato chain has expanded its California presence to a second location on Montana Avenue.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Desserts
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Bacio di Latte has opened its 30th U.S. store at 1510 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. The shop offers over 22 regular gelato flavors made fresh in-house daily using California fruit and milk from Clover family farms.
Why it matters
This opening represents the continued U.S. expansion for the brand, which maintains more than 250 locations in Brazil. The company aims to grow its national footprint further by the end of the year.
The shop features an affogato bar and serves over 22 regular gelato flavors. The company operates more than 250 locations in Brazil and has reached 30 storefronts across the United States.
The players
Bacio di Latte
An international gelato chain founded in 2011 that operates hundreds of locations across Brazil and the United States.
Edoardo Tonolli
The entrepreneur who founded Bacio di Latte in 2011.
The details
The new Santa Monica shop creates gelato in-house daily and features an affogato bar that pairs its frozen desserts with espresso. The menu includes regular selections alongside seasonal offerings like the Crema Positano flavor.
Timeline
2011: The company was founded by Edoardo Tonolli.
September 2026: The Crema Positano seasonal flavor launched.
December 2026: The company expects to reach 35 U.S. locations.
Culture Shift
The expansion reflects the broader trend of premium artisanal food chains scaling internationally to capture local market share. This growth mirrors the trajectory of other global dessert brands that leverage local ingredients to appeal to regional consumer preferences.
Residents of Santa Monica now have access to a new daily menu featuring over 22 gelato flavors at the Montana Avenue location. The shop provides a new neighborhood option for espresso-based desserts through its in-house affogato bar.
The takeaway
Consumers looking to try new flavors can explore seasonal options that rotate throughout the year. The brand emphasizes fresh production to distinguish its offerings in a crowded market.
What happens next
The company expects to reach a total of 35 U.S. locations by December 2026, with planned openings in Mission Valley, Los Cerritos, Walnut Creek, Manhattan, and Scottsdale.
Further reading
For more on local sweet treats, visit the Desserts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Monica Daily Press.
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