Bonaventura Gelato Lounge - Bringing a Sweet Taste of Italy to LA

Bonaventura Gelato Lounge- Bringing a Sweet Taste of Italy to LA

By Samantha Dockser

With locations in Marina del Rey and Manhattan Beach, Bonaventura Gelato Lounge serves up sweet Italian gelato with a unique, clever, and delicious spin.

A family run business, Alessandro and Stephanie Bonaventura opened shop in Marina del Rey close to four years ago. The two have a background in restaurant and hotel industry spanning over 15 years. And Alessandro was even trained at “Gelato University” in Bolonga, Italy. With all the gelato made in house and all the ingredients imported from Italy, Bonaventura Gelato Lounge is the real deal. They have over 90 recipes, which rotate seasonally.

Bonaventura Gelato Lounge has something for everyone, including those who don’t wish to eat dairy. The dairy free Dark Chocolate Sorbet is heaven on a spoon. It tastes like truly rich dark chocolate. Another dairy free favorite is the Forrest Berries Sorbet. It is made with fresh juice and real berries and has less sugar than processed juice itself. So sweet and fresh, you could argue it’s almost healthy!

Tiramisu Truffles from Amazon would pair Exquisitely with this Insane Gelato:

Bonaventura Gelato Lounge’s Gran Stracciatella Gelato is the mother of all gelato. Similar to an American Chocolate Chip ice cream, Stracciatella is smoother with a delicate chocolate crunch. It is a perfect balance of vanilla and chocolate. Another standout, crowd favorite is the Espresso Gelato. Bonaventura Gelato Lounge serves a variety of coffee drinks, including Affogato (your favorite scoop of gelato melting in hot Italian Espresso.) So you know their Espresso Gelato is on point.

You can also stop by to enjoy a classic dinner…made out of gelato! Yes, Bonaventura Gelato Lounge serves Spaghetti Gelato. This typical German sundae is made with hand pressed with vanilla gelato, topped with homemade, fresh strawberry sauce and white chocolate sprinkles. Bonaventura Gelato Lounge also makes Pizza Gelato and Steak Frites Gelato, so make sure you stop by with an appetite.

But Bonaventura Gelato Lounge isn’t just known for their delicious gelato. They have revolutionized the ice cream sandwich with “The Gela-Dough.” Here is how it works. Step 1: Choose between a doughnut, cronut, or sweet bun. Step two: Choose your favorite flavor of gelato. Step three: Choose a filling, topping, or sauce. Step four: Enjoy your custom made Gela-Dough! I ordered a sugary doughnut filled with Straciatella gelato and Nutella spread. The sweet, hot doughnut combined with the cool gelato is incredible. The hazelnut of the Nutella compliments the chocolate crunch in the Straciatella, too. The Gela-Dough is a hedonist’s dream.

Other Bonaventura Gelato Lounge novelties include cannolis, macaroons filled with gelato, gelato pops, popsicles, and mini waffle gelato sandwiches. And even a treat you can share with your furry friend—the Paw-Sicle! Made with a soy base and minimal sugar, these treats are dog friendly!