Review Dolcezza Factory - Washington DC

Adbeel Quiles (Adbeel Quiles)

The Gelato was delicious and the dulce de leche latte was yummy.. I know gelato and a latte... I just had to have it. The factory seemed really cool and they have a nice hipster vibe and good relaxing music. Overall really cool experience!

Debra Nau

We went out of our way to visit this place based on all the great reviews. We were extremely dissatisfied! They had five flavors to choose from (that's all). I sampled the chocolate, it did not taste good at all and I love chocolate. I decided to go for the fruity pebbles sundae which was the vanilla gelato with some almonds and lemon zest. My husband had the espresso flavor sundae which had ground up beans and whipped cream with almonds. Neither of us were happy with them! It was $17 for the two, which were relatively small. But I'm not complaining because they weren't tasty at all. The gelato really didn't seem to have any flavor. Both flavors were very bland. The vanilla was very loose (melting) and icy, not creamy at all. We will not be going back! I do not recommend this place at all. There are so many other great places around, don't waste your time on this one. I am thinking many of these reviews are fake because the gelato was tasteless! I did like the atmosphere of the place and the idea of sourcing local ingredients. Other than that, nothing good here.

Melinda C

I first came on opening weekend (but have been back several times since) and had read on Twitter about the overpriced tasting spoons. I thus decided the Sundae would be a better deal. I paid a little over $7 for the "Fruity Pebbles" which was one full scoop of vanilla gelato topped with candied citrus zest. It was still pricey for one scoop of gelato, but that one scoop looked to contain more than three tasting spoons, so I was happy enough with the value of my purchase. Plus, the actual product was delicious! I'm not sure if I've actually ever had Fruity Pebbles before. I'm sure I was more of a Fruit Loops person, and if I say they tasted exactly like Fruity Pebbles I would assume that wouldn't be a compliment. In any case, they tasted like what I imagine Fruity Pebbles would taste like, so they get brownie points for a good flavor title. If I lived in the area I probably wouldn't frequent this spot that often because of the prices alone, but because my getting out to Union Market from VA doesn't really happen that often, I'll probably stop by on each of my visits to treat myself if I see any Sundae flavors that really pop out at me.

Matt Sweetwood

Very good espresso drinks and pastries. Nice atmosphere.

Austin Graff

Before I dive into my review, I must say upfront that i wanted to give this place a 5 star. I went on its grand opening and I will say this place has the great potential to be a 5 if they work out a few kinks. I look forward to upgrading my review soon! First and foremost, the space is great! It is just north of Union Market with a GREAT view of the US Capitol and the cool Union Market sign. The atmosphere of the space is great. Very open and trendy with good lighting and outdoor seating too! Despite the great space, when you first go in, it's a bit confusing on where to go. There are huge open spaces but near the register seemed too crowded. It was a little weird. The gelato is still the best in DC, but compared to Dolcezza's other locations, the serving sizes are a tab smaller and there are only four options (v. dozens at other locations like Dupont Circle). The gelato comes in these cool porcelain spoons, but it is more for looks as it's not convenient to eat (the gelato melts quickly and it drips everywhere). What's unique about this location is that they sell tons of baked goods from Kinderhook Bakery (from Baltimore). They also sell gelato by the pint and great push pops! Definitely go here for a classic DC experience because the gelato is superb (especially the pistachio). Dolcezza Factory, when you work out the kinks (filling the space appropriately, faster service, and serving sizes), I will give you a 5 because I do love you!

Justine Kendall

Go on the tour! Currently every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30, the tour is a cute thing to do that won't take a lot of time. And you get a free sample at the end. If you miss the tour no worries, you can still pretty much see everything from the public part, you just won't get the explanation. Otherwise it's just another Dolcezza (i.e. amazing) with a cool outdoor space and take home containers. Also keep an eye out for cool pop-up events that often feature custom made gelato.

Melissa C

I'm a big fan of Dolceeza and was super excited to see their factory/store location when I hit Union Market for the first time. I think they have the best gelato and sorbetto in the metro area. They source ingredients locally. Love the flavor combos like pineapple with hint of mint..so refreshing. They also have Stumptown coffee which is delish. Try the hair bender. How about an affagato...coffee over gelato! Cute decor with outdoor seating as well.

Philip Alipio

This is the magical birthplace of fresh, light, locally sourced fruits, nuts and dairy ingredients combined into frozen creamy goodness. We worship here whenever we're visiting the stalls at Union Market (also a must-do). Love the owners-couple (and their growing family) and happy about their success in this area from small-ish shop in Georgetown to this factory location (Did I mention they do weekend tours?). I have only found better gelati (in the DC area) in Italia. Recommend the gianduja (hazelnut choco), pistachio, and dulce de leche flavours.