The Inside Scoop: How We Create Our Award-Winning Gelato Recipes

Ever wonder how a new gelato flavor is born? At Capri Gelato & Coffee—with locations in Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey—every scoop has a story. From spark to spoon, here’s how our award-winning Italian gelato recipescome to life right here in the Los Angeles area.

It All Starts with Inspiration 🌞

Some ideas come straight from Italy—like the bold sweetness of Sicilian blood orange or the creamy Piedmont hazelnut we first tasted in Capri. Others begin closer to home, inspired by California seasons, local farmers markets, or even a great conversation with a customer. We blend old-world Italian tradition with fresh West Coast creativity, crafting flavors that are both classic and new.

Inside the “Flavor Lab” 🧑‍🍳

Meet Robert, our resident gelato chef and flavor mastermind. He starts with small test batches—tasting, tweaking, retasting (it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it). Each recipe is built for perfect texture, balance, and flavor that still shines when frozen. Think creamy, smooth, and irresistibly scoopable.

Local First, Always 🍓

Great gelato starts with great ingredients. That’s why we source fresh, local produce whenever possible—sun-ripened strawberries, fragrant basil, and locally roasted espresso from our favorite LA partners. Mixing these with imported Italian nuts, chocolate, and vanilla gives our gelato its signature “best of both worlds” flavor.

The Taste Test Crew 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Once a flavor passes Robert’s test, it’s time for the Capri team to weigh in. We look for the wow factor—flavor depth, texture, melt, and aroma. If it’s not perfect, it’s back to the mixer. (Perfection takes patience—and a few dozen spoonfuls.)

You’re Part of the Process 💬

We love making our customers part of the story. From social media flavor polls to limited-release samples in-store, your feedback helps decide what hits the menu next. Some of our best-selling flavors started as fan ideas!

From Dream to Scoop 🍦

When a flavor earns its spot, it joins our rotating lineup of small-batch favorites—scooped fresh daily in Hermosa Beach and Marina del Rey. Every new recipe reflects weeks of creativity, teamwork, and passion for real Italian gelato.

Got a flavor idea? We’d love to hear it! Stop by one of our Los Angeles gelato shops or message us online—your dream flavor could be our next seasonal star.