Tifa Chocolate & Gelato - Westlake Village, California

Yvette W.

Tifa has become my favorite ice cream shop! I live nearby and visit Tifa at least once a week.

Their gelato is absolutely incredible! The texture is so smooth and creamy, it feels like it melts in your mouth. They offer an amazing variety of flavors, making it so hard to choose just one (though I’ve tried almost all of them, lol). My favorite is definitely the Cookie Monster flavor—it’s the perfect blend of sweetness with chunks of cookies in every bite, and the color is super cute too!

The service here is excellent as well. They’re always happy to offer samples to help you decide, which is super helpful! I highly recommend stopping by for a delicious treat!

Masami L.

I have been most of Tifa location.
They all good and love atmosphere.
Normally my favorite is affogato with mint choc chip. This time I had mint chip and strawberry balsamic. I was impressed with strawberry balsamic flavor. Rich and not too sweet.

I love their Mocha and Latte too.
I recommend every location and all gelato

M X.

False Advertising. This is NOT Gelato.

Here's why:
Service, 5 stars
Atmosphere with the patio and shade, 5 stars.

Problem: it's fake ice cream. Real Italian gelato is made in a way that does not incorporate air. The texture is more fine and smooth. What adds to that super fine crystalline structure is a combination of cream and milk.

Don't quote me, but based on my experience, this place seems like it uses carrageenan, guar gum, and potentially xanthan gum to stabilize, and give that mouth feel of "ice cream." It's over churned, which adds more air to the structure.

Basically what this all translates into is that it tastes like fake ice cream. It's the kind of stuff that you could easily buy at a discount grocery store in the bargain ice cream section.

My guess is that they buy a pre package "base mix," and then add flavorings to it.

Honestly, the flavors aren't bad. I do like that little note of warm baking spice here and there and some of the flavors.

But if you're looking for mint chip ice cream, you're better off getting a pint of mint chip from Trader Joe's. It tastes better, it's smoother, and that's more like real ice cream. Also, a pint at Trader Joe's is $7. The large here at this place is $7. Are you really getting your money's worth?

In the most positive way possible, I think this place really needs to think about their marketing ploy of calling themselves "gelato," when clearly they are not.

Go to Anita La Mamma in Encino, or any Gelato shop in Little Italy, San Diego, and you'll know exactly what real Gelato should taste like and feel like.

Marcos R.

They have a nice variety, their chocolates are a nice gift. The coffee is average. The shop does give you a welcoming vibe when you enter. The customer service is great.

If you're considering coming here for the children, I'd probably still recommend Baskin Robin's. Otherwise the flavors are is nice selection

They have house made chocolates and the ones we had are fantastic, highly recommend the dark chocolate whiskey.

I would definitely come again.

Trang N.

The gelati were really well made. I chose a large cup of 4 flavors, especially liked strawberry balsamic and pistachio lemon curd. I also took samples of some other flavors, each of them had its own signature. Besides, I love the cozy and vintage vibe of this Tifa, very chill.

CJ R.

Came across this new shopping/dining complex I didn't know existed. A bit off the beaten path on Russell Ranch off Lindero Cyn. Tifa Chocolate & Gelato located here has become my go-to place for after dinner dessert or to linger and play a game of checkers over an espresso.

Great atmosphere inside & out for hanging out & enjoying a gelato. They have hot & cold espresso drinks, tea, craft chocolates, and amazing gelato flavors. (Strawberry balsamic & espresso chip are a must-try). Really friendly, welcoming staff.

Another plus is their hours, open to 10 pm weekdays & midnight weekends.

Tracy S.

Overall delicious! Friendly staff and fun flavors combined with chess and checkers made for a sweet Valentines Day trip.

Juli

Everything about this place is amazing. Get the espresso chip gelato. You won't regret it.

Updating for Dec. 2022: Still amazing. I got peppermint bark and espresso chip. Mmm!