Milano Freezer

Although this place isn’t new to the Manoa Marketplace, it was my first time here… I guess it took spending a long morning in the hot sun to convince me to finally stop by. The yogurt itself was yummy, I like the plain/​original flavor from any frozen yogurt shops and theirs was no different. I was originally asked about their green tea yogurt shave ice with azuki beans, sweetened condense milk but they didn’t have the green tea flavored yogurt. So I opted to order just a cup of their original-​flavored yogurt with kiwi… what no kiwi today either?! *sigh*. Okay, opted for mochi balls instead.
A little disappointing to not have two items that I wanted but maybe it was just one of those days. I wasn’t completely blown away by this place maybe because I’m just used to the self-​served, scoop your own toppings kind of yogurt shops. I won’t write this place off and I might give them another try… at least the gal behind the counter was friendly and apologized for not having those items I mentioned. That was «cool» lol.
Check them out if you’re in the Manoa Marketplace… they’re near Island Manapua and the opposite end from the Bank of Hawaii. Enjoy…

Late night sweets? YES, PLEASE. Their flavors are great (stracciatella and blueberry marscapone = win) and I love how often they switch it up. If they happen to not have your fave at the time, don’t fret, check the freezer and most likely they’ll have your creamy treat to-​go in their pre-​packaged containers. But wait… There’s more! Parfaits and waffles and smoothies. OMG. Heaven.
Overall: Great service, great gelato, great time (:

I’m always surprised (not really) about how Gemma magically knows all these desserts spots. So here we are, at this brightly lit gelato shop trying to figure out what to get. They have a good selection of fruit and chocolate flavored gelato. They also offer two variations per cup which I think is great. We opted for the blueberry marscapone and cookies and cream. I’m sure there could have been better flavor combinations but that’s what we ended up with. The gelato was really light and not overly sweet. Normally gelato tastes so rich and sugary but this was really refreshing considering I had just demolished an entire burrito and tacos from Serg’s not too long ago! The prices are so reasonable compared to other gelato stands (Nordstrom Gelato I’m talkin about you!) There’s plenty of parking outside and a decent amount of seating inside. We also grabbed two hand packed pints to go for $ 10.00.

The workers there are just so friendly and they always greet us when we come in and never gets mad at me when I try a ton of gelato flavored then order a parfait. For some reason, I always order frozen yoghurt when I go there, not gelato. Don’t take me wrong, the gelato tastes delicious. It’s just that there’s a taro flavored yoghurt that I literally can’t get enough of! I come here as often as I can to just get that scrumptious cup of goodness. It just perks me right up! Will definitely be coming again!

I’m pleasantly surprised to see that Milano Freezer has such strong reviews. It’s been at Manoa Marketplace awhile and it’s survived the froyo boom and bust, even as the Pearl City location has not.
First of all, Milano has a great store design aesthetic. I remember marveling at how futuristic it looked when it first opened with a flatscreen TV, metal and glass high stools and neon colored spoons. I really like that they use neon window pens to great effect on their display cases. In terms of the goods they sell, the gelato is definitely stronger than the yogurt bar. I’m not so sure the yogurt bar is even necessary because they don’t need to compete with I *heart* Yogurt or any of the other froyo clones. The gelato flvaors are diverse and clever. I’m a fruit-​flavor type of guy, so I really like the pink grapefruit (I like it so much that I once ate a quart by myself. In one sitting). I’ve never tried the cakes/​desserts to go, but I had one of those cookie-​gelato-​sandwich things once and loved it.

I was craving gelato randomly. I didn’t really know where to go, so i searched Unilocal & found Milano Freezer in Manoa. It was raining super hard on a friday afternoon, but we still made the drive.
It was dead when we got there. We were the only customers. They didn’t have the flavors of gelato listed, so we had to keep asking the worker what each one was. I wasn’t impressed with the selection. I looked at the frozen yogurt flavors, but decided to go with gelato.
I ordered vanilla bean & melona. My daughter ordered watermelon. The vanilla bean i could do without. The melona was good though. I tasted the watermelon & it was good as well. My only complaint was that the texture was too hard. Like it’s been sitting in the freezer forever. Usually gelato is creamy & velvet like.
The prices were decent. The shop was clean & modern. I would come back if i have another gelato craving.

Came here once about 4 years ago when I had to help out a bank near by. I then came again last night after dinner.
After date night with the boyfriend at Tokoname sushi, we ended dinner early and as we were walking to the car I noticed that Milano freezer was still open so we headed over because I was having those intense «I want something sweet» craving. It was pretty empty when we got there except for a couple in front of us. I tried the original tart a few years ago so this time I wanted to try gelato so I probably sampled about 4 different gelatos and my favorite would have to be the «caramel crunch». I ended up getting my usual favorite flavor of the tart yogurt, small size with almonds on top and my boyfriend got the ice cream sandwich (cookie and cream with oatmeal cookies) which he was eying as soon as he saw it. The total for those 2 were about $ 7, kinda on the pricier side but still very good. My small yogurt was in a huge cup and the almonds were a lot. The cookie sandwich he got was also so big that the cashier couldn’t even pick it up with the scooper so she had to use her hands (with a napkin) to grab it.
The workers are nice and patient, tons of parking outside and the place is clean with a lot of cool games inside. They also sell frozen yogurt and gelatos in a container to bring home. The LYCHEE sorbet I’ve tried a few months ago is especially yummy! Taste exactly like a lychee!

**this review is based on behalf of my Husband who had a very bad experience when he ate their pre-​packed green tea**
we had purchased 2 of their pre-​packed gelatos I got the pistachio and my husband opted for the green tea, mines tasted fine but my husband noticed the green tea had a sour taste to it. I called Milano the next day and asking them if thats what the green tea was supposed to taste like because that following day my husband complained about having a sour stomach and that was the last thing he had consumed. the response from the person who took my phone call (i can’t remember her name) said the green tea has a tart taste to it, but from what I recall green tea does not have a tarty taste. She didn’t even bother to apologize. Guess I’ll have to get gelato elsewhere.
–it could’ve been an expired batch the only label I noticed on the carton was the flavor.

When I say «I’ve never eaten gelato!». I’m a poser. In actuality, I’ve just never bought it. All of the times I’ve been here I haven’t ordered gelato. That is not to say I haven’t tried many many of their delicious gelato flavors, I am just a fro-​yo fiend and always end up ordering that instead.
On our most recent visit, the young man working was so meticulous with making our desserts look nice — It is true, we feast with our eyes first and it was so cute how he even arranged the lychee and strawberry slices in my parfait so carefully.
They always let me sample to my hearts’ content (as do my dining companions) which is why I can vouch for their gelato — the flavors are all true to their namesake but not overbearingly so or artificial tasting.
Really, I love to gaze at the artful and colorful case of frozen dairy and annoy people like Chad Y. in line behind me and try all of the flavors and then say, can I get a soft serve parfait please? muahahhahahahahaaa
just joke! kinda!
They accept Isle Id discount card and are open late-​ish for your after-​dinner desires!

I’m a certified chocoholic. Yes, sad but true. I rarely stray from the tried and true, afraid to try anything other than my beloved chocolate. Anything chocolate, cake, candy, pie, donuts, I love em all. Came here one evening after a Chinese dinner because I was dying for something sweet after indulging in food laced with MSG! It wasn’t a bad move at all. It was after 8 in the evening so it wasn’t crowded. If you’re not sure what flavor you want, they will let you sample any gelato you want. Yep, didn’t need any sampling, I know what chocolate tastes like… Had a small cup of chocolate with, you guessed it, chocolate sprinkles! Cool, chocolatey smoothness! As I happily enjoyed my dessert, I contemplated when my next visit would take place and how simple it’ll be to place my order… Chocolate w/​chocolate!!!
«Yelp’s 31’s» — #21/​31

I am addicted to their lime ice. Is it because it is so rarely available? Is it because of the delectable tartness? I don’t question it, simply accept it & constantly ask «Do you have lime ice today?» upon entrance. I’m sure the workers are sick of hearing it.
#16/​31 Unilocal Review Challenge

Great frozen dessert shop, located in the middle of the Manoa Marketplace shopping center, serving both freshly made gelatos and frozen yogurts. The store is located on the right side of Long’s, and a couple doors down from Edible Arrangements.
Eye catching display of twelve different gelatos on the right side of the store. They also offer a sugar free flavor, which is nice for diabetics :) There were four gelato, ice cream sandwiches on the left side of the case. This wasn’t well merchandised and the sign did not include a description or price. I was temped to try one, but needed more information about the product.
On the left side was a large assortment of toppings for your frozen yogurt, which was sold service, as opposed to the self service at Yogurt land. They feature a great selection of fruits, candies, and nuts, but I was definitely craving some gelato!
I selected the Donatello gelato, which was a light brown chocolate colored frozen dessert. There are three ways to enjoy your gelato, in a cup, a sugar cone, or upgrade to a waffle cone. They have a small, hand written sign above the counter, stating: «you must be 10 and under to order a kiddie cone», which is only $.50 less than the single scoop. That was strange, I didn’t think that that people in Manoa were that cheap, but I did notice a lot of senior citizens walking around the mall, so I would guess that they wouldn’t be looking for an extra large scoop.
31 UnilocalS REVIEW CHALLENGE #22/​31

Tonight I was craving ice cream like no other! I just needed a bite of something cold, sweet, and creamy. As usual, I Unilocaled Gelato on my iPhone and Milano Freezer was the closest place that was still open. So I journeyed 15 minutes from Kaimuki to Manoa Marketplace to satisfy my nagging sweet tooth.
This store feels like an ice cream carnival. The interior explodes with vibrant color from the trendy chairs and mini tables to the walls and signage. There are three huge arcade machines… the ones where you control a metal arm and try to grab prizes. I’m not sure why they decided to have not one, not two, but three gigantic game machines in this store, but that’s neither here nor there.
There were about 10 flavors of gelato to choose from, so naturally I stood there for about 10 minutes sampling flavors and trying to make a timely decision. I finally decided on Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. Good choice? YES! It was delicious & just what I needed! It was $ 3 for a 3oz cup, which is comparable to most other gelato places I think?
What really sold me on this place was the girl working behind the counter. She was so spunky, helpful, and was truly there to make my experience awesome! I want her to be my personal cheerleader when I’m feeling down because she was just SO happy! Anyone who went to Milano Freezer tonight got delicious gelato and a bright, smiling face! :D What more could you ask for?
31 Unilocal Reviews Challenge #4/​31

They’ve added a few giant game machines to this place since the last time I was here. Which makes me wonder just how much they make off of those lol. The day I came here, the woman behind the counter was clearly training a young girl who just started, that day in fact. She was EXTREMELY polite and helpful, which was great. The flavors they have there are pretty standard but they have some interesting stuff too. Now… ONTO THE FOOD!
I went with a sugar-​free vanilla and banana mix. The banana was delicious, one of my favorite fruits/​flavors ever. Tasted like I was eating a creamy banana, if that’s even possible to imagine. The sugar free vanilla definitely did not taste sugar free. I’m diabetic and I love trying sugar free flavors of stuff anywhere I go, just to see how well they can do it. Milano Freezer nailed it. Deep vanilla flavor without that weird sugar alcohol taste you can get sometimes with sugar free things. Much respect for them doing a great job with sugar free flavors.
They also have a great selection of gelato cakes and tiny single serving sizes of gelato, with some flavors that aren’t available at the counter. Next time, I will definitely try one of those… I hear the pistachio is great. Milano Freezer in Manoa, can’t go wrong with healthier ice cream/​gelato.

I really want to love this place.
It’s wonderfully convenient compared to other ice cream shops that rhyme with hubbies.
But falls flat.
Gelato is supposed to be soft. Its traditionally made with a very high fat content cream to give it a smoother texture just north of pudding.
MF. Milano Freezer, that is, I think uses a less fatty cream making the gelato hard.
Flavors can be better. I got the vegetarian-​friendly chocolate bacon maple syrup ice cream. I wanted bacon! I’m vegetarian dammit! Instead I got chocolate ice cream with little bacon textured objects inside. I’m sure it was bacon, but tasted like nothing.
Wife got the white mint chocolate chip. Tasted like cold toothpaste without the health benefits.
The ambience is good here. You can enjoy indoor with a techno-​bar feel, or you can eat al fresco in the fresh Manoa air.
The staff is friendly and organized.
I will even come back again after a meal in town as the parking is ample.
Just make some gelato the way it’s supposed to be. Any questions, fly to Florence, spend a day or two, come back and do it right!
MF!!!

A little pricey, but the Milano style shaved ice was very pretty and had lots of sliced fruit. The guy working the counter was super duper nice and helped us repack our shaved ice in a couple to-​go cartons when we realized that we were going to be late for the airport.

Gelato, gelato, why are you so good?!
The service was super friendly! she insisted that we try all flavors to find which one we liked the best. After she made a new flavor, she came out to offer us a taste. The price is questionable, but reasonable for the pint sizes. I don’t really care for toppings since i want the full flavor of the gelato. overall, i bow to you milano freezer. If it wasn’t for your friendly, over the expectation service and tasty gelato where else would i find gelato?

I’m the guy that goes to Milano Freezer and holds up the line because he is indecisive and needs to try all of the flavors (granted it isn’t 31 flavors) just to decide that he liked the first one the best. Ok, not really, but it’s not that far off.
Milano Freezer expanded from its original Aiea location to include this larger store off the beaten path in Manoa Marketplace. Wait. what?! You want me to drive all the way to Manoa for frozen yogurt or gelato? Couldn’t we just get something in town?! No way! I want Milano Freezer because they make some of the best gelato in town and the refreshing flavors are just hard to beat!
Their robust green tea flavor is probably my favorite. However, the lychee certainly takes me back to my childhood when you would grab some fresh fruit from the tree and cracking the red shell to eat the fruit.
Service is always good with the staff incredibly friendly and accommodating. They genuinely want you to walk away happy with what you are ordering. The venue itself is nice and cold on the inside and warm and fuzzy on the outside patio. Just like their gelato…(ok, bad joke).
Anyway, if the mood should strike… check out Milano Freezer in Manoa. It isn’t that out of the way… I mean, come on. what other options do you have? Driving out to Aiea?

Considering that the guy there knows me as the «where’s-the-guys» girl, and one of those guys are known as «the guy who hates coconut» it only seems fit that it’s 5 stars. My friends and I usually hit this place up after dinner. I mean, there is always room for gelat-​O.
Reasons:
–Always friendly service. Even when it comes to dealing with my indecisive ass. Every time I find myself in the parking lot, I’m going in saying to myself, «Don’t try more than 2 flavors. No more than 2». I am so wrong. Every time**.
–Open till 10PM on weekdays.
–New and always changing flavors. This is both good and bad. I say this cause me and Yuzu are just not on the right schedule. I almost feel I gotta get into «stalker» mode for this flavor.
–They got a stamp card! After 10 (I think) you can get a free Medium 2 topping. They will stamp your card so long you get a cup of something, be it a kids cup or yogurt. I always get kids and this time I got a Medium since it was free. :)
–Accepts suggestions for new flavors. (they have little comment slips)
–Seating inside and outside
–Parking is never an issue when we go. Heck you could make your own stall and be okay.
–Tons of different prepackage gelatos in the freezer. Just in case you miss it in the scoops-​cup version you can take it home to enjoy later.
**In my defense to trying flavors. It’s because they’re always change it up. Guava, Blood Orange, Girl Scout Mint Chocolate Chip, etc. What am I suppose to do… Oh man, they once did BBQ gelato… Yes, you read right… BBQ. It taste like… well, cold BBQ sauce. Clearly not a popular seller but it did make me crave a chicken nugget.

I love the watermelon flavor gelato. I think I’m getting used to this gelato thing~ More please! LoL.
By the way, did I mention that the owner is a local boy? Support local business!