Daniella’s Gelateria has had its Grand Opening sign up for a little while now, so I got around to stopping by today. Gelato on Greenwich Avenue seems like a great idea, but I am afraid there are a few fatal flaws. They decided to go for a more upscale and classy decor complete with dark wood… I am sure they spent a pretty penny on remodeling this place. However, I would have thought that a more friendly and fun atmosphere, rather than such a serious environment, would have been more effective and inviting. I cannot tell you how many times kids were walking down the avenue, passed Daniella’s, looked in the window and decided to keep walking.

The next, much more fatal flaw, is the menu and prices.  Perhaps a couple of years ago, the prices would have worked… but not when people are still feeling the pains of a recession.  Here is what the menu on their wall says:

Daniella’s Gelateria Menu

Gelato & Sorbetto:
Small – $4.80
Medium – $6.50
Large – $8.75

Cones:
Small – $6.75
Medium – $7.75
Large – $9.75

Gelato to Go:
Small – $18
Large – $34

Crepes with Nocciola
w/ any gelato – $9.95

Single Espresso – $2.50
Double Espresso – $3.50
Cappuccion – $4.50

You can buy other high end ice creams “to go” (Hagen Dazs or Ben & Jerrys for example) for $5 or less for a small… so Daniella’s Gelato is prices extremely high when a small of their product “to go” is $18!!!  I wish them all the best, and of course their gelato is quite delicious… but I do think that at the minimum, they should have some options at lower price points.

As far as flavors go, Daniella’s has many flavors that you would expect to find in a gelato shop in Italy.  I tried the Bacio (Chocolate Hazelnut) and Straciatella (Chocolate Chip), both of which were great… though I prefered the Bacio.

I still do wish Daniella’s the best of luck… but unless they adjust their prices, I don’t know how long they will be lasting.

Daniella’s Gelateria is located at 315 Greenwich Ave.