Artisanal dessert spot il laboratorio del gelato, which created over 300 diverse gelato flavors since launching over two decades ago, is planning to expand to Hoboken.
il laboratorio del gelato initially opened back in 2002 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The endeavor was founded by Jon Snyder, who previously began the Ciao Bella Gelato Company and envisioned a flavor creation “lab” of sorts for his then-new project.
Snyder’s business leans into the original artisanal Italian method of gelato making that creates a dense texture, sourcing ingredients that are local and organic to ensure the highest quality. Flavor creation and recipe development take center stage il laboratorio del gelato, and dozens of NYC area chefs have worked with the company to develop unique flavors for their menus.
il laboratorio del gelato boasts of being New York City’s leading gelato restaurant wholesaler, with all of their products being handmade in small batches in their Lower East Side kitchen. The company has one other location on Valley Road in Upper Montclair and is now looking to bring a new outpost to the ground floor of 500 Washington Street in Hoboken.
In terms of the desserts to be served at the Hoboken il laboratorio del gelato, the company’s gelato and sorbet flavors are so prolific they need to be separated into nine sub-categories. Varieties include savory, chocolate, fruit, grain/cereal, nut, spice, spirits, sweet, tangy, and vegetal/herbal options, with the business also selling customizable gelato and sorbet-based cake creations.
Some of the savory flavors include gelatos like ricotta, olive oil, and brown butter, while the company’s chocolate section includes a Thai chili variety, s’mores, and a hazelnut amaretto crunch. Some of the more unique flavors at il laboratorio del gelato include wasabi, beet, sambuca, chocolate bourbon, nutmeg, Turkish coffee, pink peppercorn, rhubarb, cucumber, or black currant.
il laboratorio del gelato has not responded to an inquiry we placed as to when their new shop might open, but the wheels are already in motion. Hoboken’s Historic Preservation Committee recently heard a signage application for the shop’s exterior storefront during their March 7 meeting.
