This KL gelateria will let you try every flavour until you’ve found THE one

If you’re a certified foodie, I’m sure you’ve heard of The Five by now. Located in Damansara, this complex harbours a trove of culinary delights, and is thus a great hub for uncovering your new favourite makan spots. Among its standout establishments is Paolo Paolo Gelato, a gelateria quietly redefining the way we experience gelato.

Picture a cosy space where the pleasure of finding your perfect flavour isn’t just a possibility, but a promise. I only wish I knew about this place sooner!

They offer a range of artisanal gelato flavours from classics to innovative creations. So, if you’ve been looking for a new spot to savour your perfect scoop of gelato, here’s the inside scoop on why I think Paolo Paolo Gelato is worth a visit.

Paolo Paolo interior & accessibility

The gelateria exudes a cosy but minimalist charm, as with most cafes and dessert spots nowadays. It is bathed in a soft and warm orange glow that sets the mood for a sweet treat. Despite the fairly large space, seating is for the lucky ones. During peak hours, the queue can stretch out the door, often necessitating a to-go option as tables fill up quickly.

Image Credit: Aurora on Google Review (left), Mary Rose Sankaran (right)

Interior wise, it’s all pretty straightforward, featuring simple wooden chairs and tables with no excessive adornments cluttering the space. It’s functionality over flair in this gelateria. The space is noticeably chilly—a somewhat ironic touch in my opinion. This cool atmosphere might seem counterintuitive to some, but to others, the briskness may just enhance the experience.

Getting to this gelateria is a breeze. Strategically located just a 5-minute walk away from the Semantan MRT station. This convenient accessibility makes it an ideal stop for those who frequently use public transport.

For those who prefer driving, The Five is also equipped with ample parking, particularly on weekdays when spaces are plentiful.

Flaaah and reviews

Paolo Paolo Gelato does not only boast an impressive array of gelato flavours, but also features a selection of pastries and cakes from Flaaah The Bakery. However, I will admit that my visits were solely focused on the gelato, thus, I hardly gave the pastries a second glance. Ooops.

Sadly, this sentiment is echoed in several reviews and those that do try the pastries highlight that they are less than satisfactory.

Image Credit: Azliyani on Google Review (left), Q (right)

Despite the less than favourable feedback on the pastries, the gelato consistently receives glowing reviews, solidifying its status as the star of the show. Paolo Paolo Gelato currently has a 4.3 star rating from 150 reviews.

The best part about this gelateria is that you can sample ALL their available flavours until you find the one that makes your taste buds dance. It’s a flavour adventure simply waiting to unfold—offering an unparalleled sweet treat experience.

Now, let’s dig into what really matters.

MFT’s review

Image Credit: Aurora on Google Review (left), Xian Yan Wu (right)

As a pistachio girly, of course I had to try their Premium Pistachio priced at RM11. For the price, it truly knocked the ball out of the park. The gelato was a velvety, nutty masterpiece, bursting with the rich, roasted flavour of high quality pistachios. This gelato was more nutty with a strong pistachio essence that I appreciated. A standout treat that easily justifies its premium tag.

Not to be basic, but their Vanilla is the kind of gelato that defies the ordinary. It’s a vanilla that you can keep coming back to, bite after bite, without ever getting sick of it. Unlike most vanilla varieties that can come off overly sugary, this one was perfectly balanced, allowing the robust vanilla essence to shine. It was indulgent yet comforting and irresistible.

Their premium Bacio reminded me of a blend of Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno—some of my favourite chocolates of all time. So you bet this is one of my highly recommended flavours. The gelato is heavily infused with the rich taste of hazelnuts and a decadent chocolate, delivering a heavenly combination of nutty, creamy, sweetness. My favourite chocolates in gelato form? Say less. Truly the best of both worlds.

The Browned Butter was another flavour that took me by surprise. I’m usually quite impartial to anything caramel flavoured, unsure of how this would compare, I approached it with a bit of scepticism. To my delight, it tasted like caramel popcorn without the heaviness. It was airy and not at all sticky, with pronounced notes of browned butter. This was elevated by a subtle hint of saltiness, which added a sophisticated depth and balance. For RM9, it was a unique but satisfying flavour, nostalgic yet refined.

Where all the obsessed gelato dreamers go

Image Credit: A.Yasmin on Google Review (left), Paolo Paolo Instagram (right)

As you can tell, I stuck with some pretty safe flavours, opting for typical crowd-pleasers.

I like to stick to more traditional flavours the first few visits, because they serve as a benchmark for testing the quality and standards when exploring a new place. Classic options allow you to better gauge how well the gelateria executes the basics.

However, Paolo Paolo Gelato does offer some pretty experimental flavours like their Fish Sauce Caramel, Pink Guava and Asam Boi Sorbet, Cashew and Goji Berry Sorbet, and more. They certainly do play around with their flavours if that’s what intrigues you when it comes to gelato.

A popular premium flavour besides pistachio is their Lemon Mascarpone (RM11), which has been highlighted several times in the reviews. Another flavour I would recommend is their Single Origin Coffee, which I got to sample through my free dollop.

With any gelato you purchase, you get a free dollop, a flavour of your choice. I think this is pretty neat as it allows you to explore flavour combinations without really committing to them.

Whether you’re a tried-and-true pistachio fan or craving something exotic like Strawberry with Black Pepper and Balsamic Glaze, this gelateria in Damansara invites you to explore their extensive variety where each flavour is crafted with remarkable finesse.

While the pastries may not impress, the gelato certainly does. At least in my books. My visits thus far have been about savouring classic favourites done right.

So, if you’re having one of those days where you just need a little pick-me-up, remember Paolo Paolo’s motto: eat your feelings. Grab a scoop (or two) and let it turn your day around.

P.S. Paolo is the name of the founder’s cat.