In 2002, Matthew Lee quit his high tech job to open a gelato and espresso shop in Central Austin called Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita. In the beginning, there were naysayers who doubted that Lee would be successful. “What do you know about gelato?” he remembers hearing.
But the truth is, he did know something about gelato, even then. Lee trained in Italy with renowned gelato makers, like Antonio Lisciandro, considered the best gelato maker in Florence. His knowledge and skill has continued to grow over the past decade of Teo’s existence. Today, he can effortlessly spout off the history of his tasty treat, while explaining the differences between the gelato in Italy’s various regions (given Lee’s Florentine training, Teo gelato is the Central Italian type, with mid-level fat content).
Owner Matthew Lee with his team members
Lee also doesn’t hesitate to explain what sets his gelato apart from competitors in Austin. For example, Central Market uses an instant base from powder, while Teo makes their gelato base from scratch using specialty machinery. “I have a passion for pure taste. I don’t like junk,” Lee added during our interview.
What’s Good at Teo Gelato
The weekday gelato case at Teo – the selection doubles during the weekend
Over the years, Teo has accumulated over 500 gelato recipes. Cookies & Cream is the most popular gelato flavor at Teo. Salted Caramel is also very popular, and Peanut Butter Nutella, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry are always stocked and available to customers.
Lee can’t pick a favorite flavor, explaining that Almond Joy, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Nutella, Salted Caramel, Captain Crunch with Strawberry, and Popcorn are all flavors that he enjoys.
If you didn’t notice from the list above, Teo has some unique gelato flavors, and they’re always in the process creating new ones. The shop’s offering at the 2013 Austin Food & Wine Festival was Blue Cheese gelato, which they served with a chunk of fresh baguette. Yes, it was amazing.
Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita at the Austin Food & Wine Festival
I personally love Tartufo al Bacio (dark chocolate hazelnut), and the olive oil flavor that they created for Texas Hill Country Olive Company is out of this world.
But take note: Teo serves up more than gelato. Their espresso drinks are high-quality, with an authentic Italian influence. I’ve had their cappuccino, hot chocolate, Honey Vanilla Latte, and Medici Bacicino (frappe). All delicious!
Teo’s cappuccino, calling my name
Teo has complimentary Wi-Fi and a spacious outdoor patio with some shade. There’s even an outdoor fireplace for mythical cold Austin days! They also keep daily issues of Austin-American Statesman, The New York Times, and usually some other papers on hand, so you can catch up on your news.
Beyond 38th Street
Teo’s gelato can be found at locations all over Austin, including Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin Blvd. and Monkey Nest Coffee on Burnet. You can also find them on Saturdays at the downtown farmers’ market in Republic Square.
This is Teo’s tenth year, and it looks like expansion is in their future. “We hope to be in South Austin within a year,” Lee told us.
With a dedication to authenticity and quality, I’m sure Teo will be around for decades to come. I look forward to cheering them on along the way.
Having tasty fun behind the scenes at Teo
Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita is located at 1206 W. 38th St.
@QuasiBrit asks:
Where is your favorite gelato in Austin?
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His gelato is mediocre at best. Sorbets are just plain awful. I don’t know what the real problem is. Recipes? Malfunctioning displays?
How is it possible that “he doesn’t like junk”, but Captain Crunch is one of his favorite gelato flavors?
Why can’t we have a decent gelato shop in Austin?
Thank god we have Lick Ice Cream…
@a482705f17a416e77d462495675becbd:disqus, sorry you’ve had such a poor experience! Have you spent time noshing on gelato in Italy?
I am Italian and I think that Teo’s gelato is pretty bad. It looks old and unfortunately it also tastes old. If I have to eat bad gelato, I’d rather go to Lick or Amy’s to have a good ice-cream.
Other comments make me wonder if others have actually had authentic gelato.
This is as close as one can get to a Florentine gelato without buying a plane ticket. It always looks and tastes fresh, and you can tell it’s “Produzione Propria”–made on site with real ingredients–not mushed out of some machine like I’ve watched at ‘Whole’ Foods.
An authentic Italian haven right here in ATX!
I couldn’t agree with you more pyc. I mean everyone is entitled to their opinions.
Then again some people feel that McDonalds makes a great burger.
I think that some folks may like the powdered base found in other places because that is what they are used to. But this is the real stuff. All the ingredients are fresh, it’s most definitely not “old” like one of the comments below suggested. It’s always made fresh. Personally, I love TEO gelato, and whenever we have out of town guests, it’s definitely a stop on our list!
I am often in Italy for work and I love gelato.
However, you don’t have to fly to Italy to find decent gelato shops. New York has several good places (Vivoli – AMAZING Florentine gelateria – Amorino, Grom, and Albero dei Gelati)
Nashville has Legato Gelato (real handcrafted gelato, not like the one you find at Teo, Whole Foods or Central Market)
But I cannot agree more with your McDonalds comment 🙂
I am often in Italy for work and I love gelato.
However, you don’t have to fly to Italy to find decent gelato shops. New York has several good places (Vivoli – AMAZING Florentine gelateria – Amorino, Grom, and Albero dei Gelati)
Nashville has Legato Gelato (real handcrafted gelato, not like the one you find at Teo, Whole Foods or Central Market)
But I cannot agree more with your McDonalds comment 🙂
How about the fact this guy is a monster… a sexist, violent sociopath? Why do people continue patronizing this place when he is clearly abusive to his employees? I’ve seen him scream at a girl and bring her to tears in front of a line of customers.
I guess the only way to really get back at this guy is to rag on his gelato. It’s fine, it’s not the best, it’s just fine.