The actualization of what they call a “wild dream” of theirs since going to gelato school in Italy eight years ago, husband and wife team Luciana and Sandro Costanza opened Gran Gelato Caffe in March.
They began by looking for a proper space, and after the pandemic threw a monkey wrench into their plans, finally found the perfect spot in downtown Santa Cruz. Their goal was to build a place that transports guests to a small oceanside town in Italy.
The design scheme of light blues and greens with old-school Mediterranean touches blended with a modern vibe does exactly that. The traditional artisan Italian gelato headlines the menu with around 12 rotating flavors as well as staples of pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, salted caramel and black cherry panna cotta.
Rotating picks include Irish cream coffee, German cookie-inspired Biscoff, orange marzipan and Dubai-style chocolate. When it comes to the owner’s fave flaves, Sandro loves the tiramisu and Luciana is partial to the mixed berry crème brulée. In addition, they have vegan sorbet in strawberry and pineapple, and cone options of sugar, waffle and soon-to-be gluten-free. They also offer handmade cannolis, tiramisu and Italian cakes, a full espresso bar and a small savory lunch menu.
Tell me more about this gelato school.
LUCIANA COSTANZA: Sandro and I attended an artisanal month-long gelato-making course in 2018 at a culinary school in Italy that is also a gelato manufacturer. There, we learned how to make truly authentic Italian gelato. We first learned on hundred-year-old machines, producing gelato in an old-world style. The course was very thorough and comprehensive. They make you learn everything about gelato, which also includes a lot of tasting and palate training as well.
What’s the deal with the lunch menu?
SANDRO COSTANZA: From 10am-2pm we offer lunch items along with our gelato. We offer three paninis on our handmade focaccia bread: a tri-tip broccolini, a mortadella/burrata/pesto and a vegetarian option with grilled vegetables, pesto and pepper jack cheese. We also offer three salads such as a Caesar and crostinis, like our most popular one with smoked salmon, sour cream and green onion. This summer, we plan on expanding our hours and offering a dinner menu as well.
525 Cedar Street #10, Santa Cruz
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