There’s a reason summer lines snake along West Cordova outside a tiny shop at the base of the Fairmont Pacific Rim. Bella Gelateria’s Coal Harbour flagship opened in 2010 and became famous when its founding gelato maker won both the People’s Choice and Technical Jury awards at the 2012 Florence Gelato Festival, a remarkable result for a non-Italian. The shop has changed hands since, but it remains one of Vancouver’s best-known stops for old-world, handcrafted gelato, and for an affogato on the way to the seawall.
At a glance
| Address | 1001 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC (at Burrard, Fairmont Pacific Rim) |
| Neighbourhood | Coal Harbour, a block from the Vancouver Convention Centre |
| Type | Gelateria with espresso bar |
| Known for | Handcrafted gelato and sorbetto, affogato |
| Best for | Summer evenings, families, a treat on a seawall walk |
| Price | $$ |
| Nearest SkyTrain | Burrard or Waterfront Station, about 5 minutes |
Location and getting there
Bella is at the corner of West Cordova and Burrard, in the Fairmont Pacific Rim building. Canada Place, the cruise terminal and the Convention Centre are a block away, and the Coal Harbour seawall begins just north. Walk west from here and you’re heading toward Stanley Park.
What Bella Gelateria offers
- Gelato and sorbetto: Made in small batches the traditional way, with classic flavours like pistachio and hazelnut alongside seasonal and creative ones.
- Espresso: Espresso drinks for a quick Italian-style stop.
- Affogato: Gelato with a shot of espresso poured over, the best of both counters.
A note on its history
Founder James Coleridge built Bella’s reputation, winning awards including the Florence Gelato Festival double in 2012 and International Gelato Master of the Year in 2014. He left the business in 2017, and new owners have run the Coal Harbour shop since, with gelato makers who trained under him. A Yaletown location from the early years has since closed, and a Burnaby mall outpost closed in 2026.
The vibe
Small and busy, with a counter-service rhythm. Most people take their gelato to go and walk to the water. Expect lines on warm evenings and when cruise ships are in.
What to order
- First visit: A cup with pistachio and one seasonal flavour.
- Coffee lover: An affogato.
- Dairy-free: Ask which sorbetti are on.
Who it’s best for
Families, visitors staying near Canada Place, and anyone on a seawall walk. It’s a treat stop rather than a sit-down café.
How it compares
For chocolate rather than gelato, TC Mink is a few minutes away. For coffee and doughnuts, try 49th Parallel on Thurlow. For gelato and pastries in Gastown, Monaco Cafe is a 10-minute walk east.
Find Bella Gelateria Coal Harbour
- Address: 1001 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Coal Harbour
- Map: Open Bella Gelateria Coal Harbour in Google Maps
- Website: bellagelateria.com
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes
Explore more
See the Coal Harbour cafe guide, the Downtown guide and our espresso drinks guide (yes, affogato is in there).
Frequently asked questions
Is Bella Gelateria still open in Coal Harbour?
Yes, the flagship at 1001 West Cordova Street continues to operate.
Did Bella Gelateria win awards?
Yes. Under founder James Coleridge it won the People’s Choice and Technical Jury awards at the 2012 Florence Gelato Festival.
Does Bella Gelateria serve coffee?
Yes, espresso drinks and affogato.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
