La Gelateria closed its doors about six months ago, much to the dismay of East Side gelato lovers. The good news is that the gelato is back – and it’s the same as it ever was.
Also back – though some might never have known it was ever there in the first place – are the wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Last week, Vero Bistro (12421 Cedar Rd., 216-229-8383) opened after two months of remodeling. Owner and Cleveland Heights resident Marc-Aurele Buholzer already has probably sold more pizza than his predecessor, which never did a great job promoting the items.
Built on site, the wood-burning oven turns out thin and crisp pies topped with both traditional and nontraditional toppings. Guests can order one of the predesigned pies or build their own from over 20 toppings, including fresh mozzarella, artichoke, Italian sausage, arugula, and prosciutto. Prices for an 11-inch pie run $9 to $12.
Also on the menu is build-your-own bruschetta, built atop split baguettes from On The Rise bakery. Salads include an arugula, parmesan, lemon and truffle oil toss, and another featuring greens, goat cheese, and pizza oven-roasted beets.
As for the gelato: It is still being made by the same person who had been doing it all along.
By removing one gelato cooler, Buholzer was able to bump up seating 42 up and down, with more outside on the sidewalk.
Vero Bistro does not sell beer or wine — yet.
This article appears in Jun 13-19, 2012.
I have been an ongoing customer to La Gelateria in this location as well as Legacy Village. When I tried Vero Bistro’s gelato, to my dismay, it tasted different than the gelato I once loved. Nothing, unfortunately, will come close to that gelato. As for the promotion of the pizza and its predecessor, everyone in my area of Cleveland Heights knew La Gelateria for its incredible gelato AND gelato. Id have to disagree with those statements but I do wish the business the best of luck even though La Gelateria is greatly missed, and will forever stand as the best Cleveland gelato….disallowing it to be duplicated.
I agree that it’s the best gelato in Cleveland. However, and for the record, there has been no attempt in duplicating the old gelato. It’s still made by the exact same person with the same equipment. The only difference is the production has been moved from the basement to a more fitting location, allowing new flavors to be introduced alongside the classics. The pizza is still fired by Marc-Aurele, despite the fact that he’s now also the owner. With more control over his art and the quality of the ingredients used (imported directly from Italy as well as truly and noticeably fresh toppings and mozzarella), the pizza is kind of ridiculously affordable for authentic pizza napoletana. What has changed significantly is the atmosphere. Instead of the awful baby blue and salmon motif, it now follows a modern rustic ideal with lots of natural wood grain, warm colors, and very cool butcher’s block counters and tables. There’s even some handmade furniture and fixtures to further finalize the pleasant and hip ambience. The attention to detail and love put into the place is appreciated. Thank you for bringing the quality of the restaurant and pizza to the same level as that wonderful gelato. Stop by and talk to Marc-Aurele, he seems very excited to share the thought process and extent of his vision with anyone interested in the details. Vero translated into Italian means “authentic” or “truth.” An apt name indeed.