By Jamie Killin

The Gelato Spot concept has expanded its beloved repertoire of restaurants with Wood Fired Pizzeria Gelato Spot on 32nd St. and Shea — putting the spotlight on its delicious food while still offering the authentic Italian gelato that’s become a favorite of Valley foodies.

The diverse menu includes Italian favorites such as pastas and pizzas alongside lighter, healthy options including salads and sandwiches. Each menu item is either made in-house or imported from Italy to maintain its authentic North Italian flavor.

Starters include popular Italian-inspired dishes like bruschetta, meat and cheese boards and meatballs. The salads, like the roasted veggie kale salad and the focaccia chicken Caesar, not only provide a healthier option, but they also incorporate the restaurants’ signature flavors with their house made dressings and side of focaccia bread.

Additionally, Wood Fired Pizzeria Gelato Spot has a panini option for nearly everyone, with options ranging from the veggie with eggplant, onion, zucchini and fresh mozzarella to the meatball loaded with meatballs, traditional marinara sauce, provolone cheese and topped with oregano.

Those looking for a hearty, classic Italian meal can enjoy one of the five pasta dishes which include the classic spaghetti and meatballs as well as linguine vongole. Plus, diners can choose between a small lunchtime or large dinner-sized portion.

Last but not least on the lunch and dinner menu is pizza, which guests can order in the 10” lunch size until 5 p.m. or opt for the 12” dinner-sized pie any time of day. The 11 options include classic pizzas like the margherita and cheese as well as one-of-a-kind pies like the honey basil with fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, basil, parmesan and honey drizzle. Even gluten intolerant guests can enjoy by ordering any 12” pizza with gluten-free dough.

While anyone could fill up on the delicious food options, a trip to The Gelato Spot isn’t complete without at least one scoop of the decadent Italian gelatos. These aren’t your average American-ized gelatos either — to perfect the recipe, The Gelato Spot team traveled to North Italy to meet with gelato masters who have been perfecting their gelato for generations, ensuring that they brought the finest, most authentic gelato back to the United States.

The restaurant offers nearly 40 flavors as well as gelato shakes, root beer floats and affogato, which is gelato with espresso. The gelato is completely customizable, coming in regular and vegan flavors such as chai tea, stracciatella, Captain Crunch, bubble gum, chocolate and pineapple. Toppings include chocolate chips, bubblegum, almonds and sprinkles, to name a few.

For those with a sweet tooth that aren’t up for the gelato, there’s also tiramisu, Italian wedding cookies, a brownie sundae and more.

In addition to the impressive menu items, the restaurant offers a variety of coffee drinks, several local and specialty beers, a selection of wines, and a variety of cocktails including palomas, daiquiris and the classic mule.

Every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. diners can enjoy happy hour prices on select pizzas, salads, half portions of pastas, appetizers and several drink options including beers, house wines and six of its most popular cocktails.

Wood Fired Pizzeria Gelato Spot is located at 10608 N 32nd St in Phoenix. For more information, visit gelatospot.com.