In Italian, the term “bonta” translates to “goodness” or “a little bit of something good.” A fitting name for the local ice cream shop Bonta Natural Artisan Gelato, which readers voted the best place to go for ice cream. You’ve probably smelled the freshly baked waffle cones if you’ve walked past the Bend shop, or seen the signature flavors at Newport Avenue Market.

What sets Bonta’s gelato apart from other ice cream spots is its interesting flavors. “We spent a year traveling around the world and had a lot of inspiration from that, going to different places and trying new flavors and new spices,” owner Jeff Labhart explained. The Labharts also use local products whenever possible. For example, the Tumalo lavender and honey flavor is made using lavender from Tumalo Lavender farm, and the vanilla bourbon pecan is made with bourbon from Oregon Spirit Distillers.

Contact: 920 NW Bond St., Suite 108, Bend; bontagelato.com or 541-306-6606

No. 2: Goody’s Soda Fountain & Candy

No. 3: Cuppa Yo Frozen Yogurt – Westside

Honorable mentions: Ben & Jerry’s