Artisanal Ice Cream · Silver Spring, MD

Indulge in Every
Handcrafted Scoop

Where generations of Italian gelato tradition merge with Maryland's finest ingredients. Each batch is small, deliberate, and unforgettable.

Locally Crafted
Family Owned
Made with Love
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Flavors That Tell a Story

Every flavor is a chapter — some rooted in family recipes passed down through generations, others born from bold experimentation with locally sourced Maryland ingredients.

Dark chocolate gelato in a ceramic bowl
Classic

Dark Chocolate Intenso

70% single-origin cacao, slow-churned for an impossibly dense and velvety texture that lingers on the palate.

Vibrant pistachio gelato with visible nut pieces
Signature

Bronte Pistachio

Made with real Sicilian pistachios, roasted and stone-ground. Earthy, savory-sweet, and unmistakably authentic.

Creamy vanilla bean gelato with visible specks
Essential

Madagascar Vanilla

Real Tahitian vanilla beans, hand-scraped and folded into our cream base. Aromatic, floral, and perfectly balanced.

Tropical mango sorbet in a glass dish
Dairy-Free

Mango Passion Sorbet

Alphonso mangoes blended with a whisper of passion fruit. Bright, tangy, and refreshingly dairy-free.

Honey walnut gelato drizzled with golden honey
Seasonal

Wildflower Honey & Walnut

Local Silver Spring honey swirled with toasted walnuts and a hint of sea salt. Comfort in every spoonful.

Fresh strawberry gelato with whole berries
Seasonal

Strawberry Balsamic

Maryland-grown strawberries macerated in aged balsamic reduction. Sweet, sophisticated, and deeply seasonal.

Our rotating selection features over 20 flavors at any given time, including seasonal specials and limited-edition collaborations.

Call for Today's Flavors
Interior of Heladeria Santa Elena parlor with elegant display case
Artisan preparing fresh gelato by hand
Est. Silver Spring

A Legacy in Every Layer

Heladeria Santa Elena was born from a simple conviction: that ice cream deserves the same reverence as wine, chocolate, or bread. Our founders brought with them the techniques of old-world Italian gelato makers — the patience, the precision, the refusal to compromise on quality.

Today, we continue that tradition right here in Silver Spring. Every batch is made in small quantities throughout the day. We source dairy from regional farms, fruit from Maryland orchards, and chocolate from dedicated craft producers. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is artificial.

What you taste is what matters: pure, unadulterated flavor, presented with the care it deserves.

20+ Signature Flavors
100% Natural Ingredients
Daily Fresh Batches

More Than a Treat

Handcrafted Daily

Every flavor is prepared fresh each morning and through the afternoon. No leftovers, no shortcuts — just consistently exceptional gelato.

Premium Ingredients

We partner with local Maryland farms and import directly from trusted European producers. The difference is in every bite.

Catering & Events

Bring the Santa Elena experience to your next celebration. We offer gelato stations, dessert tables, and private event packages.

A Community Gathering

Our parlor is a place to pause, connect, and savor. Whether it's a family outing or a quiet afternoon, there's always a place for you here.

The best ice cream I've ever had — not an exaggeration. The pistachio is unreal, and the atmosphere makes you want to linger.

Come Savor the Difference

We're located in the heart of Silver Spring, easy to find and impossible to forget. Stop by for a single scoop or stay for the full experience.

Address 2610 University Blvd W
Silver Spring, MD 20902-1913
Hours Mon – Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Your Next Favorite Flavor Is Waiting

Whether you're craving something classic or ready to try something new, we're here every day to make your moment sweeter.

Is this your business?This is my business