Summer weather in Hamilton can be a little unpredictable. Locals like myself wait in anticipation for that perfect summer day: warm breeze, blue sky, and not a storm cloud in sight.

Not only do those days deserve to be celebrated, but we deserve to reward ourselves for sticking out the crummy weather and waiting patiently for something good. Enter AMO Gelato Caffè, one of Locke Street’s newest additions to its thriving food scene.

Having opened in June 2016, this gelateria is hardly a month old. Despite its status as the new kid on the block, AMO (pronounced AM-OH) is proving itself day-in and day-out to be the go-to dessert spot in the city.

One of the best things about AMO (besides the gelato, of course) is its atmosphere. This place is both a minimalist’s and an Instagram-er’s dream, being timelessly chic yet incredibly trendy. AMO’s colour palette is predominantly white, with splashes of red for a pop of colour.

The gelateria has marble countertops, ghost chairs, and plenty of succulents for those of us who lack a green thumb of our own. This place makes you feel cooler just by being there (and I secretly hope that some of its hipster edge rubbed off on me.)

The top-notch atmosphere is outshined only by the gelato. They offer a wide range of flavours, from classics such as pistachio and limoncello to bolder flavours such as funky monkey and birthday cake.

If those choices don’t tickle your fancy (or you have dietary restrictions), AMO also offers dairy-free and vegan options. My personal recommendation is the Ferrero Rocher flavour – after all, you can never go wrong with anything Ferrero Rocher.

Being a caffè, AMO doesn’t just serve gelato. They can fulfill all of your caffeine needs, from hot beverages such as espresso and cappuccino to cooler drinks like iced coffee and Italian soda. If you’re hungry but not feeling gelato, they also offer croissants and biscotti.

Alternatively, if you’re torn between baked goods and gelato, you can give their gelato panino a whirl. Being indecisive but hungry means you might as well shove one food inside the other, right? That’s some foodie magic right there.

If you find yourself in Hamilton and the weather is perfect, run, don’t walk, to AMO. Even if it’s raining and despite using an umbrella you’re soaked from head to toe, AMO is still worth a visit.

No matter the weather, your body, mind, soul, and stomach will thank you.