IN THE MOOD

Tired of regular ice cream? Cool down with a silky gelato or refreshing ice.

* Al Gelato: This popular gelateria has 20 revolving flavors, such as passion fruit and blueberry, made on the premises with flavorings imported from Italy. Available in a cone or cup, in a dish topped with whipped cream and a wafer cookie or by the quart or pint. (Cone and cups, $2.25 to $4.25; with whipped cream and cookie, $3.75; pint, $4.75; quart, $8.50.) Al Gelato, 806 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 659-8069.

* DiDio’s Italian Ice: Try the crimson blood orange ice soon, before the season ends. Chocolate lovers can get a smooth-tasting chocolate ice. (Small, $2; medium, $3; large, $4; quart, $7.) DiDio’s Italian Ice, 1305 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 393-2788.

* Tutti Gelati: These gelatos, made fresh every day with ingredients imported from Milan, are a bit lighter than usual, and the flavors are more pronounced. Order a combination of bacio (chocolate hazelnut), tiramisu and creme brulee, or a fruit flavor like lemon or berry. For the more daring, there’s a rich, earthy chestnut gelato (try it combined with chocolate). (Cups, $2.25 to $4.50; cones, $2.25 to $3.45; pint, $6.95; quart, $13.90.) Tutti Gelati, 62 W. Union Street, No. 1, Pasadena, (626) 440-9800.

* Alto Palato: This delightful restaurant offers six or more flavors made daily--say, buttery hazelnut, deep rich chocolate or real coffee, all made from the best, freshest ingredients. Try a combination of three or four flavors. (Small, $4; large, $6.) Alto Palato, 755 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 657-9271.

* 108 Ice Cream & Cafe: The Chinese version of shaved ice is topped with homemade syrups and sweetened condensed milk, creating a creamy flavor that’s not as rich as ice cream. Each flavor provides a particular texture as well as flavor; red bean is sweet and soft, taro is creamy and subtle, litchi is fresh and a little crunchy and so on. (One size, combine any three flavors, $2.) 108 Ice Cream & Cafe, 140 W. Valley Blvd. No. 108, San Gabriel, (626) 288-7088.

* Ricos Raspados: A raspado is shaved ice topped with a boiled, strained fresh fruit such as cherimoya, tamarind or jamaica. You eat it with a spoon or let it melt a little and slurp it through a straw. ( Raspados , $1 to $7.) Ricos Raspados (in El Ranchero Burger), 3691 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 262-5226.