Rita’s of Escondido – El Norte

Hmm. pretty disappointed given all these wonderful Unilocal reviews.
Came by Rita’s after dinner to have a gelati, probably my favorite sweet treat. The girls working were very friendly and let me try several flavors. The ice tasted cloyingly sweet and artificial, but we settled for the black cherry.
THE CUSTARD TASTED LIKE SCRAMBLED EGGS. Clearly, it had been made wrong.
So gross. So disappointing. It literally left a bad taste in my mouth.

I love it, its unique to the area and I will never get tired of coming here because there is so many different options and combinations to explore. I like how some of them are off the wall flavors (for example today’s sour patch kids) but I like the options. I would say get the gelati the first time. That’s the best way to try both custard and the ice and to make a combo of flavors. The service at this location has always been super friendly and often offers bogo coupons. The price for a regular is currently 4 dollars but a little is super filling!

So with this being the 2^nd time EVER at a Rita’s. I’m only going to comment on the actual product… which sadly I don’t think I’m a fan of anymore.
As I’ve tasted samples of the different italian ice’s they have, I havent been pretty impressed with their flavors. A lot of them tend to be a little random (like the watermelon with chocolate chips in it). but they have other flavors that just taste like car fresheners to me. Dont get me wrong they’re not horrible, but I can describe it as if you have that car freshener taste in your mouth you kinda get a little «car-​sick», esp if the flavor is kind of strong. If that made ANY sense at all to you, you know what I’m talking about.
The best thing I think on their menu, is either ordering the custard by itself in a cup or a cone OR the Gelati.
Something they should take off their menu is the BLENDINI. To me I think it’s a little excessive to combine 3 different products and although it IS customized, I dont see a combination that is «noteworthy» of ordering a BLENDINI. From experience, family members who have ordered it, they all came out to be super random and in my opinion, blending a custard and italian ice doesn’t physically look appealing, nor can you get a distinct taste between the two which is what you want sometimes. My advice, stick to the custard or Gelati (which is a mix of italian ice and custard so you can experience both worlds when you want and not just one jumbled spoonful of blah)
What I will give them good props for is their custard which is CREAMY and THICK. simple and to the point. :)

It is «A-​OK» for me, but my girls just love the place. I would give it a star over Baltimore Snowball just a couple miles down the road. The shaved ice is almost like a foam slushy. Nice consistency.
The problem I have encountered however is that they often have only three or so varieties to choose from. The freezer has been less than half full on more than one occasion. This is not good for business.
Very friendly service from Robert.

I have a new obsession and it’s Rita’s. I CANNOT wait till the south Escondido location opens close to my house and favorite grocery store (Trader Joe’s). This may have a negative effect on my bank account.
I’ve only had the gelati so far. It’s so good I can’t help but order it when I go. I need to try other things too someday I suppose.
The ice and custard are such an amazing mix.
The staff is friendly. Samples are generous, unlike some places around here (I’m looking at you YogurtLand).
They have an electric «punchcard» if you download their app! Love free stuff!
The local «Buy One Get One Free» mailer has coupons. Love discounted stuff!
They are lacking inside seating and not much outside. But this stuff is too good and the staff too friendly to dock any points.
Go try it, I insist.

Ahh… you just can’t go wrong with any Rita’s location! This place has a few tables that are shared within the strip mall, so you can actually sit down and enjoy your delicious dessert.
Side note: Not too far west of the North 15 freeway.

My husband was so thrilled to hear Rita’s was coming to San Diego! As a native Philadelphian, he always knew about Rita’s but back then, it was just ‘water ice’. Looks like they’ve expanded to frozen custard and gelato.
We had a BOGO free coupon. Why not try it out on a hot night?
Rita’s is located in a strip mall, so no trouble with parking. It’s a small store– no seating inside or directly outside. However, if you walk down the stairs, there are a few tables.
There were about 10 people in front of us, but the line moved quickly. The workers were all pleasant, and offered us samples as we were greeted.
My husband ordered a large half lemon/​half mango water ice. The lemon was super tart (like lemon should be) and the mango was really good!
I ordered a large chocolate vanilla custard mix, which my older son loved. We also topped it with m&ms. The worker was so sweet that she put the m&ms on the side since they would fall out of the cup if she put them in.
The total without the coupon was 8 dollars and some change, but with the coupon, it was 4.87. A bit pricey, BUT you pay for quality. This is quality.
We’ll be back!

Decided to get some gelati for a post workout treat. I got the starburst strawberry gelati with vanilla and strawberry custard twist. It was really good together. I checked the website before we left because they post the flavors of the day daily on their website.
This place is pretty good. It’s my second time trying this place out. It’s nice cause you can taste the different ice flavors before making a decision. I like the gelati because it comes with the ice and custard. You can just get ice if you don’t like the custard. They have a lot of different things to order here as well. Prob would like to try out other flavors the next time I’m here. But if you’re in the mood for some Italian ice, this place is a definite must!

I decided to try this place out because it seemed like Rita’s was popping up everywhere in San Diego. We were greeted right when we walked through the door. The line was a little long but I didn’t mind because I was busy looking at the menu. The flavors change on a daily basis. I wanted to try the green apple ice and the worker gladly have me a sample. She even offered to add custard so I can taste it together. On this visit, I decided to just get the ice. It was so delicious! I got a regular size and I got full off of it.
Rita’s is close by the 15 freeway. It’s a small little shop. There are no tables inside. We decided to sit on the planters outside of the door to enjoy our treat.
In short, I would recommend this place for a cool treat. I plan on going back there this week!

So close to home and great for those hot summer nights. Flavors are always on point. I personally love their custard. It’s so creamy and delicious. I definitely recommend their custard sandwiches which is their custard sandwiched between two large oreo cookies! So cute and delicious! Must go and try everything :)
Tip: follow them on Facebook. They offer deals on there every now and then.

Came here on their grand opening for the free italian ice! I got the SWEDISH FISH with MANGO mixed in, so bomb! + the vanilla custard on top for $ 1. They have so many different flavors. I was just going to get the swedish fish, but then the worker told me you CAN MIX TWO FLAVORS in a cup, which is nice!
Rita’s is something different in San Diego, compared to Cold Stone & Yogurtland. The italian ice is a really smooth & fine shaved ice (not like a slushy though) and not like the same kind of shaved ice at Guppy’s Teahouse or other boba places. This place is must try if you haven’t already! I would definitely come back for some italian ice on a hot day to try all the other flavors.
Took off one star because it isn’t super cheap but not crazy expensive.

After helping my friend (a floral designer) prep and set up for a wedding, we headed out for some much needed food. Not familiar with the North County area, we turned into a shopping center to see what food joints were around. It just so happens that Rita’s was here! I came here for dessert.
I ordered the Chocolate & Vanilla custard twist. De-​li-​cious! So creamy and smooth and definitely hit the spot after working under the sun. I will definitely check out Rita’s again for their other items: gelati and the italian shaved ice. So many flavors to choose from that I’m going to have to make several trips to the Rita’s locations in San Diego during this summer.

Gelati. That is all.
Ok, since that doesn’t really cover much, I’ll elaborate a bit.
Italian ice, frozen custard, Italian ice, frozen custard. You pick the flavors, and the rest is history. The custard is rich and creamy, the Italian ice is sweet and a little more on the softer side. Pair them together and they’re the perfect match. I love that they have a really small size. Perfect for the kiddo.
I tried a few flavors, but those are all a matter of preference.
Word out on the street is that they’re opening one in Rancho PQ! Oh it’s on now!

In a nut shell… this is place that allows you to be a kid.
Location
It is in a shopping center that is next to various eateries. I had my haircut and walked over. The small place is well decorated and clean. It provides you all the information you need with screens and see through displays.
Quality/​service
The quality is fresh and consistent. I just bought the standard tubs… errrr…yeah I could not resist! Green apple, watermelon, Swedish fish, and lemonade… the custard is good. The cherry on this Italian ice cream was having Taylor help me out to my car… great service!

Wow, we finally have east coast style frozen custard at our disposal. If you have never had it, you have been deprived.
I have been deprived of frozen custard since the last time I was in New Jersey… until now. So excited! We had the vanilla and the chocolate custard which were both delicious. Creamy thick perfection.
We sampled the Italian ice which was also phenomenal. The employees were very welcoming and generous with the samples.
It’s not cheap but it is worth it. Plus I especially love that the owner supports the local Humane Society. Welcome, welcome Rita’s!!!

Can’t. Stop. Eating. Must. Have. Custard.
It’s been 3 days since we found out about this place and for the last 3 days, we kept showing up 5 minutes before they close! It’s to the point where their extremely fast and friendly staff know us. -.-” They let us try every flavor we want every time and make the best mixes. Yesterday they had me try green apple, caramel and vanilla custard — tasted like a candy apple! Today I got a brownie fudge with vanilla — ’twas amazing. The custard is like nothing else and the different Italian ice creams were totally unique! What sets them apart is the fantastic service — every single time.
Join their mobile app stamp card. It’s convenient and easy to scan the QR code. They are non-​profit so ALL tips go to the Escondido Humane Society where my furbaby is from. :) LOVE this place!

Finally! Frozen Custard & Italian Ice!
Where can I start off? They do have their ice flavors on rotation. Honestly though, there’s a good amount of flavors that one can choose from. Their custard is amazing. The texture is super creamy yet dense. I’ve had the Gelati in the starburst strawberry ice/​vanilla custard combo and, now, the blue rasberry ice/​vanilla custard combo with layers of nerds inside the ice! Both very yummy!
This is my second time being here. Although this time was busier than the last time I came by, customer service was still tip top. The line went by pretty fast and as you ordered, the staff was very patient. I never felt rushed while I was deciding what I wanted. They have a young, energetic, and amiable staff.
The place is pretty small, space-​wise. I don’t really mind, since I take it to go.
Looking forward to come here when I’m up in Escondido on hot days like today! I would definitely recommend this place to people ;)

Great customer service and I’m glad to see a custard/​Italian ice place in San Diego. I heard they’re opening one by my house in PQ, which is great!
I’ve been to Frostbites and Confetti and I would say I prefer their Italian ice/​custard because of their extensive flavor selection. They also get into the Asian flavors, which I like a lot. But what I did like better at Rita’s was the quality of their custard. I would say it’s more fluffy? Or dense? I’m not sure how to describe it but it’s perfect. I think their flavors are on rotation, instead of having one giant list.
I had the Swedish fish Italian ice with vanilla custard and the mango ice with strawberry custard. Both were amazing. It taste exactly like Swedish fish lol.
I’m looking forward to the one being built in PQ. I’m surprised they didn’t choose to open one more central, like around convoy or fashion valley.

Grand opening day– May 6, 2104.
Service was super friendly and helpful. This goes for both occasions we’ve visited not just opening day. They were very encouraging on us trying any and all flavor samples. Nice! Mango ice was perfect, not too sweet & vanilla custard was just right with it! I’d have to say it feels the mango and the island fusion flavors are geared towards adult palettes while the other flavors such as cotton candy and cherry may be more for the young-​ins. Must return and try all the other options and flavors.

Great new frozen dessert place in Escondido.
This was my time trying frozen custard /​Italian ice so this was a new experience. The texture of the Italian ice was like a thick, very fruity slurpee. Perhaps the flavor was a bit too powerful, but when mixed with the frozen custard it made a great combination. I tired Peach and some passion fruit. I’ll definitely come back.
I recommend getting the Gelati (it’s the Italian Ice with the Custard).
Top Frozen Desserts in Escondido.
1 — Baltimore Snowball
2 — EscoGelato
3 — Rita’s Frozen Custard
4 — Yogurtland
5 — 7 – 11 Slurpee
6. Menchies