Buonissimo!Italy and gelato… synonymous pleasures. Gelato isn’t a luxury, it’s definitely a necessity! You just haven’t experienced all of the pleasures of traveling in Italy until you’ve sample (lots of) its gelato!
Choosing favorites is extremely difficult and, of course, totally subjective. As I mentioned in my earlier posts from the Veneto and Tuscany, this was in no way a scientific endeavor – no specific criteria were enlisted except for my own personal level of satisfaction, i.e., the “mmmmm” factor which could range from enthusiastic to simply so-so. Influencing the level of enjoyment were factors such as the setting, the server, and those other variables that make an experience exceptional or forgettable…
You really can’t get “bad” gelato in Italy; whether you enjoy a cone or a cup, it’s all remarkably fantastic and delightful. The only challenge is having so many amazing and tantalizing flavors tempting you…how to choose?? This can definitely be very stressful ! My objective was to have (at least) one gelato daily…and on the average, I came fairly close. True, it required discipline and sacrifice, but I was committed!
Here are a few gelato sampling guidelines that I learned along the way:
It’s fun to seek out those gelaterias recommended by the books, but it’s really fun to ask a trusted local where they go. Sometimes they overlap, but sometimes you discover a gelato gem. Gelaterias offer a variety of cone and cup sizes, but even with the smallest size you can still enjoy two flavors. Gelato in Italy is extremely affordable – starting from 1.0 euro to 2.5 euro (in the priciest places), and you get a generous serving. Support gelaterias that are artigianale – they use local ingredients and it’s made on site. Popular gelaterias are often quite crowded so look at the flavors and try to decide what you want before it is your turn. Don’t expect to “taste test” at every gelateria. Some will have little spoons, but most don’t. Live dangerously and choose what appeals to you. What have you got to lose? Often you have to decide what size you want and purchase a scontrino at the cashier’s – a scontrino is a ticket or receipt that you will then hand to the server with your order.
here are soooo many gelaterias, be adventurous and experiment. Enjoy! I hope you will enjoy revisiting my gelato tour with me. Those bolded are my all-star gems and personal favorites but all are highly recommended:
Verona – “Savoia”: The first and among the best! This was recommended by our driver. Pistacchio and menta– perfect on a very hot day!
Marostica – “Caffe Dante”: Lovely amarena (cherry and vanilla).
Limone sul Garda (Lake Garda) – of course, limone!
Malcesine (Lake Garda)– some cioccolata with extra cones!
Riva Garda (Lake Garda) – “Gelateria Peccatti di Gola” – more irresistible pistacchio.
Sirmione (Lake Garda) – “Cremeria Bulian” – fabulous combinations from Alisa.
Alpe del Garde (Lake Garda) – Omkafe – our lunch was completed with a lovely dish of gelati – nicciotta, fior di latte, vaniglia, fragole…
Burano (Venice) – Gelato served with a smile from Alysia – the most magnificent pera (pear) and chocolate mint – I went back for seconds on the pear! Divine!
Venice -“Grom” – It’s a chain, but WOW! What fabulous gelato! I was over-the-moon with my melone and noccioloa (hazelnut)!
Venice – “Gelati Nico” – Came recommended in several books and is mentioned in the Inspector Brunetti books by Donna Leon. It definitely lived up to the hype! More melone and some pesca (peach) – mmmmm!
Venice – “Al Campielo Barbaro“ – An accidental find near the Guggenheim. A small little alimentari with only a few flavors, but the absolutely most divine pistacchio ever!
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