Fabulouso! 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 ! ;-D
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.
There are soooo many gelaterias, be adventurous and experiment. Enjoy!
I tried to take photos and notes at each gelateria I visited and I had a lot of fun asking the servers if I could take their photo, too. Most were surprised and very charming. It was fun try to photograph actually enjoying each gelato although I have to admit I wasn’t always successful (the heat and immediacy of needing to control the drip factor often took precedence over documenting the experience).
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:
San Gimignano -Gelateria di Piazza: Gelato world champions from 2006 -2009, the only gelato shop to be in the top 10 best gourmet places in the world…and, si! I agree!! Definitely in my all-time top five favorites. Choosing which flavor was almost impossible but I settled on raspberry with rosemary and pink grapefruit with sparkling wine…OMG!!!
Bolghieri – Gelato Toscano: Enjoying more locally made artisanale gelato.
Portovenere – Fragole and limone… not a favorite…but the competition is stiff!
Lucca: More amarena (cherry and vanilla).
Pienza – Bar Gelateria – another irresistible artigianale – more pistacchio and nocciola.
Greve (Chianti country) – Buontalenti and bacio from Caffe Lepanto.
Gelateria dei Neri – Florence: Local favorite, written up, artisanal…fabulous! 56 flavors to choose from! Another in my top five all-time favorites…I went back twice (and would’ve gone back again if there had been time!! The first time I enjoyed Crema Giotto and Ricotta e Fichi with Maxim and the second Bergamotto and pink grapefruit. So fabulous!
Vivoli – Florence: Touted as a favorite and one of the best in Florence, but for me one of the most disappointing. They only offer cups and, for me, it didn’t live up to the reputation.Would you believe I didn’t even finish my cup?
Gelateria S. Trinita (Florence): Enjoyed our last gelato here, but unfortunately didn’t take photos or notes…know I had chocolate mint and enjoyed…
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