It's International Gelato Day, and to celebrate we have put together a list of our top Gelateria's in Europe.
Pepe's Glacier, Bruxelles
This Brussels ice cream shop is so good that it made it into the Italian Gelato Festival World Master's top 100 ice cream manufacturers in the world last year – one of the most prestigious ice cream competitions in the world.
Fatamorgana, Rome
Fatamorgana is known for its all-natural ingredients and whimsical flavor combinations. In 2003, Maria Agnese Spagnuolo opened the first ice cream shop in via Lago di Lesina 9, where she is still based today.
Since then, Fatamorgana has begun to spread its imaginative, creative, personality-rich ice cream philosophy in the capital, growing, opening new branches, but with a primary objective: never abandoning craftsmanship. The recipes proposed in rotation are over three hundred and arise from the union and perfect balance of milk, sugar, spices, flowers, fruit, cocoa and cheeses.
Tonka, Aprilia
Being born into the world of confectionery, breathing in the working rhythms of the workshop, studying and learning from one's parents the secrets of the white art could mark the path in a boy's life, with the aim of carrying on the family business: but this is the story of Valerio Esposito, who had another passion, ice cream.
Thus, in 2010, the Tonka ice cream parlour in Aprilia was born, the result of a great act of love and trust by Valerio's parents, Umberto and Anna, who transformed their business to give life to his dream.
Glazed, Paris
Crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients, these freshly made ice creams are now up for grabs on Boulevard Pasteur. With a focus on exceptional quality, the menu is intentionally concise, offering premium flavors in limited quantities.
Throughout the seasons, you can expect a rotation of specialties like organic lemon sorbet with celery leaves and mastiha liqueur, peanut butter ice cream paired with red currant jelly, the lavish Passy-Sèvres featuring hazelnut praline and roasted almonds, adorned with delicate cream puffs filled with homemade salted butter caramel, and the velvety soft ice cream blended with buckwheat honey, caramel, and caramelised kasha.
Anita Gelato, London
Anita's boutique ice cream started from humble beginnings in a small Mediterranean kitchen nearly 20 years ago, with Mama Anita and her son Nir crafting delicious frozen treats. Nir handled the ice cream base while Mama Anita made addictive jams for flavour.
Their success at a local market led to opening their first store. With older brother Adi joining later, the business grew into an international chain with over 160 branches worldwide, including in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London.
Anita's offers a wide range of hand-made ice creams, including frozen yogurt, sorbets, soy-based, and real cream-based options, with over 150 flavours available. Toppings include fresh fruit, syrups, premium chocolate, and Mama Anita's homemade jams.
Every flavour still receives Mama Anita's personal approval, ensuring each scoop reflects her heavenly touch. The focus remains on bringing people together for lovingly prepared ice cream, making Anita's a paradise for ice cream lovers worldwide.
Tichy, Vienna
The secret is the highest quality ingredients, with recipes that have remained unchanged for almost 70 years and are characterised by a unique taste. We are in Tichy, a Vienna institution since 1952.
Badiani, Barcelona
Badiani, renowned for its artisanal ice cream originating from Florence, has now opened in Barcelona, akin to a Neapolitan pizzeria arriving from Naples.
This allows Barcelona locals and visitors to savor their famed ice cream, particularly the iconic Buontalenti, which holds a rich history. Dating back to 1569, architect Bernardo Buontalenti devised this frozen delight for the Spanish King's court, introducing sugar into the cream, an innovative move at the time.
Fast forward to the late 1960s, Badiani clinched victory in a gelato competition with their rendition of Buontalenti, crafted with milk, sugar, and eggs. Despite its seemingly simple ingredients, the recipe remains a closely guarded secret, boasting a distinct taste and texture that has garnered global acclaim.
Santini, Lisbon
Santini, an artisanal ice cream brand with over 60 years of history in the Greater Lisbon area, has mastered the Italian way of making ice cream. F
Founded by Italian ex-pat Attilio Santini in 1949, its original parlour in Cascais gained patronage from local high society and even the Spanish royal family in exile.
Despite competition, Santini consistently maintains its top position with its all-natural ice creams and sorbets, which are equally beloved at its Lisbon outlet.
Comments