Comments on: How to Order Gelato in Italy

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:23:46 +0000

You might find that some shops get impatient if you’re sampling lots of flavors and there’s a line building behind you, but I’ve never had a problem sampling a few flavors before choosing. I wouldn’t try going through the whole case, of course, and you might also try asking the person behind the counter for their opinion – if they seem friendly & helpful, ask what “marries well” with a flavor you already know you want. It’s like asking a well-trained sommelier what wine pairs well with the meal you’ve chosen. Have fun!

By: Caitlin

Caitlin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:35:57 +0000

I’m traveling to Italy – for the very first time – in about a month (the first 2 weeks of November) and I’m so looking forward to the gelato! I have a question though: Do the gelateria allow you to sample flavors (either before or after you pay, if it’s a place that you pay first), and if so is there a limit on the number you can sample (whether imposed by the shop itself or imposed by decorum)?
Thanks! I’m loving your blog, it’s been so helpful!!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:50:27 +0000

Thanks for the comment! And yes, you’re right – it’s about the size of the container, not the number of flavors, but we tend to think of “one flavor = one scoop.” I have seen some people get a larger coppetta with just one flavor, but that seems like such a waste to me! I want as many flavors as I can get!

By: AZ-FCO

AZ-FCO — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 14:19:09 +0000

Hi Jessica, I am Italian and it was interesting to me how you wrote a guide for ordering gelato, and on some things I laughed (making eye contact when ready), because without thinking about it, it is exactly what we do!

But let me “correct” you on one thing (not that you really need it). But normally, you are not required to say how many flavours you want. You pay for the size of the cone or coppa/coppetta, and then all the flavours you want you can add. Obviously more flavours means less amount of each flavour. Sometimes you see that they say “this cone is for 2 flavours”, but that is mostly a suggestion, because if you ask to add another flavour, you will get it.
Plus, you can freely add wheap cream on top of your gelato.

But be prepared, if you are in a touristy area, they may go for the number of scoops, or the other thing I hate is that they give you gelato balls (this way, which is more international, you get less gelato that you would normally get). In that case it’s a tourist trap and that “gelateria” won’t see me again. Always about tourist areas, they charge the wheap cream €0.50, it’s not normal. But in this case it goes by the region. In Rome, the wheap cream HAS bo to be free. In Sardinia, you get charged for it.

Ciao ciao!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:59:13 +0000

Ha! So true. In the U.S., I’m used to having to take the ice cream out of the freezer for 10 minutes to soften it up so that it’s even scoop-able… No such worries with the gelato in Italy!

By: Milanese Masala

Milanese Masala — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:23:46 +0000

I still remember the first time I ordered ice cream in Italy, way back in ’91. It was a coppetta with 2 flavours. Delicious but most of it ended dripping down my arm because it melted in record time. I guess that’s the price you pay to eat authentic “artigianale” gelato. With all the preservatives they put in North American ice cream, it would be able to survive a nuclear explosion intact.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:38:04 +0000

I agree, Michelle, it’s always tough to know what the rules are in a bar or gelateria – which is why I tend to be a wallflower for a bit & watch what other people are doing. That might be considered cheating, but I’m okay with that.

By: michelle of bleeding espresso

michelle of bleeding espresso — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:17:58 +0000

So true about practicing…mmm….

The most frustrating part about this (and bars in general) is the different rules at each place (pay first, sit and be waited on, etc.); I’ve finally realized though that even Italians who haven’t been there get just as confused as I do, so I don’t feel so bad

By: Cristina

Cristina — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:24:05 +0000

Now you made my mouth water! I’ve got a lovely gelato place right near my apartment (and yes, it’s the real Italian thing)! YUM! Awesome guide but surely makes me crave a scoop of melone