One of the things I look forward to in Italy is the gelato. And on this trip I was determined to sample gelato everywhere I went. It wasn’t easy, but I’d challenged myself and I did my best to go to as many gelato shops as I could. So while I was in Italy I had at least one a day. But it was in the name of research, and I decided to eat as much as possible to provide accurate information.
Later I realized I could never say who has the best gelato. Because it’s always so delicious, I enjoyed a refreshing gelato from a stand near the Vatican just as much as one from a specialty shop in Venice. One difference was that in smaller places there weren’t as many choices. But this didn’t matter because I like flavors such as vanilla just fine. But there was a flavor in San Gimignano that I’ll never forget: a Nutella/hazelnut combination! That gelato was delicious and I nearly went back for a second one immediately. Another flavor I really enjoyed was crème brulee. It was so tasty that I may have (momentarily) forgotten to admire the beautiful scenery.
An important thing to remember about the gelato in Italy is that the portions are quite small. I usually bought the smallest size, which was surprisingly satisfying. I’d buy it in a waffle cone, but many people seemed to prefer cups. I would also get one of those tiny spoons to try to make it last longer.
I’ll continue with this journal and focus on some special places with excellent gelato. And one of the best things about eating gelato in Italy is that I got so much exercise walking up and down hills (and flights of stairs) that the calories didn’t really count. Or so I keep telling myself…
Meg Travels 
I admire your dedication to this important research Meg, you are doing us all a great service. Lovely photos, and that second one looks most intriguing with all those colours.
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My sentiments exactly. : )
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks of this as research!
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I felt that this information was so important I had to eat as much gelato as I could! And thank you:)
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They look so yummy and the shops are good.
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You’re right – the gelato was delicious!
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So many great reasons to visit Italy, gelato has to be one of the top ones. Love the photos.
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Thank you. And this should definitely be a top reason to go to Italy: for the gelato!
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Oh My…a person who thinks like me!!!
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It shows that we have our priorities in order, that’s for sure!
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Creme brulee?! Oh my goodness, excuse me whilst I drool…. ;-)
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I know! I wish I could describe how delicious it was… And I only found it at one place, so I may need to go back to find more :)
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I’m fairly confident I’m a solid 2 pounds heavier after reading this post!
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I really tried to write it as a “lite” post, but it wasn’t the same… And I’d really like one of those Nutella gelatos right about now!
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I really love gelato too, living in Italy has made me indulge far too many times! :)
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I think that would be a wonderful part of living in Italy!
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One of the things I truly enjoy when travelling is the variety of foods (did you have any doubt!) two of my good friends who lived in Italy (Le Marche & Milan) actually mentioned an ice cream stall near the Vatican in Rome as the absolute best! I really wonder if this might have been the one! ;)
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Wouldn’t that be something if we were talking about the same place? I’ve actually gone to this particular stall more than once, and there always seems to be a crowd. I guess when you have good gelato, people will find you!
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Thank you for your dedicated research. I’m visiting Italy myself next month so I offer my services in doing some research for you! ;-)
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That’s a very generous offer! I think this will be a research project you’ll enjoy very much, and I’ll want to know your thoughts on the subject, too… :)
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Loving your post – the perfect challenge to sample gelato – YUM!!!
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Thanks Renee! I thought a challenge that involved gelato would be fun and not too difficult to stick with… :)
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This brought back memories. I’m so glad I had a taste of the gelato in Italy. It was great.
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It really is delicious! And enjoying gelato is a good memory of Italy for me, too…
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That’s a serious research, Meg! The flavors you describe make me drool…
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I felt it was a subject that needed lots of research done, and I was definitely prepared for this challenge!
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Aah! My kind of post! Thank you Meg. Look forward to more yummy details :-)
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I’m glad you enjoy gelato too! And it’s fun for me to reminisce about some of my favorite gelato adventures through these stories :)
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It’s a hard job eating ice cream every day – but someone got to do it! Creme brulee flavoured ice cream – now that sounds very good.
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I’m glad you understand that it was a challenge to eat so much gelato :) And I was always looking for new flavors that sounded delicious. The creme brulee was definitely one of the best!
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Hey Meg…I’m thinking you shouldn’t have to do all the dirty work. If you need a “research assistant”….I’m free! Yummy Post!
R
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Thanks Rhonda! An assistant sounds great – it would make it easier to discuss the importance of texture, consistency, and all the things that make gelato so good :)
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Oh I know…definitely NOT about how it tastes!! lol
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I’m trying (sort of) to think like a researcher!
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Oh, sorry…of course you are. Please, continue your analysis. ;)
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Three words: sample-that-gelato!
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I will continue your research when I go to Rome in September. Anything for a friend!
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I think there’s still a lot of research to do, so I appreciate your kind offer. And have fun sampling gelato when you’re in Rome!
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Hi,
Oh Wow, that does look delicious, and I admire the time and effort you are putting into this research. :D
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I appreciate that! It was hard work, but I discovered that ALL gelato is delicious. And this was worth finding out :)
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Just what I needed to read when I’m trying to stop eating coffee Hagen Daz
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Oops – sorry! I forget all about will power when I see gelato… :)
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In Monterosso in Cinque Terre I found pesto gelato. I know it sounds strange, but it was delicious! A fresh minty basil that made my taste buds do a happy dance.
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I’m sure it was really good! And it’s wonderful that people create new flavors – you just can’t go wrong with gelato :)
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Let’s face it, all gelato in Italy is amazing. I have never had bad gelato, have you? :)
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I haven’t! And you’re right – all gelato is simply delicious :)
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That’s an agenda worth planning an entire trip around. My favorite gelato was one I found in Rome – coconut – creamy and delicious!
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Coconut gelato sounds great! And I definitely agree that the opportunity to eat gelato should be part of planning a trip to Italy :)
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Perfect thing to try in a perfect place!! :-)
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That’s a great way of putting it. And they make a superb combination!
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Research is very important. I am glad that you have taken on the challenge :)
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I felt that this was challenging (well, maybe only a little challenging) and very important to confirm that all gelato is delicious!
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I do love gelato! How very selfless of you to be willing to take your time to do the necessary research for an authentic accounting, Meg! Well done! And I’m sure the calories don’t count anyway…you were on foreign soil! :-) But seriously…I repeat! I do love gelato! Was there anything about the gelato itself that seems different from what we can get here in the States? I mean consistency or something, not just flavors? I’m just curious! Of course everything would taste better in Italy, I’d assume! Debra
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I’m glad you understand my dedication to this subject Debra! And gelato is really tasty when you’re in Italy. I think it has to do with the texture, creaminess and freshness. I may have to continue my research… :)
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I love the hazelnut gelato too – sounds like the best possible kind of research!
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It really is! Hazelnut is one of my favorite flavors, and adding Nutella made it perfect. If only all research could be this tasty… :)
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I can never pass up Gelato and I’m not even an ice cream lover! There is something so delightfully satisfying about it that you just gotta have some.
Ashley
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There’s something really special about gelato! This was the basic idea that prompted my research :)
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I love gelato also. It is in my top three list of favorite things about Italy.
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That’s a good point – gelato definitely belongs on a to-do list for Italy! It creates wonderful memories, too… :)
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We love gelato too. And remember, it doesn’t have as much fat as ice cream, so between all your walking and the lower fat content, you did yourself no harm. ;) We have a really good gelato place near us where they create so many different and interesting flavors, you want to go back often just to taste something new. But those authentic Italian gelatos would probably put all our American places to shame. :) And we do the same thing as you – we use those tiny spoons to make it seem like more and last longer! :D
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You’ve provided some excellent information about gelato – thank you! And it’s great that you’ve found a local gelato shop. It brings a little bit of Italy back home… :)
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My goal is to eat gelato in every town we ever visit in Italy…so far, I’m on target! We all have to have goals, right?!?! LOL!
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Let me offer my congratulations on your wonderful goal of eating gelato! I hope you’re visiting lots of towns so you can try different flavors :) Keep up the good work!
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Oh boy ! What a challenge. I really admire you dedication … and all in the name of science too. :-D
I had gelato in Venice once … Oooooh ! (better than sex) !
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Gelato in Venice is really wonderful! And strolling down the side streets while enjoying a gelato is just about perfect. This is my idea of research… :)
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The pizza/gelato place looks like a good place to stop!
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Pizza is another good thing to get in Italy! Then have a gelato for dessert :)
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Ha ha! I always eat gelato with the tiniest spoon I can find! As though that really manages to slow me down…
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I also like to think (or hope) that using a little spoon will make the gelato last longer! At least it’s worth a try… :)
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JUST ONE A DAY? You are so disciplined! While in Italy, I tried every gelato shop I passed by so I had an average of 4 scoops a day sometimes 5-6 scoops! The way I see it is, you can’t get gelato like that in ITALIA, so enjoy it while you’re there! Excellent journal! Keep me posted on the most memorable one yet!
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I really should have eaten much more gelato than I did! And I think your reasoning for sampling lots of gelato is very sensible :) It’s just a great memory of Italy…
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Very nice pictures but now I am hungry. :)
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Thanks, and I felt the same way looking at those pictures! I’ll have to settle for chocolate until I can get back to Italy… :)
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I just nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Congratulations:) Here is the link to my award post…
http://hotrodcowgirl.com/2012/06/21/one-lovely-blog-award-times-three/
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Thank you so much for this award! I really appreciate it :)
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Pavlova gelato in Cairns is the best I’ve ever had, and an unusual flavor even for Australia.
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That sounds really good! I say there can’t be too many flavors of gelato – the more the merrier :)
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Here’s one challenge that demands real attention! Glad you were up for it, Meg.
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Thanks – I was willing to put in the work so I could give a comprehensive report. And it was worth it!
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I’m sure. ;-)
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Yum…gelato, my mouth is watering and I am dreaming of my next cup of that most delicious treat.
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I know you really like gelato, too! It’s definitely something that I look forward to when I get to go to Italy. And I’m never disappointed :)
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Oh Meg! I’m so glad you made the sacrifice to be the gelato researcher for us! ;) What a tough job, but someone has to do it, right? lol
I was salivating just reading your words, and your photos are wonderful. I love the close-up of the gelato display and the one with the bike in front of the store too… I’m bummed that I missed the gelato shop in San Gimignano! Great post!
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Thanks Judy! I decided to visit gelato shops before I went to Italy, so I actually had a plan. And it was an easy plan stick with. However I never got a picture of any gelato I bought – it didn’t last long enough!
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Gelato in Europe is amazing… Stracciatella is usually my favorite flavor. In Germany / Austria usually one can buy a one scoop cone for only 1 euro. Hits the spot!
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That sounds delicious. Gelato is so tasty in Italy, and it sounds like you have good choices in Germany and Austria too!
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Have you tried the “Vivoli” gelati at Florence? One of the best ones ever for me! Thanks for the great post!
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I haven’t yet, but it’s going on my list for my next trip to Florence! And thanks – it’s fun writing about gelato :)
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Just looking at those photos makes my mouth start watering – and I swore when I got back from Italy yesterday that I wouldn’t be able to eat gelato again for at least 6 months! It’s just too gooooooood :)
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I know, it’s delicious! There is simply nothing like gelato – and I think the only solution is to go back to Italy again :)
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I’ve never tried gelato. Sounds like I need to do some research of my own here locally!
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I think you should do lots of research on gelato. You definitely won’t be disappointed!
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love your blog, Thank you for reading and “liking” our road trip.
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Thanks, and I really enjoyed reading about your trip too!
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An Ode to Gelato! Love it!!
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Gelato is a very important subject to me, and I had to write about it!
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Gelato, yumm! It’s literally all I ate when I went to Italy the first time!
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I think that sounds very sensible. Gelato is good any time of day!
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I love gelato… and the pasta, thin crust pizza…. yum! Even with 10+ hours of walking a day I still put on a few pounds !
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After all that walking in Italy I thought that having a gelato was “refreshing”. At least that’s what I told myself… :)
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Me too and having it for lunch was less calories than a real meal… all was good until I got home and on the scale ;) Oh but that is what good travelling is about -enjoying the food, culture and experience!
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I agree that it made an excellent lunch! And gelato is one of my favorite memories of Italy now that I’m looking back… :)
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Did you come across the hotdog and french fry pizza? That made me laugh.
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I’m sorry to say I didn’t! And I could think of better toppings… :)
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…in the name of research of course :)
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It just makes it seem more scientific… And it’s so tasty, too!
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yup….definitely need to hit up the gelato store down the road from me now :) gosh I love gelato!
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That’s so nice you have a place close by where you can get gelato! I’m sure I’d be there frequently… :)
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Are you keeping a gelato journal ? That’s a great idea! My favorite flavor is Stracciatella. It always makes me think of the line “a tarantella! “from some musical which I can’t recall right now . . . xo
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I really did keep track of where I had gelato in Italy! The pictures I took make great souvenirs, although all the actual gelato got eaten immediately… So I’ll have to get back to Italy soon so I can continue my research :)
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You’re a woman after my own heart. My favorite gelateria was on a main square in Florence. I can’t remember the name of the place, but hope to return some day. I really enjoyed your post and recalling the memories of delicious Italian gelato.
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Thank you – I really consider gelato one of my favorite things about Italy! And I have a feeling that when you get back to Florence you’ll find your gelateria again :) But for now we’ll just enjoy the memories!
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In Bologna there is a never-ending debate over which gelato place is the best from three or four of the most famous places in town. During the spring and summer I always go to this outdoor cafe to get some sun, and I always buy their gelato just to buy something so I can sit in the sun. This cafe does not happen to be famous for their gelato at all, but I just felt like I needed to buy something so I could sit for a while. But I always ended up loving the gelato from this place, like, a lot. I thought I was crazy or my tastebuds were off or something, because this place was not known for their gelato. Months later I discovered that the mother-in-law of the owner of the cafe makes the gelato there from scratch every morning from her own recipes. So it was a lesson for me – famous does not necessarily mean the best. Now I always take my out-of-town visitors here for gelato and the mother-in-law is thrilled. :) If anybody ever goes to Bologna – Lab 16 on via Zamboni! :)
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This is a wonderful story! The gelato sounds like it must be delicious, especially now that you know the reason why. I’ve been interested in a trip to Bologna, and here’s another good reason to go! Thanks for giving the address too. I (and all gelato lovers) really appreciate it :)
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I also love this story! Can you believe it, on one trip to Italy last year I came home and realized I didn’t have ANY gelato at all?! And I was traveling alone, I could have had gelato nonstop. That’s business travel for you. By the way, and I know it’s not at all the same as gelato, but Ben & Jerry’s has an amazing crème brulee flavor and it’s so delicious. Thanks for posting this, and glad I came across it on this 97 degree day!
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I’m very sorry to hear you missed out on gelato when you were in Italy. You’ll just have to make up for it next time! And thanks for the tip about the ice cream, too. Something cold sounds good when it’s so hot outside :)
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You are absolutely right, the gelato in italy has 0 calories! Really. :)
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That must be one of the best things about gelato! To be so delicious and have no calories – I knew it was perfect… :)
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For this reason it is best to eat as much gelato as possible while you are there.
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A very good point – and it’s something I strive to do while I’m in Italy!
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