You can’t visit Rome without indulging in a creamy scoop of local gelato, but you don’t have to fly all the way to Italy to sink into this cool treat. Gelato shops across the U.S. offer what’s known as Italian ice cream, but just one taste and you’ll know gelato is anything but run of the mill ice cream.
Made with more whole milk and less cream than American ice cream, gelato boasts a lower fat content that lets the flavors of this frosty indulgence shine through. This summer, cool off with a scoop (or two) from one of these top gelato shops around the U.S.
Gelato Bar, Los Angeles, California
Tucked away in the Studio City neighborhood is L.A.’s best option for beating the Southern California heat: Gelato Bar. Locals love the rose, blood orange and panna cotta varieties, and the coffee here is also a Studio City favorite.
Morano Gelato, Hanover, New Hampshire
If New Hampshire is calling your name this summer, plan for a pit stop in Hanover to cool off with a scoop at Morano Gelato. Executive chef Morgan Morano spent six years in Florence learning the tricks of the gelato trade, and her 16 daily flavors will make you feel like you’re grabbing a scoop from a local gelateria on the streets of Italy.
Mo Gelato, New York, New York
Leave it to Little Italy to serve up some of New York City’s most authentic gelato. At Mo Gelato’s Little Italy location (their second location is in Bologna, Italy), local milk and Italian-imported ingredients are combined in small batches every morning to make fresh gelato in flavors like tiramisu and caffe (with Italian-roasted coffee, naturally).
Gelatiamo, Seattle, Washington
When you need a sweet fix in Seattle, look no further than Gelatiamo. For nearly 20 years, owner Maria Coassin has been serving up handcrafted batches of fresh gelato, true to her Italian heritage. The hazelnut flavor, for example, is made with nuts sourced directly from Italy, and gelato cakes offer a decadent way to celebrate a special occasion.
Gelateria Naia, San Francisco, California
The flavors at San Francisco’s Gelateria Naia are award-winners year after year. Notable scoops include the Pistachio and Blue Bottle Coffee Bar, as well as the stracciatella, gelato’s answer to chocolate chip ice cream with shaved chocolate in vanilla gelato.
Pappalecco, San Diego, California
Head to San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood to dig into the city’s best gelato at Pappalecco, a local cafe specializing in Italian-inspired fare like paninis and authentic espresso drinks. Nutella, pistachio and cinnamon roll are three flavors you won’t want to miss.
Eis Gelato, Denver, Colorado
Eis Gelato is taking the Mile High City by storm with flavors like lavender and lemon poppy. The gelato is made with all organic and natural ingredients, too.
(Main image: stu_spivack used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
