Ordering gelato in Italy

If you find yourself in Italy, here is a quick guide on how to maneuver your way through an ice cream shop. 

First, look for two signs: gelateria (gelato shop) and gelato artigianale (artisan gelato). The later will be the preferred choice as the ice cream will be handmade and more delicious.

In Italy you have your choice between a coppetta (small cardboard cup), cestino (wafer), or cono (cone). 

Here’s what you say to indicate your choice: Buongiorno, vorrei un gelato in coppetta. (Hello, I’d like a gelato in a cup.) Fill in the blank for coppetta if you want something else.

The server will most likely then ask you:  Da quanto? Meaning what do you want to pay? Gelato is ordered by its price in Italy, usually starting around €2 for the smallest serving.

Vorrei un gelato da €2.50 con tre gusti, per favore. (I’d like a €2.50 gelato with three flavors, please.)

Next, you’ll need to specify which flavors you want. Quali gusti vorrebbe? (Which flavors would you like?)

At this point, you can probably manage by pointing to your choices as usually there will be a small graphic sign in each container illustrating the flavor.

The list of flavors is infinite but here are a few of my favorites. While my friends know I am not fond of chocolate, there are several nice renditions included here out of courtesy for those of you who do crave it:

Crema – vanilla

Fior di latte – literally, "flower of milk", a lighter version of Crema

Panna – cream

Cioccolata - chocolate

Caffè – coffee

Nocciola - hazelnut

Nutella-You got it. The same thing.

Bacio – a mix of chocolate and hazelnut

 Frutti di Bosco-Literally meaning “fruits of the woods” but really blueberry and blackberries

Fragola – strawberry

Limone- lemon

Stracciatella – cream with pieces of dark chocolate

Pistacchio – pistachio

Ricotta-Ricotta cheese

All'olio d'oliva- olive oil