One of the first things you will do when in Italy is eat gelato -- everyone does, even the locals indulge on the delicious ice cream treat. But don't be surprised to find ordering gelato a little intimidating. There are as many flavors as there are gelaterie (ice cream shops), and they are all described in Italian. So how do you know where and how to get the best gelato? For starters, watch this video from Geobeats for tips on ordering gelato:
Where to go:
San Crispino (Via Panetteria,42, Rome)
Vivoli (via Isole delle Stinche, 7r, Florence)
Gelateria Il Doge (Campo Santa Margherita, 49, Venice)
What to order:
Ice Creams
Cioccolato (cho-koh-LAH-toh) - classic chocolate
Gianduja (jahn-DOO-yah) - chocolate hazelnut combination
Cioccolato all'arancia (cho-koh-LAH-toh ahl-ah-RAHN-cha) - chocolate and orange
Pistacchio (pee-STAHK-yoh) - the definition is obvious; my personal favorite!
Mandorla (mahn-DOOR-lah) - almond
Nocciola (noh-CHO-lah) - hazelnut
Crema (KREH-mah) - egg custard flavor
Cocco (KOH-koh) - coconut
Caffe (kay-FAY) - coffee
Sherberts
Fragola (FRAH-go-lah) - strawberry
Lampone (lahm-POH-nay) - raspberry
Limone (lee-MOH-nay) - lemon
Mandarino (mahn-day-REE-noh) - mandarin orange
Melone (meh-LOH-nay) - melon, usually cantaloupe
Albicocca (al-bee-KOH-kah) - Apricot
Pera (PEH-rah) - Pear
Pesca (PEHS-kah) - Peach
One final tip: Forego the cone and use a cup. Gelato is softer than ice cream and melts faster!