I’ve passed Gelatorino so many times and have thought to go in, especially as it’s often listed as one of the best gelaterias in London, but I never seem to be there at the right time. Until today. I’d had a lovely day with my good friend Annie in north London, arriving in time for morning coffee which she served with some pasteis de nata from her local De Beauvoir Deli. They were perhaps the best I’ve ever had. Later we had lunch in the De Beauvoir Arms (coincidently owned by my brother’s sister-in-law) and by the time I set off home mid-afternoon, I was undecided about my route and plan. I took a bus down to the Bloomsbury area and while I thought I might go into the British Museum for a Greek exhibition I’ve been meaning to see, it was too hot and muggy, and getting too late to want to do much and also risk getting caught in the rush-hour mayhem at Waterloo. I decided to just take a slow wander through Covent Garden towards Waterloo station and home.
Amazing ice-creams!! Tried 3 flavours - pistachio, chocolate and chocolate turin - all 3 pretty good!! A must visit for the ice cream lovers.
We all know Soho as a dining hotspot with so much choice that at times, it takes longer to decide where to eat than the actual meal itself. Recently though, thanks to Jennifer from @chocolatetours, I've also discovered that Soho also has a under-appreciated ice cream scene and I want to take this opportunity to highlight them.
A classic little gelateria, you don't get much genuine than Gelatarino. From the method of preparation right down to the base ingredients, here they've stayed try to traditions and the taste is better for it. When here you must get the chocolate number - it's like no other you would've tasted before. Why? Because it's REAL CHOCOLATE as opposed to its lesser cousin the chocolate powder.
Grab a scoop, take a seat and savour.
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They use authentic traditional gelato machines and ingredients sourced from different regions of Italy. The way Gelatorino make their gelatos are by the traditional method of ‘mantecazione’, a churning and freezing process absorbing much less air as a result, creating a more velvety texture.
I like Gelatorino because of the way they make their gelato – the traditional method “mantecazione”. The gelato churns and freezes slowly and vertically, which means although it takes longer to make, it absorbs much less air in the making process resulting in a creamier and more velvety texture in comparison to the industrial method. There are two machines next to the cashier that churns the gelato through out the day and customers are able to watch the churning in action through the glass pane.
Whenever I'm in Covent Garden I try and swing by Gelatorino. Why? Because their affogato of dark chocolate ice cream and espresso elevates me to a state of pure bliss. This is without a doubt one of the best gelatorias in London.
Here at Gelatorino, ice-creams are made by the gelatai with the artisanal machines sitting next to the counter. Apparently you can even ask what’s in and maybe sample a freshly made flavour. Ice-creams are hidden beneath steel lids (“pozzetti”) to keep them fresh and top quality – I kinda like to see what the flavour I order looks like, but pozzetti are for the good of the texture so… can’t complain.
This was a “gelateria” that I ended up going to about 3-4 times during the last month.
The first time that I went there was great. The guy who was serving gelato knew what he was doing becuase I tried to order two different flavors that in the long run do not sound good together and he flat out said no because they did not go together. He was 100% correct on the flavor combination.
All of the other times that I went to Gelatorino the service was great and the guy remembered me each time that I went in.
This is one place that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to have a proper “gelato” as Italians do.
Try before you buy - so many sleeper hits I normally wouldn't have ordered. The dark chocolate gelato is a thing of legends and the bitter cherry is just enough to cut the richness. A must try if you like gelato.
One of the few places in London where I would actually eat gelato. They offer a small but very carefully chosen of flavours, based on seasonal products, and the staff will be happy to make you taste a few before making your choice. Fruit based gelati are quite good and seasonal, but the real star here are the nuts based flavours, such as the amazing hazelnut from Piemonte or the pistacchio from Sicily. Cream and chocolate gelati are very good as well, with gianduia being probably the best, a mixture of chocolate and hazelnuts. Definitely worth a visit if you are around in the area and craving for a proper Italian gelato!
This definitely deserves a spot on London's top 3 gelato spots! A balance of creamy, deep, and smooth, suitable for any day of the year.
Gelatorino has won prizes for its flavours (pistachio and hazelnut), and they indeed deserve it. Hazelnut was one of the best I have tried so far and would pair well with a coffee or non-nutty flavour in order to truly bring out its depth.
10/10, will come back for hazelnut.
Good range of gelato flavours, some different ones include banana (very nice) and fig. The shop is conveniently located in Covent Garden, a small cone with 2 scoops is around £4.50.
Hands down this is THE BEST gelato / ice cream shop in London. My office used to be across the road from this gelateria for many years and I sampled their ice creams many many times. They always have some of the classic flavours as well as some new ones - keeping the options exciting for their returning customers! some of my old fave flavours are fior di latte, pistachio, salted caramel, Gianduga and dark chocolate. They also have a range of coffee, cakes, pancakes and savoury options too. Highly recommended summer or winter!
Nice little gelateria, close to many of the theatres. We came here before Frozen. Huge portions, the pistachio and Giandaja ice cream was very good.
It was pretty popular, both with tourists and locals.
It's an authentic gelateria, make me thinking about being back in Italy. Very good gelato, nice selection and wonderful people working there.
I go there anytime I'm in the area!
Had hazelnut and stracciatella. Both are very good, though I do think they’re sweeter than I wish. Would still come back for it.
Genuine gelato shop.
The range of ice creams and sorbets is excellent and in some cases the flavours are quite unusual (and it's great fun to mix the flavours).
It's a little expensive but worth it for the occasional treat. Beautiful decoration, friendly staff and a very clean atmosphere.
Nice little gelateria, close to many of the theatres. Huge portions, the pistacchio ice cream was very good. Croissant was also big and fluffy. It was pretty popular, both with tourists and locals.
Best ice cream in London. Hands down. They used to do authentic hot chocolate which I remeber getting with my mum after seeing a musical but unfortunately they don't do it anymore :(. They ice cream however is still as good as ever and it is a must try in London. I take everyone who visits London with me to this place and all.of them praise it. Pistachio and hazelnut are must try flavours
Looooooved it! Excellent flavours, very light, yet delicious! The interior is fun to be in and inspirational.
The only reason I am not putting 5 stars is the service as the sales assistant wouldn't explain to us what they had after we asked for two things that we were then informed were not available. Would just wait for us to guess..
Still, keeping the good part of the experience with me!
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