With the exceptional heat wave that has put Europe to a still this summer, a good ice cream is needed, more than ever, to make your wanderings perfect! Don’t miss out the Italian art of gelato-making that comes from our neighbour Italy: over the years, “gelaterias” have taken over Paris for our own good and here is our insiders ‘guide to finding the best ones!
First, how is a Gelato different from an ice cream?
Gelato is not the usual, common ice cream. The secret of Gelato’s deliciousness is that it contains a very low amount of milk fat. An ordinary ice cream has a fat content of 15%-25%, while Gelato has only 3.5%. Ladies who want to keep a healthy figure, you can officially rush with a smile to Gelaterias =)
Besides, due to its low-fat content, a gelato does not require too much air during the production and mixing process. This is why it is also “thicker” than common ice cream. So, not only is it a pleasure to eat, it also means that it melts slowly; making the delight lasts a little longer!
The quality and texture explain the success of Gelato, year-round actually! In Italy, where Gelato originates, it has been taken to the level of culinary art. A good sign is if you see the staff using a small shovel to dig ice cream for you instead of a spoon forming an ice-cream ball, then congratulations, you’ve hit the right spot!
Let’s go find the best ones in Paris!… And why not try them all?
Amorino
Not necessarily the best, but definitely the most famous, and most ubiquitous is the little angel of Amorino! Created by two Italians in 2002, they now have opened many chain stores across Europe. A fat little angel and a petal-shaped ice cream on the logo are their signatures. Customers can choose the petals of each piece to have different tastes and have a “flower” of their own.
In Paris, almost every Amorino doorway has long queues! Whether it is near Shakespeare’s bookstore, at the entrance of Galeries Lafayette, or Montmartre, you will find the shadow of the little angel almost everywhere! Savor a good, thick ice cream and be grateful for the angel who helped grow the Gelato culture in the past 20 years!
Amorino has about 20 flavors lined up at the counter, so picking the right mix of ice cream to make your personal creation both yummy and beautiful is the real challenge! My Next Memory suggests the mango flavor as a delicious and great visual addition !
Grom
Grom is the next fighter in the Gelato global arena. Founded in 2003, the brand has expanded to Europe, Asia and North America. Grom’s iconic blue and white colors give it a chilled and Mediterranean vibe!
Compared to Italian stores, the Parisian ones have fewer flavors, not more than 10. But those who like cream will be in heaven thanks to the inimitable Yoghurt flavor, and the fruit gelatos are also a good deal for the summer thanks to their lightness and freshness. Caramel sea salt, pistachio and chocolate flavors were our favorites when we tried!
Pozzetto Gelato Caffè Paris
Pozzetto was founded in 2005. With currently two stores in Paris, one a dessert store and the other a small food store, some people say it is the best Gelato in Paris!
Pozzetto makes 12 iconic flavors, all produced from fresh ingredients daily! Gelato are all-natural with no pigments added. We recommend you don’t take more than three flavors at a time to really savor the taste. Cioccolato Fondente, Nocciola Piemonte and Pistacchio du Roi de Sicile are the three signature traditional Italian flavors at Pozzetto.
Address: 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris
Glaces Glazed
Glazed is a small ice cream shop on the slopes to Montmartre that is really easy to miss if you don’t pay attention. However, original taste is their main strength and you will find a combination of classics such as strawberry, vanilla or chocolate as well as much more daring combination such as mango & pepper! And these original mixes actually work very well ! So, be sure to spot that magical ice cream truck on this food shoppers’ paradise street.
Address: 54 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris
Berthillon
We don’t need to introduce Berthillon, also known as “the most famous ice cream shop in France”! Opened on Saint Louis Island in 1954, Berthillon not only maintains an astonishing ice cream quality but has expanded in producing some delicious gelatos !
While the store sign is very low-key, you will easily find it according to the queue at the entrance. After more than 60 years of development, Berthillon is now able to offer more than 70 flavors of ice cream for customers to choose from! Use your time in the queue to meditate what your choice will be!
In addition to gelato, Berthillon also sells a unique juice ice cube, which is worth trying too! However, as a very old French store, Berthillon also retains the tradition of closing for the holiday in August each year… so bear with us and wait another few days!
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After reading these Gelato reviews, are you ready to pack and go for a gourmet and romantic trip to Paris?