You might have laughed at the title of this article, thinking “Seriously, how difficult can it be to obtain an ice cream?” If you don’t mind me asking, I will take a few moments to explain why it might be necessary for you to read this before you go into a gelateria. You can get a gelato even if you don’t read this. However, it will make the process go more smoothly. You will spend less time waiting for your gelato.
Do you mind if I take a few moments to chat with you? Excellent.
Ordering Gelato in Italy
I usually expect to eat the item I purchase when I go to a restaurant. Gelato shops in Italy are more like take-out or convenience shops. You pay first and then you get your goodies. Sometimes, the person taking payment in a gelateria isn’t the same person who scoops your gelato. If you hadn’t paid in advance, the people filling your order wouldn’t know. It also keeps the filthy from your delicious, tasty gelato.
There are gelaterias that are small enough and not busy enough to have the same person take your money and scoop your gelato. These instructions are aimed at busy tourist shops where the patience level is not high.
These are the steps for ordering gelato from Italy.
These two things can be a good match?
Sometimes I will choose one flavor that I like but cannot decide which one to pair with it. Asking for flavor suggestions is a great way to get ideas if the shop isn’t crowded or the server is friendly. It is said that one flavor “marries well with another,” which I find adorable. For example, you might ask “Cosa si sosa bene con la licorice?” Surprised to hear that lemon with licorice is a popular combination! These often become new favorites. It’s possible to try it yourself.
Let me just have a bite.
Victoria posted a comment asking if it was acceptable to ask for a taste before ordering a flavor. This is a great question. Thankfully, the answer to it is yes. If a shop is crowded, it’s unlikely that they will appreciate you asking for a taste. This is especially true if you request multiple samples before making a decision. soh ah
Learn , is so useful.
Glossary of Gelato Ordering
In another article I covered the gelato flavor. What they mean and how to pronounce them in Italian. But here is the vocabulary you will need to get from zero to gelato quickly.
- noh) – cone (some gelato shops do not have cones); “a cone” is “un cono”
- coppa (KOHP|pah) – cup; “a cup” is “una coppa”
- stoh) – flavor; the plural is “gusti”
- nah) – with whipped cream; you may be asked if you’d like whipped cream atop your gelato
- zah BEH
- un attimo (oon AH|tee|moh) – one moment
- goh) – literally means “you’re welcome,” but is used by servers to indicate they’re ready to take your order
- mee) – tell me; used by servers to indicate they’re ready to take your order
- VOH
- zee