When cravings strike, here’s the local scoop on America’s ice cream’s sweet, tangy Italian cousin.
Delini ice cream. /Courtesy photo
Sometimes you just want some luscious, spectacular ice cream, prepared in any way – in this case, we’ve got you covered. (See also: The best soft serve ice cream in Greater Boston.) But the Italian cousin of “traditional” American ice cream—made with less butterfat and a higher percentage of milk, and at a slightly higher temperature—is its own Special pleasure, dense in texture and rich in flavor. So when that craving hits, here’s the scoop on the best ice cream in the area.
Caffè Paradiso’s pistachio martini features a scoop of pistachio ice cream. /Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Paradise Coffee
Unsurprisingly, there’s plenty of ice cream to choose from in Boston’s wicked North Side — not all of them are wicked, though OKThat being said, there’s a reason why family-owned Caffè Paradiso has been around for over 60 years: delicious homemade ice cream (think hazelnut, pistachio and strawberry flavors) when topped with coffee or coffee or chocolate liqueur.
255 Hanover St., North End, Boston, 617-742-1768, caffeparadisoboston.com.
Delini ice cream. /Courtesy photo
Drini ice cream
Viki Petkova has built an impressive reputation since opening her West Roxbury ice cream parlour in June 2020 – a time when most businesses were struggling to stay afloat amid shutdowns and other challenges early in the pandemic.There’s no way it could happen Won’t Talk about the unique whistle-moist flavors made here, though: Honey Lavender, Mango Lassi, Tropical Banana, and (most famously) an off-menu Rose Oil Pistachio Baklava inspired by a Bulgarian native’s family recipe . (Note: Delini will be closed for winter break; follow social media for updates on closing and reopening dates.)
5 Bellevue St., West Roxbury, Boston, delinigelato.com.
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Long Pizza
This swanky little Davis Square pizzeria — with some of the best New York-style pizzas with a rotating array of creative toppings — also makes ice cream in-house, because who doesn’t want pizza with ice cream? There’s usually vanilla, mint chips and dark chocolate, along with “lots of daily specials”. The casual shop also has a full bar, so feel free to pair it with Kung Pao chicken pizza and hazelnut chocolate swirl ice cream with homemade Sprite or classic Negroni.
233 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville, dragonpizzasomerville.com.
foodie
Wander around Eataly’s ice cream truck parked on the Boylston Street patio when the weather is nice and scoop up something sweet – maybe caramel chocolate? – and then attract people to watch. However, neither rainy days nor the cold of winter should keep you away from a cold meal: Il Gelato is one of several counter-serve concepts located within the sprawling food market that still serves you great Italian gelato, created by High Lawn Farm’s milk is made in Western Massachusetts (along with live entertainment by many shopping tourists).
800 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston, 617-807-7300, eataly.com.
ice cream & chill
Three words: Ice Cream Filled Brioche. (Ok, one more word: yes.) If your interest is piqued enough now, head over to Gelato & Chill’s Chestnut Hill—where you’ll find nuts wrapped in ricotta, chocolate, or stracciatella or Pastry ice cream decorated with chocolate chips. Of course, those looking for simple scoops can also find them at suburban stores and food outlets within Time Out Market Boston. Try the tiramisu; all in all, it’s amazing.
401 Park Dr. (Time Out Market Boston), Fenway, Boston, 617-717-4989; 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-717-4989, gelatochill.com.
Giovanna ice cream ice cream
Want to hear a sweet success story? Architect-turned-food entrepreneur Eduardo Kreindel founded the ice cream shop in his basement in 2008, inspired by the ice cream he ate in his hometown of Buenos Aires, a sizable Italian immigrant community. Now, the Malden-based maker of modern seasonal flavors (mint, caramel, pumpkin pie, candy canes…) is a sizable business, selling pint-sized through independent markets and select Whole Foods Markets Kreindel Fine Food Containers in Boston and surrounding areas.
193 Maple Street (manufacturing facility – not storefront), Malden, 617-320-4647, giovannagelato.com.
Gorgeous Gelato’s Ice Cream Roll. /Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
gorgeous ice cream
Hey, good-looking – just look at High Street Place, the still-new and buzzing food court in downtown Boston, to find Gorgeous’s first Hub location. This Portland, Maine-based ice cream shop has made a name for itself among our northern neighbors thanks to a pair of owners who swapped Milan for New England with the intention of producing “the best ice cream in Western Italy.” This self-described task is likely to be accomplished, as anyone who has tried a glass of limoncello, sea salt caramel, or Boston cream pie can attest. Yes, this is another place where you can buy ice cream filled brioche.
100 High Street (High Street Plaza), downtown Boston, gorgeousgelato.com.
sweet street ice cream
First things first: Sweet Street has its own catering food truck, if you want to park some cones or cups outside your next gathering, like birthday cake ice cream. Alternatively, you can always treat yourself to a shop at Peabody’s Eatery58 Marketplace, a North Shore food hall and home to Neapolitan pizza (Frankie Slice) and specialty java (Capito coffee). There, you’ll also find Sweet Street’s signature ice cream sundae for a festive addition to any day of the week.
58 Pulaski Street (Eatery58 Market), Peabody, sweetstreetgelato.com.
dining table cafe
Now, she’s probably best known for the multi-course, communal-style meals served at her restaurant Table – but sports commentator-turned-chef Jen Royle may soon be named North End’s Ice cream queen. She’s been crushing it with sweets at Table Caffé across the street, selling out ever-fresh, never-frozen flavors (from classic stracciatella to tangy orange) every day. Bonus: You can add a little fun to the experience by watching her make it on a machine made in Italy through the large windows on the sidewalk.
396-400 Hanover St., North End, Boston, 857-250-4286, tableboston.com/table-caffe.