Where the concierge points people first
- Amorino Gelato — The Parisian chain founded by two Italians that shapes each cone into a flower of petals. You can have several flavors in one size without paying more, which is the reason to go. (40.7330, -73.9940)
- Anita Gelato — A Tel Aviv chain with a very long flavor list and heavily loaded toppings. More of a treat than a purist's gelato, and none the worse for it. (40.7582, -73.9860)
- L'Arte del Gelato — A small New York gelato maker with a counter in the Oculus at the World Trade Center, handy when you are down at the memorial and need a sit. (40.7115, -74.0113)
- Figo il Gelato Italiano — An Italian-style gelateria with a shop in Astoria, a reason to try gelato outside Manhattan where the queues are shorter. (40.7749, -73.9139)
- Morelia Gourmet Paletas — Mexican-style paletas, fruit or cream ice lollies that can be dipped and topped. Not gelato strictly, but the right answer on a hot day with children. (40.7695, -73.9550)
The rest of the gelato shops in New York — every one we hold
- Amorino USA (40.7329, -73.9938)
- Chillbox (40.7621, -73.9659)
- Della Nonna Gelato (40.6938, -73.9461)
- Figo (40.7200, -73.9555)
- Gelateria Gentile (40.7331, -73.9934)
- Gelateria Gentile - West Village (40.7384, -74.0039)
- Gelatoville Gelataria & Coffee (40.7289, -73.9846)
- Julietta Gelato Cafe (40.7336, -74.0043)
- L'Arte Del Gelato (40.7727, -73.9833)
- L'Arte Del Gelato (40.7813, -73.9741)
- Pamina Dolce Gelato (40.7353, -73.9987)
- Sundaes Best (40.7469, -73.9851)
- Vico Gelato & Caffe (40.8019, -74.0067)
Look at the color of the pistachio
A gelato shop that makes its own tends to give itself away. Real pistachio is a dull brownish-green, not bright green; banana is grayish-cream, not yellow. Gelato piled into tall glossy mountains above the rim of the tub usually relies on stabilisers to hold that shape, while freshly made gelato sits flat or is kept in covered metal tubs. None of this is a law, and a flat tub can still be bought in, but the color of the pistachio is the fastest test you can do from the other side of the glass.
Questions people ask
What are the best gelato shops in New York?
Amorino Gelato for flower cones and several flavors at once, Anita Gelato for choice, and L'Arte del Gelato and Figo il Gelato Italiano for classic Italian-style gelato.
How can you tell if gelato is made on site?
Look for natural colors, especially a brownish pistachio, and gelato that sits flat in the tub rather than heaped high. Asking where it is made is fine, too.
How many gelato shops are there in New York?
Num's directory maps 21 gelato shops in New York.
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