A simple name for a shop chock-full of charm and surprises.
Handsdown my favourite gelato store in London. The cozy interior hides the robust explosion of flavours contained by the refrigerated counter.
A scoop (or two) a day keeps the sadness away.
I first stumbled upon this gelateria when I walked past the tiny shop and noticed all the Great Taste awards it had posted on its doors. The store was almost empty when I peered in but the coziness of the decor and the voluptuous mounds of gelato caught my attention. This little place which uses only natural and seasonal ingredients, with options catering to various dietary requirements, is truly a maestro in the art of gelato.
The classics
Like all gelateria, the classics can be found. Pistachio, nocciola, dark chocolate, and stracciatella. When I first ordered a cone of the former three flavours - mounted high, precariously and generously onto a small cone - I knew this was THE place. La Gelateria not only nails the creamy and smooth texture that one expects from a well-churned gelato, but also has the the flavours spot on. Pistachio tastes exactly as it should; no tang of artificial flavouring nor shock of vibrant colouring. The muted earthy green gelato tastes exactly like a beautifully sweetened pistachio cream. The pistachio from this little shop is by far my favourite amongst all other gelaterias I have tried.
The festive and seasonal
Hot crossed buns, minced pies, chestnut, pumpkin pie, carrot cake, ube...the list goes on. La Gelateria never stops to surprise and impress me with its ability to turn foods you'd never expect into gelato. One can enjoy all the festive and seasonal classics in gelato form...can life be any better?
The edgy
In addition to the simple fruit flavours of La Gelateria - which are well loved, especially in the summer - there are honey, rosemary & orange zest as well as basil & chilli for those who enjoy lighter and more refreshing flavours. These two flavours take one on a perfumed journey with every scoop, light yet complex, refreshing and memorable. They are definitely my go-to when I am full but still itching for a dessert - which is most of the time.
For those who are looking for a kick, there is extra dark chocolate and chilli. A hot twist to an all-time classic, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The incredible tingling and burning sensation from the generous amounts of chilli is counter-balanced ingeniously by the cool nature of the gelato itself. This one can be strangely addictive.
The crazy
Cornish blue cheese and walnuts. This gelato is only for the brave, the quirky, the adventurous...or really anyone, all it takes is just a bit of trust in La Gelateria. Many stray away from this gelato, but I would argue it is one of the flavours which epitomises the art of La Gelateria: natural, confident, daring, adventurous, and ingenious. The salty punchiness of the blue cheese blends beautifully with the earthy flavour of the walnuts to create a balanced yet exciting gelato. Give this one a try when you see it pop up in their selection of flavours, because you will definitely be in for an adventure. La Gelateria never disappoints.
"Full but still itching for a dessert" : a forever mood ! I feel like booking a ticket to London now 🙈