No matter the time of year, and even sometimes in the dead of winter, people can be seen enjoying tall, elaborate cones of Italian ice cream in different flavors on the streets of Paris, or stealing the city’s famous traditional ice cream. vendor, Berthillon, or any number of other glaciers, for a great cup of heavenly stuff, followed, perhaps, by a strong espresso.
In summer, of course, ice cream seems to be a preferred meal replacement for locals and tourists alike. Gelato in particular has become highly sought after in recent years, with a crop of small specialty stores making it fresh on the spot, using only natural flavors and ingredients, with no stabilizers. These are some of my favorite places to enjoy frozen treats, whether you prefer a more traditional, creamy or frozen variety, or the deliciously dense yet airy quality of Italian ice cream. For more ideas, check out pastry chef and ice cream expert David Lebovitz’s great feature on the same topic.
01
of 04
Berthillon: for the native French gourmet “Glaces”
Considered by many to be the gold standard in French ice cream, Berthillon was established as a restaurant and tearoom on charming Ile St Louis in 1928. 90 years later, it attracts swarms of tourists and locals, especially in the warmer months. . its creamy but still comparably light and refreshing ice cream ( creme glacée ) and often unusual fruit sorbets. You can also buy the ice cream from authorized stores, but this is the only official store and tea room in the city.
Made only with a mixture of heavy cream and fresh cream (a much lighter variety), eggs, sugar, and natural flavors, Berthillon prides itself on using zero artificial colors, flavors, or stabilizers. Chefs make ice cream on site every day, and while some of the 60 flavors on their menus are constant (vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, salted buttered caramel), watch out for whimsical and delicious flavors that include prailina with coriander. and lemon, foie gras , Earl Gray tea, Gianduja with orange (one of my personal favorites, combining hazelnuts with chocolate), Grand Marnier and many others.
Do you prefer something a little lighter? Refreshing sorbets include cassis, lime, lychee, peach with mint leaves, lemon thyme, and raspberry with rose extract. If you are celebrating Christmas in Paris, consider purchasing a beautiful traditional Christmas registry ( buche de Noel ) filled with ice cream and cake.
How to get there: 29-31 rue Saint Louis en l’ile, 4th district
Metro: Pont Marie or Sully-Morland
Phone: +33 (0) 143543161
Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm Closed Monday and Tuesday, several weeks in mid-July and August. Call ahead when in doubt.
02
of 04
Pozzetto: my favorite ice cream, hands down
This little ice cream shop in the heart of the Marais is my absolute favorite for Italian ice cream in Paris – ever since I stumbled upon it, I have made a ritual of enjoying a pot after enjoying a fantastic falafel from near L’As du Fallafel. My frozen drug of choice? The creamy nutty pistachio is intensely combined with the subtly sweet chocolate and hazelnut flavors of Gianduja.
Offering only twelve flavors at any one time, emphasizing quality and intensity of flavors rather than extensive choice, all ice cream is made on site here daily, in the adjoining kitchen. “Pozzetto” means “bowl” and refers to the containers with metal lids in which the ice cream is stored (and from which it is served directly). Instead of displaying the ice cream in large, visually appealing mountains, as is the tradition in many ice cream parlors , the people of Pozzetto say that keeping it stored in the pits preserves the flavors and consistency.
I usually order a cone or cup to get out of the cute little window and walk around in a wonderful state, but if you prefer to sit down, the little cafe allows you to sit and have an authentic Italian espresso or a hot chocolate thick.
How to get there: 39 rue du roi de sicile, 4th arrondissement (there is also a second location around the corner at 16, rue vieille du temple)
Metro: Hotel de Ville or St Paul
Phone: +33 (0) 1 42 77 08 64
Hours: Open every day from 12:15 pm to 11:45 pm (Monday to Thursday and Sunday), from 12:15 pm to 12:45 am (Friday and Saturday)
03
of 04
Crazy Delights Ice Cream
Giving Pozzetto a run for his money in the ice cream department, Deliziefolle is tucked away in the charming cobbled neighborhood of Rue Montorgueil, just one block from the monstrous Les Halles shopping center. The ice cream is made from natural ingredients and comes in flavors that include fresh melon, mint mojito, and traditional favorites like stracciatella. The recipes are all creations of the award-winning Pellegrino Gaeta Glacier, winner of the 2007 “Glaciar Maitre” international award. I especially appreciate their mild sweetness, as I don’t like my ice cream very sugary.
The only downside to this place? It closes its doors for most of the winter. Call ahead to find out if it’s open.
Read my full review here
04
of 04
Amorino: excellent ice cream with various locations
This gelato chain serves very decent Italian-style ice cream at various locations in the city. It’s a good choice for family outings with kids, as you can choose from more than a dozen flavors (in theory, as many as you want) and cleverly arranged in petals in a cone or cup.
How to get there: 119/121 Rue St Martin, District 3
Metro: Rambuteau
See the official website for more locations
