BY NAUREEN AHMED
This summer, we want freshness and lightness, creaminess that can only come from a cold, refreshing ice cream or gelato. We have the scoop on where to best get them in Riyadh.
Cioccolat Italiani
It seems like chocolate makers also make good ice cream makers. They have the fine ingredients already after all. Cioccolat Italiani has been serving sweet treats for the people of Riyadh for years and one of their most beloved product is their gourmet ice cream. Carefully flavored and made, they have a nice texture, Instagram-worthy looks, and a variety of flavors. Try the chocolate, pistachio, and salted caramel.
Giovanni L.
This gelato company made a commitment to quality with their motto, “Just a bit more of the very best.” And you can’t get wrong with their many flavors of ice cream that uses the freshest and high-quality ingredients: the most exquisite fruits, full-flavored chocolates, and crispy nuts. Their classic varieties are year-round favorites while their royal varieties are leveled up by exclusive ingredients and elaborate recipes. We say get the Sicilian Pistachio Verde, Chocolate VIC, and Straciatella.
Godiva
Godiva is known as the premier maker of fine Belgian chocolates since 1926. Its rich chocolate is unparalleled in smoothness and delicateness. These textures are also lent to their ice cream. The swirls of soft serve either vanilla, chocolate or both are not only picture-perfect and mouth-watering… they’re really good! The cone rimmed with chocolate and nuts embodies the same attention to detail that Godiva is proud of.
Serafina
Serafina, the Northern Italian restaurant, features many Italian family recipes that are passed down from one generation to the next. Apart from their savory and delicious pizzas and pastas, Serafina has an extensive list of desserts which includes gelato. Dreamy in its creaminess, their gelato has the right density and texture. Their spicy hazelnut gelato had us at first scoop!
Piatto
After a hearty main course, there’s no saying no to a cup of Piatto’s gelato. Theirs is hand-crafted, house-made the old-fashioned way. The fruits and spices they use are sourced locally. While the fruits are the spotlight in their Mango, Strawberry, and Lemon flavors, my fave is their Marshmallow Bubble Gum flavor which churns memories of my childhood.