The famed gelato shop Giolitti in Rome opened its very first Japan store in Lumine Est Shinjuku in June.
Founded in 1900 on the Via Uffici del Vicario, Giolitti is said to be Rome’s oldest ice cream parlour – it was even the official supplier to the Italian royal family. In 1953, it gained international recognition thanks to the film ‘Roman Holiday’ when Audrey Hepburn’s character devoured a gelato cone from Giolitti on the Spanish Steps. Still run by the Giolitti family, the business now has two stores in Rome and outlets as far afield as Kuwait and South Korea.
Giolitti's Tokyo outpost offers handcrafted gelato made fresh daily using original recipes that give the ice cream its beloved rich taste. Expect classic gelato cones (¥702 single, ¥810 double, ¥918 triple) and cups (¥756 double, ¥864 triple), chocolate-coated ice cream on a stick and even ice cream sandwiches.
If you need help choosing from the myriad of flavours on display, go for one of the classic flavours from the original store such as hazelnut, vanilla, pistachio and tiramisu. For something more daring, try the shop's unique flavours like rice, watermelon or pineapple.