Now, we wouldn’t consider ourselves gelato connoisseurs, nor would we expect to find an authentic cone in New York City. But awesomely enough, we stumbled upon L’Arte del Gelato in Manhattan which surely changed my mind. Just a few blocks from 95 Horatio Street, L’Arte del Gelato is conveniently located for TF Cornerstone residents in the West Village. The NYC gelato destination offers rich and creamy flavor that bring back memories of strolling through Florence. And we figure it’s as close to Italy as we’re going to get in NYC.

L’Arte Del Gelato is quite an appropriate name, too. Because it is an art form to gelato afficianados–and only a few artisans in New York City have the knack. While some shops stick to the basics, others venture out. At places like L’Arte Del Gelato, new ingredients make their way to the menu in some very palatable ways.
The variety of gelati was making our heads spin (or maybe it was the heat?). From berry sorbeti to cantaloupe to caramello to olive oil–this place had it all. The smallest cup was priced at $4.50, and holds two scoops. The next size up can accommodate three scoops for just a dollar more. And if you’re thinking the price is a bit steep, it’s certainly no higher than the going rate for quality gelato in Manhattan.


When we finally escaped the trance, we ordered a double scoop of mint chocolate chip and biscotti in a small cup. WOW–the mint chocolate chip reminded us of why gelato is always better than ice cream. The decadent, creamy mint was the perfect consistency, sporting dozens of chocolate morsels in each scoop. But the biscotti flavored gelato was the showstopper. The almond flavor stood out perfectly, and it even managed to evoke that baked tinge of a real biscotti.

Something made this gelato stand out, and we have a hunch that the secret wasn’t so much how they do it, but what they use. And sure enough, L’Arte del Gelato in NYC admits to creating such full-bodied flavors with the help of the finest imported ingredients. So stop inside this West Village gelato shop, or stop by their stands in Chelsea Market and Lincoln Center Plaza (but first check their website for open hours!) L’Arte del Gelato is one gelaterie that brings back those fine memories of Italy.
*Images via Yelp: L’Arte del Gelato