31 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Un gelato, per favore.
A gelato, please.
The opening request at any gelateria — immediately followed by format, size, and flavour choices.
In cono o in coppetta?
In a cone or in a cup?
This is what the gelatiere will ask you. The choice between cone and cup is the first decision after size.
Quante palline posso mettere?
How many scoops can I put in?
After choosing cone or cup, to confirm how many scoops fit in the chosen size.
Che gusti avete?
What flavours do you have?
At any gelateria when you want to see or hear the complete flavour selection before deciding.
Una pallina di pistacchio, per favore.
One scoop of pistachio, please.
When ordering pistachio gelato — one of Italy's most beloved flavours, especially in Sicily where the best pistachios grow.
È gelato artigianale?
Is it artisan gelato?
Before ordering to confirm whether the gelato is made in-house ('artigianale') or industrial ('industriale').
Con la panna, per favore.
With whipped cream, please.
When you want whipped cream added to your gelato — usually offered as an option, especially on cones.
Una brioche con il gelato, per favore.
A brioche with gelato, please.
In Sicily (and increasingly across Italy) where gelato inside a split brioche bun is a beloved tradition — the classic Sicilian breakfast or afternoon snack.
Una pallina di cioccolato fondente.
One scoop of dark chocolate.
When ordering chocolate gelato and specifying dark chocolate ('fondente') rather than milk chocolate ('al latte').
Quali sono i gusti alla frutta?
Which are the fruit flavours?
When you want something lighter and fruitier — fruit sorbets are dairy-free and typically made with fresh seasonal fruit.
Una pallina di crema, per favore.
One scoop of custard cream, please.
When ordering the classic custard-cream flavour — vanilla-adjacent, egg-based, and a benchmark of any gelateria.
Avete gusti vegani?
Do you have vegan flavours?
When you avoid animal products and want to know which flavours are suitable.
Una pallina di stracciatella.
One scoop of stracciatella.
When ordering one of Italy's most beloved gelato flavours — vanilla base with shavings of dark chocolate throughout.
Posso assaggiare quello?
Can I taste that one?
Before deciding on a flavour, to taste a small sample. Artisan gelaterias always allow this — it is standard practice.
Avete il gelato variegato?
Do you have variegated gelato?
When looking for gelato with a ripple or swirl of sauce through it — chocolate, raspberry, or caramel variegato.
Un tartufo, per favore.
A tartufo, please.
When ordering the tartufo — an Italian ice cream dessert shaped like a truffle, filled with gelato and coated in chocolate or cocoa.
Una granita al limone, per favore.
A lemon granita, please.
In Sicily or any Sicilian-style gelateria, particularly in summer, to order the quintessential Sicilian iced dessert.
Il cono è fatto con wafer o cialda?
Is the cone made with wafer or pressed wafer?
When you want to know the type of cone — showing interest in the complete gelato experience.
Un affogato al caffè, per favore.
An affogato with coffee, please.
When you want gelato 'drowned' in a shot of hot espresso — a grown-up dessert combining gelato and coffee.
Il nocciola è di nocciola del Piemonte?
Is the hazelnut made with Piedmontese hazelnuts?
When ordering hazelnut gelato and wanting to confirm the source of the hazelnuts — the key quality indicator.
Avete gusti senza lattosio?
Do you have lactose-free flavours?
When lactose intolerant and wanting to know which gelato flavours are suitable.
Cosa mi consiglia il gelatiere?
What does the gelato maker recommend?
When you want to defer entirely to the expertise of the gelatiere — showing respect for their craft.
Quanto costa una pallina?
How much does one scoop cost?
Before ordering to understand the pricing — gelato is usually priced by size (piccolo/medio/grande) rather than per scoop in Italy.
Il pistacchio è finito?
Has the pistachio run out?
When you cannot see your desired flavour and want to confirm if it has sold out.
Posso mescolare più gusti?
Can I mix several flavours?
When you want to combine multiple flavours in one cup or cone — the standard practice in Italian gelaterias.
È il migliore gelato che abbia mai mangiato.
It is the best gelato I have ever eaten.
When the gelato genuinely surpasses your expectations — a sincere compliment that will delight the gelatiere.
Questa è la gelateria di fiducia del quartiere.
This is the neighbourhood's trusted gelateria.
A statement of loyalty when discussing a gelateria with locals or when returning to a favourite place.
Posso portare via un vasetto di gelato?
Can I take away a jar of gelato?
When you want to buy gelato to take home — many artisan gelaterias sell their product in small jars or containers.
Il gelato è un buon sostituto del dolce?
Is gelato a good substitute for dessert?
When visiting a gelateria after a restaurant meal and wondering if gelato counts as a complete dessert.
Fate gelato anche d'inverno?
Do you make gelato in winter too?
In autumn or winter when you are uncertain if a gelateria remains open year-round.
Ecco la mia scelta — uno di cioccolato e uno di fragola.
Here is my choice — one chocolate and one strawberry.
After a long deliberation at the gelato counter, announcing your final decision to the gelatiere.