The Unspoken Etiquette Tourists Should Know Before Ordering Gelato In Italy

Gelato is one of the most delectable desserts in Italy. With a lower milk fat content, thicker texture, and more intense flavor profiles than ice cream, gelato is meant to be savored and experienced instead of simply eaten. Another difference between gelato and ice cream comes from how you order one. As elsewhere in Italian culture, there is an unspoken etiquette rule tourists should follow when it comes to ordering this treasured dessert.

Taking a dive into Italy's dining culture can be intimidating, and there are certain etiquette rules that, if broken, could end up leading to a lecture instead of an enjoyable meal. While the way you order gelato is not the biggest faux pas in the Italian food scene, being observant and understanding about how locals do it will only serve to benefit you.

While this is not an official food rule, it is common to pay for gelato before choosing your flavors. Go to the cashier first, to order and pay for the size you want. Once you've gotten your receipt, you can head down to the server and choose the flavors you'd like. However, this rule is not universal across all gelaterias, as we shall soon see.

When you step into a gelateria in Italy, take a moment and see how the locals are ordering their gelato. There are one of two ways locals go about ordering their scoops. They either do what we mentioned earlier – pay for the gelato and then go pick the flavors – or you can order and receive your gelato first, and then pay. If you're confused, or you're the only one in the store, you can simply ask the proprietor "Devo pagare prima o dopo?" which means "Do I pay before or after?"

Before you even ask this question, there are some things you will need to decide. The relaxed pace of life in Italy means you can take your time choosing your flavors and deciding whether you want a cup (coppa) or a cone (cono) before stepping up to place your order. Making these decisions ahead of your order helps keeps the line from getting too backed up, especially if the place is already crowded. 

When it comes to the size you choose, remember that portion sizes in Italy are a lot smaller than in the U.S. In Italy, you can typically choose up to three small scoops of gelato, though most locals order two. It's typical to order a different, well-paired flavor for each scoop, so you can experience a wider variety of flavors.

Not all gelato is created equal. There are certain types you need to avoid as a tourist if you want to find the best of the best. In heavily tourist areas, such ancient history sites, it is common to see vendors with gelato piled high in extremely colorful, snazzy looking mounds. These are intentionally designed to capture your attention and whet your appetite. However, falling for such marketing is going to rob you of the true gelato experience.

Authentic gelato does not form mounds, and cannot be left out in the sunshine without melting. These highly decorative attempts contain additives like vegetable oil, food dyes, and additional fats and sugars. These won't taste nearly as rich or flavorful as authentic gelato, which is known for its deep flavor profiles and seasonal freshness.

Instead, you want to look away from the heavy tourist areas and search for small, family-run gelaterias that appear to cater to locals. If you can't see the product, that's a good thing. It means it is properly stored at the correct temperature, and is devoid of all of those other unnecessary ingredients. Also, take a look at the menu. Authentic gelaterias will offer flavors based on the seasons. For example, if it's summer, there are probably going to be a lot of fruits on the menu. All in all, going the extra mile to have an excellent gelato experience will really pay off in terms of flavor.