There are 5 ice cream parlors in Cagliari awarded by Gambero Rosso in the "Gelaterie d'Italia 2023 " guide. The score assigned was evaluated in "cones", which in this particular case take the place of the more common stars, much loved and desired by chefs.
On the podium of the classification is I Fenu Gelateria e Pasticceria , with 3 cones.
«Ethical work and sustainability are very topical and all the rage topics – writes the guide -. Fabrizio Fenu and Maurizia Bello have made it a philosophy of life since the beginning of their Cagliari adventure. In fact, here artisan and almost exclusively Sardinian products are valued, with the exception of raw materials that come from afar such as cocoa: all selected with great attention to quality and the production chain. At the base of the sorbets are local fruit combined with fragrant spices: the white Marmilla melon with Timut pepper, the verdello quality Villacidro lemon, in which the freshness of the juice meets the bitterness of the toasted peel; the plum and thyme sorbet made with fruits from Villa San Pietro. Even the classic creams are of a high standard, while the peculiarities that bring Sardinia into every taste with creative combinations make the ice cream of this place of worship a true gourmet experience. So here is the brebiblu based on a sheep's blue cheese, Vernaccia cream, Sardinian flower and caramelized pears: bold and innovative flavors that have also conquered the overseas public».
Followed by 2 cones , Chiccheria , Soncini and Gli Stefini Artigiani del Gelato . The first «is the Sardinian branch of the well-known ice cream parlor in Marina di Grosseto, a project dedicated to high quality ice cream created by master ice cream maker Manuele Presenti. For some years, but only for the summer season, the opening of the island has also been planned in Villasiumius. In the Sardinian capital, on the other hand, the business remains open for most of the year with a truly superlative product. The place is very small and only offers the take-away option: you can taste the ice cream on the benches in front of the entrance or eat it while strolling in the spacious Via Dante. A silky and creamy ice cream, which plays everything on softness and sweetness. The creams are unmissable: pistachio without a doubt, but also stracciatella, hazelnut and extra dark chocolate. There is also room for regional traditions with the pardula (called Sardinian cake) and for some super delicious flavors such as caramel, salted peanuts or ricotta and figs».
The second, Soncini, according to Gambero Rosso is the result of «a passion that has lasted for almost fifty years (the establishment was born in 1977). At the helm are Luca and Luisa Soncini who, as well as being passionate, are true ice cream professionals. In the small laboratory they make a state-of-the-art ice cream, with the right amount of sugar, at an impeccable temperature and creamed properly so as to be creamy and inviting. To the classic flavours, between creams and fruit, are added some very successful more imaginative proposals, the result of very focused combinations. Like Millevoglie, an eggnog cream with caramel, coffee and puff pastries; S'aranzada homage to the typical dessert of the Nuorese (orange peel, almonds and honey), or Malaga with raisins with zibibbo. The traditional ones are no less: the fruit is delicious, the pistachios delicious and perfectly creamed, as are the hazelnuts and stracciatella. Courtesy and availability complete the picture.
2 cones also for Gli Stefini Artigiani del Gelato, «one of the first ice cream parlors in the city to offer a product of true craftsmanship, the result of excellent raw materials and from sustainable crops. Over the years the quality has not changed and Gli Stefini remains a small place, with several locations in Cagliari, to always keep in mind. In this period they are active in Lungomare Poetto, 41 at Il Lido and in the new ice cream parlor in via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 194. By choice, the flavors offered are few, divided between creams (milk-based) and sorbets (water-based) . In the latter, the fruit that literally follows the seasons excels. Very good, tasty, with the perfect texture. The creams are enveloping, very velvety enough to give a greater sugary sensation, but the balance, thanks to the ingredients, is impeccable. Try zabaglione, pistachio and Cuneo, where chocolate meets rum. Finally, the chocolate is also offered without milk, for a 100% authentic taste».
Il Gelato Aresu closes the ranking, with 1 cone. The Cagliari ice cream parlor has been located «for several years in the San Benedetto district - reads the guide -, not far from the renowned market. Small place, but very nice and welcoming, with the possibility of sitting down for a good coffee and some ideas for a breakfast. Ice cream is undoubtedly the protagonist and is declined in different flavors ranging from the classic ones (starting with fruit) to the more particular ones that include exotic fruits, creams or particular combinations. Among the latter, chocolate, orange and chilli pepper or yoghurt, honey and pine nuts. Then the persimmon flavour, the classic chocolate or custard are very good. Also try some typical products from other regions, such as the Bronte pistachio or the PGI hazelnut from Piedmont. Everything is always seasoned with kindness and courtesy».
(Unioneonline/vf)