Fresh waffle cones perfume the interior, drawing people into the shop where Marco Silvestri has spent more than a decade introducing Austinites to authentic Italian gelato. Silvestri moved from Italy and worked in cities including Milan, Chicago and New York before settling in Austin in 2012, believing the city appreciated local craftsmanship.
The gelato is a reflection of that belief. Less air means denser texture. Slightly warmer serving temperatures make flavors bloom. Seasonal sorbets featuring Texas peaches, plumcots and cantaloupe arrive as local fruit comes into season. Pistachios come from California, hazelnuts from Oregon and every batch is pasteurized before being churned in traditional Italian machines.
If you order their affogato, it’s easy to close your eyes and pretend you’re somewhere outside Rome.