Palermo's Best Gelato (Sandwich)
When we think of an ice cream sandwich, we think of a block of artificial, freezer-burnt ice cream stuffed between soft chocolate crackers. The American version of this frozen dessert is simple and easy to eat but I’ve never been one for this kind of ice cream sandwich.
Welcome to Sicily where ice cream sandwiches have become my favorite sweet treat best enjoyed any time of the day. The Sicilian gelato and brioche can be eaten for breakfast, dessert, or even lunch. It is, after all, a sandwich in the literal sense; brioche bookends heaping scoops of gelato. The fluffy roll isn’t your normal sandwich bread but a sweet roll often flavored with orange and vanilla, sometimes made with egg. Pair the brioche with a few scoops of your favorite flavors for a taste of Italy best done in the south.
If you find yourself in Palermo, here are my recommendations for the best places to enjoy this Sicilian classic:
Brioscia - Located just past Teatro Massimo, this popular gelateria is hidden on Palermo’s high-end shopping street. Choose the brioscia option and sample up to three kinds of gelato in a fluffy roll. Similar to Rome’s Come Il Latte, Brioscia gives dessert-goers the choice of a white or dark chocolate drizzle in the bottom of their cones.
Gelateria La Kala - This was conveniently located down the street from my apartment but has the best chocolate settevelli I’ve yet to find. It’s a small, unassuming gelateria where you can take your cone across the street to watch the fishermen in La Kala. Be sure to keep your gelato away from the street’s stray cats.
Cappodania - I had low expectations for a gelateria just steps away from the cathedral on one of Palermo’s most touristy streets but was pleasantly surprised by the artiginal quality of its flavor. Try the salted caramel or tiramisu if you’re looking for something different though lovers of the classics can’t go wrong with Capaddonia’s rich chocolate.
Il Signor di Carbognano - Off the beaten path, you’ll find this hole-in-the-wall gelateria way past Via Maqueda and near the English Gardens. A small shop, here you’ll find some of the city’s best pistachio and an exceptionally friendly staff.