Gelatina s.a.s. di Martina Francesconi e C. — Restaurant in Genoa

I don’t usually leave long reviews, but this experience really stuck with us in a negative way, and I believe it’s important to share so others can make an informed decision before visiting Gelatina in Genoa.

My family and I stopped by this ice cream shop on a warm afternoon while exploring the city. The display was appealing and the flavours looked interesting, so we were genuinely excited to try something new. As we weren’t sure what to get, we politely asked to try a flavour, which we did, without any issue. After that, I asked to try a second flavour before deciding. That’s when the experience quickly went downhill.

The staff member behind the counter, a woman who unfortunately never gave her name, immediately responded with visible frustration and attitude, as though we were being difficult simply for wanting to sample more than one flavour. Mind you, this was after we had already purchased an ice cream for my family, so we weren’t trying to get free samples without buying anything, we were just trying to choose what to get next.

What made things worse was her complete lack of engagement. She avoided eye contact, wasn’t responsive when we spoke to her, and made us feel like we were intruding rather than being valued customers. At one point, we even tried to ask if she understood what we were saying, but she wouldn’t reply unless we repeated ourselves more than once. It felt like she was making a point of being unhelpful.

Trying to be understanding, we explained that we’re visiting from Australia, and that back home it’s completely normal, and encouraged, to try a few flavours before committing to a purchase. Especially when the ice cream is artisanal and there are so many unfamiliar options, sampling is a standard part of the experience. We were calm and respectful the entire time, simply trying to communicate our point of view. But rather than acknowledging what we were saying or even responding with basic courtesy, she remained cold and dismissive.

It was honestly disappointing. What should have been a lighthearted and enjoyable moment during our travels turned into a frustrating and uncomfortable encounter. Good customer service is about making people feel welcome, especially those visiting from other countries, and this experience lacked even the most basic level of hospitality.

Needless to say, we won’t be returning to Gelatina, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others who value friendly, respectful service. There are plenty of other gelaterias in Genoa that understand how to treat people kindly, and I would strongly recommend others take their business somewhere they’ll actually be treated with some basic...

Che dire? Questo posto è una caffetteria/gelateria alternativa nel panorama genovese. Voglio intanto iniziare parlando del gelato premiato di recente con due coni dal gambero rosso come una delle migliori gelaterie di quest’anno su suolo italiano. I gusti sono tutti molto buoni e ne troverete anche di particolari. Il gelato di gelatina si caratterizza per avere un sapore leggero ma deciso, insomma gustoso senza appesantire. Ogni gusto sa di artigianale e preparato seguendo una vera etica del gelato! Insomma si vede che è tutto fatto con il cuore e con fatica. Le torte dolci (provate assolutamente quella alla zucca!) sono un’altra sciccheria del locale. A far da contorno a queste e alle altre bontà artigianali del posto, oltre all’ottima caffetteria, c’è un team di ragazze simpaticissime, sorridenti e pronte a scherzare. Insomma se siete di Genova e non avete mai provato questo posto... vi scuso! Ma sbrigatevi a rimediare! :P Ah, quasi dimenticavo, adoro come è tutto arredato, a partire dai prodotti esposti in vendita, come le tisane ai tanti libri sulla cucina da cui...

This place makes wonderfully flavored sandwiches. I tried salmon sandwich, it is extremely good, with fresh and toasty multi-grain bread, salmon, avocado and cheese. I also ordered fruit cup with pistachio and mango gelatos, both fruits and gelatos are fresh and delicious. The staff speaks English and there are tables outside for dinning....