Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, Siena Via di Città, Piazza del Campo — Restaurant in Siena

Excellent chocolate and service! My group and I were met by a smile from Viviana and Cristina. Both were extremely patient as we perused the chocolate selection, and Viviana gladly allowed us to try some of the chocolates before we bought them. She carefully explained the ingredients and flavours of them, and she was like a tour guide, directing us to our desired chocolates when we stated our preferences. She happily went the extra mile to explain some of the history of some of the chocolates as well as her favourites (there were so many options to choose from), and when we were confused on the system of purchasing chocolates, she was very kind and patient in helping us, while also advising us on how to obtain the most chocolate for the most economical price. Viviana and Cristina truly treated us with top-notch service, and we felt very welcome with their guidance. Grazie mille, Viviana...

Venchi is an institution, and I feel mindful of that as I type.

The gelateria itself is wonderfully done out, like what one would imagine if confronted with the words "Charlie & The Chocolate Factory meets gelato". And the team are fantastic, happy to explain anything you don't understand and going out of their way to we ensure you have a great experience.

The issue is... the gelato is unexceptional? It's fine. It's more than fine, it's quite good. But Tuscany is the home of gelato, and this is a competitive space. In less than a week we've had at least four better cups of gelato during our travels. And when you consider two large cups came to €15.50, it's a fairly big premium for the great service.

Go for the experience and the story to tell, but you'll find better gelato in the towns in and around Siena than...

First of all: Doria and Ilaria were absolutely amazing in the service as well as the recommendations. :) They were both very friendly, committed and made us immediately feel welcomed in the store.

Thanks to them the ice cream tasted twice as good.

You can choose between a wide variety of flavours (also vegan options) and even add a chocolate filling in the cup. So every imagined desire regarding ice cream can be fulfilled. It was a bit pricey but worth every penny.

Definitely well deserved five stars: Outstanding service and super tasty ice cream!

Cheers...