A family-run gelato spot with Italian roots and a history dating back to the 19th century will soon open at 498 Amsterdam Avenue (84th Street), the space previously occupied by West Side Kids.
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The original Gelateria Gentile was a tiny kiosk established in 1880 in Bari, a town in southern Italy. The Gentile family had a long history of crafting homemade gelato and pastries, which was passed down generation to generation. Michele Gentile, a descendant of the family, laid the foundation for the first shop as a labor of love.
As stated on their website, “Old traditional recipes and passion for quality raw materials are what has always distinguished the Gentile family.” After wild success and acclaim in Italy, the family made the decision to open up shop in the U.S, and where better than in New York City?
Since opening in the U.S. in 2009, Gelateria Gentile has been listed in several publication roundups of the best gelato in NYC, with a mention in Eater saying “This may be the best gelato in town.” Yelp reviews indicate that they are not only lauded for their traditional homemade gelato – Cioccolato and Caramello Salato are best sellers – but also for their vegan and dairy-free flavors.
In addition to their famous gelato, Gelateria Gentile serves granite, coffee, and pastries such as cakes, croissants and semifreddo.
There’s no official word on an opening date yet, but signage is up, and according to a Facebook post, furniture has been delivered and installed
The UWS shop will be their fifth location in the city. Other outposts can be found in Williamsburg, the West Village, University Place and Nolita.
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