This terrific little place took Sligo by storm as soon as it opened.
Fabio Boni is from Florence and, after some years in food service, he set up this tiny café and takeaway. The fare is simple but of the best - his trademark ice creams, of course, plus just a few panini, maybe some pizza and ciabatta - and everything is homemade in the traditional way, with no short cuts of any kind.
Using mainly local ingredients in season, plus some imported specially from Italy, Fabio makes all his own ice creams (gelato) and 'fat free' ices ( i.e. sorbets) and they are really first class, matching the best you would find anywhere in Italy.
The range of ices is wide and varies according to availability - seasonal flavours, for example, are made from ingredients such as local organic rhubarb or basil and foraged foods like wild elderflower. You’ll find all the classics here, of course, and some less usual flavours too – try a gorgeous coconut ice cream, perhaps, or a banana fat-free (sorbet).
There's also excellent Italian coffee (organic, and for sale too), made in Fabio’s cherished vintage Italian coffee machine, which he maintains like a loved classic car.
The seating area is tiny but take away is popular too; snacks might take a bit of time – the price to be paid for such devotion to quality - but it’s well worth the wait.
Perhaps Ireland’s only authentic Italian gelateria, this place is a one-off - except that it has a younger sister nearby. Located inside QuaySide Shopping Centre, just 200m from the main shop, the second shop's offering is very similar - mainly gelato of course (plus milkshakes & smoothies) along with Fabio's branded coffee imported from Florence and a few focaccia sandwiches and croissants to complete the offering.
