Il Laboratorio del Gelato: Ice Cream Review

Deliciously refreshing, high quality sorbets and gelatos make Il Laboratorio del Gelato a great choice for a sweet treat on the Lower East Side.

The biggest challenge when visiting Il Laboratorio del Gelato is deciding which of the 20+ daily flavors to have. Fortunately, they allow you to taste several before committing.

On my most recent visit, I tried cayenne (spicy and warm) and black mission fig gelatos before settling on a small cup with canteloupe and fuji apple sorbets. The sorbets at Laboratorio always impress me with their freshness and ability to taste genuinely like the fruits they feature. My companion tried avocado gelato (which she said was outstanding) and mexican cinnamon gelato, deciding the cinnamon gelato and some lime fresh mint gelato would be her flavors of choice. Lucky for me, she shared a taste, and both were amazing.

For the more timid, they of course offer more typical flavors, like vanilla and chocolate gelatos, as well as raspberry and coconut sorbets. The servings are deceptively appropriate -- savoring each bite, even a small dish is very satisfying.