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Rivareno Gelato
Master Critic Review
Rivareno Gelato
8.1
The SoHo outpost of this Italian gelato brand focuses on intensely flavored, ultra-creamy scoops made on-site throughout the day. Rotating specialties like mascarpone with dessert wine and ginger-studded gelato make it more of a connoisseur’s counter than a basic cone stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio Bronte gelato, Mascarpone & dessert wine gelato, Ginger gelato with candied ginger
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: SoHo gelato lab emphasizing ultra-fresh, small-batch Italian flavors with a serious texture focus.
Who should go: Ice cream fans chasing richer, more adult gelato flavors.
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening between SoHo shopping stops.
What to order: Pistachio Bronte, mascarpone with dessert wine, ginger gelato.
Insider tip: Ask which flavors were churned most recently; staff will often steer you toward the freshest, most dialed-in batch of the day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoHo is scarce, especially afternoons and evenings; rely on nearby paid garages on Lafayette or Crosby.
Dress code: Casual and stylish fits SoHo norms; anything from jeans and a tee to elevated streetwear works.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to chat while ordering and sampling but space can feel lively during peak shopping hours.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for the counter; brief line forms after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during peak SoHo foot traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most dairy-based gelato flavors are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 sorbetto-style options depending on the daily rotation.
Gluten-free options: Several flavors are naturally gluten-free; cones contain gluten, but cups are safe. Cross-contact is minimal but not zero.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a polished but low-pressure gelato stop where sharing tasting spoons and strolling SoHo creates an easy, relaxed date format.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; seating is very limited and mostly counter-style. Expect to take your gelato to-go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy adventurous flavors; limited seating and dense SoHo crowds may be less ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Richer, more refined Italian gelato with a texture-first approach and rotating specialty flavors rare in standard scoop shops.
Skip if: You want wide seating, simple American-style ice cream, or a large assortment of kid-friendly classics.