Queues for the best ice cream in Paris are inevitable when the Parisian summer sun heats up the City of Light. But there's a hidden corner of Paris where we can taste the finest Italian ice cream, right in the heart of Saint Germain-des-Prés.
Il Gelato del Marchese is situated in the Chocolate quarter near Odéon, where I used to lead my fun guided tours, due to its high concentration of chocolate and pastry shops.
This chic ice cream parlour opened its doors in December 2014, created by the dynamic duo Renato Marchese and wife, Veronika Squillante Montoro.
Top Ingredients for the Best Gelato in Paris
Il Marchese's gelato and sorbets stand out with top-quality ingredients like mineral water, unrefined sugar, and no artificial additives.
Each day, they craft fresh flavours from seasonal fruits, such as the exquisite hazelnut ice cream sourced from the best producer in Piémont.
Pistachio Ice Cream
My personal favourite, the pistachio gelato, is made from the finest pistachios from Iran. It not only boasts exceptional taste but its natural green hue guarantees authenticity.
More pistachio!
- Homemade pistachio paste
- pistachio ice cream (with or without wasabi)
- pistachio panna cottas with strawberries
- pistachio tart
Il Marchese unveils new, seasonal flavours so these are just an example.
Tasting their classic Tiramisu to a tangy Ricotta Cacao and a crunchy passion fruit sorbet, each flavour is a unique experience. The chocolate sorbet is a must try, made from 70% dark chocolate by Italian producers, Domori based in None, Italy.
Tiramisu fans try my Macaron Tiramisu
Crispy, artisanal cones (cornets) are made on site with hints of honey. Frankly, when they're as good as this, it's difficult to turn back to the thin, synthetic factory-made versions!
Savoury Italian Ice Cream
For a savoury twist, try flavours like Tomato-Basil sorbet, Artichoke-Walnut ice cream, Salmon, and Mustard ice cream. These inventive creations can elevate any French apéritif recipes ('apéro'), our French pre-dinner ritual to tickle the senses and open the appetite. Any of these pair elegantly with Champagne, Crémant or Prosecco.
Try the salmon or parmesan ice creams mixed into hot tagliatelle or Alsatian egg noodles for something a bit different.
My personal favourites are olive, imagining it on the terrace in Provence with a glass of chilled Rosé (a refreshingly cold tapenade sensation), and the mustard which, like my mini curry macarons from the savoury chapter in Mad About Macarons, it provokes a spicy-sweet tremble!
For more on fun savouries, see
savoury macarons and how to serve them
The Marchese's ice-creams often feature at prestigious locations, such as at the Italian Embassy, pop-up boutiques at La Grande Epicerie, to the Lebey food awards in Paris.
It's more than ice-cream; it creates an emotion.
Renato
Finish off your top gelato tasting at the newly renovated Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg gardens. This will surely complete a unique luxury experience of Italian ice cream in Paris. Bliss!
Il Gelato del Marchese
Italian luxury ice cream
2, rue de Condé, Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006 Paris
For our top French ice creams, see my self-guided sweet tour of Montmartre.
This post is not sponsored and, as always, all opinions are my own.
Liz
Wow, this ice cream parlor is extraordinary! The treats themselves sound amazing, but eaten in this elegant atmosphere makes it an experience to remember!!! Makes me want to return to Paris ASAP!!
Jill Colonna
That's it, Liz. It's a deliciously elegant experience and if this is going to help you return to Paris, I'm so happy you popped in!
Christina | Christina's Cucina
Brilliant! Having been fortunate to have tasted Il Gelato del Marchese myself, I have to say you did a splendid job of describing not only the gelato, but the entire experience. I loved the atmosphere in the shop/tearoom as it is elegance defined.
I'm excited to hear that they are growing and have an upcoming recipe book, because maybe they'll even want to come to LA! I can only hope! Heavenly gelato, Jill! Thank you for taking me there!
Jill Colonna
Who knows, Christina? At this rate and such a wonderful reputation, why not LA too? Thanks for your kind words x
Betty
Just beautiful! So gorgeous and am so interested to learn about their creative savory, as well as sweet, flavors!!
Jill Colonna
Thanks for popping in Betty. Yes, the savoury ice creams were sensational and certainly something different to serve to guests that would make anyone smile!
Renata
This post is fantastic! Everything about this place is perfect - such class, great taste, and elegance! Thank you for sharing the secret, I can barely wait to get there! XO
Jill Colonna
You would absolutely adore this place, Renata. Yes, elegance is the word - and of course, the ice creams and sorbets are out of this world!