Daniele Panunzio was a child when he started making gelato. It started as a part-time job while attending school but soon bloomed into something far sweeter. In his hometown of Rome, there are gelato shops everywhere you look. (Daniele estimates that there are roughly 35,000 gelato stores in Italy “and more or less same numbers of gelato chefs.”) So to stand out, you really need to be the best.
By the time Daniele was 23, he already owned two gelato stores on the Adriatic coast of Italy. Plus, he had been selected to participate in the Italian Gelato Championship – which put him among the best 20 gelato chefs in the whole country! Despite all this, Daniele admits he still had a lot to learn.
Not until moving to the UK in 2012 (noticing a gap in the market for good Italian gelato) was the idea Panunzio’s Kitchen Gelati Italiani was born. It would take until 2020, however, for the shop to finally open its doors on Cotham Hill. But since then Panunzio’s has been undeniably serving the best gelato in Bristol. (Just don’t make our mistake and call it ice cream.)
“Gelato is not ice cream. Because gelato contains fewer fats and sugars than ice cream. There are also a few other differences, including the quality of the ingredients,” explains Daniele. “Our gelato is mainly made from fresh local organic milk and cream and finest quality ingredients accurately sourced from the best locations worldwide. Also, gelato compared to regular ice cream, contains much less air and is why gelato is more a premium product.”
You heard it from the master! And that’s exactly what Daniele has proven himself to be. Sold by the cone and tub (take-home containers too), you’ll find a range of creamy, handcrafted gelato and sorbets at Panunzio’s. These flavours change regularly too, so every scoop is full of surprises. Recent flavours have been as luxurious and mouthwatering as Lebanese saffron and rosewater, Sri Lankan coconut and Medjool dates with caramelised pecans. Plus there’s all the classic flavours too.
It’s not all gelato either, as you’ll find gelato cakes, waffles, smoothies, Italian coffees and so much more in store. To learn more about Panunzio’s Kitchen Gelati Italiani head here.