Gelato Mamma Mia

Running an authentic gelato shop in Tokyo is no easy feat, but Andrea, owner and gelato artisan at Gelato Mamma Mia, is proof that a great product will keep people coming back. For nearly a decade, this tiny Yushima shop has been serving exceptional gelato from its humble corner location. While several gelato shops with similar names and menus have opened since Mamma Mia first launched, make no mistake – this is the original Gelato Mamma Mia.

The shop is takeaway only, with just a single bench outside for seating, but that doesn’t stop serious gelato lovers from getting their fix – even during Tokyo’s hot, humid summer months.  Many of the flavours are seasonal, but there’s always a handful of classics on offer, including pistachio, stracciatella, tiramisu and chocolate. Every ingredient is carefully sourced, and the quality shines through in flavours like rum raisin with plump, rum-soaked raisins, bright lemon studded with pieces of lemon peel, and a wonderfully refreshing choco mint made with fresh mint leaves.

The shop is typically open for just a couple of hours each evening and often sells out, so be sure to check its Instagram for the latest opening hours. When you arrive, grab an order card from the front of the shop before joining the queue.