Rome’s famed gelato shop Giolitti opened its first Japan store in Shinjuku in June 2021 and now Tokyo has something even the Italian capital doesn’t: the world’s first Giolitti Café. The 120-year-old brand was featured in the Audrey Hepburn film ‘Roman Holiday’ and is still a favourite with ice cream lovers in Italy. Judging by how quickly this new café opened, it seems like Giolitti has won a few fans in Tokyo, too.
Don’t worry, the Giolitti Café still has the requisite lineup of handcrafted gelato in a dozen or so flavours, including Sicilian Bronte pistachio, hazelnut, yuzu and matcha. But if that’s not enough to satisfy your sweet cravings, you’ll find classic Italian desserts like tiramisu and maritozzo, too. Or go for a parfait featuring decadent Giolitti gelato.
If all the indulgence has you feeling guilty just to think about, then come for lunch and try savoury dishes like pizza, pasta and salad. Grab an espresso, too, and you’ll be transported to Italy in no time
The café is located just outside Yurakucho Station’s Yamanote line central exit, and can seat up to 70 people.