RivaReno Gelato, Darlinghurst

A brand new gelato bar has just opened in the heart of Darlinghurst! Introducing RivaReno which hails from Italy,  this established gelato chain has opened up its first branch outside of the mother country with its new Sydney store. RivaReno brings a taste of the land of gelato to our shores by serving up a premium range of creamy and fruity gelatos, along with sorbets, granitas and yoghurt. Unlike the open displays which are the norm at gelato stores throughout Sydney, RivaReno keeps their gelatos under wraps in steel containers to maintain optimum serving temperature and the result is a delectably soft gelato which stays true to its flavour.

Today we are served by the super friendly Elena who worked for RivaReno back in Italy and travelled all the way down under to help launch the Sydney branch. She tells us that all the ingredients (except the fruits and nuts) are sourced from Italy, including the milk, so you know that the flavours here are authentic. There’s 17 flavours on display today but they have up to 70 on their rotating roster – thumbs up to anyone that manages to try them all!

We’re lucky enough to be given the opportunity to try all the flavours and boy are they delicious! I can’t fault any of them – the creamy ones are sinfully smooth and rich, and the fruity ones are extremely refreshing and juicy. But 17 flavours are way too much to write about, so here are our top picks  if you ever stop by:

Granita

Anguria (Watermelon) Granita – $4.90

This is my absolute favourite. If you’re a watermelon fan, you’ll love this. It is juicy and full of flavour, and puts the watermelon option at Boost Juice to shame. It’s not too sweet either and super refreshing for days of warmer weather since it is quite icy. They also have a peach granita which has a thicker consistency and a grapefruit granita which is more tangy.

 

RivaReno Specialties

Alice

This is a mascarpone gelato with lashings of gianduja (chocolate) sauce. It has a good mix of flavours between the creamy sweet mascarpone cheese and soft chocolate sauce, which is great for those who love eating tiramisu or cheesecakes.

Cocco

This is a Sri Lankan coconut milk gelato, which will definitely please those with a more exotic palate. It also contains coconut shavings to give it that extra textural element.

Sweet Alabama

If you’re a fan of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, this is definitely the one for you. It is exactly like eating a spoon of peanut butter, with the addition of chocolate undertones.

 

Classics

Fior di panna

This is described as the white cream ‘pure’ gelato because it serves as a base for most of the other gelatos on the menu.  If vanilla could come in a purer form, this is what it would taste like. It is light and creamy with little artificial taste unlike other types of vanilla gelato/ice creams and has a surprising depth of flavour as it melts on your tongue.

Cioccolato extra fondente

I’m not usually a fan of dark chocolate but this particular gelato flavour is quite interesting. It is made of extra dark Valrhona Manjari single origin red cocoa, making it super smooth and rich but not overly bitter. It’s not particularly firm and is much more fluid in consistency compared to the other flavours.

Sorbet

Lampone (Raspberry)

Rich and sweet, the raspberry is a yummier version of the strawberry which is also on the menu. Similarly to the watermelon granita, it’s a great refreshing choice for times of warmer weather or when you just need a fruity refreshment.

Overall, I think RivaReno’s popular neighbour Gelato Messina needs to watch out. RivaRevo is sure to be a hit with its large range of authentic Italian flavours and I can’t wait to return to try more of their flavours.

Excuse Me Waiter dined as guests of RivaReno

 

RivaReno
280 Crown St, Darlinghurst
Ph: (02) 9356 2669


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