There’s no shortage of ice cream shops in Paris. Yet some establishments have stood the test of time without losing their reputation. Such is the case with Pozzetto, which has been located in the Marais since 2005, where regulars and tourists alike come to enjoy what is often considered one of the best Italian gelatos in the capital.
One of the best ambassadors of Italian gelato in Paris
The story begins with Maura Burlando, originally from Turin. Upon arriving in Paris, she struggled to find the artisanal gelato she had enjoyed in Italy. She therefore decided to open her own shop with a simple idea: to offer authentic Italian gelato, made fresh every day from fresh milk, cream, and seasonal fruit. Twenty years later, the recipe has remained virtually unchanged.
The first thing that surprises you upon entering Pozzetto is, in fact… the absence of ice cream. Unlike most ice cream shops, the flavors aren’t displayed in large, colorful tubs. Instead, they’re stored in cylindrical stainless-steel containers sealed with lids, called pozzetti. This system, which is very common in Italy, protects the gelato from air, light, and temperature fluctuations to preserve its texture and flavors. It is from these “little wells” that the shop takes its name.
Another unique feature is that only a dozen flavors are offered each day, with a menu that changes with the seasons. The idea is to prioritize fresh ingredients rather than offering a wide variety of recipes. Among the shop’s all-time classics, gianduja—made with chocolate and Piedmont hazelnuts—remains a sure bet. Sicilian pistachio, fiordilatte, hazelnut, and yogurt are also among the must-tries, while the sorbets showcase fresh market fruits.
Here, the gelato isn’t served by the scoop but with a spatula, as in many Italian gelaterias. This method helps preserve its particularly creamy texture, the shop’s signature.
Over the years, Pozzetto has become a true Parisian institution. The shop has even opened a second location, still in the Marais, just a few blocks from the original shop. As soon as the warm weather arrives, lines often stretch out onto the sidewalk—proof that the ice cream shop’s reputation is well-established. Pozzetto and Pozzetto 2 are now among the most highly recommended spots in the capital for enjoying authentic Italian gelato.
At a time when gelato shops are competing with ever more original flavors, Pozzetto continues to rely on a much simpler philosophy: a limited selection, high-quality ingredients, and expertise directly inherited from Italy. A formula that, clearly, is still working just as well twenty years after the shop opened.
Pozzetto – 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004
