il laboratorio del gelato

I liked this place better when it was a hole in the wall. Now it is too big and so overly lit that it looks like a pot store. And it is near Katz's deli so some might think it is for tourists. But it is totally the opposite.

The is the best ice cream I have in the United States. By a mile. Everything is so good, particularly the fruit flavors. Now I think the nut and chocolate and more traditional flavors are better in Italy, but I may just be romanticizing the Italian experience.

One tip: if there is a line, do not ask for samples. Have some dignity.