Caffè Gelato Bertini represents authentic Italian craftsmanship, bringing Florentine tradition to customers. Owner Marco Bertini creates each batch of gelato carefully by hand, following recipes passed down through the Bertini family lineage. What distinguishes this business is the quality of ingredients and the artisanal process learned directly from sisters Alessandra and Susi Bertini, whose expertise was cultivated in their father Giuliano’s gelateria in Florence.
The Philosophy
“The secret is in the patience,” explains Marco as he carefully churns a fresh batch of pistachio gelato. “We don’t rush or mass-produce. Each flavor needs time to develop its character, just as I was taught during my apprenticeship.” This dedication to craft is evident in every scoop served at Caffè Gelato Bertini, where small-batch production ensures peak freshness and authentic flavor profiles that connect customers to the streets of Florence with each bite.
The Customer Experience
Visitors to Caffè Gelato Bertini are treated to a customizable gelato experience that honors Italian traditions while catering to contemporary tastes. The menu features three serving options—one, two, or three scoops—with the ability to mix and match from their rotating selection of seasonal flavors. “We want people to explore combinations and find their perfect pairing,” says Marco. “That’s how we enjoyed gelato growing up in Italy—a little bit of this, a little bit of that, creating a unique experience with each visit.”
The Menu
Beyond standard cups, Caffè Gelato Bertini elevates the frozen treat experience with specialty offerings that blend Italian tradition with creative flair. Their gelato shakes transform any flavor into a silky, drinkable dessert, while the signature affogato presents a sophisticated option: three scoops of gelato—each potentially a different flavor—baptized with a shot of freshly pulled espresso and crowned with a dollop of house-made whipped cream. The contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, creates what many local customers describe as “dessert perfection.”
The café’s beverage program stands as a tribute to Italy’s coffee culture. The full espresso bar features a gleaming Italian machine that produces perfectly extracted shots, forming the base of traditional favorites like velvety cappuccinos, lattes, and mochas. Each coffee beverage is prepared with methodical care by baristas trained in the Italian approach to coffee service—never rushed, always precise, and served with a smile and perhaps a small biscotti on the side.
For those seeking refreshment beyond coffee, Caffè Gelato Bertini offers a selection of house-made Italian sodas that provide a bright counterpoint to the rich coffee and gelato options. These beverages, crafted with fruit syrups made in-house and topped with a splash of cream for those who prefer the “cremosa” style, have become a neighborhood favorite during warmer months. “We want to create a complete Italian café experience,” notes Marco. “In Italy, a caffè is more than just a place to eat or drink—it’s a community space where people connect, and that’s what we’re building here.”
