Valentino’s Gelato

One ice cream to rule them all!
This is the best ice cream I’ve had in the world. Creamy, sugary, and full of flavor.
Kiwi’s do ice cream right.

I was a bit skeptical upon seeing a gelato shop steps away from where between three and nine-​thousand tourists come off of cruise ships every day. The establishments surrounding cruise harbors are typically over-​priced tourist traps with mediocre offerings, and while I didn’t want this to be the case, it’s what I found at Valentino’s Gelato.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
I will say the service and atmosphere at Valentino’s are just fine considering they must be dealing with hordes of tourists all day. The friendly gentlemen was quick and informative and the seating was spacious. Star Granted .
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
To be honest, Valentino’s could get away charging far more than they do, and I was surprised to find that my scoop of ice cream came to only NZ$ 5.00. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
There’s a surprisingly limited selection here at Valentino’s (mostly classics), so I opted for the Vanilla to get a feel for things. Unfortunately it was here that everything went a tad bit wrong. First and foremost, this is ice cream, not gelato, and I wasn’t blown away by the quality of the ice cream.
There was so much ice and freezer burn on my scoop of vanilla that everything was quite watered down, and the flavor that was there was weak. All in all, a poor showing. No Stars Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
I wouldn’t, especially with so many great options in town. No Star Granted.

It’s Gelato! What’s not to like about that? Situated near the harbor in Auckland, this was a fun treat after an evening of food and drink. Lots of flavors to choose from and sample. The coffee one was the best in my opinion but I didn’t try one that was bad so there is enough to appeal to any pallet. Take it to go and check out the beautiful harbor and experience the city at night.

I am literally salivating just thinking about Valentino’s as I write this review. Oh where to begin? The incredibly consistent and decadent chocolate gelato? Their crisp and refreshing sorbet gelatos? Personally, my all-​time favourite (when they have it) is the Kinder Surprise variant. As a regular ferry commuter I have been visiting Valentino’s since the day they opened so many years ago. Always consistent and sometimes a little busy in the peak of summer, they really just can’t be beat. Thankfully I’m writing this after they are closed because otherwise I’d be getting in the car and going there right now for a chocolate fix!

Oh dear, the pressure was on, the queue was out of the door. What flavour shall I go for, oh no. I’m next, its… Passionfruit and Cherry please. Phew, that was hard choice to make.
Now to find a table, and sit and watch the the world go by while I enjoy my ice cream !!!

Before I start I will acknowledge that this is first and foremost an ice cream parlour and not a coffee shop. That said, I wasn’t expecting my coffee to be ice cold after a long wait to be served. Fortunately I was still close by and could have it changed. It was also interesting to see someone’s bacon being cooked on a sandwich toaster. If however you come here for their primary function you will be rewarded with a great selection and quality of ice cream. I have since been back on more than one occasion to satisfy my belly cravings, testing a wide variety of flavours and have never been disappointed. Conveniently placed by the ferry terminal and on Quay Street means it is constantly popular. This is a 5 star all the way for ice cream, but they let themselves down with their extended offerings.

A charming little place to have your ice cream and the watch the comings and goings of the people on the ferries. Under the arch, the building is so old it feels like you are in Milan or Barcelona. We usally pay this place a visit when we are on our way back from a day trip to Waiheke. As regards the ice cream, it is excellent. They do the obvious flavours like pistachio but they also do original and offbeat ones such as blueberry cheesecake and bubble gum (!). Valentino also do milkshakes and waffles and the coffee is of a high standard too. When I first came to live in Auckland, I use to just frequent this place on my way to the ferry but this summer I have been coming here just to chill out in front of the water. If you do find yourself around here with some time to kill, make sure you pay Valentinos a visit.

I’ve only been to Valentino’s a couple of times but I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed it the times I have been. They have a mix of weird and wonderful flavours to choose from, as well as your usual raspberry sorbet. Placed right on the water by the ferry terminal, this is the perfect stop to make on your way to Waiheke, or even from, on those hot summer days. Or even if you’re craving some comfort food in the winter, this is a must go to. With ice cream becoming more and more popular within the Auckland region, Valentino’s is a step up with flavour you can both see and predominately taste… popcorn ice cream anyone?

I love going to Valentino’s on a hot summers day, sitting on the waterfront and watching ferries, tourists and general rushing around while I just relax and eat my perfect little gelato.
The staff at Valentino’s are consistently friendly, allowing you to taste flavours before ordering. It’s always clean, and a nice place to eat with a pleasant atmosphere. I think this is the first time I ever tried gelato and for this reason, Valentino’s always holds a special place in my… palate?
They offer both fruity and ice-​cream type flavoured gelato’s. The mandarin/​orange/​tangerine/​citrus flavours are my favourite, especially when paired with chocolate. JAFFA!

In recent years, Aucklanders seem to have gained a taste for high-​end ice cream, gelato and frozen yogurt. Valentino’s is a gelato bar located in the ground floor of the old Edwardian ferry building. As such, it’s perfectly placed for watching the comings and goings of the harbour ferries, marvelling at big cruise ships, and just being among people in transit — tourists and locals in equal measure.
The gelato and ice cream on offer here is of a good standard, and the thing that really sets it apart is the incredibly wacky range of flavours. There’s a new flavour on offer everytime I’m there — for instance, I once had a gelato that can only be described as Blue Powerade flavour. It sure keeps you on your toes, and that’s why I keep going back!