By Gianluca Allen
When it comes to dessert in Palm Springs, few places are as rooted in tradition or as devoted to craftsmanship as Gelato Granucci. Located in downtown Palm Springs, this boutique gelateria brings nearly a century of Italian gelato heritage to the desert, serving small-batch flavors made fresh daily using time-honored techniques and premium ingredients sourced from both Italy and California.
If you’re searching for the best gelato in Palm Springs, this is where authentic Italian flavor, family history, and modern creativity meet.
From Italy to Palm Springs: A FamilyGelato Legacy
The story of Gelato Granucci begins in 1929, when Luigi Granucci left Italy for the Netherlands, carrying something far more valuable than luggage, a deep knowledge of traditional Italian gelato-making.
The Granucci family began selling handmade gelato from bicycle carts, slowly building a business rooted in patience, precision, and quality. Over the decades, those carts grew into storefronts, then into a full-scale production facility supplying gelato across Europe.
Luigi’s son, Edi Granucci, began working in the family business at age 12 and went on to play a major role in expanding the company. His dedication to the craft earned international recognition in 1996, when he won the Coppa d’Oro, one of the most prestigious awards in the gelato world. Today, Edi and his son, Didi, continue to operate the Granucci facility in Apeldoorn, supplying more than 50 gelato shops throughout Europe.
That same lineage now lives on in Palm Springs.
When Simonetta (“Sam”) and her husband Tom Allen relocated to the desert, Sam knew it was time to bring her family’s legacy to America. In January 2019, Gelato Granucci Palm Springs officially opened, run by Sam, Tom, and their son, Gianluca.
Handcrafted Italian Gelato, Made Fresh Every Day
Everything at Gelato Granucci is made in-house using traditional Italian methods. The menu rotates constantly, but guests can typically expect:
- 10 authentic gelato flavors
- 6 dairy-free sorbet options
- 4 refreshing granitas
Flavors balance old-world tradition with creative, locally inspired ideas.
Standouts often include:
- Pistachio from Bronte, Sicily – intensely nutty and naturally colored
- Tonda Gentile Hazelnut from Piedmont – rich, smooth, and aromatic
- Stracciatella – creamy vanilla gelato ribboned with dark chocolate
- Seasonal fruit sorbets – bright, clean, and dairy-free
Palm Springs exclusives include:
- Toffee Granucci – made with Brandini Toffee, a beloved local confectioner
- Bananas Foster Gelato – inspired by Sam and Tom’s travels through New Orleans and now a permanent favorite
Every batch reflects nearly 100 years of gelato knowledge — from balance and texture to how ingredients are handled and frozen.
Premium Ingredients from Italy & California
What separates great gelato from unforgettable gelato is the quality of its ingredients.
Gelato Granucci imports many of its core ingredients directly from Italy, including:
- Sicilian Bronte pistachios
- Tonda Gentile hazelnuts from Piedmont
Closer to home, they partner with trusted California producers, including:
- 🍊 Pearson Ranch for fresh citrus
- ☕ Joshua Tree Coffee Company for espresso used in coffee gelato and granitas
- Coachella Valley bakers for sponge cake and pastry components
The result is a menu that feels both authentically Italian and unmistakably local.
Beyond the Scoop: Italian-Inspired Dessert Creations
There’s more than one way to enjoy gelato at Gelato Granucci:
- Gelato Pops – Dipped in chocolate, topped with amaretto cookie crumble or cookie-caramel.
- Gelato Cannoli – A fun spin on a traditional cannoli, filled with your choice of gelato.
- Macaron Sandwiches – Choose any available gelato or sorbet flavor between delicate macaron shells.
- Take-Home Pints & Quarts – Perfect for a cozy night or poolside party.
- Custom Gelato Cakes – Made to order with two flavors of gelato or sorbet layered with sponge cake, decorated by Head Gelataio Tom Allen. (48-hour notice required.)
True Italian Service: The Pozzetti Difference
One of the most authentic elements of Gelato Granucci is something many guests don’t notice at first: pozzetti storage.
Unlike most American gelato shops, Gelato Granucci stores its gelato in traditional covered Italian wells. This protects the gelato from air and light, keeps temperatures stable, and preserves both texture and flavor — the same system used in classic gelaterias across Italy.
It’s a small detail that signals big credibility.
Espresso Bar & Affogatos
No Italian gelateria is complete without coffee.
Gelato Granucci features a full espresso bar serving:
- Espresso
- Americanos
- Cappuccinos
- Lattes
And one of the most-loved treats in the shop:
☕ Affogato — a scoop of gelato “drowned” in hot espresso.
Simple. Perfect. Very Italian.
A Downtown Palm Springs Dessert Destination
More than a dessert shop, Gelato Granucci has become a gathering place — where locals cool off after hikes, couples end date nights, families reward themselves after dinner, and visitors discover a sweet piece of Palm Springs food culture.
Benvenuti a Gelato Granucci – where tradition, flavor, and passion come together.
Gelato Granucci
301 N Palm Canyon Drive, #104
📞 (760) 318-7700
Hours
Sun – Wed: 1 – 9 pm
Thur – Sat: Noon – 10 pm