Italian Affogato in Leicester must visit for hand-crafted gelato

SPONSORED CONTENT HALAL STATUS Fully Halal

The city of Leicester is worth the trip alone not just for its marvelous historical sites, striking landmarks, and fascinating museums, but also to visit an authentic family-run Italian cafe.

Having explored the ruins of Leicester Castle, and visited the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, The Guildhall, and The Newarke Houses, be sure to head on over past the famous Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower for refreshments at none other than Affogato.

Located on Gallowtree Gate, this spacious 46-cover restaurant is the perfect place to unwind and grab a quick bite, or enjoy a hearty breakfast, with a light and airy interior that creates a chilled-out vibe.

But it’s Affogato’s enthralling Italian menu that deserves attention, with a huge counter towards the entrance showcasing a spectacular array of smooth Italian gelato ice cream.

What makes their range of 24 flavours so unique – flavours such as madagascan vanilla, wild cherry, bubblegum, and pistachio – is that they are all homemade!

While this alone distinguishes Affogato from Leicester’s Halal food scene, when you factor in a fully qualified barista, you know you’re some place special.

Their carefully-conceived menu doesn’t just include all-day breakfast and brunch options, Italian pasta and pizza, as well as desserts defined by said gelato, but also items popular with some regulars such as their jacket potatoes.

Affogato specialise in the finest Italian coffee & hand-crafted gelato

This brand is named after a classic Italian dessert called an affogato which, going by its meaning of ‘drowned’, literally has a cold scoop of gelato submerged in a strong shot of freshly-made hot espresso coffee, which succeeds in tempering the heat while masterfully cutting through the drink’s bitterness.

As an experience alone, this beautifully presented glass punches way above its size, and is worth trying at least once, especially first thing in the morning to awaken the senses, or as a treat after a meal.

Affogato’s breakfast and brunch options are a massive attraction too, particularly The Caprese, which has a toasted facaccia housing pieces of piquant mozzarella cheese that marries effortlessly with the sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto sauce.

For those on the go, the restaurant has complemented its range of all-day hot and cold options with the introduction of a number of grab-and-go items, of which the Sausage and Bacon Muffin is a must.

Also from the Breakfast and Brunch menu is the Smashed Avocado, with slices of smooth avocado layered across a toasted bloomer, before being completed with a chilli and tomato combo.

While Affogato’s assortment of organic and fruit-based Smoothies are also a must try, it’s their attractively-presented jacket potato that’s acquired the reputation of drawing in regular diners.

When it comes to their desserts, which include freshly-made waffles in addition to ‘Specials’ like the Chocolate Volcano, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and the Apple Crumble, then these are made special by their homemade gelatos.

Although Sundaes would be a definite option, particularly with flavour combos as tantalising as Cherry and Pistachio (both ingredients being sourced from Italy), an alternative might be the combination of a warm and gooey cookie dough (milk or white chocolate) with your choice of ice cream.

Perhaps white cookie dough might be paired with a velvety scoop of chocolate gelato and topped by a Ferrero Rocher.

Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure, Affogato is the restaurant to visit when in Leicester’s city centre, not least of all for those expertly crafted gelatos and, of course, the affogato itself.

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Affogato
42 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester LE1 5AD.

W: @affogatoofficial

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 08:00-18:30 | Sun 10:00-17.30