Italian Artisan Gelato: A Tradition to Discover at Velissima Barcelona

Talking about gelato in Italy means talking about a tradition deeply rooted in everyday life. From the historic ice cream shops of Italy’s great cities to small family-run workshops, this beloved dessert has been enjoyed for generations thanks to the careful selection of ingredients and a production process designed to preserve their authentic flavour.

At Velissima Barcelona, that same philosophy lives on through MariMonti, the group’s in-house production dedicated to bread, pasta and gelato. Every recipe follows the same guiding principle: treating every ingredient with respect, enhancing its natural flavour and preserving the true essence of Italian gastronomy.

What Makes Authentic Italian Gelato So Special?

Although they are often used interchangeably, Italian gelato and conventional ice cream are made using different production methods. Gelato focuses on the quality of its ingredients, the balance of each recipe and a texture that allows every flavour to be fully appreciated.

Italy has perfected this craft over centuries and continues to set the benchmark worldwide. While tradition has evolved alongside new techniques and technologies, one essential principle remains unchanged: the quality of the final product always comes before anything else.

Carefully Selected Ingredients and In-House Production

There is much more to great gelato than simply following a recipe. Milk, cream, fruit, nuts and chocolate are carefully combined to achieve the perfect balance of intensity, creaminess and texture, making every spoonful enjoyable.

At MariMonti, this approach begins with the preparation of every base. Gelato is made from a milk and cream base, while sorbets are prepared with water and sugar, enriched with natural ingredients such as lemon juice or strawberry purée to preserve the distinctive character of each flavour.

MariMonti: The Group’s Artisan Production

MariMonti is much more than a gelato brand. It represents the group’s in-house production, which also includes bread and pasta, all crafted according to the principles of Italian cuisine.

Having its own production workshop allows every stage of the process to be carefully supervised, from selecting the ingredients to the finished result, ensuring consistently high standards of quality.

Today, MariMonti gelato is part of the culinary offering at Velissima, CDLC Barcelona, Tracatrá, Ikibana Sarrià and Ikibana Born, bringing the same artisan philosophy to every restaurant within the group.

A Brand Inspired by Italian Tradition

MariMonti was created with the aim of bringing together some of the most representative pillars of Italian cuisine under a single concept. Its logo perfectly reflects this vision: Pane, Pasta fresca e secca, Gelato — Qualità Artigianale, a declaration of principles in which craftsmanship and respect for the product always take centre stage.

The MariMonti concept is built around preserving traditional methods while adapting them to a modern production workshop, demonstrating that authenticity continues to have a place in contemporary gastronomy.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

The personality of a great gelato begins long before it reaches the batch freezer. Every flavour starts with the careful selection of raw ingredients chosen for their ability to express their character naturally.

Flavours Inspired by Italy

Among the ingredients used by MariMonti are some of the finest symbols of Italian gastronomy, including Limone di Sorrento IGP and Pistacchio di Bronte. Alongside these are Tahitian vanilla, ICAM chocolate, natural strawberry purée from Huelva and hazelnuts, creating a collection of flavours that combines timeless classics with ingredients renowned for their exceptional quality.

Each one brings its own distinctive personality, yet they all share the same purpose: allowing the ingredient itself to remain the true star of every flavour.

Authentic Italian Stracciatella

Few creations capture the simplicity of Italian gelato better than stracciatella. Behind this classic flavour lies a remarkably precise technique: warm chocolate is poured into the cold gelato base, where it naturally breaks into delicate irregular flakes that are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

The result is the perfect balance between a smooth, creamy base and the crisp texture of chocolate, creating one of the great icons of Italian gelato.

From the Workshop to the Table

Every MariMonti creation begins in the group’s own production workshop, where each stage is carefully managed to ensure every recipe preserves the texture and flavour that define authentic artisan gelato.

Production relies on Carpigiani machinery, one of the world’s leading names in artisan gelato equipment. Technology provides precision throughout the process, but the final result still depends on the knowledge, experience and judgement of the people who craft every batch.

Flavour and Structure: The MariMonti Philosophy

When chef Cristian Leonetti describes MariMonti gelato in just two words, “flavour and structure”, he is referring to much more than a recipe. He is describing an entire philosophy of gelato making. Flavour comes from carefully selected ingredients, while structure is achieved through the balance maintained throughout the entire production process.

It is precisely this combination that allows every spoonful to deliver intense flavour and a creamy texture capable of expressing the true character of authentic Italian artisan gelato.

Discover Artisan Gelato at Velissima Barcelona

In Italy, gelato is as much a part of the country’s culinary culture as pasta or bread. It is the natural ending to a shared meal, a walk by the sea or a leisurely afternoon spent around the table.

At Velissima Barcelona, that tradition continues through MariMonti. From carefully selected ingredients to the daily work carried out in the workshop, every gelato reflects a way of understanding Italian gastronomy based on respect for the product, balance in every preparation and exceptional flavour.

If you would like to discover the full Velissima experience, explore our menu or reserve your table and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine overlooking Puerto Marina Vela.