It was a beautiful day in Philly. I was on a travel writing assignment and pounding the pavement in Center City looking for some lunch. At the corner of 13th and Sansom, my travel companion grabbed my arm and shouted “Look!”

I was a little puzzled as I scanned the four corners of the intersection. Then I saw it. A whimsical sign above a storefront said “Capogiro,” but it was the word “gelato” underneath that burned into my brain.

Ah, gelato.

Images of Florence, Italy, floated through my head, those sublime gelaterias luring passersby with heaping pans of beautifully adorned Italian ice cream, mouthwatering delights bursting with fresh berries, chocolate, hazelnuts and dozens of other luscious tidbits. And here was one smack dab in front of me, in good ‘ole Philly, USA. But, come on, could it actually be the real thing? I had to find out.

As we entered, I noticed that the setting was sleek and urban, with sandwiches and other snacks offered for the lunch set. The chalkboard advertised a panini and gelato lunch special—perfect! As I trotted over to the display case, I was impressed. The glistening tubs of gelato certainly looked the part, brimming with real bits of fruit, chocolate and nuts, but how did the pretty concoctions really taste? Flavors like Thai coconut milk, noce Sorrentino, pistachio Siciliano, espresso, cioccolato scuro and crème fraiche teased my palate and complicated my decision. Finally, I settled on a tried and true combination: pistachio and dark chocolate.

And, drumroll please……I’m here to say that this is the best darn gelato I’ve tasted west of Italy. No sugary imposters or strangely dyed mounds of cream here, I tell you. The real deal is alive and well at Capogiro, and you’ll thank me, indeed, for sharing this tip if you’re planning a journey to the City of Brotherly Love.

If you, too, have come across an authentic gelateria in your travel adventures, I’d love to hear about it. But for now, Ciao!