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Gelatissimo brought its artisanal gelato recipe to Aruba in 2012, using traditional methods and ingredients imported directly from Italy.
A bright red double-decker bus parked on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach is serving up some of the most authentic Italian gelato in the Caribbean. Gelatissimo Aruba brought its recipe from Italy in 2012, and it’s been a fixture on the resort row ever since, scooping over 30 flavors from a restored classic bus. It’s quickly become one of the island’s most photographed dessert spots—and for good reason.
Whether you’re staying in Palm Beach or making a special trip, Gelatissimo is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Here’s what to expect when you step up to the window.
Yes, the gelato is the real deal. Gelatissimo imports its recipes and methods from Italy, serving over 30 rotating flavors from that iconic bus. It’s a quick, affordable stop—most people spend between $5 and $15—that delivers a genuinely high-quality dessert. Just be ready for an evening crowd.
Gelatissimo Aruba: The Double-Decker Scoop Shop
Gelatissimo Aruba set up shop in 2012, parking its restored double-decker bus at Gianni’s Plaza on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 348. It’s hard to miss: the bus is painted in a classic British red, and it stands out against the pastel-colored buildings and resort towers of Palm Beach. The setup is simple—order at the window, grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables, or head inside the air-conditioned seating area to escape the heat.
Flavors That Go Beyond the Basics
The menu centers on Italian gelato and frozen desserts, with over 30 flavors rotating through the display case. Staples you can usually count on include Pistacchio, Stracciatella, Hazelnut, Amarena Cherry, Ferrero Rocher, and Nutella. For fruit lovers, there’s Passion Fruit, Strawberry, and Wildberry, plus a Sorbetto al Limone that cuts through the Aruban humidity.
If you want something more involved, try the Gran Corazon—an Italian gelato dessert covered in chocolate—or a gelato sandwich. The homemade waffle cones are a highlight, and they pair perfectly with a made-to-order affogato or an Italian espresso.
Beyond the bus, Gelatissimo also produces frozen products—cups, popsicles, sandwiches, and gelato bonbons—that are distributed through supermarkets and other establishments around Aruba. So even if you don’t make it to Palm Beach, you can still get a taste.
Beyond the Bus: Aruba’s Growing Italian Food Scene
Gelatissimo is the most accessible entry point, but Aruba’s Italian food scene runs deeper. For a full sit-down experience, Eskama at The St. Regis Aruba Resort offers a “cucina italiana” menu crafted by Chef Tim Goldsteijn. The six-course tasting menu comes with wine pairings, and the meal starts with appetizers and champagne on the rooftop overlooking the sunset. A standout dessert there famously paired ice cream, popcorn, and caviar.
Then there’s Terra at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, created by Michelin-starred chef Jeremy Ford. The roasted truffle chicken is the must-order dish here, and the whole menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with unique flavor combinations.
If you’re visiting during the Autentico festival, you’ll find a food pavilion where local vendors stand alongside international culinary talent, offering everything from island-grown traditional ingredients to dishes from chefs around the world. The Ritz-Carlton Aruba has hosted an Autentico festival dinner with chefs Nando Meijer and Christian Petroni curating a six-course menu served on the beach at sunset.
For a hands-on approach, a food and drink class on Viator can walk you through the island’s culinary influences, from Italian to Caribbean.
How to Make the Most of Your Gelato Stop
Gelatissimo is straightforward, but a few tips can smooth out the visit.
Timing Is Everything
The bus is open from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, but evenings are the busiest. Palm Beach comes alive after sunset, and the gelato line can get long. If you want a quieter experience, aim for the early afternoon—just be prepared for the heat.
Pair Like an Italian
The homemade waffle cones are excellent, but don’t overlook the coffee menu. An affogato (gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso) is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also serve cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and iced coffee.
Dietary Needs
Selected fruit sorbets and some gelato flavors are suitable for many dairy-free preferences. Availability varies by day, so ask at the counter. The shop is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Pair your gelato with an Italian espresso. Gelatissimo serves a proper affogato, cappuccino, and macchiato—treating your scoop like a real Italian café experience rather than just a quick dessert.
Gelatissimo is one of the most affordable dessert stops in Aruba. Most guests spend around $5–15 USD per person, which is a fraction of what you’d pay for a plated dessert at a high-end resort restaurant.
Before You Visit Gelatissimo Aruba
Where exactly is Gelatissimo located?
It’s at Gianni’s Plaza on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 348 in Palm Beach. Look for the bright red double-decker bus—you really can’t miss it. Public parking is available nearby around Palm Beach and the plaza.
What flavors should I try?
Customer favorites include Pistachio, Hazelnut Crunch, Stracciatella, and Mango Sorbet. The menu changes, but those staples are reliably excellent. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Gran Corazon is a chocolate-covered gelato dessert that’s worth the sugar rush.
Is it expensive?
No. Most visitors spend between $5 and $15 USD, making it one of the most affordable treats in Palm Beach. You’re getting high-quality imported gelato for less than the price of a cocktail.
Do I need a reservation?
No. Gelatissimo is a walk-up window. No reservations are required. Just stroll up, order, and grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables or inside the air-conditioned seating area.
Is it suitable for kids and dietary restrictions?
Yes, it’s very kid-friendly. For dietary needs, the fruit sorbets and selected gelato flavors are suitable for many dairy-free preferences. Availability varies by day, so it’s best to ask at the counter.
A Sweet Slice of Italy in the Caribbean
Aruba’s food scene often leans toward Caribbean and Latin American flavors—keshi yena, pan bati, fresh ceviche. But the island’s Italian offerings, led by Gelatissimo’s double-decker bus, hold their own. Whether you’re grabbing a quick scoop after the beach or sitting down for a multi-course tasting menu at a resort, the taste of Italy here is surprisingly authentic. And that’s worth raising a spoon—or a cone—to.
For more on Aruba’s food scene, check out our guide to Aruba’s traditional dishes, from Keshi Yena to Pan Bati.
References
Aruba Discovery. “Gelatissimo Aruba.” Aruba Discovery, 2024. ↗
Gelatissimo Aruba. “Official Website.” 2024. ↗
Marriott. “The St. Regis Aruba Resort Dining.” 2024. ↗
Terra Aruba. “Terra Restaurant.” 2024. ↗
For more island food inspiration, browse our guides to Aruba’s fusion street food, immersive food tours, and organic farm cafes.
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