Every visit to Giapo is an experience, a teasing of the senses, a bringing together of fresh flavours that create a new sensation. Every creation is an artistic masterpiece pushing ice cream to the next level.
From that first moment years ago, and still today, there has never been a doubt in my mind that this is the best. Giapo ice cream is perfection. And now, without sacrificing even an ounce of flavour, Giapo is 100% gluten-free.
And that’s not all, the menu also identifies items that are: vegan, egg-free, vegetarian, nut-free, Halal suitable, and Kosher suitable.
For most people, the change to 100% gluten-free doesn’t matter. In fact, it would go unnoticed if not pointed out as you enjoy your flawless Giapo ice cream creation.
Yet to a family like ours and others with Coeliac disease, all gluten-free restaurants in Auckland make a big difference. But when it’s my favourite place for a treat, well, our family’s ecstatic.
Be tempted by some of Auckland’s yummiest treats…
How to get your Giapo creation
Visit the shop
Giapo’s shop is not a classic ice cream location.
With only a few seats inside and benches outside, it’s more of a takeaway destination. The indoor seating is there for eating. Without tables, it’s not a place to come and hang out for the day.
Although, if you don’t plan ahead, you may be here for a while.
There is almost always a queue to place your order, as there is with most places worldwide that always exceed expectations and are generally considered the best of their type around.
But even that is never boring. We have stood in the queue and been offered samples of hot chocolate, cups of water, and even some chocolate samples in the past.
The shop itself is at 12 Gore Street, in the heart of Britomart in Auckland CBD.
Giapo current open hours are:
Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 2pm to 10pm
Friday, Saturday 2pm to 10:30pm
Check out the app for click and collect or local delivery
With the new app, order ahead and skip the queue (when they are open), or for those who live closer than we do (we are pretty far away), you can have these great flavours delivered.
Download the new app to your phone.
The Giapo ice cream experience
Let me tell you; the wait is worth it for a taste of the ice cream nirvana created by Giapo, short for Gianpaolo Grazioli, the mastermind behind it all, and Annarosa, his wife and partner.
Typically, we find the queue moves pretty quickly, and when you get to the front, you are treated so special that you barely remember the wait.
Greeted by an enthusiastic employee, we are brought inside to a small tasting station, and made to feel like the only ones that matter. A brief discussion and they know our food allergies, sensitivities, preferences, and our current desire for savoury or sweet.
Now the fun begins with samples, brought out just for us to try. Once you finally take your first taste, you instantly know it was worth all the fuss.
Although we can see into the kitchen, our server has captivated our attention. We each make a selection, not fully knowing what our masterpieces will look like, only that it will exceed our expectations.
Our favourite Giapo artisan ice cream creations over time
Here are a few family favourites from past years. My personal favourite is Giapo Bueno, seen in my hand in the second shot below. Whatever your choice from the Giapo ice cream menu, you can’t go wrong. Over-delivery is the unwritten motto. We have never been disappointed.
Pro tip: Arrive feeling hungry as Giapo ice cream creations may be a bit larger than you expect.
What Cher said . . . about Giapo ice cream
New Zealand gets excited when divas like Cher visit, and even more pumped up when they share about it on social media. Cher visited in September 2018, and 10 months later (July 2019) she lovingly remembered her Chocolate Evolution Cone (a popular favourite on the Giapo menu) and tweeted this:
Behind the scenes
After Giapo moved from Queen Street to Gore Street in 2017, we were invited upstairs into the workspace next to one of the kitchens. It’s an enchanting place where creativity flows, and Giapo’s brilliant creations begin to take form. We sat, talked, and each enjoyed one of their classics.
Join an Auckland food tour that stops at Giapo
Food tours are a fun way to explore a city, and there is one top-rated tour we found that includes a stop at Giapo for a sample of his famous ice cream. But that’s not all. This 3-hour afternoon walking tour will treat you to other artisan samples, plus wine and beer. As a bonus, you will discover a bit about the city and its culinary history.
You will want to start the tour hungry; wear good walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket. Don’t forget to advise your guide about food allergies or sensitivities.
Check reviews or book your afternoon food tour
A few of Giapo’s past ice cream creations
Giapo’s winter comfort foods provided something good to remember about 2020
First, what you came for, Giapo’s ice cream masterpieces for winter 2020. As we all need something warm and comforting, especially this winter, I think Giapo has nailed it with these two gluten-free Auckland treats that combine cold and warm on top of a cone.
- The apple pie cone: An ice cream-filled crunchy waffle cone topped with a spicy shortbread crumb and a warm whole baked apple.
- The steamed pudding cone: An ice cream-filled waffle cone topped with a light and airy spiced steamed pudding drenched in a rich, sweet caramel sauce (recipe is adapted from the ‘Life with Krystle’ Facebook page).
Looking back to Giapo in 2019
By now, I am sure you know why I think this is the best ice cream in Auckland.
The year 2019 was all about fun, with the new creations being a 60 cm tall king of cones, and ice cream encased in chocolate lips. Later in the year, in his usual artistic and unconventional flair, Giapo created two irresistible holiday treats that are more than just delicious.
Breaking ice cream barriers
In 2017, several new recipes expanded the menu, challenging the boundaries of ice cream with treats designed around worldwide comfort foods.
“In one bite from the new menu, you take a magic journey to two places: it could be to a street cart in Mumbai, to a trattoria in Naples, an izakaya in Tokyo, or to an old-school Maori family gathering. The other part of the journey is to somewhere new, a place where ice cream speaks to you in a new and thrilling language – a journey to a Giapo state of mind.”
from a 2017 press release
From the original Queen Street location pre 2017
We have been fans of Giapo back when they were at their original Queen Street location, a smaller shop that also always had a queue out the door. Even then, it was a unique New Zealand ice cream shop offering the perfect handmade combination of flavours. A lot has changed over the years, but many of the originals still exist.
The first time I met Giapo, he wore a button-down shirt and matching cap, both with ice cream cones printed across them. We talked about ice cream, attention to every detail, fresh New Zealand ingredients, and family. His passion shined through, and I couldn’t help but smile when I spoke with him. Today, I still think of him as a friend.
At the time, they served about 1,000 people every day, estimating Giapo to be the busiest hospitality place in New Zealand. The Queen Street shop staff of 25 employees included nine chefs working behind the scenes 24 hours a day to create everything from scratch.
Giapo personally knows all 67 farmers and suppliers and ensures he has the quality ingredients required to create his masterpieces (only the chocolate, vanilla, and a few spices are grown outside of New Zealand). The result is nothing short of perfection.
A few flashbacks to the original location, which no longer exists except in our memories:
Conclusion
We love Giapo! Both the man’s ethics and the shop’s tasty treats. We like it so much, in fact, we have included Giapo on our lists of best things to do at night in Auckland, most unique restaurants in Auckland, and unique things to do in Auckland.
While there may be other New Zealand ice cream brands, Giapo is not only incredibly tasty, it is also the full experience. From the greeting through to the last bite, everything is perfection. Some may balk at Giapo prices, but they are worth every bit. Giapo is a unique dining experience in Auckland and unquestionably our favourite place for New Zealand ice cream.
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Read next: 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand.
Have you been to Giapo? Do you agree that it is the best ice cream experience in Auckland?
Disclaimer: Some ice cream creations were provided for us to photograph and enjoy. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Michelle
Wow!! The ice cream looks great!
Clenapin
yum yum, it’s delicious. 🙂
Andi
This is some of the most beautiful ice cream dishes I have ever seen – so elegant! I like the original shapes they do – I however am most concerned about flavor – so I need to get over and try it for myself!
Ann
Oh some of them really look like a piece of art 😀
Merry christmas!
Nancy
That’s not ice cream! That’s ART!
Wow! Almost a shame to eat it!!!
The Frugal Samurai
This looks absolutely delish – so decadent as well, we’ll get onto them next time we are across the ditch! Only a short ride from Oz.
WA Explorer
Amazing creations, great reason to travel to Auckland.
Wednesday Elf
Wow, these are not just ice cream treats, these are works of art. I’ve never seen anything so fabulous! Would love to visit just to go to Giapo Ice Cream.
Brock
Wow, so delicious, such a great works
Kelleyn Rothaermel
Yummy! The ice cream of all ice creams!
Molly
Those all look amazing and now I have a huge ice cream craving
Mollyx
Nancy
Wow – that looks crazy but delicious!
indah nuria Savitri
I do agree! Those ice creams looks soooooo yummy! I haven’t got a chance to try it but it looks incredibly delicious
Ryan Biddulph
Hi Rhonda,
This place looks fab.
The thing that gets me? The wide range of flavors.
Each flavor requires a different creation, which is awe-inspiring.
Definitely looking forward to enjoying a cone one day.
Giapo seems to be a genius.
Thanks for sharing Rhonda.
Ryan
Rhonda Albom
Yes, Giapo (the man) is a brilliant visionary. He has a staff of chefs and works to perfection. You will enjoy your visit.
Darlene
Holy moly, those ice cream cones look fantastic … as good as they probably taste, I would hesitate to eat them because they look like works of art!
Rhonda Albom
If you hesitate too long, they will melt. Then you have nothing, no art, no treat.
Brittany
Giapo is my favorite ice cream in the whole world! And he’s gotten even more creative since I was last there! Can’t wait to visit again and try all of his amazing creations 🙂
Molly
Those icecream creations look absolutely amazing
Mollyx
Katie/Celebrating With The Bug
I really want some Ice cream now! Although it’s going to nothing likes those beautiful masterpieces! Gorgeous pics! 🙂
Anda
This definitely looks like my kind of place, Rhonda. From what you are describing, the Giapo ice-cream is like something I have never tasted before. The best ice-cream I have ever tried (except for the gelato in Italy) is the “green tea tempura ice cream” that a local Japanese restaurant serves here, in Los Angeles. It fried ice cream and it’s absolutely divine. Hope I’ll get to visit Aukland someday and try some of that Giapo ice-cream too.
Rhonda Albom
It is like nothing I have tasted before. Giapo is an artist with food, a creator with an active imagination. Fried green tea ice cream sounds good too. Let me know when you are here, we will go to Giapo together. BTW – Giapo is Italian.
Kathe W.
very fun and delicious post! Have a lovely day.
Quirky Homemaker (@QuirkyHomemaker)
Wow! Those look seriously amazing! Yummo!
Patrick Weseman
Wow, that ice cream looks so yummy. Very nice. Thanks for sharing it.
Joyce Lansky
Chocolate ice cream is was and will always be my favorite dessert. I’d love to check out this place.
EnduringHorizon
That looks amazing!
Judee@gluten free A-Z Blog
Love the look of those cones! yum !! It’s gotten me in the mood to have some ice cream
Handmade Jewelry Haven
Pinned on Ocean Recipes!! Although technically not a recipe from ‘the ocean’…who doesn’t LOVE ice cream???!!
This is definately on my list of things to do!!
Thanks so much for your wonderful yummy pics!
– Lisa
Deb Nance
That ice cream looks amazing! Yes, works of art.
Amy
wow seems like they’ve found a niche to make some unusual ice creams more popular.
photo cache
Mouth watering!
Teresa Kindred
I just had my coffee but now I’m craving ice cream! Oh how I love the stuff!
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Yum, Yum! They all look great. Is he Italian? He must be Italian to make all of these wonderful creations. If not, I’ll make him a member of our Italian family. See ya Rhonda.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Yes, he was born in Italy.
kid can doodle
The ice cream looks so over the top – too many toppings – too hard to eat!
Nancy
OMG – those are amazing works of art. It would be a shame to eat them… but I guess I’d have to make the sacrifice!
😉
Kelleyn Rothaermel
Seriously amazing! I want one! They need to come to my town.
ladyfi
What wonderful ice cream creations!
Pete
Giapo is a must stop in Auckland! They closed down today, did you know?
Re-opening soon, not too far away.
Rhonda Albom
I look forward to their grand re-opening.
B Boerdyk
That place was amazing. It was really hard trying to decide which gelato to have then you didn’t want to eat it because it was a work of art.
Saraallie
This post has me drooling uncontrollably. I’m a baker and cake decorator so such edible works of art appeal to me so much.
I just can’t get over how beautiful those ice cream cones look (the one with the stamp seal on it my favorite, of course!).
I found your blog through the A to Z! Looking forward to seeing more of your posts and hopefully getting a chance to visit this place sometime in my life! ~ Saraallie
Rhonda Albom
They employ 9 pastry chefs, so this should be right up your alley. They are pretty incredible edible works of art.
peregrinationgourmande
I want one right now!!! So amazing… But … Aukland is really too far for an icecream right now. No Giapo in Europe? 😉 xx cathy
Rhonda Albom
No Giapo anywhere but Auckland. The owner wants to be better, not bigger. He is way too personally involved in every step to expand locations.
Trekking with Becky
They look AMAZING! My mouths is watering! Thank you so much for sharing this for Trekking with Becky’s
Lydia C. Lee
wow! Yum!
Anne@GritandGiggles
Yum! These look way to good to eat. I can only imagine the mess I would make with it. I’ve never seen icecream cones that look like that before.
Stella Lee @Purfylle
I’m looking at these thinking how amazing they all look and how they might not survive to be eaten in a Perth hot summer. Giapo made the right choice setting shop up in Auckland.
Travelera
OMG These Ice creams look delicious!!! I really want to try one right now!!
xxx
Lexa Cain
OMG! So much awesomeness! I’m an ice cream nut and would love to go to this place! I’ve never heard of an ice cream store with a line, so this means it must indeed be spectacular.
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
The ice cream looks gorgeous!
Indah Nuria Savitri
I want to try it as well ….it looks yummy and super artsy indeed 🙂
melody
Oh my gaaaahhhd ice cream my favorites *wipes keyboard* :)))
Jesh StG
Got addicted to gelato when we visited Italy 3 years ago. Like it even better than ice cream, because it is not as sweet (which makes one thirsty again soon in such a hot climate as California). Of course – chocolate is always my first choice! Wishing you a happy rest of the week!
Molly
wow, those look absolutely amazing, you are right, like edible works of art
Mollyxxx
Indrani
Creativity in food makes it so interesting. I too felt like trying them out.
Great captures, the texture is there.
Deb Nance
Agree. That’s art!
ann nz
interesting, Rachel Hunter when she did the ice cream ad, said it wasn’t real ice cream she was “eating” It was mash potato so it won’t melt.
Visiting from Auckland,
Rhonda Albom
Luckily, I got my photos quick enough that there was no melting.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Oh wow, that photo really drew me in. Those cones are each a piece of art, and the flavors you mentioned sound divine. Just another excuse to visit Auckland.
Joy @MyTravelingJoys
Wow…just wow! This gelato looks delicious and so funky too. My husband is heading to Auckland soon for work, so I’ll have to tell him about this place as he LOVES ice cream.
Joyce
That ice cream looks amazing! Too bad you’re on a diet. Bwaaa.
Rhonda Albom
So true, but I wasn’t always on a diet, and I won’t be on it forever. Besides, some things are worth violating the diet for.
Hung Thai
6 ice creams… I would go into a food coma for a week. Nice cover, by the way – very clean, simple and gets to the point exactly! Looking forward to its release 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I had three teens with me at the time, and a hubby. No food coma for me.
Hung Thai
Perseverance paid off 🙂
Nadia
Omg. Wow some of those look more like art then edible!!
Alissa Apel
I haven’t had this yet. OMG they look like pieces of art. So yummy!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen ice cream done like that! No wonder there is a line out the door.
Lea
Fantastic ice cream creations!
Kylie
Wow they look amazing! I love ice cream!
Kelleyn
These are works of art!
Rhonda Albom
Absolutely, each one hand created.
Photo Cache
Oh my goodness, those are freaking awesome, just looking at them.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – just wait until you taste them.
Comedy Plus
I love ice cream and I would be visiting this shop for sure. My favorite here is Cold Stone. They have some amazing creations too,
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. ☺
Paul F. Pietrangelo
WOW, WOW, WOW about looking at this at 10:00 am in the morning. I want some GIAPO ice cream or gelato. What a brilliant man. Of course he Italian. Ha,ha,ha. Did I tell you that I was also ( brilliant ) Italian. LOL. Beautiful photos but why don’t we see you eating and one of those cones?
Have a wobderful Tuesday Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Wow is exactly how I felt when she walked out with those ice creams for us. I didn’t know you were a brilliant Italian, but I should have guessed by your name.
Teresa from NanaHood
Would you believe I went on a diet yesterday? No fair! I really was drooling! Delicious looking!
Parent Club
Those are works of art!
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
That ice cream looks amazing – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place that makes ice cream cones into a work of art before. Yum!
Rhonda Albom
You must have walked by Giapo hundreds of times, it’s right on Queen street just a few doors past the entrance for the Civic Theatre.
Amila @ Leisure and Me
These ice cream look super delicious.I am mouthwatering here. 🙂
Nancy
Darn it all – you made me drool! Now I’ll have to change clothes!
😉
Rhonda Albom
LOL – it was worth it though.
stevebethere
I was licking my lips as i was reading that and looking at the photos heheh!, It must be ice cream heaven in there 🙂
Have a conetastic week Rhonda 🙂
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – I think I’d travel over to NZ to see these … and obviously try each and everyone – and I prefer savoury foods! They look amazing .. wonderful photos – cheers Hilary
stephanie@stephsjoy
Those are some serious ice creams! They look delicious!