Enjoying a gelato in Rome, Italy. Photo: Priya Chandra

One of the most inexplicable things is that I never really got into gelato. Even more strange, I feel like my taste for ice cream doesn’t have the same fervor it used to. I’m now into the fro-yos and fruits. But my history with gelato specifically was a rocky one. I remember the very first time I had it, must have been 12-years-old or so and my aunt and uncle kept saying we’re going to this fab place to eat gelatos. The concept was so foreign to me but in a good, exotic way. I had never heard of it before and had no idea what to expect. I pictured something lighter, like Italian ice. We ended up going to some small ice cream parlor in Jersey and I ordered a scoop of some strawberry variation, and was sort of underwhelmed. It tasted like ice cream, but not as sweet, and you know us Americans are spoiled with sugar. I guess I was more of a Baskin Robbins girl. Luckily since then, I’ve been slowly changing my mind starting from a trip in Rome. Not right away as you’d expect — the first couple gelatos I had there was also just OK. But we did find some places that had the most decadent flavors (I quickly realized hazelnut is one of my favorites).

4D Outside

Inside 4D

I guess that’s why I really appreciate a really good gelato place, because in my opinion, not all are created equal. And the one we stumbled upon in a recent trip to Miami, 4D, fits the bill. We stopped by while shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach.

Hazelnut gelato

Oreo Gelato

According to their website, it was founded by an Italian entrepreneur 25 years ago who wanted to produce artisanal gelato and is made fresh everyday. They even have 54 locations in Europe and South America which makes it more official in my book. I tried so many of their flavors (very important note: they have gelato made with Ferrero Rocher chocolates! What more do you need in life?!).

Vanilla wafer flavored gelato

I knew this place was special when I ordered something that wasn’t hazelnut for once and still LOVED it: their vanilla-wafer cookie flavored ice cream…it’s official name escapes me, but if you ask them, I’m sure they’ll know what you’re talking about. Just tell them I sent you. OK just kidding don’t tell them that, they’ll have no idea what you’re talking about and you’ll embarrass yourself. But if you’re ever in sunny Miami, this is a great place to cool off!

Restaurant Info:
4D
670 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
786-276-9475
South Beach

x
Shy

“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter