Caffè Panna

Read this if you are the owner. I rarely leave negative reviews. The ice cream is good, but not amazing. This place is definitely hyped. The big burly bearded guy operating the cash register didn’t tell us the whipped cream, drizzle, and crunch was included. (It’s my fault for not noticing, but the cashier should have offered) Cashier looked miserable. The look on his face radiated, “Next!” Poor customer service. Do better. Most employees were just standing around doing nothing. Our order was also skipped by 2 separate guest behind us. Most staff members looked confused and idling around. No seating available, but that’s not an issue. However, customer service needs to be improved.

I came to try the Caffe Bianco Stracciatella Affogato is Recommended and it was great! I also tried their Hot Chocolate and that was too sweet! Would not recommend unless that is what you prefer. Cookies 'N Panna was okay. It was an overall okay experience during Winter.

The ice cream was honestly really good and worth the price. The whipped cream, syrup, and other topping being complimentary is a plus bc the whipped cream elevated the ice cream. Idk if it was only for that day that I went but they didn’t accept cash and only card so be aware of that if you do end up going. The only downside of Caffe Panna is the lack of seating which is why they don’t get the full 5 but besides that it’s honestly super good and if I’m around the area when it’s open I’ll def go again.

Despite being very hyped, the ice cream was good. It definitely benefits from the flavor and visual cues. The fudge is not hot. The hot chocolate is good, rich style, and not super memorable or very hot but the chocolate shavings were a nice touch with a hint of orange perhaps. The ordering process feels weirdly human and slow.

I've been spoiled with stellar ice cream lately, with my two favorites in the world being Leopold's in Savannah, GA and Il Laboratorio in the Lower East Side. I felt my taste buds were primed to finally try Caffe Panna, as New Yorkers talk about it like Jesus Christ himself is back there whipping up the ice cream. My girlfriend and I arrived on a Sunday and it was PACKED, but they have the ordering system so dialed in that a line that looked like it was going to take 45 min only took 8. Fair play. I went with plain vanilla with olive oil drizzle, as I feel this is the best way to taste test an ice cream. Pure. No frills. The real deal. It was really really good, I'm not going to sit here and lie to you my dear reader. It was some high level cream, but it just didn’t hit the same as Leopold’s or Il Laboratorio. It was just a tad too creamy for my personal preference. Texture is everything to me. If you listen to nothing else I say before I kick the bucket, please get down to Savannah, GA to try Leopold’s ice cream. It’s just different down there. IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo