Nonna Marie's Gelato & Coffee Bar

This is delicious! I got salted caramel in chocolate cone and hubby got rum banana pudding in coconut cone and we are both very pleased with our choices. Read another review about gluten free options so we needed to check it out. Did NOT disappoint!!!

Summers in Hilton Head truly test those who embrace the decadence of what Mother Nature has to offer. The air is rich and smells of the sweet flora that grows effortlessly in this God given Fertile Crescent. The animals sing their songs day and night, longing for connection to those who hear them. And the sun shines down on the land as of it to reach out to those willing to embrace it’s beautiful majesty. While there are those who brave the sun’s magnificence without aid, I found myself needing relief from the sweltering heat that brings so many to the Island. It is here where you could say my opinion on frozen deserts, perhaps my perspective on life, changed. In a quaint strip mall located in between an olive oil shop and Italian restaurant, which some may call “The Italian Corner” of Hilton Head, stands what I thought was simply a mirage beckoning me to rest. A simple font sign “Nonna Maries Gelato and Coffee Bar.” I walk in and am immediately greeted by the friendly staff behind the counter. Soft Italian music plays in the background. A man in the back, who I must assume is Willy Wonka but Italian, churns his craft. I peer behind the glass to see their offerings expecting to see flavors upholding the status quo. What I find is a beautiful combination of the familiar, and the adventurous. Biscoff, Biscotti, a cherry flavor with a name too Italian for me to retain. A tip of the cap not only to the origin of this desert, but where the owners purchase their ingredients from. Other flavors such as “Unicorn” are too wondrous for me fathom. I order a double scoop of the biscoff and banana pudding, with a drizzle of honey on top. While the cones seem to be the all too perfect vehicle for this Amalfi wonder, I am gluten free, and use a Nonna Maries Gelato branded cup. I take my delicacy outside where they have stools set up alongside the storefront. This is not ice cream we are dealing with here. To compare Nonna Marie’s Gelato to a Hagen Daz or a Breyers to me is comparing the Great Colosseum of Rome to my backyard. I don’t have a backyard. The texture is impeccable, as it is served at a comfortable 10 degrees fahrenheit. Not only does this create a more enjoyable eating experience, but allows the flavors to truly show off their personality and grandeur. I was unaware of the true power taste had as one of the five senses before this point. The biscoff transports me back to holidays with my Nina. The sounds of the Christmas carols outside while I sit on my grandmas lap eating her biscoff cookies as she drinks her espresso. As a side note, they also sell espresso. The banana pudding flavor brings me to every time I have eaten a banana, which if counted correctly, is a very big number. The sun kisses my skin. As I showed up at 5, which is when they open, I was the first of many to follow in a short period of time. The hustle and bustle of this strip seems to be concentrated in this one spot. A beacon to those who want something more. Quality? Flavor? Ambience? Service? Those who want one get them all. Nonna Marie’s is not simply a treat to eat, but a treat for the soul. Highly recommend!

As someone who has a gluten allergy. This was such a wonderful treat! Prior to my visit here, I had not had an ice cream cone in 14 years. They have GF cones in several flavors. We went twice during our trip! I had the Red Velvet cone with Banana pudding Gelato and the Chocolate cone with the Whiskey Gelato; both were phenomenal!