Gelateria Danieli Richmond

I can’t say how many times during the past 10 years I came at Gelateria Danieli for the best ice cream in London. My favourites, Biscuit and Pistachio with a thick Italian hot chocolate, one of Danieli’s signatures. The owners and the staff members are so nice. This place deserves way more than 5 stars

Danieli’s hot chocolate without a doubt is one of the best winter treats. Alongwith their panettone which is so tasty, it has become a weekly ritual in winters to visit them over the years.

We stopped by Gelateria Danieli again specifically for their Signature Hot Chocolate, and it really is the star of the show. If you’re into darker, slightly bitter chocolate rather than the usual sweet milky stuff, this hits exactly the right note. It’s rich, velvety, and honestly one of the better hot chocolates you’ll find in London at £4.50. They also offer versions like Pistachio, Hazelnut, etc., but just a heads-up: these are basically the Signature with sprinkles or toppings added. Personally, I feel like those flavours would shine more if they were actually mixed in rather than sitting on top, because you don’t get as much flavour payoff beyond the first few sips. Another nice surprise is the Hot Chocolate Affogato, which works mainly because their gelato is excellent. If you’re into affogatos, it’s definitely worth trying. The place itself is tiny and usually busy. There are maybe four seats inside if you’re lucky enough to grab one. The street outside is narrow and there isn’t really anywhere to sit or lean comfortably, so this is mostly a grab-and-go situation. One more tip: after you’re done, walk down to Danieli No.13 at the end of the same lane. It’s a separate little shop focused on chocolate gifts and worth a browse if you’re into proper chocolate. Overall, great hot chocolate, especially for dark chocolate fans, just be ready to drink it on the move.