Alfonso Gelateria

Alfonso brings traditional Italian gelato methods to Oxford's Covered Market. The operation is small and focused — a glass counter of freshly churned flavours, made using recipes and techniques rooted in the Italian gelateria tradition. The result is gelato that's denser, smoother, and more intensely flavoured than standard ice cream.

What to order

The fruit sorbets are particularly good — clean, bright flavours that taste of the fruit rather than sugar. Classic Italian flavours like pistachio and stracciatella are reliably well-made. The range is smaller than you'd find at a larger operation, but what's there is done with care. Cones and cups in various sizes keep prices accessible.

Good to know

You'll find Alfonso inside the Covered Market, which means it follows the market's opening hours rather than keeping late-night hours. It's a natural stop while browsing the market's other food stalls and independent shops. Seating is limited to a few spots nearby in the market — most people take their gelato to go. A good pairing with a wander through the market or a walk along the High Street.