Proper Italian Gelato, a Few Steps from Harrods
By August the pavement outside Harrods is warm underfoot and the queue for the food halls runs a long way down Brompton Road. The obvious move is something cold. The better move is proper Italian gelato, and it is easier to find in Knightsbridge than you might think.
Alba London, the Amalfi-inspired Italian restaurant directly opposite the store, runs gelato, sorbet and affogato through its dessert menu - from a simple three-scoop plate to a sharing dish built for the whole table.
Where Can I Get Italian Gelato Near Harrods?
At Alba, 70 Brompton Road, SW3 1ER, directly across the road from the store. The dining room is scented with real citrus trees and the open kitchen sits in full view, so dessert arrives somewhere considerably more pleasant than a pavement queue. Gelato runs through the dessert menu alongside the sorbets and the affogato.
What Makes Italian Gelato Different From Ice Cream?
The difference comes down to two things. Gelato makers churn it slower, which whips in less air and gives each scoop a denser, silkier feel than ice cream. They also serve it warmer, closer to fridge temperature than freezer, so your tongue actually picks up the flavour instead of going briefly numb.
Alba's flavours stick to the Italian playbook. The three-scoop plate runs vanilla, chocolate and pistachio, or you can leave the choice to the kitchen. Among the sorbets, an Amalfi lemon picks up where the lemon dishes on the main menu leave off.
Affogato in London, Done the Way It Should Be
Affogato is two ingredients: vanilla gelato in a chilled glass, drowned in hot coffee poured over at the last moment. That's it. It works because hot bitter coffee hitting cold cream is one of the great Italian ideas, and it falls apart if either component is mediocre. At Alba it comes either with espresso or with Belvedere Dirty Brew Coffee, depending on how much of a statement you want dessert to make.
Sorbet for Knightsbridge's Hottest Afternoons
When gelato feels too rich, sorbet is the answer. Alba's list runs Amalfi lemon and raspberry alongside a seasonal fruit that changes through the year. It's dairy-free, sharp, and a fairly civilised way to finish a long lunch.
The Grand Gelato, Built for the Table
For a group, the Grand Gelato is the one to order - a sharing dish in either hazelnut praline or coconut, brought out for everyone rather than portioned into single servings. It is the most theatrical thing on the dessert menu and it travels a long way on a phone camera.
Visiting Alba London
Address: 70 Brompton Road, London SW3 1ER, opposite Harrods. Open daily: Mon-Thu 12:00-23:30, Fri-Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-22:30. Bookings: alba-ldn.uk/book-now.
More from Alba: the full Italian dessert guide, the Knightsbridge caviar menu, and a pick of the best Italian restaurants near Harrods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Get Gelato Near Harrods?
Alba London at 70 Brompton Road, directly opposite Harrods. Italian gelato, sorbet and affogato all feature on the dessert menu.
What Gelato Flavours Are on Offer?
The three-scoop plate runs vanilla, chocolate and pistachio, with a chef's choice option if you would rather not decide. The sharing Grand Gelato comes in hazelnut praline or coconut.
Does Alba Serve Sorbet?
Yes. Amalfi lemon and raspberry are the constants, with a seasonal fruit alongside them. All are dairy-free.
How Is the Affogato Served?
Vanilla gelato in a chilled glass with hot coffee poured over - either espresso or Belvedere Dirty Brew Coffee.
Do I Need to Book?
Booking is recommended if you want a table, particularly at weekends. Reserve through the Alba London website.
