Simply the Best
The Boston area does not lack for excellent boutique ice cream shops. Rancatore's is simply the best. The bittersweet chocolate flavor sits at the apex of my chocolate ice cream list. The ginger flavor is sharp and clear without being too biting. Even vanilla has a distinct quality, smooth and sweet with just the right amount of bean. Whenever I'm in the area, no matter the season, I stop here.    [21 Sep 2006 11:31:24]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Awesome Ice Cream and Ambiance
Sleepy, snobby Belmont would rather not tell the world what a fabulous ice cream and coffee shop this is, hiding in plain view at the Belmont-School St intersection a couple miles west of Harvard Square. But it's true. Joe Rancatore has been churning out A+ flavor in all his homemade ice creams and yogurts for years now, and there's coffee, tea, and carbohydrates for the non-ice-cream lovers. Low key, friendly atmosphere and music that will not shatter your ear drums make this a multi-generational destination. And no, I'm not a relative or friend - just a fan of fine ice cream and comfy places to eat it.    [16 Feb 2007 15:57:03]

Food: -   Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Eeew, What's that Gooey Secret Ingredient?
Large open space, could accommodate more tables and chairs; no little chairs for little tykes, either. Not particularly clean, but smells good because of the freshly baked waffle cones. Selection is small. Flavors are excellent, not too bold, or boring - great balance. But they are putting some kind of gum in the ice cream to make it super gooey. It just doesn't melt. The frozen yogurt seemed to make some kind of liquid when warm, but the regular ice cream had the consistency of cookie dough. It was kind of creepy - ice cream is supposed to melt in your mouth, right? Might be good from the point of view of a kid walking outside on a hot day, but a turn off for an ice cream addict like me. "Micro" sundae is a joke - pay a lot, but you don't get a lot! Two smalls cost $7.50 total, and they actually are small. Every other good shop in the Boston area gives you a gigantic portion even when you ask for a kiddie size.    [21 Apr 2007 00:24:12]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Belgian milk chocolate

     ­Chris