Anita Gelato

Anita Gelato is a gelateria on Upper St Martin's Lane, moments from Seven Dials and the West End theatres, and the London outpost of a brand built on Mama Anita's original recipes. Everything is handmade, and rather than a short fixed list the counter works through more than 150 rotating flavours, so the shop rewards a proper look along the cabinet before you choose.

The recipes behind the counter were developed and refined by Mama Anita over more than two decades, and the brand still describes every flavour as needing her personal stamp of approval. The London team combine Mediterranean tradition with more contemporary ideas, taking inspiration from classic desserts, premium chocolates, roasted nuts, fresh fruit and family recipes.

A gelato shop in Covent Garden with 150 flavours

The range covers handmade gelato, fruit sorbets, frozen yogurt and sugar-free options, so most dietary preferences are catered for at the same stop. More than 25 premium toppings sit alongside, including fresh fruit, syrups and chocolate, plus signature jams inspired by Mama Anita's kitchen. Expect rich chocolate flavours and roasted pistachio next to lighter fruit sorbets and a rolling cast of specials, which is the reason regulars keep coming back to see what has changed.

What to expect on a visit

Hours are the same every day, 8am to 11pm, which makes it a useful stop before a matinee, between shows or after a late dinner nearby. The shop is set up for a quick visit and a walk with your cup or cone rather than a long sit-down, and online ordering and gift cards are available through the website. It is one of the busier dessert shops in Covent Garden; for the Italian original with late-night hours, Amorino on Garrick Street is a few minutes south. For sheer choice in gelato near Seven Dials, this is the counter to start with.