A US tourist has warned visitors to Rome after she was charged €44 (£38) for two ice creams at a gelateria in the Italian capital.
Nicole Ann, from Florida, said she visited Don Nino, an ice-cream parlour off Piazza Navona, and asked for two small cups of gelato. Instead, she was served large cones with toppings she claims she did not request, including macarons, cannoli and whipped cream.
The receipt, shared on a Facebook travel group, listed two maxi cones at €12 each, €4 for whipped cream dollops, two pistachio cannoli for €10 and two macarons for €6, totalling €44. Ms Ann said she only realised the cost when checking the receipt, having thought the server said €14.
Don Nino, which has several branches in Rome, declined to comment when contacted by the Guardian. The company's website describes its products as 'the authentic taste of quality'.
The post drew more than 900 comments, with one Italian writing: 'As an Italian living in Italy, I’m ashamed.' Another commenter asked if Ms Ann had checked prices; she replied that she saw none. A Guardian reporter visited the shop and found prices clearly listed: €6 for one scoop, €12 for three scoops in a large cup or cone. Typical ice cream in Rome costs €2–€5.
