Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
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I ordered a small and it was way more than I expected. I was excited to try the peach scooped custard, but unfortunately it had a bit of a strange taste. The strawberry and chocolate flavors were great though.
Does the job, but no gelati for the kid's cup :( This is located in a really nice shopping area walking distance to the South Shore of Alameda. A few tables outside to sit and enjoy the weather. I recommend the mango!
Came here on the weekend and there was a short wait in line. Got the raspberry ice and custard mix and it was delicious! The raspberry ice provides a nice crunch next to the creamy texture of the custard. Tartness from raspberry is a good combo for the sweetness of the custard. Highly recommend if you're craving a sweet treat!
Stopped in to try their Gelati, which is a thick layer of Italian Ice, topped with either vanilla or chocolate frozen custard. After trying a couple Italian Ice flavors, I decided on the Mango Ice, topped with Vanilla Custard. It was a good mix and the creaminess of the custard (consistency of froyo) went well with the fruit flavored Italian Ice at the bottom. Located in the alley (with a children's play area) across from the Homegoods store, next to See's Candies.
Small place with almost nowhere to sit inside. Quick stop to get a dessert to try it out. You can try some flavors if you aren't sure. One person working so slightly slow line but still good service. 3.5/5 - Gelati - Frozen custard was really thick and the Italian ice tastes really fruity as we got mango. Feels like it's good thick ice cream on top of a slushy however not the biggest fan of the combo. I think they are better separately, to each their own.
Recently on a business trip to Philly, I went to a Rita's. Had did my research before had and the gelati/frozen custard intrigued me. It was 98 w/,humidity of welcome to hells lounge that I actively sought one out. I got a cola with twisted custard. The result a layered item that helped the hells lounge freeze just a bit for me to get back to hotel. I had seen this Rita's before my trip and so was excited to be able to come here. Cut little place and the young man was eager to help. So I ordered the same as I got on my Philly trip. I wasn't paying to full attention and when it was ready I saw the dollop of custard on top. I left to walk back to my car to enjoy. As I dug in I quickly realized it wasn't layered. The ice part was good, just wish it was layered. Maybe the West Coast franchisee should visit the East coast for more training. I will probably go back and try some other items as there are a lot options for us lactose intolerant folks.
Fun with yummy custard and lots of Italian ices. We were waited on promptly with our orders. Lots of combinations. You can have ice cream sandwiches too.
Received these Rita coupons at the Alameda 4th of July parade which enticed us to go and get some ice cream at this location. However, when we tried to redeem these coupons, we were told that only one coupon could be used per treat. The coupon's terms on the coupon say "limited to 2 coupons on any treat". I interpreted this as 2 for each item. I questioned the employees and they said that's what they were told by their boss Cesar. This message is for Cesar the manager. You not honoring these coupons is not only outrageous but also illegal, and telling your employees to violate the law makes them complicit as well. According to California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 17537.11 (a) It is unlawful for any person to offer a coupon that is in any manner untrue or misleading. We only visited this location because of the coupons, and we were hoping to give you business and not get mislead by your bad business practices. I hope to bring trickery to light and if there are any attorneys reading this review then please comment.
"Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard" is located near the See's Candy store and the play area at the Southshore Shopping Center in Alameda. I was there twice over the weekend, and both times I had a good experience. On Saturday, I went there and got a large Tangerine Italian Ice. It was good and cold, with a somewhat weak fruity flavor. It was about $8 for a large. Is this really Italian Ice? It kind of looked like a slushie. Customer service was fair. The young lady helping me didn't really say much, and didn't suggestive sell. She only asked...."Is there anything else?" The place doesn't have indoor seating. So it's like a walkup counter. I returned on Sunday and ordered a frozen custard twist (chocolate/vanilla). I thought it was a little odd that the place had no customers on a warm day. Oh well, no customers means no line! A large frozen custard (with no toppings) was $8.30. The 12-oz container looked a little small. Texture-wise, the frozen custard was smooth and creamy. Although it looks like soft-serve, it's not grainy in appearance. There's no icy bite or ice crystals. When you eat it, it's dense and doesn't melt quickly. Overall, I'm not a big fan of Italian Ice and frozen custard. But it was nice to enjoy some on a warm weekend in Alameda. Southshore Shopping Center is located at Otis Drive & Park Street. Free parking and it's near the beach.
After a hot day at the beach, this was such a refreshing treat! I was indecisive so I asked to sample a few flavors before deciding, they're all good but the mango and fruit punch had the most flavor in my opinion. The small was definitely enough to satisfy my sweets craving and ran me $6. The service is meh, young kids that clearly do not want to be there or want to deliver any type of customer service.
Nice service and good dessert treats. Servings are extremely small so value is ok. It was pretty festive inside. Clean establishment. read more
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Social Team
I'm glad you enjoyed the service and treats! I appreciate your…
Wow, I almost forgot that I had a tasty dessert treat at this compact South Shore parlor. Calorie denial, I suppose. Sorry about that, Rita. Nothing personal. Combining Italian ice with frozen custard was a lovely indulgence, and they even provided calorie ranges to input into the My Fitness Pal app to remind me how much I've actually consumed. A range of 250 to 450 calories is really not bad for the $5.99 Small Gelati I ordered, especially when I requested the Root Beer ice be combined the Vanilla Frozen Custard (Photo 3). It was honestly like a root beer float, a nostalgic throwback to my childhood at the A&W Drive-In. Should I find myself in a calorie deficit, a rare occurrence indeed, I shall return. GELATI - 4 stars...creamy collision of flavors and textures AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...standard parlor set-up with circus-style signage SERVICE - 4 stars...quickly cordial TOTAL - 4 stars...nice job, Rita RELATED - Exploring Alameda? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/J1CTSOigbi read more
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Kent D.
Thanks, Ed! I'm glad you enjoyed the Gelati and found it to be a…
1 month ago
Business owner information
Social Team
It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed the vanilla ice with custard and…
I ordered a small and it was way more than I expected. I was excited to try the peach scooped custard, but unfortunately it had a bit of a strange taste. The strawberry and chocolate flavors were great though. read more
Business owner information
Kent D.
Thanks, Emily! I'm glad you enjoyed the strawberry and chocolate…
Does the job, but no gelati for the kid's cup :( This is located in a really nice shopping area walking distance to the South Shore of Alameda. A few tables outside to sit and enjoy the weather. I recommend the mango! read more
Came here on the weekend and there was a short wait in line. Got the raspberry ice and custard mix and it was delicious! The raspberry ice provides a nice crunch next to the creamy texture of the custard. Tartness from raspberry is a good combo for the sweetness of the custard. Highly recommend if you're craving a sweet treat! read more
Business owner information
Kent D.
Cathy, I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed the raspberry ice and…
Stopped in to try their Gelati, which is a thick layer of Italian Ice, topped with either vanilla or chocolate frozen custard. After trying a couple Italian Ice flavors, I decided on the Mango Ice, topped with Vanilla Custard. It was a good mix and the creaminess of the custard (consistency of froyo) went well with the fruit flavored Italian Ice at the bottom. Located in the alley (with a children's play area) across from the Homegoods store, next to See's Candies. read more
Business owner information
Kent D.
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Gelati! I'm glad you…
Small place with almost nowhere to sit inside. Quick stop to get a dessert to try it out. You can try some flavors if you aren't sure. One person working so slightly slow line but still good service. 3.5/5 - Gelati - Frozen custard was really thick and the Italian ice tastes really fruity as we got mango. Feels like it's good thick ice cream on top of a slushy however not the biggest fan of the combo. I think they are better separately, to each their own. read more
Recently on a business trip to Philly, I went to a Rita's. Had did my research before had and the gelati/frozen custard intrigued me. It was 98 w/,humidity of welcome to hells lounge that I actively sought one out. I got a cola with twisted custard. The result a layered item that helped the hells lounge freeze just a bit for me to get back to hotel. I had seen this Rita's before my trip and so was excited to be able to come here. Cut little place and the young man was eager to help. So I ordered the same as I got on my Philly trip. I wasn't paying to full attention and when it was ready I saw the dollop of custard on top. I left to walk back to my car to enjoy. As I dug in I quickly realized it wasn't layered. The ice part was good, just wish it was layered. Maybe the West Coast franchisee should visit the East coast for more training. I will probably go back and try some other items as there are a lot options for us lactose intolerant folks. read more
Business owner information
Social Team
We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you enjoyed our…
3 months ago
Received these Rita coupons at the Alameda 4th of July parade which enticed us to go and get some ice cream at this location. However, when we tried to redeem these coupons, we were told that only one coupon could be used per treat. The coupon's terms on the coupon say "limited to 2 coupons on any treat". I interpreted this as 2 for each item. I questioned the employees and they said that's what they were told by their boss Cesar. This message is for Cesar the manager. You not honoring these coupons is not only outrageous but also illegal, and telling your employees to violate the law makes them complicit as well. According to California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 17537.11 (a) It is unlawful for any person to offer a coupon that is in any manner untrue or misleading. We only visited this location because of the coupons, and we were hoping to give you business and not get mislead by your bad business practices. I hope to bring trickery to light and if there are any attorneys reading this review then please comment. read more
Business owner information
Social Team
I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. Your feedback about…
4 months ago
Business owner information
Social Team
It's wonderful to know you enjoyed your favorite combo of lemon ice…
1 year ago
"Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard" is located near the See's Candy store and the play area at the Southshore Shopping Center in Alameda. I was there twice over the weekend, and both times I had a good experience. On Saturday, I went there and got a large Tangerine Italian Ice. It was good and cold, with a somewhat weak fruity flavor. It was about $8 for a large. Is this really Italian Ice? It kind of looked like a slushie. Customer service was fair. The young lady helping me didn't really say much, and didn't suggestive sell. She only asked...."Is there anything else?" The place doesn't have indoor seating. So it's like a walkup counter. I returned on Sunday and ordered a frozen custard twist (chocolate/vanilla). I thought it was a little odd that the place had no customers on a warm day. Oh well, no customers means no line! A large frozen custard (with no toppings) was $8.30. The 12-oz container looked a little small. Texture-wise, the frozen custard was smooth and creamy. Although it looks like soft-serve, it's not grainy in appearance. There's no icy bite or ice crystals. When you eat it, it's dense and doesn't melt quickly. Overall, I'm not a big fan of Italian Ice and frozen custard. But it was nice to enjoy some on a warm weekend in Alameda. Southshore Shopping Center is located at Otis Drive & Park Street. Free parking and it's near the beach. read more
2 years ago
After a hot day at the beach, this was such a refreshing treat! I was indecisive so I asked to sample a few flavors before deciding, they're all good but the mango and fruit punch had the most flavor in my opinion. The small was definitely enough to satisfy my sweets craving and ran me $6. The service is meh, young kids that clearly do not want to be there or want to deliver any type of customer service. read more
11 months ago
Business owner information
Kent D.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm glad you enjoyed the…
6 months ago
Business owner information
Kent D.
I’m grateful for your feedback and will look into the service issues…
7 months ago
Business owner information
Kent D.
Your feedback is truly appreciated! I'm delighted you enjoyed our…
7 months ago
Business owner information
Kent D.
Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm thrilled to hear that you…
4 years ago
I don't go out for dessert. Going out for things like ice cream just doesn't appeal to me. I rather grab a 1/2 gallon at Safeway and eat it at home and veg in front of the tv like Tony Soprano would on the Sopranos. But of this rare occasion I went to Rita's after dinner and I was glad I did. I ordered a small chocolate Frozen Custard in a cone. It was smooth and creamy. And a small isn't even small, but a generous swirl of frozen custard. Rita's is great quality of dessert that can't be bought at a grocery store. While my mind hasn't changed and dessert will never be a priority for me. On those rare occasions, I would want to get frozen custard at Rita's. read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
BEHOLD! a sweet tooth's dream from refreshing italian ice to creamy milkshakes, this place has it all! we came at night time, and there was no line to order. the worker was really efficient in taking and making our orders right away, and we were probably in and out of the store in less than 10 minutes! there are so many options to choose from, both flavor wise and dessert wise, so i'm sure you'll find something for everyone -- -- -- pictured: " regular gelati ($4.34) // this dessert layers their creamy frozen custard (almost like a thicker vanilla soft serve) and italian ice. i chose mango, lemon, and cherry as my flavors, which paired so well together. SO RECOMMEND " regular italian ice ($3.65) // mango flavor read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
I have been wanting to try their Italian ice for awhile and I finally got to try it. Service: No line. Staff was kind and efficient. She got our order together really quickly. Food: My friend and I got a regular size Italian ice with Mango and Green Apple Flavor. They tasted good but the texture wasn't as smooth as other places I've tried. We also got the Oreo Cookies N Cream milkshake. The drink is on the sweeter side but I quite liked it. I prefer this drink over the Italian ice. Overall, I recommend coming here to try the smoothies if you are having a sweet tooth. The Italian ice was only okay but it's a good treat for the summer time. read more
3 years ago
Must-try: their misto Why? for those that have ever been to Sonic on the east coast and appreciate a mix of ice and soft serve, this is for you! Protip: don't sleep on their citrus flavors read more
Have come here a few times over the past few years and it really hasn't disappointed - I typically get a gelati (the flavored ice + soft serve) Pros: - just so delicious tasting, good bang for your buck usually, love that they mix a bunch of soft serve throughout the shave ice and that it's not just all at the top like some other places - reliable - Lots of options to choose from if you don't like shave ice, something for everyone - Easy parking at southshore center - pretty friendly service - one time I witnessed one customer really not understanding the concept of Rita's even though the worker explained it multiple times to her, and the worker was so patient LOL Cons: - can be a longer wait due to usually only one high school looking person working behind the counter - and sometimes the clientele takes longer because they don't know what they want, or don't know exactly what Rita's is. - pretty friendly service ing in the sun out the door due to social distancing for covid and a slow moving line due to the whole 1 person working thing read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Been wanting to try Rita's for the longest time and I finally stopped by on a warm Saturday afternoon. There were a good amount of people waiting and the line extended towards the end of the store next to it. It took us about 30 mins from start to finish because there was only one person working both cashier and making the orders. We got regular Gelatis - blueberry and dragonfruit. I wasn't a fan of the blueberry since it reminded me of medicine flavor but I was surprised it had frozen blueberry bits. I loved the dragonfruit and it went so well with the vanilla custard! The custard was so good, I could eat a whole cup on its own. I would be willing to come back and try the other flavors. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
I asked for cotton candy and they gave me watermelon and when I asked about why the Italian ice was pink instead of blue like cotton candy normally is, the shorter white lady with blonde hair told me they had simply changed colors. I called back the same location confirming the color was supposed to be blue and they laughed over the phone. No issues with Rita herself, she would never let that happen. However today was a day of disappointment. read more
6 years ago
I enjoy flavors that speak before the sugar - like a lemon that is tart with some sweetness coming through. It should be an undeniable flavor. We ordered berry daiquiri and lemon, both topped with custard. The custard was really just soft serve. Please be careful of people coming right off the beach in Alameda and walking in without a mask. Unfortunately we spied way too many folks without proper protection. read more
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417 S Shore Ctr
Alameda, CA 94501
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(510) 397-4597
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http://www.ritasice.com
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