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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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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Small - strawberry, Andes, peach - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

SOO SOOO GOOOD! My fav combo is lemon ice w/ vanilla custard & strawberry ice w/ chocolate custard!

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Mango Italian Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Raspberry Hand-Scooped Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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

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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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Gelati - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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. read more

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Delicious chocolate brownie frozen custard!! This is a cute little place, friendly service. read more

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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Service was nice and quick. Their portions are large and generous. I got the pineapple shaved ice, with cream on top. It was so good. Just like a piña colada. It was very hot and crowded in there, but I was in and out within five minutes. Great prices, and amazing selection of flavors. Will definitely be coming back. read more

The italian ice was great although the service was shit on march 24th at around 7:30 me and my friends went for the first time super excited to try rita's unfortunately the little girl behind the counter was a straight b**** she was rude didn't make our gelati correctly and huffed and puffed when we asked for a concrete . if you don't want to work go home don't be rude to customers asking for what they pay for. she should not be working in customer service maybe in the streets. never returning read more

Love very fresh product sweet and staff are very friendly. Love to support small businesses I highly recommend specially in hot days they keep different flavors during the day . read more

"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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Tangerine Italian Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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Very good service clean place if you feel good is in this place come and get some ice cream

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Small gelati with mango and kool aid fruit punch - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

I like it. I like that the girl gave me samples and in a really good portion! Not really good seating but it was quiet and empty which is good. On a rainy day right before dinner, I won't be surprised to be empty, so it was good. Downside is no good seating and table and chairs are unstable! read more

Maybe we came in too early, but the door was open and the staff member just cleaned out the freezer so nothing was on display. She was willing to help and provided samples which is appreciated. If you never had this before, it can be overwhelming on what to order. But can't go wrong with the combo of Italian ice and soft-serve frozen custard. Even a small was plenty for one person. The combo is sweet and refreshing. Definitely a nice treat! read more

Rita's never disappoints whenever I'm craving some sweet I can count on her . I always get the small mango with vanilla custard hits the spot every time ! read more

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

Why did I think Ritas only existed in the East Coast? Im from NJ and to find out that There is a Ritas here in Alameda changed my life! My forever GO TO is Mango Custard - vanilla icecream +mango ice+ vanilla ice cream! Its perfecttttt! Service is nice too, theyre friendly and fast! Even on a hot and busy day! read more

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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Love their Blue Raspberry ice! So good!! Staff were nice and the store was clean. Definitely will be back

That Rita's is a chain with 600 shops spread over 31 US states is news to me. Despite being well-traveled I've never previously stumbled across a Rita's let alone heard of their existence. Now that I have though, I have only one question: Is Italian Ice always this bad? I was pleased that they allowed me to select multiple flavors in even the smallest of sizes but my chosen flavors tasted completely artificial and nothing like the underlying flavors they were supposedly mimicking. "Mango" tasted like flat orange soda. "Lemon" tasted better though if I'd not known that's what I'd ordered I'd not have identified the flavor as lemon. The most inviting part of this cup of Italian Ice was the texture and (cold) temperature; both were satisfying. Based on their Italian Ice I'd not be up for a return visit but if you insist I'd suggest trying, perhaps, their frozen custard. read more

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

I have come to this location at least 4-5 times whenever I was in the shopping areas and every single time that I have come they have been closed before their actual closing time that's stated on the window. I'm talking up to an hour to an hour and a half before their closing time. If you guys are gonna be closed earlier then please change the closing time in general. read more

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Oreo Cookies N Cream Milkshake and Mango/Green Apple Italian ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

Friendly service. The worker offered us samples to try. I got the gelati and it was good. read more

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Gelati - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

Visited Rita's to try the frozen custard. It is definitely different than regular ice cream or gelato. It was a really good. I tried the coffee and cheesecake flavors. I'll definitely be back! read more

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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - What was supposed to be cotten candy. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

Yummmmmm I'm always craving Rita's. Not sure if I tried all of the flavors yet but will be back:) thanks read more

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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

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Blueberry & Dragonfruit Gelati - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California

3 good things Quality Quality Quality The ice and custard are both world class However 3 things to work on Customer service(workers don't seem too experienced with food service or enthisiastic) Asking for the Rita's app to scan rewards to get me my free slushie... instead it feels like they are just rushing thru transactions maybe to go on their phone in the back who knows. But so far missed it 3 times. Just said "oops" Bathroom always clean but not always outside in the sitting area Also the place looks closed unless the door is open. The sign might be better to be LED. They sell them at staples. read more

Perhaps the girl with the braces and attitude can use some ServSafe training? Instead of handing me my ice cream cone she decided to put it on top of the bare counter and slide it over to me. read more

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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I was craving custard so drove over to Rita's and it was exactly what I was looking for. The custard is THICC and the right amount of sweetness. I'll be back to quell my insatiable desire for custard! read more

Not a personal fan :( Tried coming here as I love Italian ice but the flavor I wanted wasn't available and when I asked if they switched flavors every day (so I can come back a different day to try) I was told they switch out flavors as they run out/sell out of an available flavor for the day which sucks because then I'll never know when I'll be able to try the flavor I wanted. Overall, tried a couple of options and ended up with the blue berry and green apple - it was okay, I'd give it a 3/5 but not something I'd crave or see myself getting again. read more

Best fruity icy! I love their cherry flavor the best. A little custard on top is great too (if you're ok with dairy). Most of their other flavored icys are great too. Also, you can't go wrong with straight custard, it's very thick and tasty. Depends are what you are into that day! read more

I have heard of Rita's for quite some time now but never got the chance to try it. After lunch with hubby and our friends, we wanted dessert. We saw someone walk past us with Rita's and it looked so good we decided to go and give it a try! Hubby and I ordered a Gelati. I only had a small because I knew I wouldn't be able to finish a bigger size. I got half and half custard (chocolate and vanilla), with green apple and lemon Italian ice. I really really love the custard! It's soo smooth and delicious! The Italian ice is good as well! It's a great combination, but for me, I believe that I will enjoy them separately more. Next time depending on what I'm craving, I will most likely come back for more, because that custard was just spectacular! Yumm! read more

Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Alameda, California