What a great little no-frills spot for some quick Italian ice on the go. Parking's not great, but for a quick in-and-out spot it seems serviceable enough. Worst case you can park just up the street and walk. That might actually be better if you don't want the kids dripping it in the car or are a messy eater yourself... Only tried two flavors, blue raspberry and lemon. Stuck with the lemon, as I wanted the extra tartness. What really stood out was the VERY smooth texture. I'm not in the area particularly often, but I'll be back when I get the chance. read more

Listen to me right now. I don't know what kind of black magic Vecchitto's is casting behind the counter, but this isn't just regular Italian ice. This stuff is pillowy soft. We are talking so insanely smooth and velvety that it puts actual memory foam pillows to shame. I halfway expected to lay my head down on it and take a mid-afternoon nap. No crunchy ice chips, no sharp brain-freeze crystals--just pure, seamless, velvety frozen perfection. It is so fucking good I genuinely had a brief spiritual experience. Do yourself a favor, skip whatever else you were planning on doing today, and go get a cup. 10/10, no notes, taking a bucket home with me next time. read more

Excellent product and flavor selection. Staple of Middletown since 1930. Very affordable. Very friendly family owned and run business. Old school charm. Nice historic nostalgic place. Will be back soon !! read more

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Best Italian ice around! This is a great sweet treat during the summer, especially around the festivals that happen downtown There are a variety of gelatos and Italian ice to choose from. I've had the cherry, lemon, blue raspberry, mango, grape, and an amaretto. All of the flavors pack a punch. Love the nostalgia of stepping back in time with the original store. The owners are very nice and are eager to have you sample their flavors read more

I am going to be dreaming of this Italian ice until I am able to get back there for more. I got the lemon-lime and it sent me into a place of content and joy. I have never had this high quality of Italian ice before. The texture is an unexplainable silky smooth mound of summer joy. I am so sad I don't live closer. I would be there every single day. Thank you for all the heart you pour into making this delicious treat. I will absolutely be back. :) read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Lemon-lime Italian Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

As Libby's lovers- we heard this place was the best in the state... they lied. We tried the chocolate, blue raspberry, and regular raspberry and it tasted like nothing. No flavor. No taste. Just ice. Couldn't mix your own flavors. Definitely not a fan! read more

Always delicious and staff always super friendly. Yes, parking can be tough, but worth it. Wonderful place to stop off after a hot day at the beach! Just a nice clean and sweet taste to all. No funky aftertaste like the junk they sell in the grocery store. As for those who have reviewed claiming no flavor, can I suggest either quitting smoking, which makes everything taste bland or like crap, or try brushing your teeth more frequently than once a week. read more

Strictly a walk-in, get your stuff, and leave place. It's an indoor I've cream stand. Wife variety of flavors, both ices and gelato. All are excellent. read more

Favorite Italian ice since the 70s. Consistently good! My grandfather brought us here for a good report card, my children love it and I cannot wait to continue the tradition when we have grandkids. The best. read more

I've been enjoying Vechittos Ice since I was a baby. We would have a beach house for a few weeks and this was almost a daily treat. My favorite flavors are lemon and watermelon. The one strike they get is for not being ADA friendly. As I get older the step gets larger! read more

Great spot for Italian ice! We got the smallest size and there was plenty in that. easy parking in the front + great Italian ice. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Lemon + raspberry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Amazing place My kids grew up eating Vecchito's. Now, I take my grand. It is the best Italian ice, smooth and delicious. read more

A long time staple in Middletown CT. A place you want to return to. If you like Italian ice, you will love Vecchitto's

Mwa!! Name stands, best Italian ice in CT! Being open since 1930 has a reason. Sparse hours, but workers are excellent. Looks the same as in 1930. Rotating menu of great flavors. FYI Watermelon and lemon are a great combo!! Great ambiance. Love it read more

It is a throwback to the 1930s with outdated equipment and furnishings. Walk up and out with no seating area inside or outside. Ok but why bother. read more

What a treasure in Middletown! The range of flavors offered by this family owned business is staggering! I had mango and it was mouthwateringly delicious. My husband went for coconut and was equally satisfied. The old-fashioned and intimate space with immaculately clean. Prices were very reasonable for what you got. The best part of all, we were actually served by the owner themselves! They were friendly and wonderful ambassadors for Middletown. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Store front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

How did I not know this place existed?? Amazing Italian ice. A small is only $2.50. The gentleman working there was very nice. The only issue is the parking, it's a tight squeeze getting in and out of that little lot. Besides that Vecchitto's is quite a gem. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Coconut Italian ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I've seen the stellar reviews, and the less than stellar reviews, of Vecchitto's Italian Ice ("VII"). I spent most of my childhood in Ohio and I have no long time allegiance to VII that would make me susceptible to a concept I like to call "Restaurant Blinder Syndrome." This syndrome leads to things like unjustifiably overvaluing your childhood pizza place, or your favorite Mexican restaurant in college. Unaffected by RBS, I'm here to say that for the past several years, I've enjoyed the once a summer experience of getting good Italian Ice at VII. Being unbiased, I have to acknowledge the validity of the points raised in some less stellar reviews. To be kind, the atmosphere of VII is not a selling point. Parking is frequently challenging, both because there aren't many spots, and some customers inexplicably make odd choices for how to position their cars in the limited space of the unconventional front lot. The Italian Ice is served in ridiculously flimsy small paper cups (in fairness to VII, I think this practice is common for Italian Ice places), and if you don't eat fast on a hot day, that little sucker will start dripping in no time. Service can be somewhat lacking in cheeriness. And if you don't have cash, you're not walking out with Italian Ice. But sometimes, there is value in the experience leading up to the food. The parking and lines stink on Wooster Street, but I have fond memories of weathering those twin storms with friends and family before getting great New Haven style pizza. I've waited in long lines in Lockhart for world class Texas BBQ, and I have pride in that. I loyally get my pie from the small front room of a factory in East Hartford with similarly awful parking, and I always enjoy the experience. I'm not saying that the quality of VII's Italian Ice is on par with New Haven pizza, Texas BBQ or even East Hartford pie, but for me, it's well above average. In addition, more often than not, when I get it, I'm driving back from the CT shore area on a hot day and VII's Italian Ice hits just the spot. Most recently, I bought one of two available combo flavors - blue raspberry and watermelon. It looked great, had a smooth meltable texture, tasted good and was exactly what I needed on a super hot day. Four Stars. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - The Front - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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From May to October (oops, right after Labor Day - which is why the last day announcement always comes as a shock to me and I have to rush down to get quarts to last me over the winter!) I steal away for a sweet treat as often as I can! Sometimes I get lemon, other times I get almond, or root beer or pineapple or mango! Sometimes I just have an affogato. And if I'm really feeling indulgent, I have an affogato *and an ice! I'm so grateful that they are still around after all of these years! read more

great Italian ice flavor and love the varieties. these place is assume with reasonable prices. highly recommend and wish they were open year round. they make authentic Italian ice that is perfect. read more

This review is definitely biased as I've been coming here since my teens when my best friend introduced me - her family used to come all the time! I still remember the first time I tried Vecchito's and it hits the same every year when we visit! This is not your typical Italian ice, it's very creamy and doesn't need a spoon. Their lemon flavor is their best flavor and oh so classic! I switched it up and tried Blue Raspberry this trip but didn't think it was very good, it tasted more like bubblegum which isn't a fave. No real blue razz flavor at all. Their combo flavors are also top notch! read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - a hand holding three ice cream cones - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Vecchitto's Italian Ice is a gourmet Italian Ice shop that opened in Middletown, CT in 1930. It was founded by Italian immigrant Gaetano Vecchitto. He originally opened the location in the 1920s as a grocery store. He and his wife Giovanina lived in an adjoining apartment with their 11 children. Gaetano began making orange and lemon flavored Italian ices in the grocery store in an old-fashioned ice cream maker. When their popularity took off, he closed down the store and reopened as an Italian Ice shop. He had his oldest son Joe peddle the ice through the streets of Middletown on a horse-drawn wagon for several years. Joe earned the nicknames "Joe Lemon Ice" and "Joe Slush". Eventually he would be joined by brothers Columbo (Cal), Chris and Guy. The sons took over the business after Gaetano retired. A second location opened in Old Lyme down the street from Sound View Beach in 1946. Both locations are still open today (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and are still operated by the Vecchitto family. In addition to over a dozen Italian Ice flavors, they also make Gelato. My family and I recently visited the original Vecchitto's while in Middletown. We were visiting a children's museum and heard that there was a great old Italian Ice shop nearby. We stopped by afterwards and ordered a cup of Lemon-Lime and a cup of Watermelon. It was so ridiculously good that we devoured the cups in the parking lot. We went back inside to order a cup of Blue Raspberry for the road. When the employee saw us again, he said, "Was there something wrong with the ice?!" He laughed very hard when we told him that we ate it already and wanted some more. A week later, we found ourselves in the shoreline area near Old Lyme. We remembered that there was a second location nearby so we stopped for some Italian Ice. This time we ordered cups of Mango/Watermelon and Pineapple. Once again, we were not disappointed. We think that Vecchitto's is probably the best Italian Ice we've ever tasted. We will look forward to tasting their ice every summer! read more

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Tasty little treat after lunch! The watermelon Italian ice was full of juicy flavor. And my friend just raved about her affogato -- espresso with vanilla cream. It's worth taking the short walk from Middletown's Main St. to visit this tiny take-out spot. You won't regret it! read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Watermelon Italian ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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A hole in the wall you wouldn't think about unless someone told you. For me, appearance is a huge factor and if something looks old I usually forget about it. But my husband grew up in Middletown and loves this place so I gave it a shot and let me tell you they are family run and meticulous. They care about what they're producing and it's delicious. We come here every summer to get blue raspberry. Also with having a nut allergy and some flavors that could pose a risk for me, they always clean the scoop before serving me. They make me feel extremely safe! It's hard for me to find safe and reassuring ice cream places (or Italian ice!) read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I have been visiting Vecchitto's since I was a little girl & just love the authentic Italian family feeling as soon as you walk in. The Italian ice can come in the traditional paper cup & now they've expanded their offerings to include gelato!! This is truly a Middletown gem that families will enjoy. Only hard part is parking if you come on a busy day. Always great customer service! read more

Just going through my bookmarks to make sure I've reviewed every place I went in 2022. I visited vecchitto's twice last summer. I had an affogato once and an Italian ice the second time. Both were just alright. I feel like the affogato didn't have enough ice cream for the price and there weren't many flavors of ice to choose from. I may have just been expecting too much and I'm sure I'll be back in summer. read more

It's not summer until you have Italian Ice at Vecchitto's in Middletown. Just had a scoop of mango and neighbor had lemon/lime. No customers there when we arrived and then it was mobbed as we left. What a joy! Took our prizes down to the river and sat in the car watching the scull practices while we enjoyed our treats. Next time I am trying the gelato! read more

I grew up on this... The very best Italian Ice anywhere! I have recently ordered two quarts to take to Maine for my grandson and daughter. Chocolate and watermelon. Needless to say they were thrilled to get it. When I went to pick up my order around 12 noon the day I was leaving for ME, there was a line of people waiting to get in when I was leaving. That was on a week day. It must be crazy on a weekend. People waiting on you are great and patient as always. It's also always clean. Great place to go and cool down with a cup of gelato or Italian Ice. So many flavors to choose from. You won't be disappointed....guaranteed! It's Five Star for me. E.D. read more

Very cute place! I had the cherry and blue raspberry swirl and really enjoyed it. The man working was very kind as well! It was a great treat. read more

Is that all there is, is that all there is? If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing Let's break out the booze and have a ball If that's all there is..... I've had Vecchitto's bookmarked for a long time and finally walked in the door today. Frankly, I expected more and walked away disappointed. Let me explain. 1) The flavors were kind of limited - lemon, lemon-lime, watermelon, raspberry, blue raspberry, almond and banana. Just seven flavors and 2 of the seven were close relatives of two others. Oh, and you can't mix flavors - a sign on the flavor board tells you that flat out. 2) I wasn't a fan of the texture. I grew up on the slightly more granular texture of Italian ice. This one was smooth and creamy (almost like a custard). I realize this is a matter of personal preference, but I didn't care for it. 3) The ices -I had the watermelon and just didn't notice a lot of flavor. It was cold and creamy but had a blandish neutral kind of taste. My wife's almond was pretty good though. 4) The parking is abysmal. 5) The paper cups the ices came in were even worse. They were so thin and flimsy that mine ruptured at the bottom 3/4 of the way through, effectively drenching my shirt with watermelon ices. Ten seconds later, my son's ices cup did the same thing, showering him in a deluge of almond ices. I can finally cross my curiosity about this place off my list. So for all these reasons I have to say this is 2-stars. As a first timer, my review has no nostalgia factor. I have definitely experienced better with respect to the ices and the cups they are sold in. read more

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A Middletown summertime staple. Can never go wrong with any flavor! So happy Vecchitto's remains as good as it once was!

Always fresh, never crunchy ice. The people are always super friendly. Treat yourself to Almond flavor. It's one of the few places in the country that sells it! An absolute summer treat!! read more

I have been going to Vecchitto's Italian ice for over twenty years and now they have even more products like Ice cream. The Italian ice has various flavors everyday. I love the Watermelon, the Almond, Lemon and some special flavors that are delicious. I buy the pints but they have quarts and the individual cup size. They are a family business and have been there longer than I have been born and the quality is exceptional. I can't wait to try the Italian ice cream Gelato. I like that it is on the old road and it is small for take out only. Enjoy this place now while the weather is hot. It will always be refreshing to enjoy the ice or ice cream. read more

Fun stop in the summer for authentic Italian Ice or Gelato. A fun stop with your family in the summer.

Still every bit as good as I remember. Perfectly smooth shaved ice... None of that ice chip nonsense. Awesome staff. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Almond...mmmmmmmmm. Nomnom - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I wish i could give this place 10 stars. I've had Italian Ice from Hartford to Bridgeport form NYC to the Jersey shore . even granita in Sicily. Vicchetto's is is the king of the hill. anyone who says different must have lost their sense of taste. go on and complain about parking if you drive a land yacht or tiny paper cups LOL. But if you have an issue with the ice itself? I've got no use for you. you've been exposed read more

I'm an Italian Ice enthusiast (yeah, that's a real thing lol). As such, I look forward to every opportunity to indulge however I really could have skipped this place. To start with the no mixing rule sucks. I enjoy a little variety in my scoops and most shops oblige by letting you have different flavors in your order, nope, not here. Lemon is usually a safe bet so I ordered a small (2 scoops). It wasn't horrible but it was bland, nothing to write home about. Luckily I only spent 2 bucks on it. What really ticked my off is that the place was virtually empty (only one customer ahead of me) and I waited around for 15 minutes while the guy behind the counter finished his lengthy conversation with the guy in front of me. Should have left while I had the chance. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. In this case I certainly ventured, but didn't gain. read more

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Wow! This is Italian Ice at it's finest! Authentic, delicious, and a great price?! You betcha!! Nostalgia to the max in the look and feel of the storefront. This is creamy Italian ice. Delicious and teasing in texture; it delights the mouth. Mouth feel alone is worlds better than other Italian Ice I've sampled. Parking can be tough but there is plenty nearby and with the warm weather I know I can definitely use a little bit of a walk (or marathon!) to make this less of a guilty pleasure! Thank you Vecchitto's for making a great product! It's so nice to see a business that is steeped in history and family carrying on a wonderful tradition and not sacrificing quality. read more

This little place is a gem of this small town in Connecticut and because of it Yelp has become a little gem in my life. Yelp has given me the ability to not walk into a ice cream place that I'm going to forget about once I walk out, but has enabled me to find a star in Middletown and given me a memory that I will have to revisit next time I'm visiting family in the northeast. Reading a review about how this place needs no review, but people all around for 50 miles knows about this place, made me want to try it. I was literally about to walk into a ice cream place and then remembered I had Yelp on my phone. So I didn't go to that 3 star parlor but instead went to this very simple place that had the owner watching a baseball game and serving people the Italian ice of the day. It was so smooth so extraordinary that I was amazed thinking that I was eating ice. The lemon flavor was so silky smooth and just the right sweetness that after I finished I wanted to go back and have another. Too bad we were driving to go see my uncle 3 hours away. I currently do not live in a little town, but knowing that there are little gems like this makes me want to start visiting all over and finding them. I will be visiting my family again soon, not just because their my family and I live in Texas, but because this place is only a few miles from them. read more

Vecchitto's Italian Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

i dont get the good ratings. this ice was terrible. got the lemon, was like eating shaved ice with lemon juice mixed in. it's like the sugar was completely forgotten. and the watermelon was flavorless as well. not sure what was wrong here but I am shocked at the ratings. something is not right read more