For a delicacy that toes the line between a craft coffee beverage and a decadent dessert, nothing beats an affogato. This Italian treat takes a scoop of gelato or ice cream — traditionally, it uses vanilla or fior di latte, a simple milk-and-cream flavor, as its base — and bathes it in freshly brewed hot espresso. The result is sweet and creamy, with bitterness from the espresso and a smooth texture as the gelato melts. Stop into one of these NoVA cafés and gelato shops to get a taste.
Affogato Europa Café
Like its name suggests, this café in Fredericksburg is a great place to find an espresso-doused ice cream delight. Here, you’ll find a full menu of specialty espresso drinks, alongside ice cream in flavors like mocha almond fudge and praline pecan. Get the best of both worlds with the affogato, which tops vanilla ice cream with a shot of espresso. 4125 Plank Rd., Fredericksburg
Bôn Tea House
Love matcha? The soft serve in this Centreville spot is always available in the green tea flavor and a rotating seasonal offering. (Flavors are posted to the café’s Instagram monthly — July is vegan blueberry.) Try it as a traditional affogato with espresso, or as a matcha affogato. 5718 Pickwick Rd., Centreville
De Clieu Coffee
Old Town Fairfax’s cozy coffee shop is known for its espresso and lunch offerings, but it also offers fresh gelato in an array of flavors. For a different spin on an affogato, try De Clieu’s Gelatoccino — it’s a scoop of your choice of gelato, blended up with espresso for a sweet, creamy drink that’s more akin to a milkshake. 10389 Main St., Fairfax
Dolce & Bean
This Alexandria shop is a longtime purveyor of sweets like Neuhaus chocolates, pastries, and gelato. Instead of a cup or cone of the icy dessert, try the affogato; it’s available in two sizes, with either two or three scoops of gelato. 2003A Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
Pitango Gelato
Pitango’s menu offers a plethora of inventive gelato flavors, with offerings such as cardamom, black sesame, and fior di latte. All the gelato is churned on site and made with fresh ingredients. Top a scoop with a pour of hot espresso from DC roaster Vigilante Coffee, and the result is irresistible. 115 S. Union St., Alexandria; 11942 Democracy Dr., Reston
The Italian Store at Westover
The Italian Store is where you go to find authentic Italian pasta, sandwiches, and wine, so why not turn here for an Italian treat like an affogato? At the coffee bar, only available at the Westover location, order the affogato to taste gelato drenched with hot Illy espresso. 5837 Washington Blvd., Arlington
Feature image courtesy Pitango Gelato
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