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Villaggio Colafrancesco

Next to the Vatican in Rome, a very famous, small Italian Gelato/Ice Cream Shop has a block-long line even at midnight most nights. Old Bridge Gelato is coming to Shelby County, Alabama and is the only Old Bridge in the United States. Along with gelato, you will be able to experience the best Italian coffee at The Italian Coffee Shop. A new addition is Antica Salumeria offering Italian Artisan sandwiches and charcuterie boards to-order.

Testimony
Tasted Every Last One...
Awesome, fun and amazing! Tasted every last one! Such a great staff and a beautiful place. The grounds are gorgeous. Thank you so much! 100%!
A Hallmark Movie...
This place feels like you are in a Hallmark movie! 10/10 Would recommend!!
The Most Beaufitul Place...
BEST ICE CREAM EVER! The most beautiful place, full of love. We will be back.

QUALITY COFFEES & GELATO TESTED DAILY

Our founder’s philosophy is that every gelato, coffee and sandwich is made with love. Everything we do, we do it with love.

Sour-cherry yogurt gelato topped with whipped cream. Villaggio Colafrancesco

Sour Cherry-Yogurt with whipped cream

Cappuccino - Villaggio Colafrancesco

Cappuccino with Signature Rocca D'Arce Espresso

Artisan Sandwich - Villaggio Colafrancesco

Artisan Sandwich with Proscuitto di Parma

More Reviews

Google
Bradley N profile picture
Bradley N
September 20, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Hidden Gem! Blew every expectation away. Coffee and Gelato are world class! The staff was also very pleasant and helpful - a very welcome change!
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Justin Mooney profile picture
Justin Mooney
September 12, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great food and atmosphere!
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RADU DUMITRESCU profile picture
RADU DUMITRESCU
September 6, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Best icecream experience.
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Sondra Hill profile picture
Sondra Hill
September 6, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Absolutely exquisite! Exceptional chia latte and panini sandwich! The gelato was off the chain. Kelly greeted us and everyone was very knowledgeable, kind and personable. Our Masters hand, peace and joy is upon this establishment. What a gem!! Thank you and may God continue to bless us all ❤️
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Mike K. Smith profile picture
Mike K. Smith
August 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Love this place. Check out the shop. We purchased a piece of art of what I assumed they made. We're coming back.
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Stan Mackin profile picture
Stan Mackin
August 2, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wonderful place.
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Tom Fridy profile picture
Tom Fridy
July 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Loved the whole experience!! Wonderful food and good fellowship with a friend!!❤️
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Jessica Britt profile picture
Jessica Britt
July 10, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We went just yesterday and had the sandwich, soda, and gelato. All of it was absolutely amazing and the atmosphere was just as great. The people are extremely kind and friendly and willing to talk to you about the history and how everything came to be. We have already made plans to go back to try the coffee.
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Sergio Ali profile picture
Sergio Ali
July 10, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great ice cream and other treats. Peaceful and great coffee also
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Sofiya Bychkova profile picture
Sofiya Bychkova
July 2, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Jefferson Giffin profile picture
Jefferson Giffin
June 21, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Veronica Leach profile picture
Veronica Leach
June 19, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great coffee and the service is outstanding. The cute market store is adorable, it was our first time here and we will definitely be back.
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MY Name Is Kid profile picture
MY Name Is Kid
June 14, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great place, great coffee, gelato, meats and cheeses
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Emily Adams profile picture
Emily Adams
May 17, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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David Jacobsen profile picture
David Jacobsen
May 14, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent experience.
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Patrick B. profile picture
Patrick B.
May 3, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This place is honestly more than just a spot to grab a treat. It is a whole experience. There is a spiritual beauty to the grounds that hits you the moment you walk up. It is peaceful, incredibly well-kept, and just feels right. ​The people working there are some of the nicest folks you will ever meet. You can tell they genuinely care about the place and the people visiting. They make you feel welcome immediately, which only adds to the atmosphere. ​As for the gelato, it was incredible. Sitting there taking in the scenery with a cup of gelato was easily the best part of our day. If you need a spot to reset and enjoy something sweet, this is it.
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Renee Courtland profile picture
Renee Courtland
April 30, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Beautiful and serene atmosphere free from WiFi and phones. Don’t miss the bathroom. Gelato is delicious. Meats and cheeses are top quality. Don’t miss the raw “pet milk” in the grocery store.
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nancy henderson profile picture
nancy henderson
April 22, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The most authentic and delicious coffee and gelato my family and I have ever had!! What a treat indeed!!! We LOVED the refreshing family atmosphere too!
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Ginny Jarrell profile picture
Ginny Jarrell
April 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Janiece Gaines profile picture
Janiece Gaines
April 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The gelato is the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. The pistachio is particularly delicious. I also appreciate the kindness and hospitality of the staff.
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Nicole Eckert profile picture
Nicole Eckert
April 12, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Delicious
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Leroy Gant profile picture
Leroy Gant
April 11, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great gelato!!!!
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haylee profile picture
haylee
April 11, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Brandon S profile picture
Brandon S
March 12, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Definitely a 10/10 location. The staff and food are amazing. The location is kept in a gorgeous state, too. I had Kelly my first time to try their Gelato and she walked me though the history, beliefs, and flavors of such a great treat. Amanda, the second time, was incredibly helpful and provided a great suggestion with the coffee there. I look forward to future visits and meeting other staff, too! Thanks a million!
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Marvin Prevo profile picture
Marvin Prevo
March 8, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Best keep secret. They have the very best sandwiches around. Staff is amazing and knowledgeable about everything.
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Jenny profile picture
Jenny
March 8, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
We had the best Italian soda and gelato, we will be back to try more soon , we absolutely loved the unplugged atmosphere where you can actually enjoy the environment and have decent conversation with your entire party . The safe was very pleasant and very clean and well kept business.
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Margie Hampton profile picture
Margie Hampton
March 6, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Kripal Singh profile picture
Kripal Singh
March 5, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great place for coffee and gelato
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Chris O. profile picture
Chris O.
February 25, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dark chocolate!
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Josh Cavender profile picture
Josh Cavender
February 22, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Different. Well worth leaving your cellphone in the car. Gelato was amazing. Looking forward to trying the coffee and charcuterie next time
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Diane Smith profile picture
Diane Smith
February 14, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Great place to have a sandwich, coffee and gelato ! Wonderful!!
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Addison Watson profile picture
Addison Watson
February 7, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This is our favorite coffee shop in Birmingham! The baristas are always great and create the perfect cup of coffee. The dress code and other restrictions are noted pretty visibly throughout. We’ve never had any issues. Highly recommended!
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Jack Green profile picture
Jack Green
January 25, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Incredible Service. Workers are so joyful and professional. would 100% recommend coming here.
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Tenaly Watson profile picture
Tenaly Watson
January 24, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
A quaint little place with fantastic coffee and gelato. Both are just as good as what we had in Italy, seriously. It’s so nice to disconnect from your phone for a few minutes and enjoy time with your family. There’s a little area with tonka trucks for kids to play with. Pay attention to the modest dress code and no phones policy.
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Katherine Stone profile picture
Katherine Stone
January 16, 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
An exceptional experience. Highly recommend. Service was great and the ambience inside the house was wonderful. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
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James Elliott profile picture
James Elliott
December 28, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Joan F profile picture
Joan F
November 23, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This was a delightful surprise. We had a sandwich and 3 flavors of gelato and everything was wonderful!! We will definetely go back. So charming. Loved the gift shop and the "living room" and even the bathroom! Need to experience it. You won't miss your cell phone, which you must leave in your car. Good riddance. Thank you to the owner who is giving a generous gift by inviting the public to experience the beauty he has created. God bless!
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Rosie Cleans Alabama profile picture
Rosie Cleans Alabama
November 22, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I finally found a place that carries the quality of beef I’ve been looking for. I arrived at night so I didn’t get to see the whole place in the light, but everything looks very charming. The two young ladies who assisted me while I was there were very helpful and knowledgeable about the quality of the beef they sell and their farm where it is raised. I had to make a quick stop, so I plan to come back soon and when I return I want to try their gelato and one of the chicken boxes they were telling me about. I had never heard about this spot until tonight when this guy at Sprouts overheard me asking about some beef I saw there. He referred me to Villaggio Colafrancesco, so I decided to check it out. I’m glad I did. What a great find!
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Sandra profile picture
Sandra
October 27, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Serene, peaceful, and unique dining experience.
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Sheri M profile picture
Sheri M
October 10, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Wonderful kind people, quiet place. Would love to meet the founder!
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Michael Garcia profile picture
Michael Garcia
October 7, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Hands down best gelato in Alabama. We’ve been to Rome, Italy twice now and this is the closest to the real thing! Love it!
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Kimberly Gillikin profile picture
Kimberly Gillikin
October 2, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Best gelato you’ll ever have unless you go to Rome! This is such a sweet place. They also serve paninis that I haven’t tried yet and there’s a cute general store. It has a conservative dress code so make sure you see the website for details. Nothing crazy just respectful. And they’re only open Thursday -Saturday. Check out its story and connection to Rome. Fabulous!
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Monica Duvall profile picture
Monica Duvall
September 27, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
The best gelato in the U.S. So grateful for the conservative dress and no phone policy. Had a wonderful evening. Warm, friendly customer service. Looking forward to going back.
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John Gaddis profile picture
John Gaddis
September 26, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
This is the real deal.I know some people don't like the rules ,to me it was refreshing not to see and hear people on their phone.I assure you the Gelato is worth the visit.who knows maybe being away from your phone may be beneficial
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Christine Schilleci profile picture
Christine Schilleci
September 19, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
What a pleasant surprise - from the market to the fresh sandwiches, authentic gelato and fresh coffee you can’t go wrong coming here. Please respect the dress code and no cell phone! 💕
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Stacey Cobbs profile picture
Stacey Cobbs
September 15, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Seth Dixon profile picture
Seth Dixon
September 8, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Go for the best coffee or gelato. Stay for the connection. Don’t miss it.
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Terry Trzecieski profile picture
Terry Trzecieski
August 30, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
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Coleman Sproles profile picture
Coleman Sproles
August 9, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Fantastic gelato and very unique space.
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Ralphy mguilacutty profile picture
Ralphy mguilacutty
July 18, 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5

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