Rita's Italian Ice

Way to go. This is desert at its best.

I went for ice cream with a friend who is an ice cream addict. They have a great selection of more sophisticated ices with an outstanding selection of flavors.... on a warm day it's a super place to visit.

I found out that this is part of a small chain. I give this place two thumbs up because it was clean, the service is fast, and price is reasonable for the big portion size. But what really got me was the Gelati. It is a cup with a layer custard, then a layer of italian ice, then more custard on the top. You can choose the flavors. Awesome! I wish i had thought of it. They also will give you free samples if you can't decide what to try.

Flavors I've tried: Green apple, mango pineapple, mango peach, cherry.

I can't say which is my absolutely favorite. The mango pineapple was the sweetest, the green apple is a tad sour, the mango peach is in the middle (a tad sweet but not overwhelming) and the cherry is your typical default cherry. Making it down the cup started to increase in sweetness.


I can't say I'm amazed. I've had creative sorbets before and I wanted seconds.

I walked past Rita's after eating a salty Mexican dinner and was craving something sweet. Rita's seemed just the solution. And I was right.

The mango ice was bursting with flavor, gave me brain freeze from the sample, so I decided to add custard to it. Rita's frozen custard deserves equal billing.

First I did some homework on the chain. This silky treat is made from real milk and cream sourced from dairy cooperatives that grass-feed their cows whenever possible (and avoid the use of genetically engineered hormones).

Light, sweet, tasty. Limited flavors but yummy.

Had been to a Ritas before but never one that had a staff so unhappy to be there!
No greeting, the woman just stood with a blank look in her face waiting for us to order.
The finished product reflected the staffs enthusiasm. My shake was literally half full and topped off with whipped cream.
I was dissatisfied with that days visit. My wife and several others in line comment on the staff and the half full products also.
Management needs to step up here and put on a customer service clinic.
It was fathers day, if that helps identify the staff.
We wont be back to this location

I love that there is a Rita's in Market Square. The Italian Ice is amazing and I love the variety of flavors that are available. I like to get my ice with the custard in it for a delicious and creamy treat. I have never had any problems when visiting with the staff. You can taste the flavors if you are not sure which one you want to order.

You can also get just custard or have it as a sundae or mixed ice cream treat.

Some of my favorite flavors are Mango, Green Apple, Birthday Cake, Watermelon and Cherry.

My husband has had the sugar-free several times but finds they don't sit well with him and can cause some digestive problems that are common with consuming large amounts of sugar-free products.

Vegans can have the ice with no problems! Many delicious flavors to choose from!

A chain found in the south, with the same options at each one.

Being a Pennsylvania native, where the chain was started, I go out of my way to go to a Rita's when I can. This one did not disappoint. Great Italian ice and custard. You can also ask for a small cup of custard (free) for your pup. It's a nice change from ice cream and a taste of home for me.

Best Italian ice I've had in many many years! I hate it when the ice is like eating little pebbles. This place was smooth and melt in your mouth. We had the lemon and cherry. I didn't know they were a chain, I wish they would open one chicago!

Knoxvillians can now experience the wonder of "water ice" as it's called up North. The flavors change on a daily basis and if you sign up for their emails, you'll be kept in the loop about upcoming specials. My personal favorite: buy 1 quart, get 2 free! We filled the freezer on that one.

For the uninitiated, Italian ice, water ice, or whatever you want to call it is not a sno-cone, it's not a slurpee, it's not a smoothie. It almost defies description. It's pure, frozen, deliciousness. Cherry is my all-time favorite, followed closely by root beer and mango.

A kid's size water ice is about $1.35. If you just want something simple, cold and sweet to eat, this place has Ben & Jerry's beat up and down the block.

Also, dogs eat free.