The gelato

Rimini's gelato is made with milk rather than cream and eggs, with no high-fructose corn syrup and nothing artificial. Cups come in one, two or three flavors, and pints and quarts are hand-packed to take away. An affogato, with a double espresso or the house hot chocolate poured over vanilla gelato, bridges the dessert and coffee menus.

Beyond the scoop

Breakfast runs until 11 a.m., with breakfast crêpes, an egg sandwich on herbed focaccia, French toast and oatmeal brûlée. Sweet and savory crêpes follow through the day, alongside European-style cold sandwiches on baguette, such as prosciutto with fresh mozzarella. There is a short list of beer, wine by the glass and spiked coffees and hot chocolates for the après crowd.

The chocolate story

Founder Michael Schneider named the shops after the Italian town where he fell for gelato. He launched Chocolatier Magazine in 1984 and later produced the National and World Pastry Team Championships, and he opened the first Rimini shops in Vail and Beaver Creek in 2008. The handmade chocolates sold in the café are also available online through Rimini Chocolate.

Finding it

The café is in the Arrabelle building on Vail Square in Lionshead Village. It is open daily, from morning until evening. Rimini also runs a second café in Avon. For catering and special orders, contact the café through its website.

Sources: Rimini Cafe, Rimini Cafe menus, Rimini Chocolate. Checked September 24, 2026.