Caffè Speciale
Mario Campanella's original 1965 creation: espresso coffee with sweet almond amaretto and lemon zest, topped with a dark, coffee-coloured froth
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Dining · Polignano A Mare (BA)
Artisan gelateria founded in 1935 in the heart of Polignano a Mare
Eccellenza Italianacertificata 2026–2027
Read on
The place
In the heart of Polignano a Mare, on Piazza Garibaldi, Il Super Mago del Gelo has been an institution since 1935. Founded by Giuseppe Campanella as a street stall selling grattose, the gelateria became legendary under the guidance of his son Mario, who in 1965 created the celebrated Caffè Speciale: an alchemy of espresso, homemade sweet almond amaretto and lemon zest. The shop, with décor unchanged since the 1970s, offers artisan gelato, fresh fruit granitas and historic cups such as the Volare, dedicated to Domenico Modugno, a loyal customer alongside Monica Vitti and Pippo Baudo.
At the table
Il Super Mago Del Gelo was born in 1935 from the passion of Giuseppe Campanella, a street vendor of grattose in the streets of Polignano a Mare.
Why you can trust it
Il Super Mago Del Gelo is a member of the Eccellenze Italiane network. The mark is registered in Italy and abroad: every certified business has a unique identifier, which can be checked at any time.
Location
Il Super Mago Del Gelo is already on our map, with its own mark among the other certified businesses of the area: here you can look at it up close.
Enter the mapIn the kitchen
Services and features
Mario Campanella's original 1965 creation: espresso coffee with sweet almond amaretto and lemon zest, topped with a dark, coffee-coloured froth
A cup dedicated to Domenico Modugno, served in a wave-patterned glass that recalls the sea and decorated with fan-shaped wafers like his outstretched arms
Classic flavours crafted by hand according to the tradition passed down by Giuseppe Campanella
Granitas made with fresh seasonal fruit: prickly pear, watermelon, black mulberries, early figs and mango
Custard and sour cherry pasticciotti, zeppole, tarts with various fillings and homemade traditional biscuits
Original liqueur made from sweet almonds, produced with a secret recipe and used for the Caffè Speciale
The figures
What visitors say
«A genuine atmosphere, friendly vibe and down-to-earth staff make this a landmark in Polignano. Ideal if you want to try the caffè speciale with a pasticciotto.»
«A historic bar in Polignano a Mare that has kept its 1980s style. Here you can try the caffè speciale, a true excellence. Everything is delicious, including the artisan gelato.»
«Artisan gelateria. The décor style is stuck in the 1970s. A special mention for the unbeatable watermelon granita, so good I had to get another one.»
«The caffè speciale is highly addictive. It's heaven on earth, and if you have one today, you'll want another tomorrow. The gelato is also very good.»
Reviews appear in the language each guest wrote them in.