There are flavors that are never forgotten — and they are the reason Fatto a Mano was born. Flavors that awaken memories, smiles, childhood moments — the inspiration behind this venture, born from a love for the authentic, the handmade, the truly flavorful. From its very first workshop until today, Fatto a Mano has remained faithful to its philosophy: creating sweets and ice creams the way they used to be made — by hand, with care, and with love. As its name suggests, meaning “made by hand,” everything here is crafted from scratch.

Located at 20 Pavlou Mela Street, Fatto a Mano arrived in April 2022 to change everything we thought we knew about ice cream. A genuine franchise of the well-known store of the same name in Athens, it has become a point of reference in Thessaloniki — one that speaks directly to the hearts of those who love real flavor.

The story of Fatto a Mano begins in Crete, when its founder, Giannis Nyktaris, decided to learn the art of authentic Italian gelato and combine it with the richness of Greek land. “Greece has the best raw ingredients,” he says — and he proves it with every flavor produced in his workshops.

The people behind the flavor

Behind every spoonful of gelato, behind every piece of dessert, there is a team of people sharing one common passion: the pursuit of truth through taste.

With years of experience in pastry and the art of gelato, the creators of Fatto a Mano wanted to bring back the “magic of the workshop” — the place where everything is made by hand, without haste, without compromise.

For them, handmade is not just a technique but a way of life. From selecting the raw materials to the final touch on each product, every step is carried out with responsibility, respect, and craftsmanship.

The philosophy of pure pleasure

At the core of Fatto a Mano lies uncompromising quality. Flavors and products without preservatives, artificial aromas, colorings, pastes, or pulps — every sweet and ice cream is born from natural ingredients, fresh and pure, carefully selected from small Greek producers who share the same love for handmade quality. These collaborations are long-term and sincere, forming a shared journey toward taste excellence.

Aegina pistachios (PDO), thyme honey, Cretan anthotyro cheese (PDO), Chios mastiha, fresh buffalo or cow’s milk of Greek origin, 100% Greek strained yogurt, and seasonal fresh fruits — each ingredient carries its own story, flavor, and the soul of the land where it’s produced.

For the Fatto a Mano team, authenticity begins with the earth and ends with the smile of every customer who enjoys the result: sweets and ice creams that evoke “old homemade flavors,” infused with the freshness of modern creativity.

Among the highlights, beyond the Greek flavors, are Valrhona chocolate — for which Fatto a Mano is a certified Valrhona Expert (one of the few in Greece) — and natural Madagascar vanilla, both elevating the final result wherever they are used.

Ice Creams, Sweets & Seasonal Creations

As its philosophy suggests, Fatto a Mano combines Italian gelato-making technique with the richness of Greek land. Here, the season dictates the flavor: lemons, strawberries, and cherries in spring; melon, watermelon, fig, and apricot in summer; pomegranate, persimmon, hazelnut, and chestnut in autumn; pear and banana in winter. Each fruit is cleaned and prepared by hand to preserve all its freshness and aroma.

Premium chocolates, such as Gold and Valrhona 66%, coexist with flavors like Cretan anthotyro with thyme honey — a perfect meeting of tradition and modern creativity.

Among the store’s signature flavors, you’ll find tastes that celebrate Greece’s finest ingredients — especially those from Crete, the birthplace of Fatto a Mano. Every bite is a journey through Greece.

The sorbets also stand out — gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and fasting-friendly — made from fresh seasonal Greek fruits. They are ideal for vegans or during fasting periods and are renewed each season, proving that simplicity can be just as exciting as luxury.

Enjoying every sweet creation

Beyond ice cream, at Fatto a Mano you can also enjoy other sweet creations such as Basque cheesecake or crèmeux, prepared daily in the store’s open workshop.

The space is minimalist and bright, offering a moment of relaxation, while the warm service recalls old, authentic pastry shops where every customer becomes a friend. You can sit at the outdoor tables or take your ice cream to go.

Ice Cream for everyone!

Now in its third year in Thessaloniki, Fatto a Mano is more than just a gelateria or a pastry shop — it’s a philosophy of taste that unites generations, preferences, and stories.

Whether you’re looking for premium or specialty ice cream flavors made with select ingredients, taking a late-night stroll downtown, or seeking an “easy” treat for every member of your family — or even if you have specific dietary needs — you’ll find everything here!

From the bold or Instagram-friendly flavors to the more comforting classics like vanilla and chocolate, Fatto a Mano offers options for everyone — and flavors you won’t find anywhere else!

As they say themselves:

“At Fatto a Mano, we believe that a world full of real ice cream is a better world!”

After all, isn’t that the essence of handmade? Made the old way — with love and soul!

Tip 1: Open Monday to Sunday, 10:30 – 24:00
Tip 2: For its coffee blend, Fatto a Mano trusts Kudu Coffee Roasters.