Rita’s of Vacaville

Love this custard! I had it in New Jersey at one point but was very pleasantly surprised that it was here in Vacaville! Just much thicker and creamier than ice cream. Just a regular mixed cone for me always. The different ices are great as well. Take a sample.
The only minor minor minor thing was we pulled up about 810p, OPEN sign was off and we kept looking it up to make sure they were opened till 9p. Finally we got out to ask the gentleman that was moving all the chairs and tables in. He said yeah they were open, but was trying to get a jump on closing. Not sure the sign should of stayed off unless you don’t want money. The other young girl in there came to serve us our stuff. She was not rude, but we were definitely an inconvenience to their closing at 815p. Would of got 5 stars if it was a warmer welcome, but I’m in retail, it’s what happens when kids are working. Still love me the custard, will be back.

I’ve had Rita’s when my family and I went on Vacation to the East Coast waayyy back in 2005. When a friend of mine mentioned there was one in Sacramento I quickly went on Unilocal to see if there were any other locations closer to home. Low and behold I found this gem in Vacaville! The location is in a shopping center with plenty of parking. My husband and I went in on a Saturday and it was empty! Lucky us lol. The owner was so nice and patient and let us sample almost everything! We got their Gelati’s (?). My husband got cotton candy Italian ice with orange cream frozen custard. I got chocolate frozen with horchata Italian ice with vanilla custard on top. The custard is super thick and creamy. Def not as light as soft serve ice cream you get at McDonalds. In my honest opinion when we go back I will probably just get the Italian ice and skip the frozen custard. It might just be because I’m pregnant and/​or because the vanilla and chocolate custard with horchata combo is weird but I wasn’t feeling the custard with my horchata ice lol.
Overall, you won’t be disappointed! If you’re ever in Vacaville make a stop by here before you head to the outlets! I can’t wait to go back and try more :)

Custard? Italian ice? What?!
All the pictures I’ve seen of this place had me curious. When you first walk in, it is easy to become overwhelmed at the whole process, what to do, what to order, what’s good, etc.
Thankfully, this man (I think he might have been the owner) walked me through the process and offered suggestions of what I may like. I was definitely NOT disappointed! I just may have to come back and try more flavors! I think I found my kryptonite! =/

This place just opened about a month ago, and I’ve already been here twice! The combination of creamy frozen custard and Italian ice makes my mouth happy!
There are many flavors to choose from. Both the custard and ice are offered either alone or as a combo making a Gelati. My favorite is vanilla custard with mango ice. They layer the two making a creamy, slushy, refreshing treat. JK enjoyed just Swedish fish flavored ice. It was good, just too sweet for my liking. She, on the other hand, loved it!
I liked it so much, I came back for their grand opening party. They were giving out a good portion of their Italian ice, with an option of adding in custard for $ 1. Of course, I took advantage of that deal. My boys and a friend joined me as well. They too enjoyed their Italian ice.
The owner was friendly and helpful both times I was there. Looking forward to returning again. It’ll be especially nice on those hot summer days!

I am an equal-​opportunity dessert lover with a weakness for sweets. Ice cream, gelato, sorbet, shaved snow, macarons, cronuts, cakes/​cupcakes, pie, I will try them all. In comes Rita’s…
Sweet ‘n Shavery (Davis) is my only other time having italian ice + custard. Gunther’s is more of ice with ice cream. I’d seen quite a few friends post about Rita’s and this business is definitely Hot and New. Located in the same complex as the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Parking plenty, seating inside or out.
For the uninitiated, Rita’s serves a rotating selection of Italian-​style water and cream ices, as well as soft-​serve frozen custard and a variety of treats that combine the two (including shakes, custard-​topped ice «gelati,» Blizzard/​McFlurry-​like «blendini,» misto, sundaes, frozen drinks, etc. in cups/​cones/​cookies/​cakes).
Flavors change daily, so unfortunately they didn’t have the mint chocolate chip cream ice or the green apple (topped with caramel would be SO in season) that I’d heard of. I had so many flavor combo ideas — pineapple ice with vanilla custard would practically be almost a Dole whip, root beer ice with vanilla float-​esque, mango with vanilla like a lassi! I suppose having flavors change daily means you’re in for a surprise each time, and forces you to try new ones if your favorites aren’t there. That would suck if I was craving a particular one though.
I was offered to sample a flavor, so I got the banana italian ice (has real banana chunks in it!, not artificial tasting). The cherry reminded me of Icees based on looks alone. They also had strawberry and light vanilla custard options. For ice flavors, they did have mango, mango-​peach, iced coffee, banana, cherry, and others I can’t recall.
Decided to get a regular sized gelati with the banana ice and the vanilla-​chocolate twist (swirl) frozen custard. The chocolate flavor grew on me, but vanilla is still the best, in my opinion. I might get a kid’s size gelati next time, or just the custard by itself (cup or cone), so yummy. I finished mine in record time. J. got the iced coffee ice with the vanilla-​chocolate twist custard gelati. That wasn’t as sweet but still tasty for mocha-​lovers out there.
Not as guilt-​free as shaved snow, yet not as heavy as an ice cream sundae, a nice middle ground. Might come back if in the area, otherwise there’s also a Rita’s up in Folsom that recently opened too! Bay area folks, look up locations closer to you.

Went on their grand opening day and got gelati’s (italian ice wih frozen custard) for $ 1! They were giving away free italian ice that day in celebration of their opening in Vacaville.
Major takeaways!:
— Dairy free options (italian ice)
— Gluten free options
— Ice flavors change constantly
— Owner is super friendly
— Establishment is clean
Hands down, their frozen custard is amazing! Italian ice is really good and they have an assortment of flavors. Apparently, their flavors change up all the time so that’s a good thing! They have sugar free options in addition to dairy free options. I look forward to trying out their other menu items soon! (sundaes, frozen custard sandwiches, etc…)
Will definitely be back!