Hunting down the best gelato in Italy is one of those essential things you have to do when you're here, but it's good to know that gelato is so much more than just ice cream. It's a proper daily ritual, a treat that's taken very seriously and is seen as a true art form. The story of gelato is said to have started in Renaissance Florence, and ever since, Italians have been perfecting the craft of creating this dense, intensely flavoured dessert that's become a symbol of the country's cuisine.
How to spot the best authentic gelato from tourist traps
When you're faced with rows and rows of gelato shops, it can be tricky to know where to start. The good news is that there are a few tell-tale signs that separate the real deal, the gelato artigianale, from the mass-produced stuff aimed at tourists.
- Avoid the brightly-coloured mountains
If you see it piled high in fluffy, elaborate mounds, it’s best to walk on by. This is usually a sign that it’s been pumped full of air and artificial stabilisers to look appealing. - Natural colours are best
Pay attention to the colours. They should be muted and natural, reflecting the ingredients. A quality pistachio gelato, for instance, should be a dull, brownish-green (the colour of a ground pistachio nut), not a vibrant, neon green. - Look for metal lids
The best gelaterie often store their gelato in flat, stainless steel tins, and the top-tier places keep them covered with lids in special counters called pozzetti. It keeps the gelato at the perfect temperature and protects its delicate texture and flavour from the air. - The signage: ‘produzione propria’
Look for signs in the window or on the counter that say produzione propria or artigianale. This means they make it fresh on-site, which is always a good sign. - Less is more
A shorter list of flavours is often a mark of quality. It suggests the maker is focusing on perfecting a few classic recipes and using fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you see lots of seasonal fruit sorbetto (a water-based gelato, which is usually dairy-free) on the menu, you're likely in a good spot.
The hunt for the best gelato in Rome
Rome’s gelato scene is legendary, and it’s a city where you could easily have a scoop a day and never visit the same place twice. While it's hard to go wrong, a few historic spots and creative newcomers stand out from the crowd.
Top-rated gelato near the Pantheon
This area is teeming with tourist traps, but it's also home to one of the city's oldest and most beloved gelato shops, Giolitti. Serving Romans since 1900, this place is an institution. The ordering system can feel a bit chaotic, but the generous portions of velvety gelato are well worth the effort.
Another fantastic spot not too far away, closer to Piazza Navona, is Frigidarium. Their claim to fame is the option to have your chosen scoops dipped in a shell of white or dark chocolate that hardens instantly.
Famous gelato in Trastevere
The neighbourhood of Trastevere is a great place for a foodie wander, and it has some top-tier gelato. Look out for Otaleg, which is simply 'gelato' spelt backwards. It's known for its wonderfully intense fruit flavours and high-quality ingredients.
You'll also find a branch of Fatamorgana here, which is a blessing for anyone with dietary restrictions. Everything is gluten-free, and they have a fantastic system for listing allergens, so you know exactly what you're eating.
Where to find Florence's best gelato
As the story goes, Florence is the very birthplace of gelato, so it’s no surprise that the city is packed with world-class gelaterie. The quality here is exceptionally high, and it can be hard to choose.
The original gelato experience in Florence
For a taste of tradition, head to Vivoli, a historic gelateria that has been run by the same family since 1930.
For a scoop that lives up to all the hype, visit La Gelatiera. The flavours taste incredibly natural.
Another excellent spot, particularly if you find yourself on the other side of the Arno River, is Sbrino. They focus on top-quality, organic ingredients.
The famous gelato in San Gimignano
If you're planning a day trip out into the Tuscan countryside, make sure you go to the beautiful hilltop town of San Gimignano. It's home to Gelateria Dondoli, a world-champion gelato maker. They are famous for creating unique flavours like Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts) and Vernaccia Sorbet.
Top-rated gelato to try in other Italian cities
Amazing gelato isn't just limited to the big tourist hubs. You'll find artisanal makers who are deeply passionate about their craft, also along the fashionable streets of Milan and the sunny shores of Sorrento.
Best gelato in Milan
Milan's food scene is sleek and sophisticated, and its gelato is no exception. For a truly special scoop, you'll want to check out Alberto Marchetti. He's known for using top-quality, protected ingredients, and his zabaglione al Marsala is a rich, classic flavour.
If you're a chocolate lover, another must-visit is Il Massimo del Gelato, famous for its incredible range of rich, single-origin chocolate flavours.
Must-try gelato in Venice
To find the good stuff, you often need to wander away from St. Mark's Square. A real local institution is Gelateria Nico, located on the Zattere promenade. It's been around for ages and has a lovely terrace overlooking the water. Be sure to try their famous gianduiotto, a slice of gianduja gelato served in a cup with a mountain of whipped cream.
Enjoying the best gelato in Sorrento
When you're in Sorrento, not far from the fragrant lemon groves, you have to try the local fruit flavours. The best place to do this is Gelateria Davide, a family-run shop right in the heart of town. It's been a local favourite for over 60 years. Their sorbetto al limone (lemon sorbet) is incredibly refreshing and tastes exactly like the famous Sorrento lemons it's made from.
H2: Classic Gelato Flavours You Must Try in Italy
It's easy to get tempted by all the wild and wonderful flavour combinations you'll see, but the true test of any great gelateria is how well they do the classics. These timeless tastes are the foundation of Italian gelato culture, and knowing a bit about the most popular ice cream flavours in Italy can help you choose like a local.
- Fior di Latte: this literally translates to "flower of milk", and it's the purest expression of gelato. It’s a simple, delicate flavour made with just milk, cream and sugar, without any vanilla or egg.
- Crema: this is the Italian take on a custard or vanilla flavour. It’s a rich, egg-yolk-based gelato.
- Amarena: this is usually a fior di latte or crema base with rich, dark Amarena cherries and their syrup swirled throughout.
- Pistacchio: tastes intensely nutty and a little bit savoury. The very best is made with pistachios from Bronte in Sicily.
- Stracciatella: it starts with a base of fior di latte, and then melted chocolate is drizzled in, hardening on contact with the cold gelato and shattering into delicate, irregular flakes.
The birthplace of gelato: a brief history
The person who often gets the credit for inventing ice cream is a man named Bernardo Buontalenti. He was an artist and architect working for the powerful Medici court in Florence, and the legend goes that he whipped up a creamy, frozen dessert for a grand banquet.
The real magic, though, is in how real Italian gelato is made vs ice cream. It has much less air churned into it, which is why it feels so dense and silky on the tongue. It’s also typically made with more milk and less cream, so it’s lower in fat, and it’s served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream.
This passion for creating incredible food is a huge part of Italian culture, and gelato is just one of many amazing sweets to discover. If you have a sweet tooth, it's worth exploring some of the other authentic Italian desserts you probably haven't tried.
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Best gelato in Florence: where to find the good stuff
Florence is where it all began back in the Renaissance, supposedly first whipped up for the Medici court. Forgetting the bright green pistachio and fluffy mounds piled high in shop windows is the first step, and understanding the real difference between gelato and ice cream is key to the hunt. For people living in Florence, it’s a proper daily ritual, and knowing where to go for an authentic scoop is a true point of local pride.
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