The Best Gelato in Italy

Summertime is gelato time in Italia! Really, when is it not a good time for gelato? That goes for much of the world – now the cold, creamy treat is popular beyond Italy, with artisanal gelato shops in Spain, Germany, Türkiye, Croatia and many other countries.

 

One thing is for sure – when you’re out sightseeing in the heat, there’s no better way to cool down than indulging in Italy’s most beloved frozen dessert. But with so many options, how can you ensure you’re choosing the best gelato?

 

Use these tips to stay away from the fake stuff, 'gelato turistico', and buy from the real gelato sellers ...

 

3 Tips for Spotting Authentic Gelato

 

1. Natural Colors:

 

Look for natural hues. Avoid overly bright or fluorescent-colored gelato. A pistachio flavor would be more of a brown-green than a bright-green. Fruit flavors should have a rich color, not milky, then you know it’s made with pure fruit.

By the way, many fruit sorbets are naturally vegan as they contain no milk derivatives, but of course you should always check to be sure.

 

 

2. Careful Presentation:

 

Authentic gelato is never mounded high in open tubs. It will be stored in special flat, covered containers to maintain freshness.

 

 

3. Seasonal Flavors:

 

The best artisanal gelato makers will only make the day’s flavors from seasonal fruits for the freshest taste. Technically, the options made without dairy are called sorbetti, not gelati.

 

 

To help in your search for gelato nirvana, here is a curated list of our favorite top 10 artisanal gelaterie across Italy, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Grab your spoon or your cone and let’s dive in!



 

Favorite Gelato Shops in Italy

 

 

·       Fiordiluna di Eugenio Morrone, Rome

 

·       Fatamorgana, Rome

 

·       Otaleg!, Rome (a tiny shop in Trastevere with unique flavors)

 

·       Gelateria della Passera, Florence (Amalfi Coast Lemon flavor awarded by Gambero Rosso)

 

·       I Gelati del Bondi, Florence

 

·       Gelateria Dondoli, San Gimignano, Tuscany

 

·       Ciccio in Piazza, Ostuni, Puglia (Emerging Gelato Maker, Taila Semerano, awarded by Gambero Rosso)

 

·       Rocco Naviglio, Foggia, Puglia (Sustainability Award by Gambero Rosso)

 

·       Cremeria Santo Stefano, Bologna

 

·       Sottozero Pennestrì, Reggio Calabria (Best Chocolate Gelato by Gambero Rosso)

 

·       Gelato Cesare 1918, Reggio Calabria