Gelato is one of heaven’s gifts to humanity. Although I can’t recall a time when I had bad gelato, I think that most would agree with me when I say that the best gelato can be found at the gelato capital of the world: Florence, Italy. Not only did the cold, sweet treat originate in Italy, but it also seems to be creamier and simply more delicious when gotten from there. With the help of some of my fellow Spoon writers, I made it my mission to find the best gelato in Florence, Italy to satisfy my tastebuds.
1. Venchi
Recommended to me by a fellow Spoon writer, I decided to do some further research about this place. The store began as just a chocolatier and later began selling gelato in addition to chocolate. Their mango and lemon flavors are to die for, but they’re most known for their chocolate flavor. After all, they are chocolatiers first and foremost.
2. Gelateria dei Neri
Gelateria dei Neri is known for serving vegan gelato, something that, as you might imagine, would be very hard to come across in Italy. Their ricotta and fig gelato is touted as some of the best and totally not something that you would want to miss out on. It’s said to be the best gelato in Florence.
3. Carapina
Different than most of its competitors, Carapina only serves gelato with natural, fresh ingredients in it. Meaning that the strawberries in your strawberry gelato are real berries. Although the number of flavors is often limited due to the fact that they only use fresh fruit that’s in season, what they do have is amazing and won’t disappoint. It’s light and creamy and everything you want gelato to be.
4. Grom
An absolute must-try! They’re known for having gelato that has an incredibly authentic flavor. For example, if you’re biting into a peach-flavored ice cream, you’ll feel as though you are biting into a fresh peach. It sounds amazing.
Before serving the gelato to you, they beat it so that it’s freshly softened for each customer. The Florence location has become so popular that it’s known for its line out the door. Definitely not one you want to miss out on.
5. Badiani
Not only is this an ice cream shop, but it’s also a pastry shop. Holy yum! You literally get the best of both worlds—ice cream and puff pastry dough.
They also have seating, which is really nice if you need a break from Florence’s heat. In 2015, Badiani’s gelato won the London Gelato Festival. Minus the fact that there’s a gelato festival, which is amazing in and of itself, it’s even more amazing that that Badiani’s gelato won the festival.
6. Rivareno
Notorious for their outrageously yummy peanut butter ice cream, Rivareno has some of the creamiest gelato in all of Florence. They also have super late hours, which is perfect for those of us who crave gelato at midnight. They also have delicious sorbets that taste just like the gelato, only without milk. Perfect for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
7. Gelateria Il Sorriso
Sorriso is said to have some of the most authentic gelato in all of Florence. The quality of the gelato is top notch and, unlike many of the other gelato shops on this list, this one has a wide array of flavors. For only three Euros, you can get an insane amount of this amazing, cold, ice cream goodness.
8. Mordilatte
Unlike many of the other gelato shops on this list, Mordilatte serves milkshakes and smoothies in addition to gelato. Their flavors are super authentic, as they only use real, fresh fruit. They also don’t use any preservatives in any of their ice cream, meaning that everything is fresh.
9. Perchè No!
The name of this gelato shop means “Why not?” That’s the mentality when having gelato, why not?! Although their coffee crunch flavor is delicious, they have a special “taste of the day” each day. Each one is fresh and delicious, guaranteeing that you’ll want to go back everyday for more.
10. Gelateria la Carraia
A favorite spot of many, this gelato shop is notorious for bringing people back for a second serving because it’s just that good. Unlike some of the other more touristy spots, Gelateria la Carraia is popular with the locals. If that doesn’t tell you that it’s totally amazing, I don’t know what will.
The best gelato in Florence is now yours for the taking. If you ever find yourself in this gorgeous city, prepare your stomach for your trip because you’ll eat your body weight in gelato alone!