Florence Gelato – Our Recommendations
- Florence is where gelato originated, and one of my favorite cities to enjoy some. While gelato is similar to ice cream, it is not identical. Gelato is made with less fat, churned at a slower speed, and served at a marginally higher temperature, giving it a firmer texture than regular ice cream. Though there are gelaterias on almost every corner, not all of them offer a quality product.
- The highest quality gelato comes in natural hues, such as pistachio gelato being a pale brown or light (not neon) green shade, while lemon gelato will be white instead of yellow. It also retains refrigeration in submerged stainless steel containers (never plastic – bonus if it has a lid) to maintain the ideal temperature for flavor and texture. Look for the word “artigianale,” meaning artisanal, indicating daily in-house preparation using fresh, quality ingredients.
- Avoid places with large piles of brightly colored gelato; this is a clear indication that the gelato is improperly stored (wrong temperature, too much surface exposure), made with higher fat content (not the correct texture and taste), and made with poor quality, artificial ingredients (bright blue and neon colors do not naturally occur).
- A fantastic gelato shop that stands behind its recipes will let you sample flavors. Tourist traps won’t. Always try before you buy.
- Try the Buontalenti. This flavor, resembling sweet cream or condensed milk, is unique to Florence – created in the ’60s at Gelateria Pasticceria Badiani, named for the inventor of gelato Bernardo Buontalenti.
- Never settle for just one flavor. Extra-large cones and cups hold up to four big scoops, but even a small cup usually allows two flavors.
The Best Gelato Shops in Florence
1. Perche No! • City Center
Located near the Duomo, Perche No! (Why Not!) creates their gelato fresh daily using quality regional Italian ingredients such as pistachios from Bronte, hazelnuts from Langhe, and rose and saffron from Tuscany in addition to some high-quality international imports. Their traditional gelatos are superb, but they are most renowned for their creative flavors including sesame honey, rose, and matcha green tea. Commonly they offer around 6 to 8 vegan and dairy-free options as well, any of which can be served on a gluten-free cone. There is usually a queue here, but it moves quickly.
2. Gelateria della Passera • Santo Spirito
This small shop located in the Santo Spirito neighborhood of Florence offers a declectable selection of rich, creamy gelato in strong yet distinctive flavors for the reasonable price of just one euro per scoop. The assortment of flavors varies daily according to what ingredients are in their prime during each season. Some perennial crowd favorites include hazelnut, chocolate-orange, and the Mona Lisa made with blended apple, orange blossom, walnuts, and raisins infused in brandy. Mirroring many gelato establishments, indoor seating is not provided but a few benches are available in the nearby piazza for enjoying this Italian delicacy.
3. Il Procopio • Sant’Ambrosio
Il Procopio is renowned for its fresh, artisanal gelato made using high-quality, seasonal ingredients selected at their peak of flavor. Their extensive repertoire encompasses approximately two hundred constantly rotating flavors dependent on availabilities. Most feature generous add-ins incorporated throughout for textural contrast, giving each bite distinctive characteristics. Their signature blend titled after the shop combines premium almonds, candied orange peel, toasted pistachios, and almond slivers for an award-winning taste. Additional popular choices consist of a light and refreshing lemon basil sorbet alongside a Sachertorte gelato boasting sizable pieces of Viennese dark chocolate cake. Every serving arrives with an extra mini cone at no additional cost. Situated slightly off the well-trodden paths yet worth the detour, Il Procopio can be found in Sant’Ambrosio.
4. My Sugar • San Lorenzo
This diminutive gelateria acquires fresh fruits and herbs daily from a nearby marketplace. Crafting novel flavors for discerning palates, unique selections encompass rose, black sesame, mango, and mint basil, though patron favorites like stracciatella and pistachio always remain. Every taste is intense while each morsel is incredibly smooth.
5. Cantina del Gelato • San Niccolo
Cantina del Gelato blends local and regional Italian fruits, nuts and dairy with various tropical ingredients indigenous to Brazil, particularly açaí. They offer both classic and modern flavors with an exceptional selection of cheese-focused flavors like gorgonzola and apple or chèvre and walnut. Their signature variety is hazelnut gelato enhanced with Nutella and almonds, while passionfruit sorbet, black rice, and turmeric fig rank among their most popular choices. This cozy gelateria sits at the southern end of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge, just a short distance from the crowded areas.
6. Gelateria dei Neri • Santa Croce
Situated conveniently between the Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce Basilica, this popular gelateria offers a wide assortment of flavors crafted with meticulous attention. Patrons can find favorites like salted caramel and pistachio executed superbly, as well as experimental varieties and fresh fruit sorbets. Seasonal items incorporate punchy granitas during summer and luscious semi-freddos in winter. Abundant indoor and outdoor seating provides comfortable enjoyment until midnight each day.
7. Edoardo • City Center
This retro-themed gelateria located behind the Duomo in Tuscany offers 100% organic gelato featuring an eclectic assortment of artisanal flavors. Both traditional and innovative selections are crafted using premium local and natural ingredients such as gianduja chocolate-hazelnut, white wine, lavender, and cinnamon. Dairy-free sorbets and plant-based gelatos provide options for all preferences. Customers obtain tickets from an outdoor machine and await their number to enjoy handmade waffle cones filled with tantalizing gelato creations throughout the day.
8. La Strega Nocciola • City Center and San Niccolò
Situated near the Duomo and extending to the south end of the Ponte Vecchio, La Strega Nocciola is a small Italian chain with two locations in Florence`s core. Specializing in fresh, creamy gelatos, the establishment is renowned for their namesake hazelnut flavor alongside white chocolate cinnamon and Buontalenti. However, they also craft several splendid sorbets such as blood orange and bergamot, with each order topped by a delicate waffle cookie.
9. Gelateria La Carraia • San Frediano
This traditional shop prides itself on providing 40 mouthwatering gelato flavors daily, crafted with impeccable creaminess. Flavor profiles lean principally on classics, with an abundant selection of chocolate varieties including milk, dark, white, chocolate chip, chocolate hazelnut, chocolate orange, and chocolate waffle. Rich tastes and reasonable pricing (baby portions for €1) sustain strong patronage, though waits may occur. Open every day until midnight.
10. Gelateria Pasticceria Badiani • Campo di Marte
Renowned pasticceria/gelateria located outside Florence`s historic center in Campo di Marte. Although quite distant, this shop alone offers Buontalenti gelato—created in the 1960s and long imitated but only found here. Its uniqueness draws many visitors.
Gelato to Avoid:
