No trip to Italy is complete without eating a gelato, especially if you’re visiting Florence, the birthplace of Italy’s favourite frozen dessert! As the story goes, two Florentines are credited with the paternity of gelato back in the Renaissance. The first, Ruggeri, was a chicken vendor who stunned the Medici court during a cooking competition where he presented a dessert made of sweet and aromatic water frozen into ice.
However, it was the Medici court’s architect, Bernardo Buontalenti, who came up with the recipe as we know it today. During a reception for Spanish ambassadors, he crafted a new dessert that combined milk, honey, egg yolk, and a touch of wine to create a rich and refreshing treat. The result was a gelato flavour that still bears the name of its inventor and can be tasted in Florence gelaterie today.
Language tip: In Italian., gelateria is a gelato shop, while gelaterie is its plural.
Table of contents
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- How to spot high-quality gelato and avoid tourist traps
- Map of the best gelaterie in Florence
- 16 Top Gelaterie: Where to find the best gelato in Florence
How to spot high-quality gelato and avoid tourist traps
Avoid poor quality gelato stacked high
Before learning where to go, it’s important to know how to tell a heavenly scoop of gelato from a poor one. First and foremost, you’ll know you’ve found a good gelateria when the gelato is kept in metal containers and isn’t piled up in towering mountains. Such displays are often a red flag that the gelato has been made with unwanted ingredients such as preservatives that hold it together.
Another key factor is the type of flavours available. While some ingredients like lemon and banana may be available all year round, the other fruit flavours can give you a clue as to whether the gelateria is using fresh seasonal ingredients.
Lastly, keep an eye out for flashy colours. Natural and muted colours that reflects the main ingredient are a good sign that the gelato is made with care and without artificial colours. Pistachio, for instance, should be brownish instead of bright green.
Look for gelato in steel bins or flat containers like these
Don’t forget to learn how to order your gelato here.
Map of the best gelaterie in Florence
Top Gelaterie: Where to find the best gelato in Florence
Here are 16 fabulous and must-visit gelato shops in Florence that will satisfy your next sweet frozen fix.
Badiani
Where: Viale dei Mille 20r – website
Badiani is a historic gelateria in Florence that’s earned an impeccable reputation for craftsmanship. The store opened in 1932 and still makes gelato the way it was done in the past using only natural ingredients. Expect all the classics as well as seasonal options like castagnaccio and panettone. The shop is large and in addition to gelato, it also has a selection of beautiful pastries and main courses for the full fix!
Top flavour: Buontalenti, which is named after the Florentine architect who invented gelato – despite many attempts at imitation, this is the only place that serves the real thing!
Vivoli
Where: Via Dell’Isola delle Stinche, 7r – website
Vivoli is considered the temple of the best gelato in Florence. Made with only the freshest ingredients, including farm-fresh eggs and seasonal fruits, gelato here is a delicious blend of tradition and passion, passed down through four generations since 1930. Just a stone’s throw from Santa Croce, it’s the perfect stop for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy. Don’t expect cones here, only cups, and although it can get crowded and may be pricier than other options, their gelato is worth every penny. Vivoli is also home to one of the city’s famous wine windows which you’ll can you see near the entrance.
Top flavour: Gran crema al caffè, an affogato that contains the contrast between sweet and bitter and hot and the cold.
Perché No!
Where: Via dei Tavolini 19r – website
Perché No! (literally, Why Not!) is a family-run gelateria close to Piazza Signoria that’s been delighting locals and tourists with its handcrafted artisanal gelato since 1939. As ingredients were often scarce back then, they experimented with egg-white spumoni, which evolved into their famous semifreddi, a rich and creamy frozen dessert. The place is tiny and unfussy but definitely big on flavour, from classic pistachio to delicious combinations like pumpkin gelato with amaretti and ginger.
Top flavour: coffee crunch with pieces of chocolate
Gelateria Edoardo
Where: Piazza del Duomo 45r – website
One of the best gelato in Florence can be found in this quaint, artisanal shop, which serves up organic scoops made from only the finest natural ingredients. Cones are freshly made right before you and filled with gelato stored in gleaming steel tubs. The flavours are a delightful blend of classic and contemporary, including family-inspired treats like Crema di Nonna Rosina (fresh eggs, milk, and sugar) and Zabaione di Nonna Antonietta (a luscious mix of eggs, milk, sugar, and passito white wine).
Top flavour: the Chianti gelato
La Sorbettiera
Where: Piazza Tasso, 11r – website
In the charming San Frediano neighborhood, La Sorbetteria is a husband-wife enterprise that prides itself on its commitment to using only the freshest and highest quality local ingredients, blending tradition and experimentation. In addition to handmade cones and waffle cups, they also serve unique gelato ‘sandwiches’ made with crunchy wafers. Flavours range from great classics to inventive creations such as the lime and basil cream and the New England 1776 made with milk cream, maple syrup, and candy bacon.
Top flavour: Catrame, a chocolate ice cream made with 75% dark chocolate
Gelateria della Passera
Where: Via Toscanella 15r – website
Just a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Gelateria della Passera is a tiny establishment nestled in a picturesque square that looks particularly enchanting on warm summer evenings. At the helm is owner Cinzia, who expertly crafts each scoop with a commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavours. She’s always busy creating new combinations, like the Mona Lisa, a harmonious blend of orange blossom-infused apples, chestnut honey, walnuts, and raisins soaked in Vin Santo.
Top flavour: Crema ai sette profumi, a cream gelato with cinnamon, star anise, cloves, orange, lemon and bourbon vanilla.
Gelateria de’ Medici
Where: Piazza Beccaria 7r – website
Within walking distance of Florence’s bustling central streets lies this hidden gem that exudes the timeless charm of a bygone era with its dark wood walls and regal chandelier. Many locals flock here for a sweet indulgence, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly authentic Florentine experience. The counter showcases an irresistible selection of gelato flavours, from classic hazelnut and chocolate to unique combinations like gorgonzola and pear, jasmine-scented chocolate, and the rich Cuneese with rum and dark chocolate.
Top flavour: Crema de’ Medici, made with cream and chocolate.
Sbrino Gelatificio Contadino
Where: Via dei Serragli 32r – website
In Florence’s Oltrarno neighborhood, Sbrino is dedicated to bringing gelato craftsmanship back to its roots. Milk is sourced directly from the owners’ farm and raw ingredients are carefully chosen from Italy’s lesser-known gastronomic hotspots, including pistachios from Stigliano and hazelnuts from Nebrodi. The menu features classic, gluten-free, and vegan options, but the real highlight here is the AperiSbrino, a twist on the traditional Italian aperitivo, replacing cocktails with alcoholic granitas. They have two more branches (Via Senese 1r and Piazza Gaddi 3r).
Top flavour: Pistachio cremino
Il Procopio
Where: Via Pietrapiana 60r – website
This rather unassuming gelateria, about a 10 minute walk from the Duomo complex, is renowned for its creamy gelato – wholly handmade – available in a mesmerizing 200 rotating flavours, each crafted with the freshest, in-season ingredients. From rich Sacher torte to the decadent La Follia (featuring caramelized figs, almonds, and toasted pine nuts), each bite offers a delightful crunch. Plus, servings come with a little cone on top. Beyond gelato, they also serve a wide range of semifreddi and seasonal fresh-fruit granitas.
Top flavour: Il Procopio, an almond gelato with pistachio sauce and candied orange peel
Gelateria La Carraia
Where: Piazza Nazario Sauro 25r and Via dei Benci, 24/r – website
Named for the Ponte Alla Carraia bridge nearby, this shop serves some of the best gelato in Florence. Flavours range from classics likestracciatellaand chocolate to more inventive varieties like delizia la carraia (white chocolate and pistachio), and marmo di carraia (panna cotta with chocolate waffle). With generous portions and 1-euro mini scoops for little ones, Gelateria La Carraia provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in a delicious treat while taking in the breathtaking view of Ponte Vecchio. And if you’re in the Santa Croce neighbourhood, the gelateria has another branch at Via dei Benci, 24/r.
Top flavour: After Eight, with mint and chocolate
Gelateria La Carraia in Santa Croce
Gelateria de’ Neri
Where: Via dei Neri, 9/11r – website
Gelateria dei Neri is a long-standing establishment near the Uffizi. From Mexican chocolate with pistachio and chili to wild strawberries tart, this gelateria offers a creative and diverse selection of sinful gelato treats, with options also for those who are diabetic or lactose intolerant. You’ll also find many refreshing sorbets and granite. There’s some seating available indoors, but it’s best to go and stroll over to the Ponte alle Grazie bridge nearby for breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio.
Top flavour: Tiramisu cremino
Carabè
Where: Via Ricasoli 60r – website
With its authentic flavours inspired by the owner’s Sicilian roots, this lovely gelateria near the Accademia Gallery transports you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean island. From the luscious Bronte pistachio to the juicy prickly pear, each gelato and sorbet is a tribute to the owner’s beloved homeland. For those with a passion for chocolate, Carabè’s offerings are nothing short of divine, with flavours like rum and pear chocolate and raspberry chocolate. And as a cherry on top, you can also enjoy freshly-filled cannoli.
Top flavour: Mille una notte, made with dates
Cantina del Gelato
Where: Via de Bardi 31r – website
Cantina del Gelato serves natural, hand-crafted gelato in a lovely space near the Ponte Vecchio bridge. flavours abound, from the classic and comforting to the bold and adventurous – think goat cheese with walnuts, whiskey with cinnamon, turmeric and fig, and many more. And if you’re in the mood for something lighter, they also have delicious smoothies made with fresh tropical fruits like lime, guayaba, and mango. The location is perfect for a sweet fix by the river and they have a second branch in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. This gelateria gives you another opportunity to spot a wine window – during opening hours it might be hidden behind the main door shutters.
Top flavour: Gusto della cantina, which is hazelnut gelato with Nutella and caramelized almonds
La Strega Nocciola
Where: Via de Bardi 51r – website
With several locations in Florence, you’ll only find natural ingredients at La Strega Nocciola (The Hazelnut Witch). Established in 2004, this popular gelateria produces creamy, full-bodied gelato as well as a wide selection of refreshing fruit sorbets (Italian: sorbetti). The later is perfect if you’re following a vegan diet or have an intolerance to milk and dairy products.
Top flavours: Their two signature flavours include lavender and hazelnut. For something more unique, try their Azteca white chocolate and cinnamon, rosemary, or blood orange.
Grom
Where: Via del Campanile 2 – website
Grom may be a chain gelateria, but it serves high-quality gelato that’s made with naturally-sourced ingredients. The secret to its success is its commitment to using traditional gelato-making methods. They source only the freshest and most authentic ingredients, even showcasing where they come from. Beyond classic flavours, Grom also offers decadent specialties like pastiera napoletana (made with sheep’s ricotta and soft candied fruit) and pesche ripiene (a peach gelato with chocolate chips and crumbled amaretti).
Top flavour: Crema di Grom made with pastry cream, Venezuelan chocolate chips, and corn biscuits.
Venchi
Where: Via dei Calzaiuoli 65r – website
Venchi, the famous Italian brand of gourmet chocolate, is the epitome of sweet indulgence. And while the flashy wall of liquid chocolate inside its shop may make it seem like a tourist trap, the gelato here is really good. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and comes in over 90 variations. You can even customize your cone or cup with the brand’s luscious chocolate spread and add some cheeky toppings like Piedmont Hazelnut grains IGP and Chocaviar.
Top flavour: Azteco with 82% extra dark chocolate flavour.
Don’t miss my guide to the TOP Things to do in Florence
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