Best Gelato in Italy: My Top 9 Favorites
I decided to dedicate this post to one of my truly deepest loves: gelato. That soft and sweet ice treat should never be confused or compared with American ice cream. I wouldn’t say that gelato is better or worse than ice cream as we know it in America, but yeah, it’s different. I would say that my favorite thing in the whole world is having good gelato in Italy. If you are still not sure, you should join one of the best food tours in the world to explore the flavors.
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After spending two weeks in Italy in the Summer of 2016 (for my birthday, yay!) following my Italian volleyball guide, I must admit that I ate too much gelato. I took so many gelato pictures and decided to compile some of the best gelato in Italy I tried there just to make a little honor to that love in my life.
Luckily, while I was thinking about writing this post, Natasha from The Boho Chica posted some of her experiences at the Gelato University in Italy as well. Her post inspired me to examine my own gelato experiences.
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How Do I Like to Eat My Gelato?
I might ask for something with at least three different flavors or, as they would call it, gusti. Some of the flavors I would choose from are Bacio, Straciatella, Nutella, Kinder, Rocher, or maybe some other creative flavor that makes a click on me. For me, the best gelato in Italy has some panna or, as we would call it in America, whipped cream!
Best Gelato in Italy: Gelato in Rome
This was the first gelato I had when I did my first solo travel to Rome. Right next to the door of my hostel, which I must say is the best place to stay in Rome, there was this small gelateria, and I wanted some. This was only one flavor: Nutella. I must say it wasn’t my favorite gelato in Italy.
Luckily, a friend took me to this gelato in Rome, close to Tiburtina Train Station. The flavors I had were Nutella and Tiramisu, and also Nutella on top of the whipped cream. The texture of this gelato was one of my favorites. I must confess I still have some trouble eating from cones. That’s the reason why you will see more bowls than cones here, even if it’s a lot more common to eat gelato in Italy with cones.
Wonderful is located in Via Nazionale, a pretty close walk from Piazza della Repubblica or la Fontana di Trevi (I would say halfway both!) First time I went I was introduced by a friend. Normally when I go there I would mix some Baci Perugina, Tiramisu, and Nutella Cream. I would recommend to try one of this after exploring one of those unique tours in Rome and checking Rome monuments. I must say this is my favorite gelato in Italy ever!
Authentic Gelato in Italy: Gelato in Perugia
This gelato in Perugia, the town of the Eurochocolate, is from an amazing gelateria called Lick. I was luckily introduced to this gelato by my Italian college professor (because, how many chances there are that you actually get to meet your Italian professor from Miami in a random street in Perugia?) and I couldn’t get enough. Their flavors are more on the creative side. I tried Gorgonzola cheese mixed with honey and nuts flavor. That is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tried. They tend to change their menu with some flavors of the day which makes it even more interesting. Some other flavors you might find there are Lemon Basil and Pear with Chocolate Chips.
Gambrinus was another gelato in Perugia I actually got to love. Over there, I tend to have Straciatella, Baci, and Ferrero Rocher flavors. They definitely have some of the classic flavors and some others. I discovered that Gambrinus is one of the best gelaterias in Italy. I was lucky to try this one, which is definitely a fantastic gelato in Italy.
This was not exactly my favorite gelato in Perugia. I mean, I totally love gelato but this one did not exceed my expectations. You can find it at Gelateria Veneta and definitely, I would say is something you need to try, but you can actually find better gelato for less in Perugia and way better gelato in Italy.
Best Gelato in Italy: Gelato from Palermo
I found an amazing gelateria in Palermo called La Kala, which I loved. Curiously, gelato in Palermo is preferred to be eaten inside a brioche. Once again, I had Bacio, Nutella, and maybe some Kinder. It was a pretty good gelato in Italy. I recommend including Palermo on your two weeks in Italy itinerary and trying one of these gelato.
Oh, and there you can see some Straciatella as well!
My last gelato in Palermo!
Other Gelato in Italy to try
There are other gelatos in Italy that are worth trying even though I have not been there yet. When getting into Solo Female Travel in Italy, explore these flavors. One of them is from Gelateria dei Neri in Florence (which I tried but I don’t have any pictures) and the one from Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano, which is considered the best gelato in Italy and also, has won several prizes that vouch for that. Definitely visiting Italy, for anyone, should be making their own list of the best gelato in Italy. Are you planning to visit Italy soon? Make your list on the main cities to visit and start trying the best gelato around.
Gelato in Italy: FAQ
What is gelato in Italy?
Gelato in Italy is a traditional Italian ice cream that is creamier and denser than American ice cream. It contains less air and fat, which gives it a rich and intense flavor. Gelato is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including milk, sugar, and natural flavorings like fruit, nuts, and chocolate.
Which Italian city is famous for gelato?
Florence is particularly famous for gelato, with many renowned gelaterias, including Gelateria dei Neri. However, gelato is a beloved treat across Italy, and cities like Rome, Perugia, and Palermo also offer some of the best gelato experiences in the country.
How can you tell real gelato in Italy?
Real gelato in Italy is often stored in covered, metal containers to protect it from light and air, ensuring it stays fresh. The colors of real gelato are natural and not overly bright, as artificial coloring is not used. Additionally, real gelato has a soft, smooth texture and isn’t piled high in the display case, as that usually indicates a higher air content.
How do you ask for gelato in Italy?
To ask for gelato in Italy, you can simply say, “Vorrei un gelato, per favore” (I would like a gelato, please). When choosing flavors, you can ask, “Quali gusti ha?” or “Quali gusti avete?” (What flavors do you have?), and then specify your choices. For example, “Vorrei un cono con stracciatella e pistacchio” (I would like a cone with stracciatella and pistachio).
Best Gelato in Italy: Final Thoughts
Gelato in Italy is more than just a dessert; it’s a cultural experience that connects you to the heart and soul of Italian life. From the bustling streets of Rome to the charming alleys of Perugia and the vibrant atmosphere of Palermo, each gelateria offers a unique taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage. As you explore the country, take the time to savor the variety of flavors and textures that make Italian gelato so special. Whether you prefer classic flavors like stracciatella and bacio or adventurous combinations like gorgonzola and honey, gelato is waiting to become your favorite. So, when in Italy, indulge in this sweet tradition and discover your slice of gelato heaven.
Where is your favorite gelato in Italy? Which is your favorite flavor?
GELATO. YES. When I was in Italy in summer, I had it basically like water. It’s so hard to say where has been my favorite, but I really liked this one place in Florence that was supposed to be the best, but there also was this small random spot with amazing gelato. <3
Wow! Craving gelato now!! My favorite is definitely straticello – we had amazing gelato when visiting Florence at Gelateria dei Neri – mine was straticello mixed with mint (heavenly!!).
The first time I was in Rome, I had gelato and fell in love. I literally had it everyday. Upon my return 10 years later to Italy, I went searching for gelato. It is so yummy
Gelato is so wonderful! I ate it about twice a day when I was in Italy last summer, along with pizza and pasta for lunch/dinner! It was so hard to resist, so I just didn’t! Kinder is always a good flavor, but I have to say my go-to is melone!
I have always wanted to visit Italy specifically to eat my weight in gelato! So glad you complied a list of such lovely places — I’m definitely going to pin this for later when I visit Italy! 🙂
I think it’s only when we travel to Italy that I don’t mind eating gelato even in the cold winter nights, HAH! I looove gelato and yes, they are NOT the same as the American ice cream for sure! I love both but nope, not the same. And don’t ask my Italian friends either. They have ways to explain it that will leave you confused and understand the difference at the same time.
I love the idea of gorgonzola flavour gelato! Like you, I enjoy a good old Nutella flavour. Pistachio or salted caramel also high on the list! 🙂
I have only had what I call ‘real” gelato one time when in Rome years back. It was like no other that I have tried and believe me I have tried in a lot of other countries in Europe. It was one of the be deserts I have ever tried.
those gelato look so yummy!!!!
i wanna try them all 😀
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omg – me want right now! were they all about the same price?
I still wonder what the difference is between gelato and icecream but based on my taste buds, gelatos are much creamier normally? Am I just imagining it or do you think so too? Love pistachio flavor.
I know its something about the ingredients used in Italy and yes, I totally agree! gelatos are way creamier!
You got me with your first word – gelato. And tasting gelato in Italy is even better. I’m partial to nutella, Baci and Ferrero Rocher too. Yum! You could design an entire tour about gelato in Italy and I bet there would be plenty of takers.
Thats definitely a great idea! Maybe I can snaeak it on my Master’s Thesis somehow! lol!
Straciatella is my all time favorite! Even though I try other flavors whenever we have a chance to eat gelato, Straciatella is usually the one I end up getting. So delicious. I love how vibrant and beautiful gelato is in the case! So pretty!
I have to stay away from nuts because of an allergy, but the gorgonzola cheese mixed with honey and nuts sounds really interesting!
I love gelato in Italy, despite telling myself I shouldn’t be having 2 a day it somehow happens when I am there. The ones you had look amazing and I never knew you could get it with whipped cream, am having it with that next time 🙂
Oh god I have such a huge craving for gelato now. I still remember my best gelato ever being a pistachio I bought and ate in front of the Trevi fountain. Not sure if it was the gelato itself or the setting but it was magical 🙂 Fun post to read and glad you included where they were all from!
I have never had gelato with whipped cream before! What a brilliant idea. I love all your favorite flavors – straciatella is definitely one of my top picks. I try not to eat a lot of sweets, but gelato is one thing I just can’t say no to!
Your post reminded us of our trip to Rome. We knew that Italy has best of Gelatos so we had as much as possible, probably dozens of them. And every flavor was awesome. Your post is so tempting, thanks for bringing back all the sweet memories.
These look so delicious! very interesting flavors too, this is a very tempting post! thanks for sharing 🙂
OMG ALL THE GELATO! When I was in Italy 2 years ago I think i ate it twice a day haha. Nutella is definitely my favorite.
Ahhhhh I ADORED Wonderful! I had the white chocolate and couldn’t get enough. That was one of my absolute favorites. I’m certainly missing gelato from this summer.
What a great topic to write about! The first time I tasted gelato in Italy, I swear it changed my life! Like you, nutella was a favourite! 🙂
Finding your Italian college professor in Italy is just a wonderful and unexpected event! Don’t you just love to stumble across people you know, in a different country? It really is a testament to how small the world has become with all the airplanes and better transportation in general.
As for the gelato…well let’s just say, with all those appetizing looking ice creams I now have to get one too this weekend! Let’s just hope we find one as tasty as the ones you had! 😀
– Rosy
I miss eating gelato every day when I was in Italy. Sooo good!
OMG ALL THE GELATO! When I was in Italy 2 years ago I think i ate it twice a day haha. Nutella is definitely my favorite.
This variety of ice cream is attractive to me. Ice cream is very tempting, I am an ice cream-loving person, so I like to try many types of ice cream.