By Dana Perkiss
Florence is a city filled with Renaissance art, ancient monuments, and artisanal foods — one of the most loved and well-known being gelato. This flavorful, frozen dessert actually originated in Florence, so when you’re visiting, it’s highly recommended that you eat some… Scratch that, lots of gelato.
Gelato stores can easily be found all over the city, and they’re probably all great. But, to help you find the best of the best, we put together a list of seven must taste gelateries.
Gelateria la Carraia
Piazza Nazario Sauro, 25/r, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy
As the most recommended gelato from local Florentines, you must try Gelateria la Carraia in the Oltrarno neighborhood. This gelaterie has been serving scrumptious desserts since 1990, so it’s no wonder it’s a local favorite. You can get the most bang for your buck here, with a single scoop costing only one euro. Enjoy one of their classic flavors like chocolate hazelnut, or go for a creative artisanal mix like ricotta cheese and mandarin.
Gelateria Santa Trinità
Piazza de' Frescobaldi, 11/red, 50125 Firenze FI
If the line at Gelateria la Carraia is too long for your liking, walk over to the Frescobaldi Palace to find Gelateria Santa Trinità. This place boasts about 40 flavors of ice cream, sorbet, and other desserts for you to enjoy like their fresh fruit granita. Adjacent to the gelaterie they have “Emporio Santa Trinita” which offers a wide selection of Tuscan wine, artisanal chocolates, and award-winning oil. You may just be coming for the gelato, but it’s worth leaving with the high-quality artisanal foods — trust us, you’ll want to eat all of it later.
Vivoli
Via Dell'Isola delle Stinche, 7r, 50122 Firenze
The roots of this gelato shop date back to 1930, making it the oldest ice cream parlor in Florence. You can find Vivoli close to Santa Croce, so it's the perfect dessert stop when you’re visiting the city’s popular monuments. They offer all the classic flavors and innovative creations for you to enjoy, as well as a large selection of “Vivoli style” cakes and pastries. If you have a need for caffeine, try their famous affogato (Italian coffee dessert) for a bittersweet pick-me-up.
Marco Ottaviano
Via Matteo Palmieri, 34r Florence
This gourmet gelaterie offers a weekly changing menu of 24 different flavors including vegan and gluten-free options. Try a traditional flavor like Nougat (a candied mix of honey and roasted nuts) or the creamy Vin Santo liquor flavor. You can also enjoy one of their slushy drinks with flavors like coffee, almond, and mint. Plus, if you happen to have a big group, you can book a private ice cream tasting where you can try the freshest ice cream as you watch it get made.
Gelateria Perchè No
Via dei Tavolini, 19r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Why not go to this Florentine favorite that’s just a short walk from Piazza della Signoria? Perchè No (for real, “why not” in Italian) brings in ingredients from all over Italy, including Tuscan roses and Langhe hazelnuts, to handmake their famous gelato. Try a refreshing Lavender gelato or go for one of their inventive flavors, like Sicilian cake with candied fruit and ricotta cheese. Vegan and dairy-free options are available, as well as gluten-free cones.
Cantina del Gelato
Via De 'Bardi, 31, Florence
Via Borgo La Croce, 30, Florence
Blending the best regional Italian produce with a Brazilian twist, Cantina del Gelato offers a diverse variety of artisanal gelato, juices, smoothies, and açai. Special flavors made daily with seasonal ingredients include a refined whiskey and cinnamon, savory gorgonzola and walnuts, or sweet mascarpone and nutella. The rest of their menu should not be ignored, though. All their juices and smoothies are made with 100% natural fruit pulp from Brazil, with flavorful choices like Maracujá (passionfruit), Goiaba (Guava), and Cajú (Cashew fruit).
Edoardo
Piazza Del Duomo, 45/R - 50122 Firenze
Teleport into the past at this retro-themed gelaterie which was Tuscany’s first certified organic gelato store. They’ve received the biological certification from the QCertification Institute, proving that their production is regularly checked for sustainability and high-quality, and no chemicals are added. Flavors change regularly depending on seasonal produce, but they boast three specialties that are always on the menu — one being the “Lo Zabaione di Nonna Antonietta” which is made with milk, eggs, sugar, and a delicious white straw wine. Edoardo’s also offers vegan flavors and gluten-free cones, so everyone can enjoy some retro gelato.
There are dozens of gelato shops in Florence, but these are some of the best and most popular. Give them each a taste and decide for yourself which is the best!
