The Top 5 Gelaterias in Florence, Italy
Let’s face it: if you go to Italy and don’t give in to the temptation of gelato, you’re a superhuman. For me, living in Italy usually meant eating something with sauce and carbs for dinner and finishing the night with a cold treat. I’ve had the time (and appetite) to try many a gelateria in Florence, and though they all look appealing, some are better than others. Here’s my roundup of the top 5 Gelaterias in Flo:
1) Gelateria dei Neri
Renowned as one of the best and most well-known gelato places, dei Neri is always popping with tourists. It’s situated on Via dei Neri, a bustling street known for its sandwiches and interesting law: eating on sidewalks and in doorways is illegal on the street because residents got fed up with being unable to get in and out of their apartments easily. Also, eating means crumbs and trash and that’s just not sexy for Italy.
Gelateria dei Neri is a classic destination for a sweet treat.
When I think of Gelateria dei Neri, I think of the Pistachio and Nutella flavors that are covered in a thick layer of creamy goodness. Think straight Nutella or white chocolate pistachio cream atop a slab of gelato. When it is scooped, the layer becomes a swirl throughout the dessert. I’m literally drooling as I write this.
No matter what flavor you pick, you can’t go wrong at dei Neri. And if you don’t understand what a flavor is, they are more than happy to help.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: White Chocolate Pistacchio Cream or Nutella
2) La Carraia
La Carraia will always hold a special place in my heart. I frequented it often with friends after dinner; the establishment actually went viral online for having cones that start at just 1 euro. So even if you just want a tiny treat, La Carraia is always the answer.
Hello Heaven! La Carraia with the yummiest flavors.
The shop rocks because it has three locations within Florence; practically anywhere you are within the city is a reasonable distance to La Carraia. I love the progressive flavors within the shop like lemon cookie and cookies and cream (note the theme). La Carraia is even nice enough to list the translations of the flavors so you don’t need to guess. I personally like the challenge of putting my Italian basics to the test and occasionally being (pleasantly) surprised by my missteps, but not everyone has the patience or luxury of being immersed in the culture day after day and figuring it out.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: Cheesecake or Lemon Cookie
3) Vivoli
I consider this place to be like a little hidden gem. It’s got the vibe of a true old-fashioned gelateria: you pay for your cup size first, and then select your flavors. My coworker discovered it around the corner from her apartment, and it became a go-to destination. To be honest, I don’t even remember having a distinct favorite flavor… I was just never disappointed by what I chose.
I was excited to even spot a buchette del vino, or wine hole, open into the establishment. Once upon a time, these little doors served as a way for the public to buy wine from the big estates. Now, they’re just an adorable way of reminding us how amazing and historic Florence is. (In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m 200% obsessed with this city). You can’t go wrong by paying a visit to Vivoli.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: Cocco (Coconut)
4) Antica Gelateria Fiorentina
I had the incredible opportunity to attend a gelato-making session here through my school; I was heartbroken when I almost passed out during it (sad) and had to leave early. But the gelato is all made in-house and it’s SO good. This place also stands out because while Italians aren’t big on peanut butter (I mean, who would be when Nutella is around and consumed in droves?), Chocolate Peanut Butter makes an appearance here! But, you have to know what you’re looking for. It took me months to realize that arachidi means peanut. Well, I noticed it in the nut section of the grocery store, but that never translated over to my mental gelato menu.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: Cioccolato di Arachidi (Chocolate Peanut Butter)
5) Rivareno
This shop is a chain within Italy, but it makes the best stracciatella (chocolate chip flavor). While other places use chocolate chips mixed in, Rivareno adds fresh chocolate on top of the crema and it’s just a luscious, delightful treat. Rivareno was the first gelato I had when I returned to Italy; I dragged my jetlagged body across the city to indulge in the treat and it was worth every painful step.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: Straciatella
Just-Missed the list: Amorino
This one earns an honorable mention because it’s really good gelato, but you can get it all over the world, not just in Italy (so it’s a little more anti-climactic). It is well known for scooping the dessert in a flower shape.
Can’t-Miss Flavor: Anything in a cone because they’ll give it to ya in the shape of a flower :) Great for the aesthetic and the Instagram if we’re being brutally honest here.
“Oh look, I’m in Italy eating fancy gelato!”
I know that there are about 15 places that I didn’t cover that my friends will definitely get on my case about, but these are my personal favorites and a good starting point for anyone looking for the best gelato in Florence. Always remember that the higher the stack of the scoops, the lower the quality of the ice cream. Look for the metal tins and don’t get suckered in by street vendors and touristy cafés.
I’d love to hear your personal favorites, as well as any questions or comments, below! My goal is to eventually have a master list of the top everything in Florence. In the meantime, I hope this guide will help you in planning the trip of a lifetime!