These Are the Best 5 Gelato Shops in Florence, Italy

Legend has it gelato was first created in Florence by Bernardo Buontalenti and with many ‘geletarie’ serving fresh, innovative and mouth-watering flavours, what better place to try Italy’s famous delicacy than in its birthplace?

Gelateria Edoardo

It’s the sweet smell of its homemade cones that first hits your senses to draw you into this small gelateria opposite the city’s iconic Duomo. Organic gelato is served in freshly baked waffle cones topped with scoops including signature flavour, Il Gianduia Secondo Edoardo (hazelnuts and chocolate), or in summer try the sweet peach that uses the whole fruit, including its skin, for maximum flavour.

Gelateria Edoardo: Piazza del Duomo 45r

Gelateria Dei Neri

On the other side of town, Gelateria dei Neri is neatly positioned among panini stores and cafes at the end of a medieval street in Santa Croce. From a glistening counter it serves an array of classic flavours like chocolateand noci (nuts) or more innovative fruity mandarin and mint, plus delicious desserts, including tempting tiramisu.

Gelateria Dei Neri: Via Dei Neri 9–11r

My Sugar

When My Sugar opened in summer 2015 it was to much local applaud. Run by husband-and-wife team Alberto and Julia Bati, who pride themselves on ‘made fresh daily’ soft, sweet gelato, this small shop in San Lorenzo offers seasonal scoops from only 2 euros a cup. Try a classic like dark chocolate or in summer opt for a fruity flavour of watermelon or zesty passionfruit.

My Sugar: Via de Ginori 49r 

Gelateria La Carraia

When twin brothers Massimo and Roberto opened La Carraia in 1990 it became a fast favourite – and still is – with both locals and travellers alike. Artisanal ice-cream is made daily onsite in their San Frediano store with cheesecake my personal favourite. With a second shop, over the Arno River in Santa Croce on Via dei Benci (24r), now you have no excuse to not try a cone on either side of the city.

Gelateria La Carraia: Piazza Nazario Sauro 25

Gelateria Vivaldi

This gelateria/cafe in San Niccolò makes their sweet treats onsite –you can watch the gelati being made by hand in their mezzanine kitchen before being served in cups and cones. For zesty tastebuds, sample Arancia Rosso (blood red orange) or perhaps creamy cappuccino is more to your taste. Vivaldi also serve hot chocolate in winter, which you can sip reclined on one of their comfy sofas in their lounge out the back.

Gelateria Vivaldi: Via de’ Renai 15r