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10 Must-Try Gelato Shops in Florence, Italy

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Every time I visit Florence, I make it a point to seek out the best gelato spots in the city. After much research and tasting, I’ve narrowed down the list and ultimately came up with my top 10 favorite gelato shops in Florence.

Having visited over 50 gelato shops across Italy, I can confidently say that Florence has an incredible gelato scene – one of the best in Italy – so you’re in for a real treat.

If you only have time to try a couple of spots, focus on the top three from this list. They’re the cream of the crop and truly stand out from the rest.

Best Gelato in Florence

1. La Gelatiera

If you’re on the hunt for the #1 scoop of gelato in Florence, this is the place to go. La Gelatiera came highly recommended by a few people, and as a self-proclaimed gelato snob, I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype.

Thankfully, it exceeded all expectations – it really is that good. We opted for a scoop of pear and another of crema, a classic pairing and one of my personal favorites.

The pear flavor was spot on, tasting exactly like a ripe pear – slightly sweet but not overpowering. It even had that slight graininess you get when biting into a real pear, making it feel fresh, organic, and natural.

The crema was equally impressive – smooth, custardy, and perfectly creamy. There are a couple of small tables outside the shop and a few steps inside where you can sit and eat your gelato. Located just a short walk from the Accademia Gallery, there’s really no excuse not to stop by.

Address: Via de’ Ginori, 21R

2. Sbrino

A close second, Sbrino has a delicious selection of gelato with a perfect balance of classic and inventive flavors. What sets this shop apart is the freshness of its flavors and its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can instantly tell the gelato is freshly made using high-quality ingredients.

Like La Gelatiera, and all of the best gelato shops in Italy, Sbrino stores its gelato in pozzetti, the silver containers that preserve it at the ideal freezing temperature. These containers ensure the gelato maintains its smooth, creamy texture without crystallizing at the bottom or melting on top.

When you see gelato stored in pozzetti, it’s always a good sign.

Address: Via dei Serragli, 32r

Read more: 8 Best Gelato Shops in Bologna, Italy

3. Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera

Several years ago, while staying in Oltrarno, we stumbled upon this gelato shop during a late-night search for a sweet treat. Back then, it was just a tiny window with the owner working behind the counter.

We visited this shop multiple times during that trip and even got to know the owner a little. That experience ended up inspiring my husband to take up “gelato making” as a hobby – one I’m more than happy to support!

Today, La Sorbettiera has expanded into a few locations around Florence, but it’s still one of our go-to spots for gelato. One flavor we particularly love is “Sofia,” a custard (crema) base with candied orange peel and chocolate. It’s smooth, flavorful, and refreshing – just as memorable as the first scoop we had years ago.

Address: Via Mazzetta, 9/a

4. Gelateria Della Passera

Just a 3-minute walk from the Pitti Palace, Gelateria Della Passera is the perfect post-museum treat. Their rich nut flavors, like pistachio and hazelnut, are absolutely incredible – creamy, bold, and unforgettable.

They also excel in seasonal fruit flavors, such as melon, strawberry, and fig, all of which are fresh and bursting with flavor. You really can’t go wrong here.This shop is no secret, so expect a line, especially on a warm day!

Address: Via Toscanella, 15/red

5. La Strega Nocciola Gelateria

La Strega Nocciola is a popular gelato shop with three locations in Florence and three more in Rome. I know what you’re thinking – can a gelato chain really be that good?

Well, it earned a spot in our top 5 list, so the answer is yes, it’s that good. What sets La Strega Nocciola apart is their commitment to high-quality ingredients. You can count on seasonal fruit, raw nuts, and fresh milk in every scoop.

They also have a variety of vegan flavors alongside their selection of milk-based options. Try one of their more unique flavors like lavender for something a little different.

Addresses

6. Edoardo

When I first tried Edoardo, I had already sampled gelato from two other shops that day and was tempted to skip Edoardo altogether – I mean, how much gelato can one person eat? But in the name of research (and finding the best gelato in Florence), I made the “sacrifice” and stopped by Edoardo on a whim.

I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical based on the shop’s location. In most of my gelato tasting experiences, great gelato is rarely located in such a convenient spot. Situated right next to the Duomo, it’s smack in the middle of a tourist hotspot. But once again, I was proven wrong – Edoardo is fantastic. What stood out most were their inventive flavors! While I always love a scoop of classic pistachio or crema, it’s exciting to try something new.

I went with a scoop of pear and another of fig and almond – both excellent choices. The fig and almond had bits of fruit and nuts, while the pear was equally fresh and flavorful. You can tell they use high-quality, fresh ingredients.

The gelato was on the creamier side, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. If you’re looking for a refreshing scoop after touring the Duomo, I highly recommend giving Edoardo a try!

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 45/R

Read more: 5 Best Gelato Shops in Venice, Italy

7. My Sugar

I first discovered My Sugar on a previous trip to Florence. Without tickets to the Accademia Gallery, we found ourselves stuck waiting in line and craving a treat to pass the time.

Luckily, My Sugar is just a couple of blocks from the gallery. My husband ran over to grab a couple of cones while I held our spot, and I was instantly impressed. Naturally, I had to return this time around to see if it was as good as I remembered.

It didn’t disappoint. The gelato is excellent, and what I love most about this shop is their selection of interesting flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. This time, we tried a scoop of Black Sesame and another of Yuzu. Yuzu? In Italy? I never would have guessed, but it was really good!

Address: Via de’ Ginori, 49/red

8. Vivoli

Vivoli is an institution in Florence. Established in 1930, this historic gelateria has recently gained internet fame for its affogatos – the perfect pairing of gelato and hot espresso. We had to try one ourselves, and it was worth the hype!

I’ll admit, I didn’t sample the gelato on its own, but the gelato in the affogato was quite tasty. We ordered one with pistachio and another with fior di latte – both fantastic. I’m already daydreaming about going back to get another cup.

Address: Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r

9. Il Procopio

Located in Sant’Ambrogio, a more local neighborhood, Il Procopio is a solid choice if you’re in the area and craving some delicious gelato.

While it may not blow you away, the gelato is good, and the variety of flavors is impressive. They also have the option to order gelato in a brioche bun, which is a must at least once!

Address: Via Pietrapiana, 60R

10. Perchè No

We tried Perché No because it was on every gelato list I came across. Conveniently located in the historic center, it’s easy to stop by while exploring Florence.

My take? It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a quality scoop on the go. However, I wouldn’t go out of my way for it, as there are better options among the top five on this list.

That said, you won’t be disappointed – it’s gelato, after all! And as the name suggests, why not?

Address: Via dei Tavolini, 19r

How to Identify Quality Gelato

  • Look for Natural Colors: Authentic gelato should have soft, natural colors. Brightly colored gelato (like neon green pistachio) often means artificial coloring. A true pistachio gelato will have a soft green, almost brown color.
  • Avoid Overly Puffy Gelato: Quality gelato typically has a smooth, creamy, and melty texture, not an airy or fluffy one. Avoid shops with puffy gelato piled high in metal tins – these have been whipped with extra air are not authentic.
  • Check for Pozzetti Storage: Some of the best gelaterias store gelato in pozzetti (covered metal containers). These maintain a consistent temperature, keeping the gelato fresh. You won’t actually see gelato because they are covered.
  • Taste for Balanced Sweetness: Authentic gelato isn’t overly sweet. You should be able to taste the natural flavor of each ingredient without it being overpowered by sugar.
  • Look and Taste for Natural Ingredients: High-quality gelato shops use natural ingredients, so you should be able to taste the true flavor of the ingredients.
  • Melty Texture is a Good Sign: Authentic gelato tends to melt quite quickly in open air. This is how it’s supposed to be.

More information for your trip to Florence

ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.

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Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.

Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.

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