During my semester abroad in Florence, going out for gelato was a ritualistic experience and something I looked forward to every week. After many cups and cones, I developed a keen eye (and taste) for the best gelaterias in Florence.
Two words of advice when scouting for excellent Italian gelato (in Florence or elsewhere in Italy). First, if the display case is piled high with enormous mountains of gelato, look elsewhere. This is not authentic Italian gelato, and the flavor and quality will disappoint you. Second, a cone/cup typically costs between €2-€6. I never paid more than €3 and found the portion sizes quite generous. If they’re charging €10, it’s likely a tourist trap.
Gelateria La Carraia
With two locations, the original located just off Ponte alla Carraia, (two bridges down from the Ponte Vecchio) La Carraia is my favorite artisanal gelateria in Florence.
Whenever I had friends or family visiting Florence, this was the gelateria I took them to first, promising, “This gelato will change your life,” and not a single person disagreed. What’s more, you can enjoy your cup or cone while gazing out over the Arno River, sheer perfection.
La Carraia offers a myriad of flavors, ranging from milk chocolate to ricotta cheese and pear, and they also periodically debut new flavors unique to their gelateria, my favorite being Sinfonia Carraia, an orange cream with dark chocolate. And, if you are a dark chocolate lover, I highly recommend the fondente.
La Strega Nocciola
Another artisanal gelateria with multiple locations, one located just off the Ponte Vecchio and the other near the Duomo, La Strega Nocciola offers a unique range of flavors (though not as expansive as La Carraia) displayed in classic, round steel gelato tins.
I recommend Nocciola (hazelnut) which is delightfully smooth and nutty, and the gelateria’s namesake. For something new, check out Maya, a dark chocolate with chili making for an indulgent flavor with a kick!
Vivoli
Located in the Santa Croce neighborhood, Vivoli is a well-established artesian gelateria and café with roots in Florence since 1929. In addition to homemade gelato, Vivoli offers a selection of pastries and desserts, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
My father insisted I try their gelato after seeing it mentioned in Phil Rosenthal’s culinary travel series “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” and I loved the classic, warm café interior and wide selection of flavors made in-house.
Vivoli is also well-known for its affogato, an Italian dessert traditionally composed of vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso.
Gelateria dei Neri
Located near the Basilica di Santa Croce, Gelateria dei Neri offers a plethora of gelato flavors, in addition to coffees and specialty cakes. From salted caramel to berry cheesecake to mandarin orange, they’ve got it. For citrus lovers, try the pompelmo rosa (pink grapefruit) it’s tart and refreshing, or check out their rose for a burst of florals.
Have you visited any of these gelaterias in Florence? Let me know in the comments below!