If you asked me about the difference between gelato and ice cream, I wouldn’t be able to explain it to you in words. I’m sure it’s easily Google-able, a concept that can be condensed into a tidy sentence, but words don’t exactly activate your tastebuds, sending a ripple effect of chemical flavor through your body. You can understand the difference on paper, but you won’t know until you have the sensory experience. If you’ve never had gelato, or you have but it wasn’t the real deal, you’re in for quite a….treat. So stick a few euros in your satchel, cram a napkin into your back pocket, and follow the cobblestones to one of the best gelaterias in Florence.
I lived in Florence for four years, and even now that I’m out nomading around the globe, I still consider the city to be my home. After many a midday snack, these are by far my favorite places to get gelato. I put them in order based on my tip top pick, but of course, everyone has a different palate.
Gelato Etiquette:
- If you’re paying more than 2 – 2.50 euro for a small, you’re getting ripped off
- The places with the mountains of gelato are pretty, but usually it’s not the good stuff.
- A cone may be more Instagrammable, but a cup (copetta in Italian) is a better user experience in my humble opinion
- You can try more flavors if you get a slightly larger size – usually mediums let you try 2, larges 3 etc., just ask your local scoopers.
La Carraia
This is by far my favorite gelato spot in Firenze. It’s on the Oltrarno side of the river in the San Frediano neighborhood, right across the bridge of the same name (Ponte alla Carraia). They have a wide selection of flavors, and a few specialties you can only find here. There’s no space to sit in this petite negozio so be prepared to take your cone/cup on the go or post up on the wall by the Arno. There’s a second gelato shop in the Santa Croce neighborhood of Florence as well.
Vivoli
This historical gelateria has been family-owned and operated since 1930 and is situated right off Piazza Santa Croce near a curved street that was built over an old Roman amphitheater. This is my second favorite gelato joint in the Renaissance city and it has a very charming atmosphere if you’re able to snag a table. You can also book tours to see how they make their gelato if you’re looking for a whole sweet tooth experience. I know it sounds weird, but try the Riso (rice) flavor. It tastes like sweet cream and is unlike any flavor I’ve had before.
Gelateria dei Neri
Located in between Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce, chances are you’ll be strolling down Via dei Neri at some point during your Florence escapades. This gelateria is down the street from the famous panini place All’Antico Vinaio, where you can snag a sandwich that’s bigger than your head for 6 euro after waiting in a long, snakey line. This is definitely some of the highest quality gelato in town. I have a friend who swears by the salted caramel flavor.
Il Gelato di Filo
What it lacks in square footage it makes up in flavor. This hole in the wall gelateria is right next to the popular Il Rifrullo aperitivo bar and at a prime spot for tourists heading up or down from Piazzale Michelangelo. Your only option is to take your gelato to go, but that’s all part of Florence’s open-air museum charm. I especially love the crema flavor here.
My Sugar
Another yummy gelateria in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, My Sugar has a great mix of flavors and that creamy consistency that makes it the real deal. I haven’t been to this place as often as the others, but it’s stuck in my mind and is known as one of the best in town.
Honorable Mentions:
Cantina Del Gelato – natural gelato in the Santo Spirito neighborhood
Edoardo – a sweet spot in Piazza Duomo
Vivaldi – a tasty gelateria in San Niccoló
Gelateria della Passera – a charming and delish option tucked back in Piazza della Passera
