Don’t eat the bright green pistachio gelato. Same goes for the bubblegum-hued strawberry. And if the gelato is piled in beautiful, fluffy mounds, turn yourself around and walk out of that store.
Those are the signs of fake gelato. Fake coloring. Fake flavoring. And fake usually comes with a real hefty price tag. But in Florence, real gelato is your mission. I’ve done the research and have found some of the creamiest, tastiest, made-every-morning gelato. So if you’re after the best gelato in Florence, keep reading!
5. Gelateria Carabé
I found this first because they’re said to have some of the best cannolis in town. I didn’t make it down to Sicily for the real deal, but I loved the fresh filling, chocolate and candied fruit used in cannolis at Gelateria Carabé. And having the sweet tooth that I do, I paired the cannoli with a scoop of ice cream. I tried the almond flavor and it tasted fresh and not at all like extract (a little disappointing for me because I could drink extract straight) but I appreciate the real almond taste! Since this is right down the street from The Galleria dell’Accademia (The David) grab a cup or cone to enjoy as you wait in line.
4. Stickhouse
This place is gelato with a twist… instead of serving it overflowing out of tiny cups with a tiny spoon, Stickhouse presents their gelato in popsicle form. It’s artisan, yet innovative. Their fresh fruit sorbet flavors are incredible and their creamy flavors don’t disappoint either. I loved the fig flavor and the fact that you can have them dip any flavor in chocolate (yay!), sprinkles (hooray!) or nuts (ew… but maybe you’d enjoy it?).
3. Gelateria Perché no!..
Perché no is Italian for why not… and I agree. The answer to “would you like some gelato?” should always be “why not?” (although a “heck yes” would be appropriate too). This small shop packs big flavor and has a loyal following. They’ve been making their gelato fresh every day since 1939 without the use of food coloring, emulsifiers, preservatives or hydrogenated vegetable fats… so you can feel good about eating a scoop (or three). I love the fiordilatte con miele e sesamo made with chestnut honey and sesame seeds.
2. Mordilatte
I was on a honey kick while I was in Florence, and this shop located on a side street within view of the Duomo had the best honey ice cream I’ve ever eaten. They use seasonal ingredients and make their ice cream every day… and you can definitely taste the freshness!
1. Edoardo il Gelato Biologico
If I could choose only one dessert to eat for a ‘last meal,’ it would be Edoardo’s cinnamon gelato in his homemade cone. Add coffee and chocolate for a little more creamy perfection. I don’t even have words to describe how perfect this gelato is, so your best bet is to book a flight… NOW! You may stand in line for a few minutes, but this cute shop with hanging lights and an ever present waffle cone smell is worth the wait. This is the best gelato in Florence and may even be the best gelato in the world.
One last tip… make sure to ask about price before ordering your scoops. Two friends were shocked with an 8€ per cone price tag (not at any of the shops above). Good gelato shouldn’t be more than 3-3.50€ for a medium cone.
Happy gelato-eating!
Tiffany Sun
Thursday 4th of February 2016
Haha, I just love how you hold your gelato ice cream cone infront of the store (talk about the perfect promotion for them). ;)
Btw, you say that if you see a beautiful, fluffy mound of gelato, it's a fake gelato! Then how would you be able to tell if it's a real gelato just by its looks? =p
Kate mullen
Sunday 4th of February 2018
Yes you can. They should be light natural colors. Vanilla, almond, chocolate, and pistachio are fav local flavors. No bright colors, sure sigh of food colors.
Brittany
Thursday 4th of February 2016
I think I should get free gelato for all that promotion, don't you?! ;) The real gelato is made in small batches and has more natural coloring, but the fake stuff is pumped full of color/ flavoring/ air and it rises up 6 inches+ out of the container. I wish I had taken pictures of those places... but I was way too busy with the gelato that was freshly made!!
Candice
Friday 22nd of January 2016
<3 <3 <3
Bob
Thursday 21st of January 2016
I know we all can't thank you enough for doing the hard work for us of researching gelato in Florence. Just the other day, a group of us were saying, "Boy I wish we knew the best gelato in Florence, but it's just so much WORK to figure it out!" Then along comes your blog! How perfect! The only question I have is at the end you mention the price of a MEDIUM cone. Why would anyone buy a medium cone? Is that to give to people who are sick and can't have a large cone? Now, if I just could figure out a good place for cupcakes in New Zealand...oh, the work THAT would take...
Kate mullen
Sunday 4th of February 2018
I was told if they have cones or large amounts, run, it’s a fake.
Brittany
Thursday 21st of January 2016
SOMEBODY's got to do the tough stuff ;) And a medium cone ensures that if there's an unexpected gelato shop on your walk home from the first gelato shop, you'll still have room to try it!
Marylyn
Wednesday 20th of January 2016
Fun blog. Glad to know where you are. I was starting to think I needed to find you:).
Brittany
Wednesday 20th of January 2016
Hi Marylyn! I'm actually in New Zealand now, but still dreaming about Florence's gelato! But come find me... it's beautiful here! Miss you!