Here the big question to ask is: where to find the best artisanal ice cream in Florence?
| “Artisanal” ice cream means “homemade”. So the gelato is made in the laboratory of the shop with fresh and natural ingredients, without the use of preservatives or artificial colourings. Usually, artisanal ice cream also shows its quality in the way it is sold: rarely with “mountains” of ice cream but rather covered to keep it cold (gelato means icy). |
Tradition tells us that Florence was the birthplace of gelato. In fact, in XVI cen. Cosimo I de’ Medici asked the architect Bernardo Buontalenti to amaze his guests (it seems they were Spanish ambassadors) and asked him for something unique. The statues, frescoes and gardens were not enough for Cosimo; he wanted to offer them something they had never seen, never tasted.
And so Buontalenti invented the fresh and delicious cold cream that we call gelato.
This is probably why Florentines eat gelato it does not matter the season: even in winter!
Which mean that that the city is full of excellent ice cream shops (gelateria) and as a true connoisseur, I suggest my favourites.
In the super center: Signoria – Duomo area:
“Perchè no!” – “Why not!”, via Via dei Tavolini, 19r
This is is my very favorite because this laboratory, which is 2 steps from Piazza della Signoria ,offers unique and original flavors that range from classical flavor combinations to unusual ingredients. Their attention to sustainability and environmental responsibility is great. “Perchè no!” is committed to using organic ingredients and minimizing its environmental impact.
Additionally daily the present the “special flavor of the day” and you can have from pine nuts, roses and trifle, to ginger cheesecake, apple pie and green tea and many more.. My favorite flavor is watermelon (which however can only be enjoyed in summer, in the watermelon season)
Badiani, Via Tosinghi 12.
The Badiani ice cream shop was founded in 1932 in Viale dei Mille (a little bit outside the city centre), where it still is. Since last year they have decided to have a gelateria (after opening 12 other stores around the world) in the center of Florence.
For many years Badiani has represented high quality artisanal ice cream in Florence. This is where the Buontalenti flavor was born, presented during a competition held at the end of the 1960s to commemorate the famous architect who invented ice cream.
Near the Accademia Gallery:
after having delighted your eyes with the beautiful statue of David by Michelangelo, why not enjoying a wonderful gelato? On the same street as the museum there are 2 of my favorite gelato shops:
Carabè, Via Ricasoli, 60r
This is the Sicilian gelato shop of Florence where you can find excellent ice cream (try the Spirito Siciliano flavour, with Sicilian mandarins and lemons) as well as scented and flavored creams (scented even with jasmine flowers) But Carabè is above all the place for granitas and cremolatas, all 100% natural. . Their motto is “quality without compromise”. Seeing is believing!
La strega Nocciola, via Ricasoli, 16r
This ice cream shop opened in Florence in 2004 in via de Bardi, near Ponte Vecchio and a few years ago also opened in via Ricasoli, very close to the Duomo. The service is particularly accurate, the staff is always smiling and lovely. Here you can taste combinations you have never tried, unknown and foreign flavors on the palate. Their flavours are particular and delicious like white chocolate and cinnamon, witch hazelnut (this is the name of the shop), orange cream, all really excellent. “La Strega Nocciola” offers a journey through flavors that starts in Florence and travels around the world.
Close to Santa Croce
Vivoli, Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r
Serafino Vivoli opened his dairy in 1929 which within a few years became an ice cream shop. Vivoli is therefore the oldest gelateria in Florence. So Vivioli made ice cream when the natural ice came down from the mountains around Florence (from Saltino, above Vallombrosa), where it was produced in winter and stored in ice houses until summer, and transported to the city during the night!
Furthermore, during Covid, Vivoli was the only ice cream shop that served ice cream from the wine window that they still have in the shop and which thry opened precisely for this occasion.
Il Procopio, Via Pietrapiana, 60r
This ice cream shop is located near Piazza dei Ciompi, one of the most characteristic areas of Florence. It offers artisanal ice cream for true enthusiasts. I usually always take 2 flavors when I eat gelato and so I tried the famous Procopio flavor (very good) together with lemon basil (absolutely DIVINE!). Really worth a visit!
Oltrarno
Gelateria della Passera, Via Toscanella, 15r
This is a fairly recent ice cream shop as it opened in 2010. This small ice cream shop is very ambitious for the combination of flavors and the careful selection of raw materials. I would say a real taste experience. I recommend the Ph11o which is made with mascarpone-based cream, short coffee sauce, bitter chocolate and variegated pine nuts. As the owner says: it’s impossible not to like it!
The only flaw: there is always a long queue. If that doesn’t scares you, then it’s really worth it!
Gelateria Santa Trinita, Piazza Frescobaldi, 11-12r
This ice cream shop, located next to Ponte Santa Trinita, is worth choosing for its vast choice of flavours: there are up to 38 flavors of ice cream, sorbets and semifreddos. The raw materials are of the highest quality such as the PGI hazelnut from the Langhe. Here you can be spoiled for choice.
My favorite flavor is ricotta and figs with fresh Pienza ricotta, a real delight!
La Carraia, Piazza Nazaio Saurio 25r
Located near the Carraia bridge, from which it takes its name, this ice cream shop is loved by locals and tourists alike for its vast selection of creative flavors and its incredible value for money. With intensely flavored ice creams and a variety of gluten-free and lactose-free options, La Carraia stands out for its ability to meet the needs of every customer.
Sbrino – Ice Cream Factory, Via dei Serragli, 32r
Sbrino opened in Oltrarno a few years ago and its particular tastes satisfies everyone’s desires and needs. Many flavors are vegan and others gluten free. The products are all carefully selected, fresh and of high quality.
In conclusion, gelato in Florence is much more than a simple delicacy; it is a symbol of the city’s rich culinary culture and the art of food craftsmanship. With an endless variety of flavors and a dedication to quality and tradition, Florentine ice cream continues to win the hearts and palates of people from all over the world, creating a lasting connection between past and present through every delicious bite.