TOP 5 Florence Gelato Spots | Quality Picks in the City Center

Discover the BEST Florence gelato shops! Whether you just finished gazing upon Michelangelo's David or climbing to the top of the Duomo, I have a spot nearby for you.

If there's a city to forget counting calories or how many gelato stops you make in a day, this is it. My advice is to enjoy this treat at least twice a day as there are few places in the world that offer gelato as creamy and flavorful as this.

Plus, chances are you'll be burning extra calories walking all over the city. And the gelato in Italy has less calories and sugar than American ice cream. With high quality natural ingredients, there isn't as much need for heaps of sugar.

Most places have the option for a small one scoop cone, so really, there's no reason not to make two gelato stops a day. Right?

If you're serious about your desserts like me, you must have a game plan for which Florence gelato shops to visit. There's practically a gelato shop on every corner, so your options can quickly become overwhelming. 

And trust me, you don't want to waste your time, money, or calories on mediocre tourist traps. There really is a considerable difference in flavor and texture.

If your mouth isn’t already watering like mine, continue reading to discover where to find the best gelato in Florence, Italy!

This map shows where to find the best gelato in Florence, Italy. Click the icon in the very top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Click the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.

Best Gelato in FLORENCE | Top 5

1. La Strega Nocciola

The best gelato in Florence for overall creaminess, texture, and flavor

I happened upon La Strega Nocciola about four years ago. It quickly became my favorite and continues to be my top pick after multiple revisits over the years.

This spot easily wins the title for best gelato in Florence, Italy. 

When I saw La Strega Nocciola was just around the corner from the Duomo, I was immediately skeptical. Usually restaurants and shops found next to major tourist attractions are low quality and overpriced. Thankfully, La Strega Nocciola is the exception to the rule. 

This small Florence gelato shop may not offer 30 plus flavors piled high like many other places, but the 14 flavors offered are the best you will ever taste. The quality is beyond exceptional.

I have never had a creamier gelato in my life! The flavors are simple. Usually combining one or two flavor profiles. No chocolate, caramel, praline, truffle surprise will be found here.

The gelato is kept inside lidded metal canisters…a sure sign that the gelato is made fresh every day.

Be sure the try the Buontalenti. A specialty flavor of Florence made with Mascarpone cream.

This Florence gelato shop has grown since I first discovered it. There are now three locations in Florence and one in Rome. Only two of the Florence locations will be walking distance from the city center.

My favorite location, and the original, is by the Duomo. The second location is across the river by the Ponte Vecchio.  

2. Gelateria La Carraia

The best gelato in Florence for one euro cones

Every time I visit Florence I'm nervous that Gelateria La Carraia will lose it’s quality as it has quickly become a well-known Florence gelato shop.

La Carraia is located across the bridge from where my apartment was when I studied abroad. Back then it wasn’t the tourist attraction that it is now.

There was rarely a line and the one scoop cone was a single euro…hence why I visited often because it was one of the few treats I could afford. 

In the last few years word has gotten out about La Carraia. There is rarely a time when the line isn’t out the door. Don’t worry it moves fast. I visit this Florence gelato shop every time I'm in the city.

Gelateria la Carraia still offers their one euro gelato scoop and the flavors taste just as good as I remember from so many years ago.

You'll find typical gelato flavors like hazelnut and stracciatella alongside some famous combinations like white chocolate and pistachio, my favorite.

The original location is just across the river by the Carraia bridge. The second location is by Piazza di Santa Croce.

This is hands down the best gelato in Florence for the price.

SEE MY OTHER FLORENCE BLOG POSTS:

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ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR VISIT TO FLORENCE – TRAVEL GUIDE

FLORENCE VS ROME | WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR TRIP TO ITALY?

A WEEK IN ITALY – 5 ITALY ITINERARY IDEAS

3. Sbrino - gelatificio contadino

The best gelato in Florence for dark chocolate lovers

Sbrino is another Florence gelato shop located across the river. Their dark chocolate flavor is one of the darkest and richest I have had. This flavor alone earns Sbrino a spot on the TOP 5 list. 

Thankfully the other flavors are equally as good. Try mixing the dark chocolate with pistachio…a heavenly combination. 

Don’t worry if there's a line as it’s 100% worth the short wait. 

Like La Strega Nocciola, Sbrino has grown since I first discovered it, now boasting three locations in the city center. 

Sbrino's original location is the most convenient. Stop by after visiting the Pitti Palace or wandering the Santo Spirito neighborhood. 

SEE MY OTHER DESSERT POSTS INCLUDING 

BEST CROISSANTS NYC – TOP 5

BEST DESSERTS IN AMSTERDAM – TOP 5

BEST DESSERTS IN MONTREAL – AN INTERNATIONAL SAMPLING

4. Gelateria dei Neri

The best gelato in Florence for Nutella lovers

Gelateria dei Neri offers a unique idea that is so simple yet genius...a heavenly gelato tray filled with Nutella just waiting to be added on top of your creamy treat. It's why they earn a spot on the list of the best gelato in Florence. 

I know I’m not alone in my obsession with Nutella. The option to add a dollop to your flavor of choice is almost too good to be true.

Gelateria dei Neri is also a good choice if you like a lot of options as there are over 30 flavors. Typically, when a shop has this many choices it’s not fresh, but that is not the case with Gelateria dei Neri.

The gelato is as creamy as ever and there's also a fair amount of sorbetto options for those that are lactose intolerant. 

5. Rivareno Gelato

The best Florence gelato shop for sorbet and unique flavors

Rivareno Gelato is a great spot if you're looking for more than just gelato or have diet restrictions/preferences (lactose intolerant, vegan, etc.).

The sorbet is outstanding. You would never know the dark chocolate sorbet didn't have milk or cream in it. The kiwi and pistachio sorbet are also incredible.

The regular gelato doesn't disappoint either. The dark chocolate is intense, creamy, and not overly sweet.

Cremino Rivareno is the top selling flavor; a heavenly combination of cream, white chocolate, and hazelnut butter topped with ribbons of chocolate-hazelnut.

Another interesting flavor is Alice; an interesting mix of mascarpone and Marsala Vergine Soleras wine that's drizzled with a warm chocolate-hazelnut sauce.

My personal favorite is the Contessa made with almond cream, crushed amaretti, and caramelized almonds.

They also give the option to line the inside of your cone with chocolate. Um, yes please!

In Summary

I return to Florence every two years and these are the spots I make sure to visit every single time. They really do serve the best gelato in Florence, Italy. The quality is outstanding and never disappoints. 

So if you're looking for the best flavors, creamiest texture, and a location within the city center, put these gelato shops at the top of your list. 

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TOP 5 Florence Gelato Spots | Quality Picks in the City Center

See my other Italy posts!

WHICH SPOTS DO YOU THINK SERVE THE BEST ice cream IN FLORENCE? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!