Did you know gelato was invented in Florence? You'd expect it to be from the south of Italy, Sicily perhaps, but nope, this creamy delicious dessert, was invented by Bernado Buontalenti in the 16th century, here in our second home. While "gelato" is the Italian word for "ice cream" they are not the same. Gelato has a higher proportion of milk and a lower proportion of cream. Because of this, the main flavor of any scoop of gelato really "shines through." You can find gelato on every corner but not all is created equal! An easy rule of thumb, when navigating the endless gelato offers, is to avoid the big mounds. You may be drawn to the quantity, but it is lacking in quality. Becuase of the consistency of gelato, it is not natural for it to remain in large mounds, the only way it stays this way is through added preservatives and chemicals. In contrast, if you can't even see the gelato, because it is hidden away in metal tins with lids, it is usually of high quality! Walk around Florence with these tips in mind and discover your own favorite gelato shops, or check out some of my favorites below! 1. La Carraia This is my number one favorite spot! La Carraia has two locations; one, is located on Via de' Benci, across from Red Garter, and the other is on the other side of the river. It is known for the cheapest gelato in town but also, the best! You can get a cone, with a a pretty decently sized scoop, for only €1! Each consecutive scoop and flavor is an additional euro. My favorite flavor, is La Delizia La Carraia: white chocolate with pistachio cream! La Gemma alla Nocciola is amazing too. The gelato itself tastes like lucky charm marshmallows, not joke with creamy hazelnut mixed in. A third, and highly recommended flavor, is their chocolate raspberry! 2. Gelateria dei Neri On the busy street, Via dei Neri, it is 80 cents more expensive than La Carraia but it is still some of the least expensive gelato in the city. Their rose flavor is one of my favorite flavors. But their cheesecake (usually paired with a fruit) and their salted caramel, taste exactly like cheesecake and salted caramel, completely bursting with flavor. However, I do not recommend their mint. 3. Perche No Instead of mint at dei Neri (which just tastes off) get it here! On Via dei Tavolini, nestled in the narrow Florentine streets near Piazza Signoria, it can be hard to find but worth the search. I have only been once, but the mint was so refreshing and creamy, you must visit. 4. Edoardo Edoardo is a favorite among many. Not only is it perfectly located, yet still not a tourist trap. You'll find it on the corner of Piazza del Duomo and the smallest size includes 2 scoops. It is known for organic and natural flavors. I've had a delicious lavender once and recently enjoyed goji berry and Chianti wine together. The Chianti flavor was refreshing but actually tasted exactly like wine! It was perfect with a creamier fruit flavor, like the goji, and with the sweet addition of their homemade whipped cream. The whipped cream can be added on to any cone for free! It also the best gelato to get for Instagram. A cone with the duomo in the back? Cliche or classic? 5. Rivareno Gelato Located a couple doors down from the Lions Fountain, on Borgo degli Albizi, the specialty here is a nutella filled cone! The Alice flavor comes with the gelato filled cone and some gelato drizzled on top. But, you can ask for it with any other flavor for a small extra fee. 6. La Strega Nocciola This gelateria, has the look of a classy and trust worthy gelateria, their gelato hidden in metal tins I mentioned above. There are four locations in Florence. This local chain is notable for natural flavors similar to those at Edoardo. I frequent the one right off of the Duomo on Via Ricasoli. I love the lavender and the white chocolate cinnamon! The man that works at this location is very sweet too! 7. Festival del Gelato I love this place because they have SO many options. It has a great location too, on via del Corso. My favorite flavor here is their cremino. Cremino itself is a layered chocolate dessert that I recommend everyone try on a trip to Italy (learn about it here). Being a huge fan of these chocolate squares, I choose this flavor at many gelaterias, and it is by far the best here. 8. Antico Gelateria Fiorentia This was my spot as a student! I love this little shop, located on via Faenza! They have a wide selection of classic flavors. They have a points card...and..wait for it....gelato milkshakes!!! A gelato milkshake is so much lighter than one made with ice cream. You can get a small for 2 euro and a large for 3. I have had it with a flavor as simple as stracchiatella and been super impressed, but my favorite has to be Matcha. The people who work here are great as well! 9. Gelateria Santa Trinita Located right across the river, on the corner of Piazza Dei Frescobaldi, it was actually the first gelato I had in Florence! It is located inside a palace and facing the river. They give large scoops and have a wide selection of creamy flavors to choose from, up to 38 in the summer periods! 10. Amorino
Amorino is a chain and while I don't recommend frequent visits, try it at least once! It is PRICEY but, they sculpt your gelato into a rose and top it with a macaron! The macaron costs extra but dipping it in the first couple bites was well worth it.
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