Standing beneath the endless porticos of Bologna on a warm afternoon sun, I watched a winding line of people snake through the historic streets, all anxiously awaiting their turn at what locals claim might be the best gelato in Italy. This wasn’t just any queue – this was the kind of deliberate pilgrimage that happens when word spreads about something truly exceptional. Bologna, nestled in the heart of Emilia Romagna, has become my personal Holy Grail for gelato hunting, and after spending 6 weeks in this city with the sole purpose of eating my way through over 100 gelaterias, I can confidently say this place will change your understanding of what frozen dessert can be.
The moment you take that first bite into Bologna’s gelato, you cannot go wrong with the experience that follows. It’s not about heaps of melted crayons in artificial colors or the overwhelming options that leave you feeling lost. Instead, it’s the beautiful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and taste that makes every scoop feel like you’ve cracked open something precious. The Gelato Museum and Gelato University sit just a short drive from the center, where students dedicate themselves to studying the art, science, and craft of creating world-class frozen perfection. This passion for food, combined with access to Italy’s finest ingredients, creates the perfect recipe for what I can only describe as a gelato haven.
Walking through the old city center, you’ll notice how gelaterias appear on nearly every corner under the portico’s shade. The wealth of traditional artisanal options might seem overwhelming at first, but that’s exactly what makes this ultimate Italian foodie destination so compelling. Whether you’re on the hunt for classic takes on this frozen treat or seeking unique flavor profiles that push boundaries, Bologna offers everything from time-honored techniques to quirky flavors that sound like strange combinations but work incredibly well.
1. Cremeria Santo Stefano
Located just up the street from the famous Santo Stefano church complex, this unassuming gelateria stopped me in my tracks the first time I visited the city. The winding line of people through the porticos was the first thing I saw, and admittedly, the assortment of artisan chocolates and homemade macarons distracted me when I walked in. But then I spotted the selection behind the counter, and everything made sense.
This shop makes their gelato fresh every day using the highest quality ingredients, resulting in a rich, creamy texture with intense, natural flavors that are not just delicious but visually stunning. The options here are relatively few compared to other gelato shops, yet each flavor has been perfected to a point where you truly cannot go wrong. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself saying, “Okay, maybe I’ll try that flavor next, and just one more.”
The Caffe Bianco became my personal favorite of all time – the gelato base is infused with high quality coffee beans to create this delicate, creamy coffee flavor that’s more than just a dessert, it’s an experience. The Pomegranate sorbet tastes light and refreshing, like you’ve just cracked open a ripe pomegranate yourself. Crema Libanese draws inspiration from Lebanese flavors, combining orange blossom water, almond, and pistachio in a way that transports your tastebuds. The Crema delle Zitelle offers a twist on classic crema, mixing mascarpone cream and pine nut for a truly divine taste.
What struck me most was how the stracciatella here – smooth vanilla with rich dark chocolate chunks – complement each other so well with that crunchy cone providing the perfect finishing touch. Sitting under the endless portico with a few scoops, I found myself remembering summer afternoons as a kid with a dripping popsicle, except this was infinitely better. The subtle and intense flavors of strawberry, hazelnut, pistachio, chestnut, Belgian biscotti, and unique chocolates all deserve attention. You can mix and match to your heart’s content, and with new flavors coming out all the time, I recommend going with your gut and coming back two or three times to try everything.
This centrally located shop has a classic ice cream parlor look – bright and alive – and like most I saw, it’s small inside and very quaint. Many consider this to serve the best Bologna ice cream around, and it’s certainly worth the trip to Bologna alone to indulge yourself. If you’re having dinner at a local eatery, skip dessert and head here instead. We first discovered Cremeria Santo Stefano on the Taste Bologna food tour, which by the way is a great way to discover the best foods of Bologna. Whatever it was about that tempting gelato experience last year, we found our way back, and it remains the best gelato I’ve ever eaten.
Address: Via Santo Stefano, 70/c, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy. Closed every Monday, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm.
Find store hours and more information here.
2. Cremeria Cavour
One thing you’ll notice about the gelato you buy in Bologna is how it looks unlike any you’ve bought before. As if sculpted by renaissance artists, the presentation makes you hungry the moment you see it. This is especially true at Cremeria Cavour, where seeing one picture instantly makes you know you need to try it. The sleek and sophisticated Bologna ice cream shop maintains a wide range of flavors, and I’ve never walked by without noticing a queue forming.
Cremeria Cavaur is always updating their flavors according to the season, yet they keep some tried and true specials on hand that they’ve perfected. When I got here around lunchtime, there was a somewhat short line, and it was certainly worth it when I took my first bite of hazelnut gelato. The warm, buttery flavors seemed to deepen with each mouthful, and the cone was perfectly sweet and crispy.
The Cioccolato e Rhum (Chocolate and Rum) is made with Jamaican rum and chocolate chips, where the rich chocolate flavor is lifted by the rum to give it a light and balanced taste. The 50 Special reminds you of Tiramisu, which makes sense since it’s made with coffee mascarpone and terina pie – it pairs nicely with the Cioccolato e Rhum flavor. The namesake Cavour combines ricotta cheese, Amalfi lemons, and shortcrust pastry in a way that captures the essence of the shop itself. Il Gigante features pine nut cream and toasted pine nuts, and I highly recommend asking them to fill your cone with chocolate if you go with this flavor.
As a final tip, getting their chocolate cone instead of the traditional cone will pair nicely with your gelato of choice. Then order your gelato, walk across the street, and sit in the beautiful park while you eat. It tastes more delicious than any gelato you’ve ever had and looks more delicious than any gelato you’ve ever seen.
Address: Piazza Cavour, 1/de, 40124 Bologna BO, Italy. Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Find store hours and more information here.
3. Gelateria Galliera 49
In the heart of Bologna, this spot is easy to find as you’ll see a line winding out of the porticos and into the street. In addition to serving some of the most delectable ice cream in Bologna, Gelateria Galliera 49 is committed to utilizing organic, ethically sourced ingredients in its compact gelato shop. You cannot go wrong with any of their gelato flavors, but I highly recommend trying their granitas – a semi-frozen dessert similar to a snowcone, but 100 times better than that, which originated in Sicily.
Honestly, Gelateria Galliera 49 might make the best granita outside of Sicily. The almond and pistachio granitas will not disappoint, and they also serve seasonal fruit flavors that provide a refreshing, less heavy feel on a nice summer’s day. Initially, I came here for some granita, but quickly changed my mind once I stepped inside. The pistachio flavor seemed to be particularly popular, though I was more interested in the tiramisu option. Just like a classic tiramisu, it combined creamy and bittersweet notes but with the refreshing nature of gelato.
A strong pairing, if you’re lucky enough to be traveling in season, is the sheep’s milk ricotta and coffee granita. It may not sound appetizing at first, but trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back for more. If you’re really in the mood for a delicious treat, or traveling with a partner, I highly recommend one person ordering a granita and the other ordering a gelato so you can share in the goodness of Gelateria Galliera 49 together.
Address: Via Galliera, 49/b, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy. Open every day from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Find store hours and more information here.
4. La Sorbetteria Castiglione
One bite into your gelato at La Sorbetteria Castiglione, and you’ll know you’ve arrived in gelato heaven. Creamy and rich in flavor, ready to drip right off your cone, you’ll realize why La Sorbetteria is one of the most loved gelaterias in all of Bologna. Two must try flavors include their signature offerings that showcase only the finest ingredients.
Crema Michelangelo is a rich gelato made of amaretti, caramelized almonds, and cacao – the perfect blend that makes this one cut above the rest. Crema Elixir, made from mascarpone, eggs, and a sweet San Marzano liqueur with perfectly caramelized pine nuts, serves as the perfect salve for your tastebuds. Along with those options, La Sorbetteria Castiglione offers some of the best traditional gelato flavors including pistachio, tiramisu, hazelnut, stracciatella, and crema bolognese.
Address: Via Castiglione 44 d / e Bologna – 40124-BO.
Find store hours and more information here.
5. Il Gelatauro
If you venture over near the modern university campus and have a craving for gelato, stop by Il Gelatauro. Their flavors are smooth and delicious, and I recommend trying out their signature sicilian flavors – Regno delle Due Sicilie and Cannolo Siciliano pair together for a nice balance.
The Orange Chocolate (Cioccolato all’Arancia) is made with fresh oranges from Calabria and Sicily. Pumpkin and Cinnamon (Zucca e Cannella) is a seasonal flavor that’s perfectly warm and spiced – yes, pumpkin is a delicious gelato flavor, and you won’t believe how well it works. Principe di Calabria offers a floral flavor made of bergamot and jasmine that creates something entirely unique among other must-try flavors.
Address: Via S. Vitale, 98b, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy.
Find store hours and more information here.
6. Delizie Bolognesi
If you’re looking for a great vegan or lactose-free gelateria, look no further than Delizie Bolognesi. Offering a wide selection of milk-free flavors in addition to traditional milk-based gelato options, this is the perfect spot to satisfy your gelato cravings. While they offer a selection of vegan flavors, they also produce plenty of incredible, unique, and milky flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Scooping up over 20 flavors, I recommend trying gelato in a brioche bun. It may not be what you traditionally think of when you order ice cream, but a gelato brioche is an experience worth having, and I think you’ll be delighted. Popular flavors at Delizie Bolognesi you won’t want to miss include Gianduia, Ricotta Reale, and Cupido. Regardless of dietary restrictions, everyone can find something to enjoy here with their variety of vegan, milk-free, and egg-free flavors.
Address: Via Riva di Reno, 76/f, 40122 Bologna BO, Italy.
Find store hours and more information here.
7. Cremeria Scirocco
Situated far outside the old city center, this gelateria is at the forefront of creating playful, creative, and delicious flavor profiles that will make you want to come back time and time again. Since opening in 2004, Cremeria Scirocco has won numerous awards for its artisanal gelato flavors thanks to the mind of owner Andrea Bandiera. Due to its location outside the city center, you may not have time to visit Cremeria Scirocco if you’re in a time crunch.
However, if you have some free time and want to go on a little day trip to experience some of the best gelato in Bologna (if not in Italy), I recommend you hop on the bus or get in your car so you can experience some of the most unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Some of the unique gastronomic flavors they’ve sold in the past include Pecorino and Honey of Thun, Pumpkin and Black Pepper, Tuna and Onion, Ricotta and Capers, Gorgonzola Cheese and Walnuts, Parmesan and Dried Figs, and Ricotta and Mortadella.
Don’t let these imaginative flavors steer you away. One of their best and most award winning gelato flavors is their Almond and Gorgonzola (Mandorle al Gorgonzola). The bitter almond flavor binds to the gorgonzola for your initial taste, but don’t fear – it’s neither too bitter, nor is the gorgonzola too strong. At the end, you’re left with the sweet aromatic flavor of almonds.
Cremeria Scirocco is always coming up with new flavors, so I recommend trying seasonal flavors when you visit. Nocciolato Jivara is a light hazelnut chocolate flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla, and malt – you can think of it as a new take on Nutella. Essenza di Cioccolato, as the name suggests, is a sorbet that contains no cream, which is quite unusual for a chocolate flavor. The flavor is dark and intense, and you’d never know you were eating a sorbet vs. a cream based gelato. The namesake of the shop, Scirocco, is a delicate eggnog flavor embellished with delicious cake.
Address: Via Agostino Barelli, 1c, 40138 Bologna BO, Italy. Find store hours and more information here.
8. Ciao Cremeria San Francesco
The last gelateria on this list gets its name from the 13th century gothic basilica that sits across the piazza. Located within a small shop under the portico’s, I think Cremeria San Francesco has some of the best gelato in Bologna for its fresh and delightful ingredients. They offer a variety of flavors for anyone, and everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy their vegan, milk-free, and egg-free flavors.
I recommend trying a few of their seasonal sorbet flavors, each of which taste natural and feel refreshing on a warm day. Some sorbet flavors include Pear, Ginger and Citrus Fruits, Strawberry Grapes and Blackberries, and Pumpkin and Persimmon Cream. Try mixing and matching a few flavors to pair them well.
A couple of gelato flavors I recommend: Par-Tot is something a little creamier if you’re looking to venture out – this smooth gelato is made of mascarpone cream and chocolate cake. Gianduiotto, if you’re in the mood for a traditional flavor, is a hazelnut flavor typical of the Piedmont region that contains a subtle hint of chocolate as well. One of my all-time favorites here is their Apricot and Chocolate – the apricots taste like they’ve just been picked off the tree, and the chocolate chunks add a crunchy texture to balance out the smoothness of the gelato. While their flavors are always changing, I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with whatever flavors you pick. Many flavors are seasonal and may not be available year round.
Address: Piazza San Francesco 1/b, 40122, Bologna Italy. Find store hours and more information here.
9. Sablè Gelato
Sablè Gelato might just be the best gelato shop in Bologna, and it’s gotten a string of awards and recognition to prove it’s worth the hype. When I first visited this bright, pint-sized gelateria, I’d heard about its quirky flavors, ever-changing ingredients, and sustainable practices. The flavors change almost daily, and I was lucky enough to arrive early when the Bolognese cream was on offer.
This classic Bolognese ice cream has zesty lemon tones that contrast with the tangy drops of balsamic vinegar on top. It might sound like a strange combination, but it works incredibly well – the kind of innovation that reminds you why Bologna has become renowned for pushing culinary boundaries.
Address: 40121 Bologna. Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.
Find store hours and more information here.
10. Cremeria Supernatural
If you didn’t think it was possible to enjoy healthy Bologna ice cream, you wouldn’t be alone. However, the natural, seasonal ingredients used by the team at Cremeria Supernatural make it easy to find quality gelato. I loved their small but bright store, which was thankfully relatively quiet when I got here late in the afternoon.
My friends chose the passion fruit sorbet, while I went for the cheesecake gelato. It was just as heavenly as it sounds, with crumbly shortbread chunks and zingy berry sauce mixed with the milky ice cream. The entire experience felt lighter without sacrificing any of the indulgence you expect from great gelato.
Address: 40139 Bologna. Open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm, closed every Thursday.Find store hours and more information here.
11. Venchi Chocolate and Gelato Shop
Venchi had the best strawberry gelato I’ve had in Bologna, and the chocolate was equally delicious. However, the best chocolate gelato our party of four had this year was waiting just around the corner.
Address: Via degli Orefici, 23, 40124 Bologna BO.Find store hours and more information here.
12. Gelateria Lilasú
Lilasú had the best chocolate gelato we had. So good in fact, that we went back three times in as many days. Sometimes you just know when you’ve found something special, and this was one of those moments.
Address: Str. Maggiore, 19, 40125 Bologna BO.Find store hours and more information here.
Tips for Finding the Best Gelato in Bologna
Avoid Bologna ice cream shops that carry artificial, brightly-colored gelato varieties that look like heaps of melted crayons. Where possible, read through the gelateria’s ingredient lists and choose flavors used from fresh, high-quality products. Most ice cream shops will allow you to sample a number of flavors before making your choice, so don’t be afraid to try more than one option. Make your sightseeing a little sweeter and grab a gelato before exploring the city’s historic streets.
Must-Try Ice Cream Flavors in Bologna
Classic Italian Flavors remain long-time favorites like stracciatella, pistachio, nocciola (hazelnut), fior di latte, and gianduja (chocolate-hazelnut) – always reliable choices. More adventurous souls should look for Unique Bologna Creations, with flavors inspired by local ingredients like balsamic vinegar and parmigiano Reggiano. Seasonal Specialties offer limited-edition flavors that vary throughout the year, including fresh fruit sorbets in the spring and summer.
Rankings: My Favorite Gelato in Bologna
Wondering where to get the best gelato in Bologna? After constantly being blown away by rich flavors and smooth texture across the city, here’s my ranking of the best gelato shops, with the best being number 1: Cremeria Santo Stefano takes the #1 spot, followed by Cremeria Cavour at 2, Cremeria Scirocco at 3, La Sorbetteria Castiglione at 4, Gelateria Galliera 49 at 5, Il Gelatauro at 6, Cremeria San Francesco at 7, and Delizie Bolognesi at 8.
After going to these gelato shops time and time again, Cremeria Santo Stefano remained consistently exceptional. If you only have the chance to go to one gelato shop in Bologna, this is the one you should go to.
Bologna’s ice cream spots are among the finest in the country, and it’s undoubtedly one of the must-visit cities for any gelato lover eager to enjoy authentic Italian flavors along with a handful of unconventional alternatives. So what are you waiting for – go! Where have you had the best gelato in Bologna? I’m always on the hunt for the best. Where did you discover your perfect gelato, or are you still searching?