You might have heard about the 7 secrets of Bologna, but what about the 7 best gelaterias to visit while you’re in the city? Bologna’s ice cream mastery is among the best in Italy, if not the best!
With so many exceptional gelaterias to choose from can be hard to miss it. So we’ve created an itinerary featuring the top ice cream shops and their must-try flavors so you can navigate the city like a local.
Keep scrolling to unlock this secret and prepare your taste buds for a sweet adventure!
1. Cremeria Cavour - Nocciola
Next to the square and galleries under the same name, you’ll find the iconic Cremeria Cavour. Founded by brothers Alessandro and Stefano in 2008, this elegant gelato shop quickly became a staple in Bologna’s gelato route. Known for its artisanal approach, Cremeria Cavour uses only the freshest ingredients to craft their high-quality gelato.
When you visit, we highly recommend trying a true Italian classic – nocciola, the creamiest hazelnut gelato you’ll ever taste
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 11.30 pm
Price of a Small Cone: 3€
2. Oggi Gelato Bologna - Pistacchio Salato
Oggi is an Italian ice cream shop chain where gelato master Carmelo Chiaramida shares his passion and creativity with the world in the happiest way possible: through gelato. In Bologna, you can visit two Oggi locations, one of which overlooks the famous two towers.
While every flavor at Oggi is exceptional, the Salted Pistachio is next level. Unlike most shops that offer sweet or toasted pistachio gelato, Oggi elevates this classic flavor with a salted twist. This unique creation is so delicious, it will leave you craving more… even if you have a sweet tooth!
Opening hours: Every day from 1.30 pm to 12 am
Price of a Small Cone: 3€
Pro Tip: The Oggi location near the Two Towers is the perfect spot to snap an iconic picture with Bologna’s famous landmark and one of Italy’s best offerings – gelato!
3. Delizie Bolognesi - Nettuno
Danilo Cinelli, one of the two masterminds behind Delizie Bolognesi, has just won the 2024 Gelato Master Prize. The flavor that got him the award is the must-try Nettuno. This tribute to the city of Bologna is crafted with salt, Madagascar vanilla, Sorrento lemon, and crunchy pistachio infused with a hint of orange. One thing’s for sure: you’ve never tasted anything like this before!
If you’re a fan of vegan ice cream, Delizie Bolognesi has an array of excellent flavors for you to enjoy too!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 12 am
Price of a Small Cone: 3€
4. Cremeria La Vecchia Stalla - Cioccolatino Ricky
In the heart of Bologna, at Piazza Santo Stefano, you’ll find the exquisite ice cream shop Vecchia Stalla. The gelato masters here believe that passion, love, care, and creativity are key ingredients for creating artisanal ice cream. Each gelato is crafted with high-quality ingredients, free of hydrogenated fats, allowing the product’s natural flavors to shine.
If you’re on the hunt for unique gelato flavors, Vecchia Stalla is the place for you! In addition to classics like hazelnut and stracciatella, they offer over 15 unique creations. Choosing just one flavor can be a real challenge. That said, I highly recommend trying the Cioccolatino Ricky, which is essentially a Ferrero Rocher gelato. Absolutely delicious!
Opening hours: Every day from 12 pm to 11 pm
Price of a Small Cone: 3,50€
5. Cremeria Mascarella - Caracci
A visit to Cremeria Mascarella will make you feel like a true Bolognese student! Located on Mascarella Street, a favorite among university students, this gelateria offers great prices despite being in the city center. Although it might be the most underrated spot on the list, its quality is undeniable.
Cremeria Mascarella is renowned for its seasonal flavors and innovative creations. Despite seasonality, due to its popularity, you can always find the luxurious Caracci gelato. This decadent combination of mascarpone cheese, zabaione cream, and hazelnut spread is available year-round.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 11 pm and Thursday to Sunday from 12 pm to 12 am
Price of a Small Cone: 2,60€
6. Il Gelatauro - Caffè
Founded in 1998, this artisanal gelateria is committed to offering the highest quality to its customers. Gelatauro uses organic and local ingredients whenever possible, which is why their fruit flavors are seasonal. You can taste the dedication in every scoop of gelato. And it’s not just loyal customers who think so – Gelatauro was featured in the Financial Times as one of the “25 world’s greatest ice-cream stores.” Need any more reasons to try it?
From their seasonal fruit flavors to unique creations like the Principe di Calabria, made with bergamot and jasmine, there’s no wrong choice at Gelatauro. My personal favorite is the creamy coffee flavor. Mamma mia!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 9.30 am to 9 pm and Friday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 11 pm
Price of a Small Cone: 3€
7. Cremeria Santo Stefano - Crema Sette Chiese
Probably the most famous among locals, Cremeria Santo Stefano is a true institution in the city. The gelateria is decorated to resemble a traditional aromatic shop, and it counts with a second location, the laboratory, with a glass window where you can watch the gelato creation process.
Their gelatos are so popular that it’s common to wait in line for (at least) 20 minutes in the summer. Despite the wait, the high quality and amazing flavor creations make it worth it! In 2021, Cremeria Santo Stefano won the highest Gelato distinction from Gambero Rosso.
If you’re wondering which flavor to choose from their amazing selection of options, go for the Crema Sette Chiese, the seven churches cream in English. This classic egg cream is a tribute to one of Bologna’s secrets – the seven churches in Santo Stefano Square. Enjoy!
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 10.30 pm
Price of a Small Cone: 3€
How to spot a great Gelato in Italy?
Italy is world-renowned for its incredible gelato, but not every gelateria will offer a high-quality product. Often, the ice cream shops near popular tourist attractions are exactly that, touristy. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you identify true artisanal gelaterias so you can enjoy the best authentic gelato across Italy.
Tip 1: If you can’t see it it’s a good sign
Ice cream shops with gelato piled high in the windows are a classic tourist trap. The best gelato is kept in deep containers, not on open display. The reason being that exposure to air causes small ice crystals to form, which can affect the gelato’s creaminess.
Tip 2: Scooping should be easy
Pay attention to how easily the employees scoop the gelato. If they can scoop it effortlessly into cones and cups, it’s likely creamy. If they have to “excavate” it from the container, chances are it might not be as smooth.
Tip 3: Natural colors are muted
While bright colors can be eye-catching, they often indicate artificial ingredients. Ice cream’s natural ingredients like milk, vanilla, and most fruits have more muted tones. Gelato with natural colors is a sign of authentic, artisanal production.
Remember, these tips are guidelines and there are always exceptions. But with these pointers, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying Italy’s best gelato!
Summary
Bologna’s gelato creations are so exceptional that they make every ice cream lover want to move to the city. In this guide, we’ve selected 7 must-visit gelaterias, though we could easily have listed 15!
Are you planning on visiting Bologna? Check out this guide with the perfect two-day itinerary in the city.
If you try any of these gelaterias or discover others that we should include in this guide, don’t forget to share them in the comments!
Happy (sweet) travels!
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