Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer, fall, or winter, it’s imperative to know the best gelato shops in Milan. The same rule applies to any other Italian city! When in Italy, gelato is a no-brainer. More often than not, ice cream is an integral part of one’s childhood, ingraining into us a fondness for this frozen dairy treat that stays with us for life.
At some point, if we haven’t been to Italy ourselves, we all seem to have some sort of degree of separation to someone who reminisces fondly about Italian gelato, mentioning something usually along the lines of how gelato is much better than ice cream, but I can’t really put my finger on why. It’s just different.
Well, it’s true that gelato’s different. It’s made with more milk than cream, so it, therefore, has less fat, and it’s churned at a slower speed, which doesn’t let in as much air. Gelato is also served at a warmer temperature, giving it that signature soft texture.
Gelato shops are a dime a dozen in Italy, so unless you know what to look for, it can be challenging to spot the good ones, so here are our picks for five of the best gelato shops in Milan.
GELATO GIUSTO
Having only opened in 2009, Gelato Giusto quickly ascended to a top slot among the best gelato shops in Milan. Owner Vittoria Bortolazzo opened the store with the idea of creating “high pastry” gelato after having worked her way around London and Paris following her graduation from Le Cordon Bleu, where she earned a pastry degree. She uses milk from cows raised in Milan’s surrounding Lombardy region coupled with quality ingredients for her seasonal and classic gelato flavors.
Via San Gregorio, 17; + 39 02 29510284
Tuesday – Saturday: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sunday 12pm – 9pm
ARTICO GELATO TRADIZIONALE
This 30-year-old shop uses only natural products supporting artisanal, authentic ingredients such as Bronte pistachios, Etna hazelnuts, and Sicilian almonds. In addition to the various chocolate flavors, the salted pistachio is a must-try! If you’re looking for a scoop with a bit of kick, the pistachio and pepper are awesome.
Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 15; +39 02 4549 4698
Monday-Thursday: 11.30am-11.30pm
Friday and Saturday: 11.30am-1am
Sunday: 11.30am-12am
I GELATI DI NANINÀ
This pleasant gelateria opened somewhat discreetly four years ago and quickly championed a place alongside some of the city’s longest-standing gelato establishments thanks to its clean, delicate gelato made from natural ingredients offered in 20 flavors that rotate daily and are divided between classics and seasonal specialties, such as chestnut and pumpkin. You’ll also find vegan flavors, such as hazelnut and ones made from alcohol and spirits like a mojito. And this gelato isn’t just for a sweet treat! They recommend pairing some of their flavors with savory dishes such as the lemon and basil with raw seafood or grilled fish.
This brainchild of two super-friendly women, Daniela and Donatella, features other frigorific refreshments such as “chipwiches” made with chocolate chip cookies that are baked onsite; smoothies, milkshakes, and fruit and vegetable extracts. You may also ask for doppia Panna, meaning which literally means “double cream” at the bottom of the cone and atop your ice cream.
Via Vincenzo Foppa, 52; + 39 02 4229 6698
Tuesday – Thursday: 1pm-9pm
Friday: 1pm-10pm
Saturday: 12pm-10pm
Sunday: 12pm-9pm
Closed Monday
GELATERIA PAGANELLI
Francesco Paganelli helms Gelateria Paganelli, established in 1930, serving up a delightful offering of seasonal and classic flavors. In addition to his gelato and granita, he has made quite a name for himself with his inventive wine sorbets in flavors that include cabernet and South Tyrol yellow muscat.
Via Gustavo Fara, 14; +39 02 670 2751
Open Monday – Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11.30am-11pm
LA BOTTEGA DEL GELATO
Whipping up gelato since 1964, La Bottega del Gelato offers roughly 50 flavors daily, which may include avocado and pine nuts, as well as a selection made from imported international fruits such as Chinese mandarin and dragon fruit. Much more than a gelateria, the shop sells fruit-filled cake-like masterpieces made from specialty ingredients. During the Christmas season, locals flock here for the ice cream-filled cake!
Via Pergolesi, 3; +39. 02 2940076
Thursday – Tuesday: 9am – 12am (summer); 9am to 10pm (winter)
