Where To Get the Best Gelato in Venice, Italy in 2025
If you’re in the Floating City and have a sweet tooth to satisfy, this guide to the best gelato in Venice is here to help.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a romantic gondola ride or visiting local landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge, nothing takes the edge off the heat or refuels you during a busy day like a creamy scoop or two of authentic gelato.
But where do you find the best authentic gelato in Venice? And how do you know that the goodies beneath the glass in your chosen gelateria are actually some of the best gelato in Venice, Italy?
We’ll cover all of this for you below. From the key components of authentic gelato to the spots around town that are known for serving the best gelato in Venice, if you’re planning a trip to the City of Canals, then this guide is sure to form the backbone of your sweet-toothed Venetian itinerary.
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How We Choose the Best Gelaterias in Venice
At Cozymeal, we’re on a mission to help culinary enthusiasts like you tick the world’s most delicious experiences off your foodie bucket list. This includes connecting you with world-class private chefs, cooking class instructors and food tour guides.
These exemplary professionals have a wealth of experience when it comes to finding the best food the world has to offer. And since we work with them daily, we’re able to draw on their experience to bring you guides that even the most discerning chef would be happy to follow.
As an editorial platform, we also know what it takes to research topics just like this. By combing the internet for reviews across platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Google My Business, Reddit and more — and by reading dedicated foodie guides from those who have put in the hard miles in order to discover what the best foodie cities have to offer — we can quickly ascertain where you’re likely to find the best gelato in Venice.
How To Identify Authentic Gelato in Venice
One of the easiest and most obvious ways of discovering the best gelato in Venice is by signing up for food tours in Venice. Led by local tour guides who know the city like the back of their hands, these experiences allow you to skip straight to the good stuff.
They allow you to discover the best gelaterias in Venice, from those that are well known to others that, for most who visit the city, remain unexplored. Another way is to follow the advice as laid out in this guide.
If you’re striking out alone in search of the best gelato in Venice, Italy, then there are a few things to look out for. By bearing the following factors in mind, you’ll be well on your way to discovering for yourself the best authentic gelato in Venice.
Intense Flavors
The best gelato in Venice, like all gelato, is a result of a specific churning process. It’s similar to that of ice cream, but it’s slower, and the result is creamier and more intense in flavor. You’ll also find more fruit-based flavors than you would in your local ice cream parlor. What you’ll find at the best gelato places in Venice is that these fruit-based scoops often taste more like the fruit flavor than the namesake fruit.
Temperature and Consistency
We already mentioned that gelato is creamier than ice cream thanks to a slower churning process, so that’s one thing to look (or should we say, taste) for. Interestingly, while the consistency could lead you to think that the fat content is higher, it’s actually lower in gelato than it is in ice cream.
Another thing to look out for is the temperature at which it’s served. Because of its slower churning process, the best gelato in Venice is also denser than ice cream, which means it can hold its shape at slightly higher temperatures.
Storage and Display Methods
If you find yourself drawn into a gelateria by a display case bursting with vibrant colors, just pause for a moment. Sure, some of the best gelato in Venice can be found in Willy Wonka-esque displays, and you’ll feel like the kid with the golden ticket just as soon as you step inside the shop. But if you’re on a quest to find the best gelato in Venice, it’s important to know what truly authentic gelato looks like.
In some of the best Venice gelato spots, you might not even see the gelato at all. That’s because gelato that’s made authentically — that is, without any additives — needs to be kept at a stable temperature in order to maintain its consistency.
If you find a queue spilling out of the door at a gelato shop and you happen to spot a case filled with vibrant, uncovered tubs, ask yourself how often that cabinet is being opened and closed, and therefore how stable the temperature is.
Conversely, if you find a shop in which the gelato is hidden in metal tins beneath metal lids, chances are it’s because it was made without additives. In other words, it’s the real deal and likely some of the best gelato in Venice.
Coloration
Again, your inner kid is sure to be mesmerised by the candy-store appeal of rainbow, uncovered displays of gelato. However, the best gelato in Venice is often rather dull in color. But don’t worry.
While it’s not as appealing to the eye, a dull coloration usually means it’s been made with all-natural ingredients. A good way to judge this is to see if the gelateria has a berry flavor in stock.
Truly authentic berry-flavored gelato will feature a more muted red, as opposed to the shocking red or pink that other, less authentic gelaterias serve.
The 12 Best Gelato Places in Venice
1. La Mela Verde
Nestled between some of the best restaurants in Venice, this popular gelateria is easy to miss. At least, it is until you’ve tried the wares beneath the glass.
Once you have, this popular spot will forever be imprinted on your mind as a go-to for some of the best gelato in Venice. At La Mela Verde, you’ll find a small and friendly counter-serve operation, where cones and bowls can be purchased in an array of both creative and classic flavors.
The Vibe
Expect super-friendly staff serving home-style ingredients. Because it lies in one of the city’s quieter locations, a stop here not only offers some of the best gelato in Venice, but also a reprieve from the bustle of the tourist crowd.
What to Order
It’s a tough call. Home to a selection of the best gelato in Venice, you’ll want to make the most of Mela Verde’s offer to try before you buy. However, if reviews on Google are anything to go by, there’s a good chance you’ll land on pistachio.
La Mela Verde | Fondamenta de l'Osmarin, 4977/A, 30122 Venice, Italy | €
2. Suso Gelatoteca
A trip to Suso Gelatoteca is a must on the itinerary of anybody serious about finding the best gelato in Venice. With parlors across the city, the brand blends tradition with experimentation, incorporating quality ingredients into curious combinations that are sure to delight and perplex your palate in equal measure.
The Vibe
Self-styled as “your true Venetian gelato experience,” there’s nothing artificial about Suso. That extends to both the customer service, which is unfailingly welcoming, and the gelato, which is made with no artificial colors. Remember what we said about dull gelato?
What to Order
If you’re imbibing Italy’s rich cultural heritage during your time there, then perhaps the Opera flavor will tickle your taste buds. It’s some of the best gelato in Venice for lovers of hazelnut, featuring a Piedmont hazelnut gelato base with a premium hazelnut spread on top. It’s decadent, delicious and downright unforgettable.
Susa Gelatoteca | Sotoportego de la Bissa, 5453, 30124 Venice, Italy | €
3. Gelato di Natura
Self-styled as serving patrons with “the very best of a great tradition,” Gelato di Natura serves some of the very best gelato in Venice. It does so across a number of stores throughout the city, each using high-quality seasonal ingredients to deliver scoops that keep locals and visitors alike coming back for more.
The Vibe
It depends on which location you visit. Beach vibes are abundant in the Venice Lido store, for example. Want to get to the heart of Venetian history? Then visit the San Giacomo dell'Orio location, just a stone’s throw from the city’s Museum of Natural History.
What to Order
Any of the menu’s whisked gelatos are likely contenders for the title of best gelato in Venice. If it’s hot, a scoop or two of Limone (made with the juice and pulp of Mediterranean lemons) is sure to take the edge off.
Gelato di Natura | Multiple Locations | €
4. Gelateria Nico
Delivering excellence in the form of gelato since 1937, this Venetian establishment describes its approach to this Venice food as blending ancient recipes with modern combinations. It does so in an artisanal gelato laboratory, whose products have been enjoyed by names that include Peggy Guggenheim and Angelina Jolie.
The Vibe
It’s easy to see what attracts A-listers to Gelateria Nico. River views from the terrace and walks along the nearby Zattere promenade are what most would envisage when picturing themselves sampling some of the best gelato in Venice.
What to Order
It’s hard not to recommend Gianduiotto. This hazelnut-chocolate gelato is one of the most popular desserts on the menu. In fact, it’s arguably one of the most popular in the city, recommended widely across platforms like Google, TripAdvisor and numerous foodie blogs.
It’s served in a tall glass and comes with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It’s not one you’ll want to order to-go, but one you’ll relish tucking into on the terrace with those front-row river views.
Gelateria Nico | Fondamenta Zattere Al Ponte Lungo, 922, 30123 Venice, Italy | €€
5. Bacaro del Gelato
Located around Cannaregio, Bacaro del Gelato feels a little out of the way from the rest of the city, and that’s one of the key reasons we’ve selected it for this guide. That, plus the fact that it serves some of the best gelato in Venice.
The Vibe
It’s far enough from the bustle of the tourist crowd that you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a local gem. As for the service, it’s praised for being incredibly friendly, so you’ll feel welcomed like a local, too.
What to Order
The chocolate hazelnut receives rave reviews, as does the pistachio. Both are sure to demonstrate the shop’s reputation for serving some of the best gelato in Venice.
Bacaro del Gelato | Fondamenta de la Misericordia, 2499, 30121 Venice, Italy | €
6. Gelateria il Doge
With a location in the happening area of Piazza Santa Margherita, Gelateria il Doge is the place to grab some of the best gelato in Venice before an evening exploring the cheap nearby bars. The other location lies just a short walk from Basilica di Santa Maria, perfect if you’re exploring the area in the daytime and looking for a tonic to the heat.
The Vibe
The establishment is simple with no frills, but don’t let that fool you. The service is warm and you can expect to find some of the best gelato in Venice, all with a very reasonable price tag.
What to Order
Made with candied oranges, egg, cream and chocolate nibs, the aromatic crema del Doge is some of the best gelato in Venice. The citrus brings refreshment, while those indulgent chocolate nibs are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Gelateria il Doge | Multiple Locations | €
7. Gelateria Ca’ d'Oro
Found along Strada Nova — one of the city’s widest streets — you can usually identify Gelateria Ca’ d'Oro by the queue winding its way out of the door. It serves natural gelato in a wide variety of flavors, all with a price tag that’ll make you smile almost as much as the gelato.
The Vibe
A welcoming and buzzy atmosphere that reflects that of the wider city. As for the service, the staff are friendly, welcoming and always happy to help those less decisive.
What to Order
As with many others on this list, the pistachio here is rated among the best gelato in Venice. The lemon, too, receives rave reviews, offering refreshment while satisfying your sweet tooth. The black sesame is also a great choice when available if you want something a little different.
Gelateria Ca’ d'Oro | Strada Nova, 4273/b, 30121 Venice, Italy | €
8. Gelateria Gallonetto
As we mentioned earlier, some of the best gelato in Venice is hidden away in aluminum tins, which makes it all the harder to spot. That’s certainly the case at Gelateria Gallonetto, where the authentic, additive-free scoops draw foodies in the know back time and time again to sample its ever-changing flavor of the day.
The Vibe
Smiley, friendly staff make every visit here a pleasure. You’re welcomed like a local, encouraged to take your time and charged what feels like pennies on the euro for what is, undoubtedly, some of the best gelato in Venice.
What to Order
Honestly, it’s hard to say. Because this shop offers a new flavor of the day every day, we’d encourage you to order that. Having said that, if you have a penchant for pistachios, then this establishment’s recipe is likely to top your personal list of the best gelato in Venice.
Gelateria Gallonetto | Salizada S. Lio, 5727, 30122 Venice, Italy | €
9. Gelateria Millevoglie
Claiming to answer “your desire for goodness” with their own “desire to make you happy,” the team at Gelateria Millevoglie is dedicated to serving some of the best gelato in Venice. In their own words, when you pay a visit, “you’ll be spoiled for choice.”
The Vibe
An almost-overwhelming display case filled to bursting with gelato flavors makes a trip here both agonizing and exciting. Don’t worry, though — the service is super-friendly, meaning you’ll be given plenty of time to choose from some of the best gelato in Venice.
What to Order
Pairing two of the all-time most iconic Italian desserts, it’s hard to pass up a scoop of tiramisù gelato. Especially given the incredible reviews it receives on TripAdvisor.
Gelateria Millevoglie | Salizada S. Rocco, 3033/34, 30125 Venice, Italy | €
10. Gelateria Rosa Salva
With its flagship location found in one of the city’s most beautiful and historic sites, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, Gelateria Rosa Salva is known for producing some of the city’s finest Venetian desserts. These include some of the best gelato in Venice, all made with only the finest ingredients and all in sumptuous flavors.
The Vibe
First founded in the late 19th century, the café’s history is palpable just as soon as you step across the threshold. It’s not a dedicated gelateria, and we love that.
Under the display cases, you’ll find pyramids of cream puffs, trifles, tarts and finely decorated cakes. Don’t worry, there is also a small on-site gelateria serving some of the best gelato in Venice.
What to Order
Reviews describing the pistachio as “out of this world” are hard to ignore. In reality, however, given the shop’s prestige as a dessert specialist, any scoop that takes your fancy is likely to be some of the best gelato in Venice.
Gelateria Rosa Salva | Multiple Locations | €
11. Gelateria Leonardo
While we cannot confirm the origins of its name, it’s fair to say that Gelateria Leonardo lives up to the craftsmanship and creativity for which da Vinci is remembered. Known for its handmade scoops churned with high-quality ingredients, the seasonal menu here contains some of the best gelato in Venice. And if that’s not enough to tempt you to visit, perhaps the fact that — at the time of publication — it’s received exclusively five-star reviews on TripAdvisor will be.
The Vibe
Welcoming and friendly staff complement what awaits you in the display case. The team is also super helpful, making it easier to pick from the array of flavors.
What to Order
With one reviewer hailing the chocolate as the “darkest, deepest chocolate gelato I have found,” we’d say that’s a good place to start. Order it on a waffle cone and see for yourself why everybody praises this place for serving the best gelato in Venice.
Gelateria Leonardo | Calle De Castel Forte San Rocco, 30125 Venice, Italy | €
12. Gelateria Alaska
Serving scoops as cold and refreshing as its name would suggest, if you like your gelato authentic and none-too-sweet (as authentic gelato should be), then plan a visit to Gelateria Alaska. As well as classic flavors like chocolate and pistachio, this spot earns its reputation for serving some of the best gelato in Venice thanks to a range of adventurous flavors…including artichoke!
The Vibe
Nestled close to the Santa Lucia train station, it’s in a handy spot to refresh yourselves after a long ride on the rail. There’s nowhere to sit at the gelateria, but just next door lies a café where you should be allowed to grab a coffee (and a chair) to pair with your chosen scoop.
What to Order
To see why we’ve included Gelateria Alaska in our guide to the best gelatos in Venice, look out for seasonal flavors. As we mentioned, these have included artichoke in the past, as well as other innovative and somewhat weird ice cream flavors like ginger and tomato.
Gelateria Alaska | 1159 Calle Larga dei Bari, Santa Croce, 30135 Venice, Italy | €
There you have it! Whether you’re in search of a tonic to the Venetian summer heat or are simply a foodie hoping to sample the most authentic Italian desserts you can get your hands on, this guide to the best gelato in Venice has you covered.
From daring flavors that border on the savory to classics that are sure to blow even your favorite local ice cream parlor out of the water, there’s something for everyone.
And with this guide to the best gelato in Venice, shortlisting the choicest spots in the city, all that’s really left for you to do is finally book that long-awaited trip to the Floating City.
For even more ways to explore Venice and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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