Best gelato in Venice: 6 tips from a real local
Best gelato in Venice? La Serenissima: romantic, fascinating, unforgettable. But one thing you can’t miss: the gelato!
Enjoying the best gelato in Venice (Italy’s city of magic) is an experience that gets tangled up with the canals, the calli and the bridges.
Ready to discover the secrets of the best gelato in Venice? Hey traveller, get ready because we’re about to take you on an irresistible tour of the 6 top ice cream shop in Venice.
So, welcome to this new post by Venice Insider Guide where we dive into the best gelato in Venice with tips from a local.
Best gelato in Venice: Introduction
First of all, forget those super touristy "gelaterie" that promise “artisanal gelato” with bright colors and long queues. Real Venetian gelato is authentic, creamy and often hidden in small artisanal shops. Here, the gelato makers don’t joke around: they use fresh, seasonal ingredients and recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Local tip: if the best gelato in Venice is too colorful or displayed like a giant mountain, run away! Real artisans gelato makers focus on quality, not on looks.
Love best gelato in Venice: From traditional shops to modern flavors
If you’re looking for the best gelato in Venice, you’re in the right place. The city is a gelato paradise with shops offering unique gelato flavors made with high quality ingredients. Near Piazza San Marco you’ll find gems like Gelateria il Doge, famous for its creamy artisanal gelato and good gelato options like pistachio, dark chocolate and the surprisingly good green apple (known as mela verde).
For a more chill vibe, head to the Santa Croce neighborhood where Gelateria Alaska has quirky flavors like artichoke and ginger. Want to enjoy your gelato by a quiet canal? Go to Gelateria Nico or Bacaro del Gelato where you can top your scoops with whipped cream while taking in the views.
Each gelato shop in Venice has something different: from traditional gelato made with egg yolks, milk and sugar to innovative flavors like basil or strawberry sorbet. Don’t miss Gelato Fantasy near Rialto Bridge, famous for its tiramisu flavor.
Want to learn the art of gelato making? Go to a small shop like La Mela Verde in San Toma where you can taste perfectly balanced flavors made daily. Whether in a cone or a cup, these creamy treats are best savored slowly, letting each scoop transport you to summer heaven.
From cafes in Strada Nova to hidden spots with standing room only, Venice has many ways to eat gelato. Love gelato? Then dive into the world of gelati where every flavor from hazelnut to chocolate will be a Venetian experience you won’t forget.
Gelato Shops
Venice has many shops, each with their own artisanal gelato. From touristy spots to hidden gems, there’s something for everyone.
Piazza San Marco
Close to Piazza San Marco you’ll find some of the best gelato shops, including Rosa Salva and Gelateria Nico to enjoy gelato in Venice.
Authentic gelato in Venice: What is the original?
Ever wondered what makes gelato in Venice authentic? Here’s a clue. Italian gelato is made with fresh milk, cream, sugar and seasonal fruit. No artificial colors, no preservatives. The balance is everything: the flavor must be intense but never too sweet and the texture creamy.
In Italy artisanal gelato is all about natural flavors. Strawberries taste like strawberries, pistachio is made with high quality pistachios (and not green!) and chocolate… well, is pure, dark and irresistible.
Gelato in Venice Italy: What you need to know
You’re leaving? Perfect! Here are some tips for to eat best gelato in Venice and live like a true Venetian:
1. Seasonality:
The best gelato shops follow the seasons. If you’re in Venice in summer try the fruit flavors like melon or fig. In autumn? Go for marron glacé or pumpkin.
2. Not all cones are created equal:
Choose crunchy and fresh cones or go for a cup if you want to focus on the gelato.
3. Watch the price:
Venice can be expensive but a good artisanal gelato should cost between 2,50 and 4 euro for a standard serving.
Best gelato in Venice near me
Looking for best gelato near you? Here are some gems to bookmark:
1. Gelateria Alaska
A little piece of heaven near Santa Croce. Master gelato maker Carlo doesn’t compromise: here you’ll find flavors like ginger, cardamom and basil, made with obsessive care.
2. Gelateria Nico
On the Zattere waterfront, this historic gelateria is famous for the gianduiotto: a chocolate and whipped cream bomb.
Best Gelato in Venice near San Marco
If you’re near Piazza San Marco, avoid the tourist traps and try these two options:
Gelatoteca Suso
One of the most popular in Venice, Suso is a mix of tradition and innovation. Try the Manet (chocolate and salted caramel) or the Marco Polo, a tribute to the city with oriental spices.
Venchi
Yes, it’s a chain, but their chocolate flavors are worth the detour. The 75% dark chocolate is pure poetry.
Gelato in Venice: Tips like a real local
Want to feel like a true Venetian? Follow these tips:
- Take a break at sunset: Venetians love to enjoy gelato while strolling along the Zattere or Riva degli Schiavoni.
- Ask the artisans: In the best gelaterias, the owners will tell you the story behind each flavor.
- Try the unusual flavors: Fig and walnuts, mascarpone, vin santo cream... Venice is creative even in gelato.
Best gelato in Venice 2024
With the new year, some ice cream shop in Venice are ready to surprise with new flavors and special collaborations. Here are the trends to follow in 2024:
- Gelateria Boutique “Artigianale”: New opening in the Cannaregio district, promises a list of flavors made with km zero ingredients.
- Vegan gelato trend: More and more gelaterias are offering 100% vegan flavors without sacrificing quality.
What is the most popular gelato in Italy?
The king of flavors in Italy? Definitely the pistachio! Creamy, intense and strictly made with Bronte or Sicilian pistachios. The big classics follow: hazelnut, stracciatella and lemon. In Venice, however, you can’t miss the gianduiotto: it’s an institution.
How much is gelato in Venice?
Venice is expensive? It depends where you go. In the artisanal gelaterias of quality, prices are reasonable:
- Small scoop: 2,50-3,00 euro
- Medium scoop: 3,50-4,50 euro
- Large cone or specialty: up to 6,00 euro
Avoid the bars too close to San Marco or the main bridges, where prices can go up to 10 euro.
Is Suso (in Venice) real gelato?
Absolutely yes! Gelatoteca Suso is one of the few gelaterias in the heart of Venice that can balance popularity and quality. Flavors are innovative but respect tradition, and ingredients are always fresh and natural.
Is gelato in Italy healthier?
Compared to industrial desserts? Absolutely yes. Italian artisanal gelato has less air, less sugar and no preservatives. In Venice, many gelaterias also focus on bio and km zero ingredients, so the gelato is not only healthier but also better.
6 tips for best Gelato in Venice
Here is our list of the 6 ice cream shop which offer the best gelato in Venice:
1. Suso
A must-visit for tourists. Innovation and tradition in a cone.
2. Gelateria Alaska
A hidden gem for flavor lovers.
3. Gelateria Nico
The perfect spot to take a break by the canal.
4. Boutique del Gelato
Minimalist but top quality. Try the mascarpone flavor!
5. Venchi
For chocolate lovers, a must.
6. Gelateria Il Doge
Located in the Santa Croce district, Gelateria il Doge is famous for its location and ingredients. Their best seller? The creamy pistachio and dark chocolate duo.
And you, which best gelato in Venice one will you try first? Venice is waiting for you with her unique sweetness.