Summer is underway, though. Of course, gelato goes hand-in-hand with Italian summer, but I believe in gelato all year round. As it’s required eating in Italy, I thought I’d update my list of the best gelato shops in Milan.
Disclaimer: I don’t know every single gelato shop in Milan, so if you’d like some tips on how to discern the good gelato from the bad when you’re in Italy, check out my blog post on the topic. I will say that it seems like every gelato shop that has opened in Milan over the last five years tends to take quality and seasonality seriously, so the places here are not the be-all-end-all list of Milan’s finest gelato shops. If you’re traveling to Milan (or anywhere in Italy for that matter), the aforementioned post will help you determine if a gelato shop is vale la pena (worth it). The places below are all surefire bets for superb gelato in Milan, but just because a place isn’t on here, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not good. It might just mean I haven’t been there.
Again, this list is by no means exhaustive–I’ll be updating it regularly as I discover more gelaterie that make my heart sing. Also, most of these shops have vegan and gluten-free gelato flavors. Lastly, this list isn’t a “ranking” – I listed the gelaterie in alphabetical order. (Originally published June 22, 2022.)
Artico Gelato
Maurizio Poloni, who has been making gelato since 1981, opened Artico Gelato in Isola in 2012. Today, Artico has expanded into somewhat of a mini-empire with three additional outposts: Duomo, Brera, Città Studi, and Solari. Footsteps from the original Isola outpost is the Artico Gelato School where aspiring professional gelato makers enroll to learn the craft. The pistacchio salato (salted pistachio), is a signature, but honestly, it’s impossible to go wrong with any flavor. In spring 2022, Artico implemented a “free from” concept at the Brera location, which now focuses exclusively on gelato that’s “free from” milk and gluten. Isola: Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 15 (open seven days); Duomo: Via Dogana, 1; Brera: Via Brera, 29; Città Studi: Via Giovanni Pacini, 17; Solari: Via Bergognone 27. website (Open the whole month of August except Mondays per the norm)
Ciacco
The motto of Stefano Guizzetti’s exceptional gelateria footsteps from the Duomo is gelato senz’altro, or gelato without anything else, and it never fails to awe. You’ll find plenty of typical flavors made from thoughtfully sourced ingredients, like strawberry, chocolate, gianduia, hazelnut, fiordilatte, pistachio, and fig, but he also gets whimsical. You might find extra-virgin olive oil, beeswax, “flavors of the Apennines”, “almost cheesecake” with fresh Robiola from Valsassina in Lombardy, caramelized pistachios, and raspberry jam, and “aspro,” which mixes apple juice, balsamic vinegar, sumac, and lime. Don’t let the line deter you – it’s well worth the wait. Plus it goes fast. Open seven days; website Open all of August
Crema Alta Gelateria
Crema Alta Gelateria isn’t Bulgari’s first foray into food (the group’s hotel restaurants are helmed by excellent chefs), though the shop marks its first foray into Italy’s beloved frozen delight. The dozens of flavors on offer are divine—my only gripe is that choosing always proves a challenge! You want to go back to the flavor you love but the options you haven’t tried beckon. The vast array includes strawberry and basil; crema classica c’era una volta (classic cream once upon a time); saffron with almond and lemon; orange with extra-virgin olive oil and pepper; Amalfi Coast lemon; and chestnut and rum, among others. The first location, a 15-minute walk from my old house, opened in 2020 and the owners have since opened outposts in Piazza Napoli and the Brera. City Live/Domodossola: Via Giovanni da Procida, 29, (open seven days); Piazza Napoli: Piazza Napoli, 15 (closed Monday); Brera, Via Fiori Chiari 16 (open seven days) website The Brera and Domodossola locations are open all August; the one in Piazza Napoli is closed from August 15 – 19
Gelateria Sioli e Bissoli
I came across this Porta Romana gelateria following a sweltering August day at the Bagni Misteriosi—gelato was in order and Google Maps had led us there. Quality is evident at first sight and the flavors include white chocolate, almond, and pistachio; tiramisu; and amaretto. The mandorle d’Avola (Avola almond) granita tastes just as good as made-in-Sicily granita. When it’s not granita season, the gelato incarnation of that flavor (pictured below) is my go-to. In fact, if I’m dining in this neighborhood, I might skip dessert and take my final course here. Via Lodovico Muratori, 26 (open seven days); website Open all of August, but closed on the 15th
Gelato Giusto
I had gelato here for the first time in August 2012 (before I lived in Italy), and every subsequent visit has been just as enjoyable as the first. When I didn’t live in the neighborhood, I didn’t get there as often as I’d like, so getting there was always a treat. Owner Vittoria Bortolazzo earned a pastry arts degree at Le Corden Bleu in London and at Gelato Giusto, she creates alta pasticceria (high pastry) gelato, and it’s dreamily exquisite. The frequently changing flavors may include rosemary and chocolate crumble; cinnamon, blackberry, and caramelized pistachio; and matcha alongside classics like stracciatella, almond, and hazelnut. Come September, the Concord grape flavor is insanely delicious. Of all the spots on the list, this is probably the closest to my current digs, so I avail myself often. Via S. Gregorio, 17; closed Monday: website August hours: closed from August 12 – 19
Gelateria Paganelli
No “where to have gelato in Milan” list would be complete without Gelateria Paganelli, which remains with the family who founded it in the 1930s. I love the spirit of this place–I feel like it embodies the juxtaposition of the old and the new that exemplifies Milan, an atmosphere that’s thanks a good part to Francesco Paganelli, who brought the gelateria forward without compromising its classic, nostalgic charm or quality. Expect lots of wine-infused sorbet flavors like Franciacorta and Cabernet, and plenty of playful savory flavors in addition to the classics–the Milanesissimo is made with rice and saffron. But the best way to do it is to get some granita (almond!), topped with a scoop of gelato (meteore aka agrumi and candied black olive!), topped with cream and finished with a spritz of honey—orgasmico! Via Gustavo Fara, 14; closed Sunday; website Closed from August 10 – 21
Gusto 17
A labor of love brought to life by three friends, Gusto 17 always has a limited amount of flavors on offer at any given time to focus more on quality with a focus on seasonality. What does 17 mean? Every week, there’s one il gusto dei desideri, or a wish flavor, that’s created based on the suggestions of the clientele. You’ll also find colorful enticing gelato-based treats like wafer sandwiches and magnum-style bars. Navigli/Tortona: Via Savona 17; Arco della Pace: Via Luigi Cagnola, 10, Voce Aimo e Nadia, Piazza della Scala 6 website The two main locations are closed in August, but the outpost inside Voce Aimo e Nadia is open for the whole month.
Latteneve
When I’m in the Navigli, Latteneve is my gelato go-to. It just so happened to open in 2014, the year I moved to Milan. Owner Carlo Lanzoni honed his skills at Maurizio Poloni’s Artico school, and the quality of his gelato is a testament to his mastery of the craft. Latteneve boasts several interesting flavors, such as the signature Grigio Milano (grey Milan) crafted from a base of peanuts and sesame seeds. Come September, he also makes good old uva fragola (Concord grape) gelato. Other flavors may include rose petal, cheesecake, and cuneesi al rhum (a Piemontese chocolate) — something fun is always on offer. For instance, in honor of the strawberry moon a couple of years ago, he created a strawberry granita spritz. Also, the ample selection of vegan and gluten-free options warrants a shout-out. Via Vigevano, 27; open seven days; website
Luca Gelaterie – Il Gelato di Compagnia
The latest edition to Milan’s gelato scene opened just a few weeks ago, and I popped in one afternoon for dessert following a lunch at Pastamadre. So, yes, I forewent the gloriously almondy biancomangiare to try this new gelato shop—a risk well taken. Skirting the Risorgimento and Porta Romana neighborhoods, Luca is the brainchild of six Milanesi from various creative sectors. There’s no Luca, but they chose the name for clients to associate a friendly face to the concept: gelato di compagnia, or companionship gelato. Sardinian influences, tied to one of the partners, are evident in the use of milk, cream, ricotta, and yogurt from Arborea, and there’s also a strong local tie as the owners source ingredients from markets in and around Milan to craft the 14 daily changing flavors. I coupled the vibrant pistachio with the nuanced ricotta, and I loved it. I can’t wait to go back for more. Via Galvano Fiamma, 11; open seven days; website Closed August 8 – 19
Misciolgo
This three-decade-old, family-run institution in Bovia (northeast Milan) is as neighborhood and beloved as it gets. In addition to gelato, there’s granita in the summer in typical flavors like almond and coffee as well as a refreshing watermelon. Fresh fruit ice pops in myriad colors also beckon from the display case. In the summer, the fruit flavors are the way to go. There are, of course, standard flavors, as well as ones that change with the season. The owners also riff on classic sweets like Sicilian cassata and pan di mort, a Lombard autumn specialty. It makes for an especially nifty dessert stop following lunch at one of the new spots in the Certosa neighborhood. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm – 11am, clossed Monday; website; Open all August
Pavé Granite e Gelati
Pavé was a game-changer on so many levels. when it opened in 2012, and owners Diego Bamberghi, Giovanni Giberti, and Luca Scanni applied their signature vanguard approach to gelato (and granita) to open this shop in 2016. Unsurprisingly, it quickly became just as beloved as its forebearer. Simona Carmagnola oversees the excellent flavors that include tarte tatin, gianduja, straciatella di ricotta; pistachio; and peanut and banana. But for a truly Lombard taste, go for the sbrisolona (named for an almond butter pastry typical of Mantova). A scoop of it is especially lovely atop the almond granita—if you know, you know. The second outpost opened in 2021. Via Cesare Battisti 21; Via Cadore, 30; both open seven days; website
Sartori
Another historic spot that never disappoints despite all the newcomers. This gelato kiosk opened in 1937, and today you can find it parked at Stazione Milano Centrale (Milan’s Central Train Station). Expect fine iterations of classic flavors like fior di latte, pistachio, and hazelnut. They also sell granite and offer a Sicilian-style breakfast treat: a granita-filled brioche. Look for it on the Piazza Luigi di Savoia side of the station on the corner of Via Pergolesi–it’s toward the back of the station, past the airport bus boarding area. Open seven days; website
Terra Gelato
This gelateria’s second location was footsteps from my former house, so I used to hit it up rather often. In fact, its close proximity even tempted me on days when I normally wouldn’t head out for gelato. Owner Gianfranco Sampò collaborated with Massimo Grosso and Francesco Sampò to open this ingredient-driven gelato shop highlighting DOP and PGI products in 2018 and opened a second location in 2022. Flavors include baci di dama (chocolate hazelnut cookies from Piedmont), tiramisu, and to-die-for peanut butter (that goes exceptionally well with the salted caramel). According to Google Maps, the original location is an 18-minute walk from where I live now (which means I can do it in 15). Also, if you’re in the mood for granita, I strongly recommend combining the coffee and almond flavors for refreshing unadulterated bliss. Pizza Diocleziano/Via Lossana/ Via Vitruvio, 38; both are open seven days; website; both locations are open in August
