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 listed below are all surefire bets for superb gelato in Milan, but just because a place isn’t on this list doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not good. It might just mean I haven’t been there.
Also, I want to point out one more thing: just because a gelateria identifies as a vendor of gelato artiginale, or artisan gelato, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. There are a few places that use that term, when in reality, they’re part of a larger gelato chain or franchise, and their gelato is made from pre-made powder mixes concocted at their headquarters and then shipped to all their stores.
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 these Milan gelaterie in alphabetical order. (Originally published June 22, 2022.)
Alberto Marchetti
Turin transplant Alberto Marchetti brought his mini gelato empire to Milan in 2014, opening a sleek outpost of his beloved spot on Viale Monte Nero. Many of the flavors spotlight Slow Food Presidia ingredients, like strawberries from Tortona (a town in Piedmont), farina bòna from Ticino, and vanilla from Chinantla, Oaxaca—alongside protected local products like hazelnuts from Chivasso. He’s especially known for his zabaglione al Marsala, a rich and nostalgic classic Italian indulgence. My favorite flavor pairings? White chocolate with caramel and salt alongside stracciatella, or strawberry swirled with salted peanut—a glorified PB&J in the very best way. Viale Monte Nero, 73; open seven days; website
Antica Gelateria 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
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 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
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
Gelateria Umberto 1934
I’ll admit it—I was wildly skeptical when I saw this Milan gelato shop’s affogato going viral. But I was wrong. The gelato list is tight, focused, and reliably classic: up to 14 solid flavors ranging from pistachio, crema bianca (fiordilatte), and chocolate to hazelnut, mango, and the signature crema di Umberto—an egg-enriched cream named after the founder.
The affogato, though, is a work of genius. Instead of pouring espresso over a scoop like everyone else, they do something smarter: the serving mugs are kept chilled inside the gelato counter, tucked into those big metal tins, so they’re nice and cold. Then they carve out a well of gelato inside the mug itself—essentially turning it into an inverted scoop—and pour in the coffee. As it starts to melt, it creates a lush hot-cold contrast you can’t stop chasing. They also do an affogato with raspberry sauce that I’m curious about, but I just can’t bring myself to stray from the coffee. At least not yet.
Some TikTok commenters complained that the espresso comes from a machine. Honestly? Who cares. It’s quick, it’s consistent, and it gets the job done beautifully. A quick etiquette note: there are only two tables inside. If you grab one, don’t camp out. And if you’re with someone, please don’t have them hold the table while you order—it’s unfair to those ahead of you. Gelato is a fast affair: eat it, enjoy it, move along. There’s a bit of seating outside too, but in the Milan heat, the bar is your best bet – I’ve stood closer to the coffee machine so as not to be in the customers trying to order. <3m>Piazza Cinque Giornate, 4; open seven days; instagram
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 degree in pastry arts at Le Cordon Bleu in London, and at Gelato Giusto, she creates alta pasticceria (high pastry) gelato, which is 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 of it often. Via S. Gregorio, 17; closed Monday: website August hours: closed from August 12 – 19
Gnomo Gelato
Launched in 2005, Gnomo is a cult favorite among Milan’s gelato obsessives. The shop has earned multiple three-cone honors from Gambero Rosso. There are classic flavors, of course, while others skew on clever. If it’s on offer, don’t skip: Il nostro peccato di gola (our sin of gluttony) with fior di latte, milk chocolate stracciatella, caramel made from French butter, Camargue salt, and crunchy salted peanuts. Monthly specials may be named after regions like Lombardia (Gorgonzola DOP with Franciacorta-poached pears) and Sicilia, featuring fresh sheep’s milk ricotta with Bronte pistachio stracciatella and toasted almonds. Gnomo isn’t in a particularly central location—it’s tucked near the Pagano metro stop—so it’s not the kind of place you stumble into. But when I find myself in that part of town, I always make a point to swing by. It’s easy, hop on the red line going toward Bisceglie or Rho and get off at Pagano. Via Francesco Cherubini, 3; open seven days; https://lognomogelato.it/
Gusto 17
A labor of love brought to life by three friends, Gusto 17 always has a limited number 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.
La Bottega del Gelato
Opened in 1964 by the Cardelli family, La Bottega del Gelato is a Milanese institution known for its kaleidoscopic fruit-forward offerings: peach, raspberry, avocado, banana, Bellini, guava, kiwi, mango, tamarillo, apricot, wine-soaked strawberries, papaya, blueberry—and that’s just the beginning. Whole fruits—lemons, strawberries, pineapples—hollowed out and refilled with sorbetto are neatly displayed in a dedicated case to your right as you enter–they’re pretty spectacular. The non-fruit flavors also deserve their due. One standout pairing: ripieno di cassata, the rich Sicilian dessert filling, with salted pistachio. The shop isn’t central, but it’s a quick detour—just hop on the red line to Lima and walk seven minutes. Via Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, 3; closed on Wednesday; website
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
I popped into Luca for the first time one afternoon 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. 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’ve since been back for more. Via Galvano Fiamma, 11; open seven days; website Closed August 8 – 19
Marchesi 1824
While Marchesi 1824 is first and foremost a storied pasticceria, its original location brings out a nifty seasonal surprise each summer: a vintage-style gelato cart that rolls out daily at noon. The flavor lineup is short and classic—think chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—alongside a selection of popsicles (ghiaccioli) in bright, fruity flavors like lemon, mango, pineapple, and strawberry. There are also creamy, gelato-on-a-stick options in vanilla and tiramisu for those who crave something a little more indulgent. order and pay, then bring your receipt out front to claim your treat. Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a; open seven days with early closings on Sunday and Monday; website
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, closed Monday; website; Open all August
Out of the Box
Though it’s been scooping since 2014, Artico Porta Venezia is a relatively recent discovery for me. I only started frequenting it last year, mostly because I’d always forget it was there. Big mistake. This artisanal spot serves up seriously impressive flavors: I’m obsessed with combining the stracciatella with Sicilian cassata. They also offer what they call gelato crudo, milk-free, vegan-friendly flavors sweetened with natural alternatives, like agave syrup. I’m not wild about the “integrale” line, mostly nut-based (almond, pistachio, and the like), which has a cookie-dough-like consistency. But the fruit-forward options are phenomenal – the strawberry is absolutely next-level.
If I have one quibble, it’s the pricing system: gelato crudo costs more than the traditional offerings, so you have to commit to a gelato “category” before you pay. No mixing and matching between standard and vegan on a whim, which can feel a bit rigid for the indecisive. Via Marcello Malpighi, 7; open seven days, website
Pavé Granite e Gelati
Pavé was a game-changer on so many levels. When it opened in 2012, 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, which 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
Peck
This epic gourmet shop is a must-visit in Milan, but what many don’t realize is that tucked inside, just past the gelées and pralines, is the splendid gelato counter. Whether you’re escaping the queue at Ciacco or simply craving something cool, this is a smart (and delicious) detour. The rotating lineup usually includes a dozen or so refined flavors—think raspberry and lychee, coffee, fiordilatte, and even panettone, available year-round. Pro tip: pay first at the register, then bring your receipt to the gelato station to choose your scoops. Via Spadari, 9; closed Sunday all day and Monday until 3pm; website
Sbam
Tucked into two neighborhood corners—one on Via Ozanam, the other on Via Washington—it brings a clever, playful sensibility to the city’s gelato scene. I’d walked past the Ozanam location countless times without clocking it—until one afternoon, I spotted a kid across the street holding a ruby-red popsicle, so I indulged my curiosity. Let’s start with the granita: bold flavors like Campari-orange (think of it as a frozen Garibaldi) and peach with rose essence are refreshing without being cloying. The darling pre-made mini cones cost €2.50 a pop and come in fun flavors like Peanut Perfection and Vanilla Velvet, the latter laced with bourbon and raspberry.
While the flavors cover classic ground (salted pistachio, dark chocolate, stracciatella), it also veers into the playfully unexpected: Coffee Break (a nod to Lotus biscuits), Il Merendino (gianduja with toasted bread), and even basil pesto with pine nuts for the adventurous palate. What I would call a “chipwich,” they refer to as “biscotti”—a chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich stuffed with fior di latte gelato and chocolate chips. Via Ozanam 13 (open seven days) and Via Washington 60 (closed Tuesday); Instagram
Terra Gelato
This gelateria’s second location was a stone’s throw from my former digs, 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. A second location was opened 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
