The 10 best gelato spots in Milan, not only for summer

Italy and gelato go hand in hand. Ice cream is a cultural icon and part of daily life, and it is clearly one of the pleasures no visitor from any part of the world will want to miss during a trip to Italy.

But should you simply stop at the next ice cream shop to get your scoop or is it worth paying attention where you go?

To tell the truth, today you will find many places selling industrial-made ice cream (the sort that is made in large quantities to be shipped around the country to be sold at franchise shops). Especially around major tourist hotspots, these large-chain ice cream brands are commonplace these days. So, make sure to look out for the ‘real’ thing when in Italy.

By the way, I have used both the name gelato and ice cream here. Though, honestly, there is a significant difference. Italian gelato is traditionally an artisanal product, freshly made and using high-quality, fresh and seasonal ingredients. It is also typically served slightly less chilled which allows a richer flavour profile, boasting a creamy, silky texture.

In addition, keep in mind, many of the local gelaterie will not offer large seating areas. Ice cream in Italy is usually enjoyed on the go. So, grab your cone and continue to wander around town.

So, perhaps you might decide to save this post for later, when the temperatures start to rise. Well, you are welcome. But perhaps, your next trip to Milan will be much earlier, and perhaps it will be for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics kicking off in less then two weeks in the capital of Lombardy. In that case, let me tell you, there is hardly an Italian that would turn down a cone of ice cream even in the middle of winter.

If that does not convince you, consider this. While gelato as we know it today was officially invented in Florence, Milan is getting the top rank when it comes to playing with new and unusual flavours. In addition, the city boasts a large number of artisan shops offering freshly made, high-quality ice cream.

Warning: It might take you more than one visit to Milan to find your favourite spot and flavour, but that’s the perfect excuse to come back.

Below, in no particular order, I have listed 10 of the most popular ice cream spots in Milan you should not miss when in town.

Gelateria Paganelli, Via Adda, 3

Classic und unusual go hand in hand at this place. Founded in the 1930s, it is one of the historic ice cream institutions of Milan, still run by the same family. Expect a wide range of traditional and innovative flavours like wine-infused sorbets and pistachio with cayenne pepper.

Only a short stroll from Stazione Centrale, Milan’s central station, so make sure not to miss out.

Gelato Giusto, Via S. Gregorio, 17

This cozy, small place offers freshly made ice cream based on quality ingredients. Freshly made on a daily basis with natural and high-quality ingredients, and seasonally changing fruit, the selection is smaller than at most other places but the exceptional attention to quality and technique makes Gelato Giusto one of the most authentic places to enjoy a truly delicious scoop of ice cream.

Again in walking distance to Stazione Centrale, also slightly further down Via Toriani.  

La Bottega del Gelato, Via Pergolesi, 3

Opened in 1964 by Tuscon-born Giunetto Cardelli the little gelateria has turned into one of the local icons of ice cream heaven. More than 50 different flavours freshly made on-site, the place is particularly popular for its fruit-based variations including such exotic flavours like dragonfruit. It is also serving ice cream in fresh, excavated fruit.

Try the creamy avocado flavour if you love avocado.

Close to Corso Buenos Aires, halfway between central station and the metro line M1 and M2 stop Loreto.

Antica Gelateria Sartori, at the corner of Piazza Luigi di Savoia and via Pergolesi

Walking by the ice cream stall, you would not think you have just found one of the best spots in the city. Yet just try their traditional flavours (pistachio and hazelnut are particularly popular here) or the iconic Sicilian granita and brioche (the mighty Sicilian breakfast staple) and you are sold.

Located next to central station.

Il Massimo del Gelato, Via Castelvetro, 18

This small, independent family-led ice gelateria serves some of the best ice creams in the city. The round about forty different flavours on offer are all freshly made each day. Based on old family recipes, all are strictly artisanal. The range includes deliciously fruit-forward flavours, changing week-be-week and depending on the fruits in season. Think of pink grapefruit in summer, strawberry-grape in autumn, or the unique Mojito in June/July (when fresh mint is in season). But the stars here are the different chocolate variations, boasting up to ten different flavour combinations. Dark chocolate, chocolate with orange and Grand Marnier, chocolate all’Azteca (chocolate with cinnamon and hot pepper), Ecuadoriano (made with a 70% chocolate from Ecuador), and more …

Located close to Corse Sempione, one of the city’s major arterial routes, you are round about 10 minutes drivetime from the centre (and a bit longer if you need to take the tube). But any ice cream lover will agree, the quality you will find is worth the little extra effort. And you can still combine your trip here with a visit to the not-too-distant ADI Design Museum, or Fabbrica del Vapore.

Artico Gelateria, Via Dogana, 1

The name says it all. This is not just ice cream; it is true art. Find the latest creations of new and unusual flavour combinations, with standout flavours being salted pistachio and walnut.

Slightly hidden away from Piazza del Duomo but expect it to be busy since it is highly popular with locals. And despite the very central locations, prices are still reasonable.

Ciacco Gelato Senz’Altro, Via Spadari, 13

If you like your ice cream creamy, dense and authentic, without any artificial additives, you have found the right spot. In addition, around half of the flavours are vegan.

The shop name could be loosely translated into ‘insatiable ice cream without comparison’ and this is truly no exaggeration.

Tucked away just around the corner from Piazza del Duomo, food lovers might feel Via Spadari ringing familiar. In fact, this is where you will find the famous Peck delicatessen as well.

Gelateria Rigoletto, various shops

Those who have been around during EXPO 2015 might remember. Rigoletto at the time was the official ice cream shop within the Italian Pavillion. For locals, it already was a well introduced brand, however. Opened in 1997, Rigoletto serves strictly artisan gelato made from carefully selected, high-quality ingredients. A wide, varied selection of flavours and iced desserts. Nonetheless, try the more traditional dark chocolate, it’s one of the best in town.

Rigoletto has three different shops across the city, all slightly away from the centre but well worth checking out.

Via San Siro, 2 – halfway between M1 metro stops Wagner and Buonarotti in the vast San Siro district. While the name might suggest it is around the soccer stadium Giuseppe Meazza (formerly San Siro), you are round about three kilometres away.

Piazza Po, 10 – near the Mariott Hotel in the Navigli district

Via Cola di Rienzo, 2 – in the Navigli district, albeit distant from the popular Naviglio Grande area, near M4 metro stops Bolivar and California.

Gelateria la Romana, Viale Col di Lana, 2

One of the few national brands in this list, with various shops throughout Italy, Gelateria la Romana nonetheless offers freshly made ice cream on a daily base, boasting authentic flavours, including dairy-free variations.

Chose between white or dark liquid chocolate drizzled into your cone and any flavour you prefer though dark chocolate and pistachio are clearly among the best.

Located in zona Navigli, just few steps from Naviglio Grande Canal Walk.

Gelateria Umberto 1934, Piazza Cinque Giornate, 4

Opened in 1934 by Umberto and today run by his grandson Stefano, you won’t find a huge variety of flavours here. Expect to chose from a maximum of 12 different ones, made from high-quality seasonal ingredients. Thus, flavours will vary throughout the seasons.  

The shop is said to make the best affogato in town, a scoop of ice cream (traditionally vanilla but now also with different flavours like pistachio) dowsed with hot espresso.  

Located just outside of the central area but in walking distance, this historic icon is well worth the little detour.

If you are planning a trip to Milan, look out for these ice cream shops. You won’t be disappointed.