Parmigiano and Balsamic Vinegar Bologna Tour
Discover the finest products of Emilia Romagna on a Parmigiano and Balsamic Vinegar Bologna Tour, visit a Parmigiano factory and a family-run Acetaia.
It seems appropriate to write an article on gelato in Bologna, the culinary capital of Italy. While it’s always a pleasure to enjoy gelato, we want to focus on the best gelaterias in Bologna. But before we start, it’s important to establish some criteria by which gelato can be considered above average if not great!
Firstly, in this article, we won’t be talking about chains but about artisan gelato makers who not only respect tradition but also focus on the quality of ingredients and innovation.
To define good gelato, it must be neither too soft, so that it melts, nor too hard, requiring chewing. The gelato should have a specific and easily recognizable flavour: close your eyes—can you identify what you’re tasting, or do you only feel the creaminess and sweet texture?
Avoid overly bright colours and gelaterias that display their gelato in open view: these are often packed with colourings, fats, and ingredients that have nothing to do with good gelato, and are mainly used to attract tourists.
A good idea to assess gelato quality is to try classic flavours like Nocciola (Hazelnut), Crema (Egg Cream), and Pistacchio (Pistachio). More complex flavours can be excellent but might not give you a fair comparison and could confuse your palate.
Now that you know how to recognise good gelato, are you ready to explore the best gelato in Bologna? Let’s find the best places for gelato in Bologna by visiting some of the top Bologna gelateria locations!
Once in town, for a complete culinary experience, why not try some of the best restaurants in Bologna?
Open since 2006, the main feature of this gelateria is the search for superior quality ingredients and long-lost flavours. The milk and cream base of the gelato defines the name “Cremeria,” resulting in a creamy gelato. Creative yet somehow traditional at the same time, at Cremeria Santo Stefano you can also find other treats like cakes, cookies, and chocolates.
This artisan gelateria in Bologna Centro (city centre) is perfect for those seeking authentic flavours in the heart of the city.
Galliera 49 in Bologna is known for its dynamic approach to gelato, focusing on continuous, fresh production for a short shelf life, ensuring each scoop is as fresh as possible. This great gelato spot located in Bologna Centro uses only natural ingredients, free from hydrogenated fats, preservatives, and artificial additives, making the gelato light and easy to digest. Organic fair-trade ingredients, like sugar and cacao, combine with local fresh milk and cream from South Tyrol. Panna is always free! Sustainability is at the heart of the process, with compostable bioplastic spoons and cups.
The process involved in creating their gelato makes it gluten-free, perfect if you are gluten-intolerant.
This gelateria was awarded “Best Gelatiera 2024,” and the flavour “Nettuno” was named best flavour.
That alone should convince you to seek out this gelateria, located off the usual tourist paths in a quieter residential area.
Their use of top-quality ingredients and creativity in crafting new flavours is paired with more traditional options and a seasonal menu. Some flavours include additions like chocolate sauce with crunchy biscuits or white chocolate and pistachio. For a small extra, you can ask to drizzle these sauces over your gelato or even get a separate cup.
The sauces are excellent, but we recommend not overdoing it, as their intense flavour could overshadow the gelato’s delicate notes.
In addition to gelato served in cones or cups, you’ll find gelato on sticks and creations resembling industrial ice creams—though don’t be fooled by the appearance; the taste is on another level.
You can also purchase frozen cakes for special occasions or enjoy them with friends, perhaps in the park behind the gelateria.
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Expect a queue at any time of day or night, and for good reason.
This gelateria opened in 2008 with the idea of giving its customers a small emotion. The menu is rich, as are its flavours, crafted from the highest quality ingredients: you can choose from a wide range of classic flavours, specialities, fruit-based options, and “ricoperti.”
The gelato’s texture is soft and creamy, with an intense flavour. During the warmer season, you can enjoy your gelato in the small park across from Cremeria Cavour. There, sitting on a bench, you’ll find a statue of the renowned Bolognese singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla.
It’s said this little square inspired one of his songs, called Piazza Grande.
What could be better than savouring excellent gelato while experiencing a piece of the city’s history?
Open since 1994, Sorbetteria Castiglione has focused on top-quality ingredients and cutting-edge techniques to craft its gelato: the production is “on display” giving you the feeling of stepping into a true gelato workshop.
Alongside their classic gelato and their “special line” flavours, Sorbetteria Castiglione has developed a low-sugar, dairy-free line called “Sanissimo.”
What we’d like to highlight comes from this very line: the Dark Chocolate flavour. Personally, I’m not a chocolate lover, but every time I visit, I always order it.
The flavour is intense, perfectly balancing sweetness and bitterness, leaving you wishing it would never end.
With experience dating back to 1998, a constant pursuit of flavour, and a rigorous ethic, Stefino’s gelato is crafted using certified organic ingredients.
From gluten-free cones to a wide range of vegan gelato, Stefino is committed to offering gelato accessible to all kinds of customers, with truly unique quality and variety. Their gelato is light and perfect for those with intolerances, minimizing the ingredient list, and carefully selected from local or family-run suppliers.
Stefino’s shop is about 10 minutes outside the city centre, but we highly recommend trying it for a different experience from the typical gelato found in Cremerie.
Tasting a gelato in Bologna is a unique gastronomic experience: try one of the gelatos made by the gelaterias listed above to immediately notice the difference in flavour and quality.
The world of gelato is constantly evolving, with an ever-growing selection of unique flavours, vegan options, and gelatos made with alternative kinds of milk.
In this article, we’ve shared a list of gelaterias in Bologna personally tested, but stay tuned because this list is sure to grow!
If you think we’ve missed any gelateria or have a spot to suggest, let us know in the comments below.
Enjoy your gelato!
Discover the finest products of Emilia Romagna on a Parmigiano and Balsamic Vinegar Bologna Tour, visit a Parmigiano factory and a family-run Acetaia.
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