Smooth but super dense, slow churned and packed with flavour, London’s best gelato – not ice cream, the ingredients and process are different – include everything from caramelised figs to basil chilli and sweet, marzipan-like, Sicilian almonds.
La Dolce Vita gelato: Badiani
Founded in Florence before opening parlours all over London, Badiani is best known for its signature, award-winning gelato flavour La Dolce Vita. Just milk, sugar and eggs with swirls of cocoa and Piedmont hazelnut sauce, it’s sweet and rich, super thick and completely true to its name.
Multiple locations
Ricotta caramelised fig gelato: Romeo & Giulietta
London’s most underrated gelato shop in Stoke Newington, Romeo & Giulietta – with the friendliest gelato scoopers – is worth a visit from more than just locals. Ricotta gelato with syrupy, sweet, super gooey swirls of caramelised figs or a scoop of their signature Biscokrok – a biscuit base covered in chocolate sauce – you can even add chocolate sprinkles on top.
137 Albion Rd, London N16 9JU
Ricotta sour cherry gelato: Gelupo
Run by the same duo behind Bocca di Lupo in Soho, Gelupo doesn’t really need an introduction. The smoothest, creamiest, most generous scoops of gelato in creative flavours like Snickers, ricotta sour cherry – tangy, slightly nutty, always a favourite – and custard millefeuille, follow Gelupo on Instagram for the latest specials.
7 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7AU
Chocolate gelato: La Gelatiera
La Gelatiera is for the adventurous. Savoury scoops like basil and chilli, honey and rosemary or fresh watercress and lime, these flavours are bold but award-winning. That being said, the less adventurous milk chocolate is silky and super rich, simple but so perfect.
Multiple locations
Sicilian almond gelato: Duci
Duci brings Sicilian desserts to Chiswick, offering everything from classic cannoli to brioche con gelato – a toasted, super soft brioche roll filled with two scoops of ice cream – and a sweet, marzipan-like gelato flavour of almonds.
8 Devonshire Rd, London W4 2HD
Coffee salted caramel & malted dulce de leche gelato: Minus 12° Craft Ice Cream
With a menu that rotates every other week, Minus 12° Craft Ice Cream keeps you coming back for more. Birthday cake with cream cheese and actual b’day cake chunks, malted dulce de leche – sweet and toasty, reminiscent of cereal milk – and coffee salted caramel, these flavours are incredible.
Herne Hill station, London SE24 0JW
Biscuit gelato: Gelateria Danieli
With over ten different varieties of chocolate gelato alone, Gelateria Danieli offers the longest, most comprehensive list of flavours. Biscuit is more than just biscuit: it’s a base of caramel, vanilla and brown sugar with swirls of nutty, homemade chocolate and hazelnut spread, plus crushed biscuits.
16 Brewers Ln, London TW9 1HH
Black cherry gelato: Nardulli
A cult-favourite in Clapham, Nardulli will always have a queue on sunny days. Thick and creamy, traditional with good quality ingredients – Valhrona chocolate, Tahitian vanilla pods – and free from any ice crystals, you can’t fault the texture or flavours.
29 The Pavement, London SW4 0JE
Breakfast in Turin gelato: Gelatorino
From traditional Fior di Latte to modern specials like pumpkin pie and strawberry tiramisu, Gelatorino – named after the Italian city Torino – offers flavours for every type of customer. Breakfast in Turin is like a grown-up version of stracciatella, full of teeny tiny, chocolate chips and coffee – not vanilla – it’s bitter and very strong.
Multiple locations
