The Best Gelato In Milan: 5 Places to Grab Yours This Summer

milanwomennetwork
May 17
5 min read

Sometimes you simply need that sugary pick-me-up. But don’t settle for just any old ice cream. Here in Milan, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to gelato, and with our 5 favourite places, you can be guaranteed a sweet treat of the highest quality. Tried, tested, loved - these are our personal choices here at MWN. From creamy classics to exotic flavours, for the traditionalists and for those with dietary needs, gelaterie in Milan are innovating and diversifying. Let’s explore the best ice cream spots together, shall we?

Written by: Ché Maria Milani

The seasons have never stopped Italians from eating gelato. Whether it’s 35 degrees in the middle of August or 7 degrees in the winter, there’s always a good time to get themselves a cone or coppetta of creamy goodness.

And as we usher in the warmer weather, taking a moment for yourself - gelato in hand - will be sweet relief from the heat and chaos of Milan.

We’ve rounded up 5 of our favourite gelaterie. Who knows if they produce and sell the best gelato in Milan, but we like to think so.

And if you’re anything like me, I save my ice cream moments for when I’m here in Italy. Because once you’ve been spoilt like this, no other gelato comes close.

The next time your sweet tooth calls, be sure to check out one of these 5 spots spread across the city.

Out of the Box

This gelateria, located in Porta Venezia area, was founded in 2015 through a collaboration between marketing expert Flavio Sears and Sorbetteria Castiglione. And as the name indicates, the dream was to push the envelope a bit when it came to creating and delivering a top-notch gelato offering - something that respected tradition, but added that modern flair appreciated by locals and tourists alike.

All the gelato flavours are crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Milanese countryside. Another thing to note - everything is produced without the use of pre-made bases or semi-finished products.

Another bonus is the fact that there are gluten-free options, as well as what they call the ‘raw’ options for vegans. And for something completely novel, Out of the Box also collaborated with Disney+ to develop unique flavours inspired by popular series, such as ‘The Bear’ and ‘Shōgun’.

We love this spot not only for its gelato, but also for its location. Taking your time to savour a sweet treat surrounded by beautiful Art Deco architecture? Yes, please.

Check them out on Instagram.

Located here - Via Malpighi, 7.

La Gelateria della Musica

This is where gelato and music come together - quite literally.

Founded in 2008 by jazz musician Fabio Brigliadoro, this gelateria took shape as a personal project to combine his passion for these two exact things. And not only is it a place for ice cream, but they occasionally host live music as well!

But back to gelato (where the flavours are named after a musician, a song or an instrument just to continue the musical theme)…

In addition to the much-loved, traditional flavours, you can expect some interesting variations like "pane, burro e marmellata" (bread, butter, and jam), "cioccolato al sale rosa dell’Himalaya" (chocolate with Himalayan pink salt), or something more seasonal like panettone during winter.

It’s no wonder that this gelateria, which has stood the test of time, continues to get rave reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. And with it being located in Navigli, we could think of nothing better than an ultra creamy gelato while meandering along the water’s edge.

Check them out on Instagram.

Located here - Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi, 4.

Artico Gelateria

One of 4 Artico’s in Milan, this one in via Lambertenghi is our favourite. It has gelato master Maurizio Poloni at its helm, who leads both the production and the training of up-and-coming talent in the art of traditional gelato making. So it’s safe to say gelato is quite tasty here.

Every day 32 fresh flavours are prepared - all without artificial colouring, hydrogenated fats, or synthetic flavourings. Instead, each ingredient is sourced from small local producers with a focus on culinary excellence - think IGP Piedmont hazelnuts, Bronte pistachios, and Sicilian almonds.

And if you’re truly curious about how your favourite flavour is brought to life, take advantage of the open lab where you can watch the masters at work in real-time.

In the meantime, enjoy the visual feast available to you on social media - enticing images and lists of the amazing ingredients for which Italy is famous.

Check them out on Instagram.

Located here - Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 15.

Vero Gelateria Cremeria

Cosy and quirky, red bricks and wooden accents. Certainly not your typical decor for a gelateria, but who says it should be? This little spot right in the city centre has been going strong since 2019 and shows no sign of slowing down (especially as they open more shops around the city).

One of their signature flavours is Eva, a unique blend of fresh ricotta, Modica chocolate, pistachio granola, and orange zest. But if you prefer more traditional flavours, you’ll find those too, as well as a selection of refreshing sorbets.

And if you’re on the hunt for treats that cater for your dietary requirements, there’s a selection of gluten-free, lactose-free, and egg-free choices. They also provide cones suitable for those with gluten sensitivity.

Bonus, if you’re home- or office-bound for whatever reason, Vero uses Deliveroo to make sure you don’t miss out just because you can’t make it to their store.

Check them out on Instagram.

Located here - Corso Garibaldi, 60.

Gelateria Marghera

This little gelato gem dates back to 1976. It was founded by Angelo Pravettoni, a former pastry chef from Settimo Milanese, with the sole intention of creating artisanal gelato unlike any other. For this reason, it was strictly a gelateria without the trappings of coffee, pastries or a bar.

Today, his son continues the family legacy. Naturally, over the years, they’ve expanded their repertoire to include ice cream pralines and unique ice cream cakes. And the fact that they were awarded a prized spot in the “Golosaria – Best Gelato Shops in Italy” speaks volumes.

The philosophy of this historic gelateria is based on three core principles: quality, innovation, and customer care. And it’s the innovation part that caught my eye - did you know that in the ‘90s, they introduced their now-famous ‘Dopocena’ - two-flavour gelato cups?

Check them out on Instagram.

Located here - Via Marghera, 33.

And that wraps up our favourite 5 gelaterie in Milan. With literally something for everyone - from lactose- and gluten-free options, to exotic flavours, to gelato with only the finest, freshest ingredients - you’re bound to find one of these 5 spots easy enough to reach when the craving for ice cream takes hold. And who knows, wherever you go might just become your new favourite, go-to gelateria. Summer is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to discover the best gelato in Milan - enjoy.