
Now that the hottest summer days of the entire year are officially here, we’re all trying to find ways to cool off! But have you ever considered beating the heat with a little slice of Italian goodness? NYC is home to some of the best gelato shops around with the most authentic Italian desserts. We rounded up the best gelaterias in the city, offering the most delicious flavors you can imagine. Here’s our list of the best!
1. Figo – Il Gelato Italiano, Nolita
The first stop on our gelato shop tour goes to Figo – Il Gelato Italiano, which was formerly known as M’O Gelato. This artisanal gelateria sits in Nolita and serves some of the tastiest and most authentic Italian gelato in the area. Apart from their classic flavors like Stracciatella and Frutti di Bosco, Figo prides itself on their fresh and natural ingredients that make the gelato at authentic as possible! Be sure to stop in to mix and match flavors.
Where: 178 Mulberry St
2. Bambina Blue, SoHo
Home to the “wildest gelatos in the city” is Bambina Blue, a SoHo gelateria that takes their gelato’s presentation as serious as the flavors themself. Step into their shop after being greeted by a half giraffe-half man sculpture and make your way to their gelato bar to see their assortment of flavors. Try anything from the unorthodox “Cotton Candy” flavor to their “Movie Night” concoction of salted popcorn gelato and crushed M&Ms. There are so many flavors, both traditional and outside of the box to pick from! Plus, we love the fact that they have vegan, gluten-free and even puppy options, so that everyone can have a good experience!
Where: 23 Cleveland Pl
3. Dolce Brooklyn, Cobble Hill
Dolce Brooklyn is one of favorite gelato shops because of their attention to local ingredients. Because all of their their milk and dairy is sourced in the Hudson Valley, it makes for some of the freshest Italian dessert around. They also have other yummy options too like sorbetto, macaroons, cakes, coffee, and so much more. If you’re in Brooklyn on a summer day be sure to stop by and enjoy one of their treats.
Where: 204 Sackett St, Brooklyn
4. Screme Gelato Bar, UWS
Screme Gelato Bar is an Upper West Side hidden gem that serves natural gelato. This Kosher gelateria prepares their treats under watchful guidelines and uses fresh ingredients to create their delicious gelato. They have over 200+ flavors that are constantly rotating, so be sure to stop in to see what they have today!
Where: 176 W. 94th Street
5. Anita La Mamma del Gelato, UES & NoMad
Anita La Mamma del Gelato is the true definition of a family-focused gelateria with a passion for mastering the art of dessert. This Israeli boutique was founded back in Tel-Aviv by Anita Avital herself and her son Nir, and has been flourishing ever since. With locations all over the globe including Australia, Spain, Puerto Rico, and more, their New York location is quite special. They rotate over 150+ flavors through the shelves and have a mix of traditional Italian flavors and unique ones too (see “Crumbled Cheesecake” and “Salted Bagel”)! This is one of our favorite gelato shops in NYC in terms of history and flavor selection.
Where:
UES – 1561 2nd Ave
NoMad – 1141 Broadway
6. Venchi, Multiple Locations
Although Venchi is known more for their exquisite chocolate, you can’t pass up their gelato if you visit one of their NYC locations. They use fresh ingredients to prepare it including “fresh milk, fruit, Piedmont Hazelnut, Green Pistachio from Bronte, Sorrento lemons, Sicilian Almonds, and, of course, chocolate!” Be sure to stop into one of their locations to check out the “Gelato Flavor of the Month” which is always the star of the show.
Where:
Union Square – 861 Broadway
Columbus Circle – 1796 Broadway
West Village – 233 Bleecker St
UWS – 198 Columbus Ave
7. Gelateria Gentile, Multiple Locations
If you’re looking for gelato recipes that have been passed down since 1880 (Yes, you read that right!), then Gelateria Gentile is the spot for you. With 4 locations in the city, including 1 in Williamsburg, this gelateria’s traditions are evident in the way they serve their gelato. They also have pastries and coffees as well if you’re looking for something different!
Where:
Williamsburg – 253 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn
West Village – 3 8th Ave
Greenwich Village – 75 University Pl
Nolita – 229 Elizabeth St
8. Amorino Gelato and Cafe, Midtown West
Amorino Gelato and Cafe is the one-stop-shop for all sweet treats. Alongside their macaroons, waffles, crepes, and gourmet products, their specialty gelato makes them one of the best gelato shops in NYC. Their menu consists of Italian classics, all while sprinkling in speciality flavors like “Organic Blueberry Acai” and “Organic Blood Orange and Ginger.” Plus, they also offer vegan sorbet, and gluten free gelato too!
Where:
Midtown West – 721 Eight Avenue
Greenwich Village – 60 University Place
UWS – 414 Amsterdam Avenue
9. Il Laboratorio del Gelato, LES
Il Laboratorio del Gelato is quite literally a laboratory of gelato. With a focus on precision and purity of their ingredients, this gelateria takes pride in the preparation and authenticity of their gelato. What really impresses us though is their mind-numbing amount of gelato flavors to choose from, categorized into sections like “Cheese/Savory,” “Chocolate,” “Fruit,” “Grain/Cereal” “Nut,” “Spice” and so many more. Stop by this spot and immerse yourself in the menu, trust us it’s worth it!
Where: 188 Ludlow St
10. L’arte Del Gelato, Chelsea
Last but not least on our list L’arte Del Gelato, a string of gelaterias started by Francesco Realmuto over 15 years ago. Boasting a couple of locations around the city including at the Lincoln Center, The High Line, and the World Trade Center, their main location sits inside the famous Chelsea Market, and serves some of the most authentic Sicilian gelato in NYC. Because of their Italian routes, they take inspiration from 1970s Italian gelato shops and offer to provide an experience as similar as possible. Their flavor list is vast and is served in either a cup or a cone. If you can’t make it to Chelsea Market, check out their site to see where their gelato carts are situated around the city!
Where: 75 9th Ave
11. Angelina Bakery Gelato Experience, K-town
The beloved NYC bakery has recently expanded into gelato! Owner, Tony Park, blends his Italian and Korean heritage with traditional Italian gelato featuring Korean-inspired flavors. Stop by for a scoop of Red Bean, Black Sesame or Jeju Mandarin.
Where: 6 West 32nd St