Best Ice Cream in Bologna

You’ve likely heard all about the delicious, hearty food in Bologna that the city has become renowned for, but have you heard about Bologna’s ice cream offerings? If you haven’t considered Bologna to be a gelato destination before, I hope this article will change your mind.

Many people on my Bologna food tours are surprised to learn about the wealth of traditional artisanal gelato in the center, and there’s even a dedicated gelato museum just a short drive from the city! Whether you’re on the hunt for classic takes on this frozen treat or unique gelato flavors, you’ll find all the must-try Bologna ice cream spots in this guide.

Why Bologna is a Top Destination for Gelato

buckets_of_gelato_bologna

Bologna is the ultimate Italian foodie city, so it’s not entirely surprising that the gelato on offer is pretty sensational. The ice cream here is made from quality ingredients, and time-honored techniques are used to give the gelato its signature thick and creamy consistency.

I’ve stopped into many of Bologna’s ice cream shops during both the sweltering summers and chilly winters and can confirm that gelato is a year-round treat in this pocket of Italy! That said, some gelaterias specialize in seasonal flavors, so expect to find some differences in what’s available based on the timing of your visit.

Top Gelaterias in Bologna

Sablè Gelato

Sablè Gelato might just be the best gelato shop in Bologna, and it’s gotten a string of awards and recognition to prove it’s worth the hype! I first visited this bright, pint-sized gelateria when I heard about its quirky flavors, ever-changing ingredients, and sustainable practices.

The flavors change almost daily, and I was lucky enough to arrive early when the Bolognese cream was on offer. This classic Bolognese ice cream has zesty lemon tones that contrast with the tangy drops of balsamic vinegar on top. It might sound like a strange combination, but it works incredibly well!

Sablè Gelato – 40121 Bologna – Closed every Monday and Tuesday, open every Wednesday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Cremeria Cavour

Photo credit: Cremeria Cavour

Cremeria Cavour is a sleek and sophisticated Bologna ice cream shop with a wide range of flavors. I’ve never walked by and not noticed a queue here, and my curiosity eventually got the better of me.

There was a (somewhat!) short line when I got here around lunchtime, and it was certainly worth it when I took my first bite of hazelnut gelato. The warm, buttery flavors seemed to deepen with each mouthful, and the cone was perfectly sweet and crispy.

Cremeria Cavour – 40124 Bologna – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Gelateria Galliera 49

Photo credit: Gelateria Galliera 49

In addition to serving some of the most delectable ice cream in Bologna, Gelateria Galliera 49 is committed to utilizing organic, ethically sourced ingredients in its compact gelato shop.

I initially came here for some granita, but I quickly changed my mind once I stepped inside. The pistachio flavor seemed to be particularly popular, though I was more interested in the tiramisu option. Just like a classic tiramisu, it combined creamy and bittersweet notes but with the refreshing nature of the gelato.

Gelateria Galliera 49 – 40121 Bologna – Open every day from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Cremeria Supernatural

If you didn’t think it was possible to enjoy healthy Bologna ice cream, you wouldn’t be alone! However, the natural, seasonal ingredients used by the team at Cremeria Supernatural make it easy to find quality gelato.

I loved their small but bright store, which was thankfully relatively quiet when I got here late in the afternoon. My friends chose the passion fruit sorbet, while I went for the cheesecake gelato. It was just as heavenly as it sounds, with crumbly shortbread chunks and zingy berry sauce mixed with the milky ice cream.

Cremeria Supernatural – 40139 Bologna – Open every Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm, closed every Thursday.

Cremeria Santo Stefano

Photo credit: Cremeria Santo Stefano

Cremeria Santo Stefano is considered by many to serve the best Bologna ice cream around, and as such, I had to try it the first time I visited the city. Admittedly, the assortment of artisan chocolates and homemade macarons distracted me when I walked in, but that was until I spotted the selection of classic gelato flavors!

I made it to the top of the lunchtime queue in minutes, and by then, I knew the stracciatella was the one for me. This is an ice cream variety I’ll never tire of, as the smooth vanilla and rich dark chocolate chunks complement each other so well. The crunchy cone was the perfect finishing touch.

Cremeria Santo Stefano – 40125 Bologna – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm.

Must-Try Ice Cream Flavors in Bologna

Classic Italian Flavors – Long-time favorites like stracciatella, pistachio, nocciola (hazelnut), fior di latte, and gianduja (chocolate-hazelnut) are always reliable choices.
Unique Bologna Creations – More adventurous should look for flavors inspired by local ingredients like balsamic vinegar and parmigiano Reggiano.
Seasonal Specialties – Limited-edition flavors vary throughout the year, including fresh fruit sorbets in the spring and summer.

Tips for Finding the Best Gelato in Bologna

Avoid Bologna ice cream shops that carry artificial, brightly-colored gelato varieties.
Where possible, read through the gelateria’s ingredient lists and choose flavors used from fresh, high-quality products.
Most ice cream shops will allow you to sample a number of flavors before making your choice, so don’t be afraid to try more than one option.
Make your sightseeing a little sweeter and grab a gelato before exploring the city’s historic streets.

Final Thoughts: Why Bologna is a Gelato Lover’s Dream

Bologna’s ice cream spots are among the finest in the country, and it’s undoubtedly one of the must-visit cities for any gelato lover eager to enjoy authentic Italian flavors along with a handful of unconventional alternatives!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). A guide to Bologna food: What to eat in Bologna, Italy. Eating Europe. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/blog/bologna-food/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Bologna food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/

Sable Gelato. (n.d.). Sable Gelato. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://sablegelato.com/

Cremeria Cavour. (n.d.). Cremeria Cavour Bologna. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.cremeriacavour.it/en/

Galliera 49. (n.d.). Galliera 49 Gelato Artigianale Bologna. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from http://www.galliera49.it/en

Cremeria Supernatural. (n.d.). Cremeria Supernatural Bologna. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.cremeriasupernatural.it/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Cremeria Santo Stefano (Bologna, Italy) – Reviews & ratings. Tripadvisor. Retrieved March 29, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187801-d1766201-Reviews-Cremeria_Santo_Stefano-Bologna_Province_of_Bologna_Emilia_Romagna.html