Photo credit: Pavé gelati e granite
Any visit to the Northern capital isn’t complete without tasting some artisan gelato in Milan. Like Florence or Bologna, Milan has its fair share of places to grab a scoop or two… or three. You might think any place in Italy would excel at gelato, but you would be wrong.
Avoiding tourist trap gelato shops in Milan that simply don’t have the attention to high-quality ingredients for authentic Italian gelato can be a challenge.
As of 2025, Milan was the city with the third most gelaterie in Italy, with 783 gelato-slinging establishments, just behind Rome and Naples.
That’s an impressive number to sort through if you are looking for the best gelato in Milan city center.
But can you really do without the creamiest, most refreshing cone of gelato on a steamy summer day of sightseeing – or really any time of year.
Although there are some tell-tale signs of a true artisan gelato shop in Milan, lucky for you, we’ve gone ahead and listed some of the top-rated gelato shops in Milan to grab this quintessential icy Italian treat.
When in Milan, sign up for our Insider’s Milan Food Tour. And if you’re looking for something more personalized, you can always explore the city with a guided Milan food tour or a bespoke tour focused on gelato tasting experiences.
And don’t forget to bookmark our suggestions for day trips from Milan, best places for risotto in Milan and where to eat near Milan’s main sights.
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Artico’s chocolate gelato spread for their Chocolate Show. Photo credit: Artico
Artico
With four locations around the city – Solari, Città Studi, Duomo, Isola – you’re never too far from Artico’s dozens of flavors. Known as one of the best artisan gelato shops in Milan, the group began in 2012 under the expertise of maestro gelatiere Maurizio Poloni, and from there expanded to run a gelato academy and opened other spots around the city.
If visiting in October, don’t miss the Chocolate Show at the original Isola location, where you can try a range of chocolate-based flavors in special tasting trays. A two-scoop serving costs between €3.50 and €4, and you can get it in the classic brioche bun or as a milkshake.
And if that wasn’t enough to spark interest, it’s one of only six in the city to have earned the “3 coni” (3 cones) distinction from Gambero Rosso’s best gelaterie in Italy.
Address: Isola - Via Lambertenghi 15, Duomo - Via Dogana 1, Città Studi - Via Pacini 17, Solari - Via Ambrogio da Fossano, 27
Ciacco
Ciacco is unique for its innovative gelato flavors thanks to the expertise of Stefano Guizzetti, who took his food science background and applied it to the world of gelato, exploring unique botanical flavors and innovative techniques. In his gelato lab, he has come up with some bold and unexpected gelato flavors, such as lime and juniper; garam masala, mango and cardamom; and bay, cinnamon and avocado. Don’t worry, the classic flavors are fixtures on the menu. First opened in Parma in 2013, a second shop opened in Milan Duomo in 2014, and has since also received the prestigious “3 coni”. Its location also makes it a popular destination on Milan food tour routes, while still having the approval of locals.
Address: Via Spadari 13
An affogato at Gelateria Umberto. Photo credit: Gelateria Umberto 1934’s facebook
Gelateria Umberto 1934
This historic gelateria is the oldest on the list, and an ideal place for anyone looking to find where locals get gelato in Milan. First opened in 1934, with a brief halt due to the war, it has operated ever since with a simple philosophy – quality ingredients, seasonality and traditional methods – that began with the founder Umberto. After studying under gelato master in Naples, a young Umberto moved to Milan to open his own gelato shop. Today, the shop still feels historic, with the wood-panelled walls, thick ceramic mugs and stainless steel ice cream bowls. It is well known among locals and tourists not just for the classic gelato flavors it offers, but also its three types of affogato al caffe: classic egg cream, chocolate hazelnut or pistachio, and raspberry sauce.
Address: Piazza Cinque Giornate 4
Pavé gelati e granite
Another “3 coni” shop, Pavé gelati e granite is Pavé pasticceria’s subzero alternative to their delicious and popular baked goods, a great place for anyone looking to try out where locals get gelato in Milan. They also like to veer from the more traditional flavors (although they too are always present), with gusti like bread, butter and apricot jam; pineapple, arugula and lime; and ricotta, lemon and olive. Their journey from bread and brioche masters to gelato experts began in 2016 and now boasts two stores on the east side of downtown. They also have granitas and the usual brioche in which to stuff a couple of scoops.
Address: Via Cadore 30, Via Cesare Battisti 21
Travel tip: Bookmark this guide to best restaurants near Milan’s Duomo
Terra’s gelato tasting spread. Photo credit: Terra gelato’s instagram
Terra
Terra’s mix of flavors are for the true gelato gluttons: their milk-based flavors – or creme – are creamy and decadent, from the salted caramel to the chocolate and liquorice, classic fior di latte infused with hay lending nutty and subtly smokey notes, and of course egg cream custard accented with vanilla and citrus.
And to get the most out of a visit to Terra, their tasting boxes with 6 or 12 scoops of either their chocolate-based flavors, creme, or vegan gelatos gives you a comprehensive gelato tasting experience in Milan. Terra, in fact, has also received the prestigious “3 coni”.
Address: Via Vitruvio 38
Gnomo
The final of the “3 coni” gelaterie in Milan, Gnomo is popular for its simple, clean approach to gelato: quality ingredients, great flavors. Since 2005, the trio at the helm of Gnomo, Andrea Bistaffa, Francesca Acquaviva e Marco Summonte, has maintained a reputation as one of the best traditional gelato spots in Milan. Here, you’ll find classic milk-based and fruit-based flavors, as well as a variety of cakes and cookies.
Address: Via Francesco Cherubini 3
A chocolate lover’s paradise at Il Massimo del Gelato. Photo credit: Il Massimo del Gelato’s facebook
Il Massimo del Gelato
Chocolate lovers rejoice! At Il Massimo del Gelato, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best chocolate gelato in Milan – they have nine flavors to be precise.
These include a 100% dark chocolate flavor, rum-infused chocolate, chocolate with hot pepper and cinnamon, and chocolate with sour cherry, coffee and rosolio liqueur, to name a few.
It is also known for its many granita flavors, with the usual fruit and nut bases. Although it’s located a bit outside the city center, it might be worth the trek out to try the gelato shop’s truly indulgent flavors.
Address: Via Lodovico Castelvetro 18
