The Best of 2025
THE Best in
Ice Creams & Gelato
Celebrating gelaterias and ice cream shops creating exceptional frozen desserts with quality ingredients, artisanal techniques, and flavors that delight from Italy to America.
2025 Edition
The Best Ice Creams of the Year — 2025 Edition
The world's finest gelaterias and ice cream shops creating exceptional frozen desserts with quality ingredients and artisanal craftsmanship.
| Gelateria |
|---|
| Gelato di San Crispino Italy Rome's legendary gelateria near the Trevi Fountain, famous for natural ingredients without artificial colors or flavors, creating authentic Italian gelato since 1993 |
| Vivoli Italy Historic Florence gelateria since 1930, renowned for traditional Florentine gelato-making techniques and rich, creamy flavors beloved by generations of locals and visitors |
| Grom Italy International Italian gelato chain founded in Turin, famous for organic ingredients, traditional methods, and expansion worldwide while maintaining quality standards |
| Gelateria della Palma Italy Rome's famous gelateria offering over 150 flavors, known for creative combinations and massive selection that attracts ice cream enthusiasts from around the world |
| Gelateria Veneta Italy Venice's authentic artisanal gelateria creating traditional Venetian flavors with local ingredients and time-honored techniques in intimate setting |
| Fatamorgana Italy Rome's innovative gelateria chain creating unique flavors with organic ingredients, exotic combinations, and creative presentations across multiple locations |
| Il Gelato di Claudio Torcè Italy Florence's renowned gelateria by master gelato maker Claudio Torcè, famous for creative flavors and exceptional quality earning international recognition |
| Gelateria dei Gracchi Italy Rome's beloved neighborhood gelateria known for traditional flavors and creamy textures using quality ingredients in classic Roman gelato style |
| Gelateria Alberto Pica Italy Historic Rome gelateria since 1962, maintaining traditional Roman gelato-making with natural ingredients and authentic flavors beloved by locals |
| Gelato di Marco Italy Venice's artisanal gelateria creating seasonal flavors with local Venetian ingredients and traditional techniques in authentic neighborhood setting |
| Venchi Italy Italian chocolate and gelato company since 1878, famous for chocolate gelato variations and international expansion maintaining quality Italian traditions |
| Amorino France International gelato chain from France known for flower-shaped presentations, natural ingredients, and Italian-style gelato with French flair worldwide |
| Berthillon France Paris's legendary ice cream maker on Île Saint-Louis since 1954, renowned for rich French-style ice cream and sorbet beloved by Parisians |
| Gelato Messina Australia Australia's premium gelato chain known for creative flavors, quality ingredients, and daily specials that have made it a national phenomenon |
| N2 Extreme Gelato Australia Melbourne's innovative gelateria using liquid nitrogen to create fresh gelato to order, known for molecular gastronomy techniques and theatrical presentations |
| Van Leeuwen USA Brooklyn-based artisanal ice cream company known for quality ingredients, creative flavors, and vegan options expanding across America |
| Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams USA Columbus-based artisanal ice cream company famous for unique flavors using high-quality ingredients and expanding nationally while maintaining quality |
| Salt & Straw USA Portland-based ice cream company known for adventurous seasonal flavors, local ingredients, and creative collaborations expanding across America |
| Bi-Rite Creamery USA San Francisco's beloved ice cream shop known for organic ingredients, creative flavors, and lines around the block in the Mission District |
| Humphry Slocombe USA San Francisco's innovative ice cream shop famous for unusual savory flavors and creative combinations that push ice cream boundaries |
| Toscanini's USA Cambridge ice cream institution near MIT, famous for creative flavors and passionate owner who revolutionized American ice cream culture |
| Graeter's USA Cincinnati family ice cream company since 1870, famous for French pot process creating rich textures and signature chocolate chips throughout |
| Coolhaus USA Los Angeles ice cream company known for creative ice cream sandwiches, unique flavors, and modern approach to artisanal frozen desserts |
| OddFellows Ice Cream Co. USA Brooklyn ice cream shop famous for bizarre and creative flavors combining unexpected ingredients in artisanal small-batch productions |
| Milk Bar USA Christina Tosi's New York dessert shop famous for Cereal Milk ice cream, creative soft-serve, and nostalgic American flavors reimagined |
| Ample Hills Creamery USA Brooklyn ice cream company known for playful flavors, quality ingredients, and creative combinations earning devoted New York following |
| McConnell's Fine Ice Creams USA Santa Barbara's oldest ice cream company since 1949, known for small-batch production using local California ingredients and classic flavors |
| Amy's Ice Creams USA Austin ice cream institution known for mix-ins crushed on frozen granite, creative flavors, and theatrical preparation entertaining customers |
| Mitchell's Ice Cream USA San Francisco institution since 1953, famous for tropical Filipino-inspired flavors like ube and mango alongside classic American favorites |
| Morelli's Gelato England British-Italian gelato company since 1907, bringing Italian gelato traditions to the UK with quality ingredients and family recipes |
| Gelupo England London's Soho gelateria creating authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto with quality ingredients and traditional techniques in modern setting |
| Gelato Mio England London gelato chain creating authentic Italian gelato with natural ingredients and traditional methods across multiple locations |
| Ruby Violet England London's neighborhood ice cream parlor known for creative flavors, quality British ingredients, and charming vintage-inspired atmosphere |
| Chin Chin Labs England London's liquid nitrogen ice cream pioneer creating fresh ice cream to order using molecular gastronomy techniques and creative flavor combinations |
| La Grotta Ices England London's traditional Italian ice cream company since 1961, maintaining family recipes and authentic gelato traditions across generations |
| Rocambolesc Spain Girona's creative ice cream shop by Roca brothers, known for innovative flavors and theatrical presentations bringing fine dining to frozen desserts |
| Helados Alacant Spain Barcelona's historic ice cream parlor since 1932, maintaining traditional Spanish helado recipes and family heritage across generations |
| Eyescream & Friends Spain Barcelona's artisanal ice cream shop creating organic gelato with creative flavors and sustainable practices in modern setting |
| Llinares Spain Valencia's famous horchata and ice cream shop, maintaining traditional Valencian recipes and quality that has made it a local institution |
| Rollover Ice Cream Thailand Bangkok's rolled ice cream specialist using frozen plate technique to create Instagram-worthy Thai-style ice cream rolls with creative toppings |
| Aqua S Taiwan Taiwan's premium ice cream chain known for creative Asian flavors, quality ingredients, and modern presentations across multiple locations |
| CREMIA Japan Japan's premium soft-serve ice cream brand known for exceptionally high butterfat content and creamy texture served in special langues de chat cones |
| Tsujiri Japan Kyoto's famous matcha ice cream and dessert shop, specializing in premium Japanese green tea frozen desserts and traditional sweets since 1860 |
| Suzukien Japan Tokyo's matcha ice cream specialist famous for seven levels of matcha intensity, allowing customers to choose their preferred green tea strength |
| Aqua Gelato Japan Tokyo's artisanal gelato shop creating seasonal Japanese flavors with local ingredients and Italian techniques in modern setting |
| Minimal Japan Tokyo's bean-to-bar chocolate shop creating exceptional chocolate ice cream and frozen desserts using premium cacao with minimal ingredients |
| Afters Ice Cream USA California-based chain famous for Milky Bun ice cream sandwiches using warm glazed donuts, creating viral social media sensations |
| Wanderlust Creamery USA Los Angeles ice cream shop creating flavors inspired by global travels, using international ingredients and techniques from around the world |
| Sebastian's Ice Cream Philippines Manila's artisanal ice cream shop creating unique Filipino flavors using local ingredients like ube, mangoes, and tropical fruits |
| glace New York USA Upper East Side French ice cream shop famous for viral S'mores Hot Chocolate, gluten-free housemade ice creams, and photogenic frozen desserts that have earned a devoted social media following |
Selection Standards
Excellence Criteria
Our industry-specific criteria ensure that only the most deserving receive THE Best distinction in Ice Creams & Gelato.
01
Ingredient quality
02
Texture and creaminess
03
Flavor creativity
04
Traditional techniques
05