Vivoli, Florence

When it comes to gelato, Florence is often regarded as the place where this much-loved treat was first developed. One gelateria in particular is widely recognized as the city’s oldest, having opened in 1929. It offers a selection of more than twenty flavors, with small servings starting at around €3 and larger portions reaching €6, depending on size. What distinguishes this gelateria is its commitment to producing artisanal gelato entirely from scratch, made in small batches each morning.

The result is a gelato that is smooth, dense, and deeply flavored, clearly reflecting the use of fresh ingredients, especially fruit, without additives or artificial preservatives. Its most iconic flavor is Riso, meaning rice-a sweet, creamy gelato containing small pieces of cooked rice and dating back to the 1930s. In keeping with tradition, gelato here is served only in cups, never in cones. Another highlight is the affogato, made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla gelato in a pre-chilled cup, creating a balanced contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Inside the gelateria, a small seating area with tables and chairs at the back allows visitors to sit and enjoy their dessert at a relaxed pace. In the morning, the space also functions as a café, serving well-prepared cappuccinos alongside pastries and freshly baked cakes made on site. Even those who usually avoid coffee are often persuaded by the affogato, which works as much as a dessert as it does a drink.