"The best gelato in Florence. Period. You can’t visit Florence without indulging in ice cream once at the very least, but it’s not so easy to find the real deal. Carapina, gelateria of choice for cognoscenti (but often overlooked by tourists), is located a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio, brain child of Simone Bonin who is widely acknowledged to be one of the best ice cream makers in Italy. Sixteen flavors are available at any one time and produced in small batches each day from top-notch local, strictly seasonal ingredients. Classics include pistachio, ‘real’ yoghurt and the bitterest of bitter chocolate but there are more unusual flavors too like the sweet/salty gorgonzola, Parmigiano reggiano or creamy mozzarella di bufala."
"The best gelato in Florence. Period. You can’t visit Florence without indulging in ice cream once at the very least, but it’s not so easy to find the real deal. Carapina, gelateria of choice for cognoscenti (but often overlooked by tourists), is located a stone’s throw from the Ponte Vecchio, brain child of Simone Bonin who is widely acknowledged to be one of the best ice cream makers in Italy. Sixteen flavors are available at any one time and produced in small batches each day from top-notch local, strictly seasonal ingredients. Classics include pistachio, ‘real’ yoghurt and the bitterest of bitter chocolate but there are more unusual flavors too like the sweet/salty gorgonzola, Parmigiano reggiano or creamy mozzarella di bufala."
11 Best Gelato Shops in Florence | Condé Nast Traveler
"Opened in 2008, Carapina, on the Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan, has a younger, fresher feel than many of Florence's older gelato establishments. There are even TV screens showcasing the gelato-making process and an area where artisanal products, including jams and cookies, are sold. Seasonal fruit, high-quality cacao, and rich nuts form the basis of this shop's preservative-, thickener-, and excess sugar-free gelatos. Flavors change with the calendar—at Christmas, for instance, there's panettone—though some flavors stay put year round, including olive oil and crema del artusi, an egg-based vanilla custard (both are wins)." - Bridget Arsenault
Best ice cream I have ever tasted & the staff are extremely helpful & friendly. I would recommend you do not leave Florence without buying one because you will never experience this ice cream any where else.
Dale R.
Google
A hidden gem, 3 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio. Worth the little trip down the quiet side alley to get to. Very nice, small batches, quality gelato. Not the heaped piles of manufactured product in the windows of main street tourist places. Go there, its a real treat.
Caroline L.
Google
The gelato is good and well-made, but Eduardo has the same feel (hand-made gelato in small canisters) for the same price, and it tastes a lot better. Or for better gelato for cheaper, go to Gelateria dei neri.
Howard C.
Google
Absolutely the best in Florence. Had the apricot and watermelon and it was very flavorful. And the service was great and very welcoming.
Wendy C.
Google
Love the fruit gelato. A hidden gem without queue and there is a sitting area at the back of the shop for a rest.
usha H.
Google
Best Gelato in Florence. Not fatty creamy very flavorful
Worldshapers
Google
Really good. Should have better seating in my opinion. But well worth a visit!