Gelateria La Carraia

We visited this gelateria on our final evening in Florence. Although it’s about a 12-minute walk from the city centre, the detour is absolutely worth it. Among the four flavours we tried, the lemon shortcake stood out the most. It was refreshing yet pleasantly crunchy, striking a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and crisp texture. We also loved the pistachio and hazelnut combination recommended by one of the staff members. The flavours were dense and smooth, with subtle chocolatey notes, yet never overly sweet—rich without being heavy. We ordered two scoops each, priced at €2.5 and €3 respectively, paying €5 and €6 in total. Overall, the gelato fully lived up to my expectations—delicious, reasonably priced and offering an impressive variety of choices.

One of the best gelato in Florence—and that's saying a lot. Being the birthplace of gelato, Florence has a lot of venerable gelateria and La Carraia is definitely one of them. The gelato had just the right level of creaminess, sweetness, and texture. What surprised me the most is the generous serving! My only regret was that I chose only two flavors, I should have gotten three or four. 😋

This was one of my favorite gelato spots in Italy! I cannot have dairy, so I rely on vegan options and through out Croatia and Italy, I found most places only had fruit sorbet or vegan dark chocolate. Although the dark chocolate was delicious, I wanted to find some other flavors. This place had multiple vegan options, like Salted Almond and omg, so good! There was always a line, regardless of the time we went, but it went quickly. If you are dairy free and vegan, this is a great place to stop. If your not, like my husband, he also thoroughly enjoyed their other flavors!

Found this gelateria by the canal offering some vegan flavours (but no vegan cones). The quantity of Gelato they serve for the price (compared to similar places in the area) is absolutely worth it! The dark chocolate was rich and indulgent! The texture if their Gelato was also very enjoyable! Highly recommend!

Absolutely hands down one of the best gelato spots I have tried. Not going to lie I wasn't a big fan of gelato prior to visiting Florence/Italy (likely because the US does not have as many good gelato spots). I had the chocolate/raspberry flavor here and it blew my mind. I squeezed in this visit towards the end of my Florence trip and was so sad I couldn't go back to try more flavors. Definitely will be on my list next time I go back!

It’s been 15 years since I ate here and boy has it become more popular with tourists. This was a locals spot but has expanded its speed and efficiency . The chocolate mousse gelato was incredible. I let others try my cafe flavored one’s and they thought it was outstanding. Highly recommended. Don’t go to the tourist traps. Go to where the locals go.

Simply put, reliably some of the best gelato we've ever had - and we've had a lot! The texture is perfectly creamy every time, and the flavours are fantastic.

Hands down the best gelato we had in Florence (and we tried quite a few!). I ordered half mint and half cookies, and it was the perfect blend — creamy, balanced, and not overpowering. There’s something about their gelato that just stands out: perfectly smooth, the right touch of sweetness, and so full of flavor. The waffle cones are also delicious and make it even better. Whatever they’re doing here, it just works — every bite was amazing. If you’re in Florence, this spot is a must.

Great gelato! I tried a lot of gelato spots in my time in Italy, and this one was near the top. Very good flavors, great texture - I go the dark chocolate and pistachio (my go-to's) and both were fantastic. I also sampled the chestnut and mint chip, both of which were also great. Highly recommend!

All Gelatos are the best in Italy. I picked th 5 euros cup and it was a bit too big. Delicious, well known and very busy.

In an effort to try as many gelato spots as possible while in Florence, this was our second stop of the day. We came in right after they opened at 11am and ate on the little patio outside. The service was friendly and efficient and we really loved the hazelnut and stracciatella gelato flavors.

€3 Pistachio, Yogurt and ? The first time eating gelato in Italy, I finished eating quickly

We stopped by late after dinner and this place was amazing! Extremely clean, very friendly, and the gelato flavors were plentiful and all taste out of this world. The line was long but moved super fast! Amazing stop!

Our favorite gelato from the paces we visited in Florence. They were kind and did a great job of piling gelato into the cups. Prices were reasonable for the amount you get and the taste is super creamy and flavorful! The sign of good gelato is melting as soon as you are served on a hot day... we quickly devoured our tasty treats. The line moves quickly and there really isn't room inside to eat so head outside and stare at the Arno River while stuffing your face with some tasty delights!! When it's super hot grab some of the fruit flavors- you won't regret it.

We asked the front desk worker at our hotel her recommendation for the best gelato in Florence- this was her recommendation. It did not disappoint! Would come again

So my goal of a gelato a day while I am Italy is intact!!! Now this stuff was awesome!!! I decided to try 2 flavors and I don't think it matters what flavor u pick it would be great. Service was fast and they were friendly! Place was clean and after we went outside they closed for a few minutes to clean the floor!!

Delicious spot for gelato in Florence, eat gelato here and enjoy the views from the bridge for immaculate vibes. The pistachio (soooo creamy and the right amount of pistacioy flavor) and hazelnut (yum!!!!) were amazing. They also hooked it up with a generous amount of gelato on my cone. On a weekday night, there was a line but it moved really quickly.

Named for the nearby bridge Gelateria La Carraia has been serving Florence since 1990, a second location doing little to attenuate queues for Gelato made the old way and served by pleasant staff for just €1 per spatula. Family owned with a small footprint, just seventeen flavors in metal canisters behind glass, guests make their selections amidst striped wallpaper before taking cones or cups outside to enjoy along the river. Popular for Semifreddo, though no less so for the Gelato itself, fans will find the base creamy but light and whether flecked with Coconut or harnessing Nuts each bite tastes pure thanks to a lack of preservatives or excess Sugar.

Very tasty gelato! I loved the rich flavors and they had a nice billboard with recommendations / detailed flavor descriptions. The staff were not super warm, but the service was quick and the gelato is priced very reasonably. There was a cute place to sit outside to stay dry despite the rain. I did not see any seating indoors.

Love the bold flavors and big selection and big portions! Some places lack one these. This place has it all! Great chocolate and coffee flavors!

Great gelateria. The prices are so reasonable here. The smallest size is 2 euros. The next size up is 2.50 euros and the portion is huge! It's 2 scoops and you can pick 2 diff flavors. The gelato here is really good. I got coconut and hazelnut. There are bits of coconut flakes and chopped hazelnuts in the gelato.

Recommended by a server up the street, I came looking for pizzelle cookies. Enthusiastic service, and the frozen desserts were amazing! Coffee, buontalenti, mint/chocolate, and whatever else Wifey had were all great. Come for the buontalenti Gelato, though. You're welcome. That's all for now

We ordered Pistachio, Ricotta Peach and Mint. The Pistachio and mint were delicious! Unfortunately, we were given lemon instead of the Ricotta peach we ordered and it was SOUR. I typically like lemon, but it was very strong. There was a line and we waited maybe 7 minutes, so it wasn't too bad. There was also a place to sit out front with benches. The price was good and we would come back and just watch closely to make sure they give us what we order next time. Its nice that they are open late.

While it doesn't have the best vibe it has delicious gelato, my favorite as far a flavor goes in Florence. Highly recommend the orange and dark chocolate!

Really great gelato place. The best we have had in Florence so far. We've run into more than a few gelato shops in Florence that try to scam tourists by posting prices close to gelato counter (2-3 euros) but then pointing out the real price of 6-7 euros. We've never had this kind of experience in Rome or Venice, so are generally disappointed in Florence in this respect. Hats off to La Carraia for running an honest business with great offerings. There are seats outside of the shop next to the Arno River, so it's pleasant to sit there and enjoy the gelato.

Not the best gelato I've had in Italy, but the fruit flavors were refreshing. Servers were not the most welcoming, and there wasn't a lot of order when it came to who was served first.

A go-to gelato spot when I'm the Piazzale Michelangelo side of the river. This location is right by the river so it is easy to find. I got a cup of Pistacchio & stracciatella (€3 size). The flavors are delicious- nothing you can find in the states, I love the variety of sizes and service is quick!

Fabulous gelato shop next to my apartment in Florence! The smallest cup costs 2 euro, which is the best since I've been eating this everyday! The flavors are abundant, lines are long but service is quick - I highly recommend!

Some of the best gelato of my life. No joke. The location along the river is my fave - were lines both nights, but they aren't horrible and are worth it

Best gelato so far in Italy! The pistachio was the clear winner. We also had white chocolate pistachio and bacio, both were really good.

Well flavored and decadently creamy gelato. This was my first time here, I will be back again before my trip is over. 100% recommend. Lots of flavor choices available, we chose hazelnut and pistachio, but I will definitely be trying a more adventurous flavor next time.

recommended by our concierge it was the best gelato we've had mango strawberry hazelnut coffee (strong) and good value. 5EU for 2 flavors

Deemed the "best gelato in florence". While it certainly was good, it was most certainly not the best. Had better gelato at some other shops. They are known for their white chocolate pistacchio though if you're interested in trying.

Our Lonely Planet guidebook recommended this place as worth the walk and long time family owned and wow did it deliver. I had a chocolate/after eight split small scoop on a cone and it was perfect. Friendly staff let us try a couple things, interior decor was clean, modern and warm.

La Carraia was recommended by our tour driver as the best gelato in Florence. I think I might have to agree. Located by the Arno, their corner store typically has a line but it moves quickly. And, since I'm in Italy, I have to get the Pistachio! It was creamy, not cloyingly sweet, and was sublime. I also had a scoop of the kefir and passionfruit. It was equally good. I only wish I had more time and the stomach fortitude to try all the flavors.

Great gelato full of flavor ! This a obligatory stop in Florence, more than 1 time !! Pistachos white chocolate is the best seller

By far the best gelato we had (and we tried so many spots)! It was recommended by two locals: our air bnb host as well as our pasta making class instructor. This gelato is very unassuming but once you take your first bite, you're immediately hit with an eye widening "wow, this is good." It is notably better than all of the other gelato spots. We ended up getting more from another one of their locations when we passed by later in the same day and the other location had different flavors to try! Every flavor we got was delicious, but the chocolate mousse was more like your typical mousse than ice cream. It was also not as cold so if you are looking for chocolate ice cream I would recommend opting for one of their regular chocolate flavors. I don't know how they do the same thing as other gelaterias, just better. Not only are the flavors goated, it also had the perfect creaminess no matter what flavor you try. We got their medium waffle cone as well for 3 different flavors which was perfect. I think a waffle cone pairs best with any gelato. The inside feels very sophisticated and high class (which we originally interpreted as a potential tourist trap but boy were we wrong!). I'm not sure if I will find another gelato spot or even regular ice cream shop as good as this one. I do not typically like gelato in the US, but this is the best thing I've ever had, considering all ice cream and gelato I've ever tried. It goes without saying that this is a must try if you have the opportunity.

One of the best spots for gelato in Florence! Located right on the river so it's a great place to hang out as well while eating your gelato. I got the Stracciatella and Pistacchio - both flavors were delicious. Very rich and creamy.

For the price and quality, this is definitely the best place to grab gelato in Florence! We came here 3 times in the 3 days we were here because it was so good. Favorite flavors: Pistachio Lemon Cherry Cheesecake Bring a date and you won't break the bank and enjoy amazing flavors!

One of the BEST gelatos in the city. We came here after our walking tour person told us about it! We got the classic flavor, which was invented in Florence according to him. Across our 10 days in Europe so far, this is by far the BEST gelato we had. Literally dreaming about it. It has a creamy flavor (almost like cake batter, but not fake). Absolutely loved it and would come back everyday if I could.

I think this has officially become my favorite gelato in Florence. The dark chocolate is incredible and the pistachio was excellent, as was the white chocolate with pistachio cream. One to try for next time was the chocolate mousse -- I sampled it this trip and it was amazing.

Yes. Yes. Yes. This is the spot. It's a little out of the way but SO worth it. Great flavor choices and great price. I thought the prices would be higher since it is so popular but they weren't! Don't be fazed by the line out the door. It moves quickly. There are a bunch of workers moving everyone along. Definitely stop here. Everyone raves about this place and it's not hype. The gelato is legitimately great. Omg - I miss this place so much.

I had been very picky with my Gelateria selections the entire trip, but after a heavy savory dinner, I ran into the first gelato shop I could find. Lucky for me, I ran into La Carraia. I later found out it is the oldest Gelateria in Florence. Supposedly, there is always a big line, but there were only about ten or so people when I went around 10pm. I got the crema and cottage cheese/pear and boy did it hit the spot. I am not a cottage cheese fan, but it tasted more like a sweet pear cream. Yay for me!

By far the best gelato we tried in Florence (others being dei nero and vivoli), I regret only visiting the one time. Portions are huge, great flavor selection and it is so light and creamy. Pistachio was the best I've had in Italy.

Best gelato in town! We literally walked 3 miles to get here and it was well worth it!

The salted peanut flavor is sooo good I had to get it twice! This may be the best gelato I've ever had (tied with Giolitti in Rome??) It's so creamy and the flavors are just amazing. I tried the following flavors: Salted Peanut () Cheesecake Coffee Black Cherry

2,50 euros for a cone with 2 big scoops of ice cream. Not bad at all. I had the coconut and it was so good. I'll have to come back again.

It is hard to resist stopping by this place on the way back to my apartment. The gelato is delicious and the prices are super reasonable. Not to mention that it is right across from the Ponte alla Carraia for a great view of the Arno river.

BEST GELATO EVER must try the man flavor - buontalenti - it's wedding cake almost and sooo good

The BEST gelato in Florence! It's located a few blocks from Ponte Vecchio and open late, so watch the sunset and grab a gelato. I had a cone with pistachio and mascarpone & pear. Both were quite delicious but that pear...amazing. My husband had the pistachio & caramel. There are two very small benches inside along the windows so your best bet is to pay and walk across the street and sit on the wall along the river.

Tried this place on my walk home, despite the cold weather I was craving some gelato. I got the yogurt gelato in a small cone for 2€. It was so delicious, changed my mind that all yogurt should taste like this! The cone was also very fresh and crunchy, unfortunately dropped my gelato at the end of eating but it was very easy to carry around while walking and eating.

There is no place else you need to go for Gelato in Florence. Recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. I don't think you can go wrong with any flavors. I would say you definitely need to try the pistachio, salted peanuts, dark chocolate and melon flavors. I went back for seconds. The small size really is enough because it's all so flavorful.

The gelato was fantastic. The pear ricotta was amazing. And so was the custard orange with chocolate. And the bacio (chocolate hazelnut) had some fudgey bits in the gelato.

Man, this place is amazing! It is located off the next bridge north of the Ponte de Vecchio. It feels less touristy and offers a 1Euro option for those who do not like a ton of gelato or want to sample multiple flavors. This option even comes on a tiny cone if you so choose. There is no indoor seating at this location. There was not a line when we arrived in the late afternoon. The staff was good about letting us sample and we did so since it was our first time there. They offer a ton of selection and the gelato is not piled up for show like other places in town (probably because they actually sell some). The flavors we had were great and you can't beat the value!

Excellent gelato. Berry high quality and berry good portions. I initially questioned the quality when I saw the large portion, but it was very high quality. My favorite was the cheesecake. The chestnut was also good, but I image that to be seasonal.

It's quite simple: La Carrara is the best gelato in Florence. Prices are so inexpensive. Get the pistachio. Thank me later!

This is the absolute BEST gelato that I've ever had (so far). We passed by while dining at a restaurant nearby and saw a line out the door, which is always a good sign. However, the line goes by quick and they're more than happy to provide you with samples. There were also a good selection of flavors to choose from. The prices are VERY reasonable as we were able to get two scoops on a cone for 3 euros. I had the almond gelato and it was TO DIE FOR. It was flavorful, fresh, smooth and the portion was very generous.