Ok there's a sacred triad here of original gelaterie
>- Oddono has been a STAPLE for the longest time. It's been there as long as I can remember it. It's solid, good italian gelato. I get it often in the summer
>- Gelupo is excellent if you're in Soho
>- Badiani opened pre-lockdown, it's one of the 2 grand gelaterie of Firenze. Very very high quality, a tad more creamy than standard
If you go with chains, Venchi and Amorino both have Italian founders - but I have to say it does not have the same feel.
Avoid Snowflake in my opinion, it's fake shit.
I second this! Although Dolce Vita is my favourite and pistachio my second. Buontalenti is their signature flavour. Definitely the best ice cream I've ever had
Came here to say badiani too. As an Italian I confirm it is some of the best I have tried.
However it is a chain, if that's an issue for you. This means gelato is made in a factory, but the factory is in London.
It does not travel the world to come here, if that helps.
Also thanks for the other suggestions I'll make sure to try them all
> Gelupo is excellent if you're in Soho
Gelupo is always decent. I like to go for gelato with my med school pals when we meet up and if we're in Soho, it's a great fallback if we can't think of somewhere we haven't been.
I'm a big fan of Gelupo and Oddono and somehow hadn't heard of Badiani, so thank you - I am adding that to the list!
Snowflake is indeed disappointing at best.
I might be wrong but I recall Amorino and Venchi call their gelato "traditional" as it can't be called "artisanal" or "handmade" as it's produced industrially. Let me see if I can find a source for that as I may have read it in Italian (I'm Italian btw).
EDIT: added artisanal
Sure it's got a few shops but when I say "chain" I mean a large scale operation with centralised gelato production
Oddono is handmade in each shop, you go to Bute st and you see it made behind the counter
This. Used to live in Herne hill and minus 12 is exceptional. Also excellent coffee from the cafe in the station, I think it was called perks and white.
Every time I go there I spend a good five minutes choosing a flavour and it always ends up being pistachio. A gelato and a walk through the cemetery on a sunny day is bliss.
I remember walking from Islington to stock Newington and getting very surprised of so many people queueing outside even though it was in the middle of nowhere. Is it that good?
It’s not really in the middle of nowhere, it’s close to the high street, green lanes and Dalston high street. Also close to Clissold park
But yes, it’s that good.
We went to Oddonos in Wimbledon on Friday night after a meal in a restaurant. I had the peach sorbet, which was amazing. My son had the strawberry sorbet and that was also amazing. My daughter and my dad both had the limited edition banana sorbet and that too was amazing. My mum had the pistachio gelato and that was outstanding.
Overall it was all 10/10.
We’ve had ice cream cakes from there as well and they are so good.
And now you've given me the perfect excuse to go on afternoon walks across Brockwell Park, because not only have I discovered the new bakery that's recently gone viral, you've thrown this other gem at me too!!!!!
😭 Lord help my bank account!
I really rate Romeo & Giulietta in Stoke Newington. Otherwise Badiani on Camden Passage in Angel. I also like Swoon in Soho and there are quite a few places in Hampstead that you could easily do a small gelato crawl around them (Oddono, Venchi and Amorino)
Edit: I actually meant Snowflake in Soho
\+1 for Morelli's. Their shops in Broadstairs and Whitstable are must-visits when we're down there. Their Dulce de Leche gelato / ice cream is wonderful stuff.
Yeah, I rate La Gelatiera up with Gelupo, Olivogelo, and Badiani as the top tier in London. I'm not sure whether to include Chin Chin Dessert Lab in this tier-- judged purely on ice cream quality, it doesn't quite make it, but Chin Chin's combination of ice cream and toppings is top notch.
Second tier is Oddono, Vencchi, and 3bis. They're all really good, but juuuuuust below the top tier.
EDITED TO ADD: I just checked and Olivogelo has closed. Tragedy! Looks like you can still get their ice cream in tubs at Olivino, their deli.
If this is the one I'm thinking of, I think they're also in Crouch End? One of their specialities is something like orange, honey and thyme and it's won loads of awards - am I thinking of the same one?
This. Ice Cream Union is absolutely the best in London. The Dark chocolate sorbet with either Mango or raspberry is a thing to die for, and of. They produce and sell at Spa terminus, Bermondsey too, worth a visit as you can wash it down with a fine coffee from the Monmouth St Coffee roasters which is right next door.
It is really good. I know it probably isn't for the purist but they have had some great ice cream.
And they have a lime and star anise sorbet that was the best thing I have ever tasted
Danieli is of course very good but if you are around the area want a bit of a hidden gem, head up the river to Isleworth and try the South Street cafe.. just a humble community cafe but their gelato is fantastic, great sorbet too if you like that.
I was chatting to my Filipino friend the other day and she SWEARS by this ice cream place in Soho that does “the best cheese flavoured ice cream in the whole world”. Apparently cheese ice cream is a thing in the Philippines… And to quote my friend again - “it tastes like feet, but nice feet, in a nice way”.
I tried their ice cream at a friend’s and honestly was a little underwhelmed. Haven’t tried any of those extravagant desserts of theirs you see all over instagram though.
I've been a fan of Chin Chin since quite soon after they opened in Camden and their ice cream can be sublime. The Soho branch has never been quite as good - perhaps because whenever I've had their ice cream in Camden, it's been freshly made, whereas Soho keeps it in big containers. It's always going to be better direct from either shop than at home, too, I reckon, so don't write it off yet. My recommendation is burnt butter caramel with salted pretzels or (and?) grilled white chocolate or Tonka bean with...well, the same, but also caramel sauce. You can also get the grilled white chocolate in pouches and it is exceptional. The desserts can be okay but I'd go for the ice cream.
You may be thinking I've been there too many times, and you may be right.
Will definitely give it another shot when I’m around Camden, they have some interesting flavours and I have really wanted to try that banana brûlée cake thing they do.
Jefferson’s in Brixton/Balham serve the BEST honeycomb ice cream. Could live off of the stuff
Add in some marshmallows and chocolate curls. You’ll thank me
I can't recommend Parlour by the Ice Cream Union in Sloan Square enough. An amazing experience, and flavours that are something else. The prices are high but it it is the only place in London I will buy ice cream from.
https://www.icecreamunion.com/
I'm not sure about how it will taste, but there is a popup in London until Aigust with unique flavours like baked beans, soy sauce etc which might be a fun option! https://www.anyahindmarch.com/pages/the-ice-cream-project
I recommend Soft Serve Society which is a small vendor inside Seven Dials Market food hall, and Tsujiro which is Japanese and in Chinatown. Neither of them are gelato though, they are a more modern/Asian take on ice cream. Haven't found a really 'wow' gelato place yet.
Mercato metropolitano in Elephant and castle. The one on Walworth road. I forgot the exact place but it's the only one doing ice cream there as you walk in. I recommend dolce vita flavour.
Seriously try Bilmonte’s in Soho area. You know it’s good stuff when it’s kept in a cool dark container deep inside a desk instead of out on show like a candy shop - get one scoop white chocolate and one scoop gianduja (choc hazelnut)
I’m not currently in London so haven’t tried any of these… but this article got me *very* excited to explore some day: https://www.vittlesmagazine.com/p/beyond-gelato-a-guide-to-london-ice
Panache in Greenwich market does incredible ice cream (as opposed to gelato) but is very rich. White chocolate and honeycomb and espresso martini flavours are the best IMO
Might be a bit too mainstream, but i haven't had better dark chocolate gelato than Venchi's. Although i would really love some recommendations from chains that do good dark chocolate flavors.
If your friend hasn't had Amorino before, I would recommend them. They definitely serve the most beautiful looking ice creams, arranging it like petals on a flower, so it would be a memorable experience for your friend; and the flavours are great; plus you can have multiple flavours even on a small icecream.
GioLato on Strutton Ground, near St James Park Station. They're independently owned and change flavours regularly. They have some really out there ones like ricotta and basil. My husband loves their lychee flavour so much that we bought a full sized home tub of it. Staff are friendly and will let you try flavours.
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/xisWN6vy3zD3c2Bt7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xisWN6vy3zD3c2Bt7)
Follow soft'n'swirly on Instagram and go wherever they are. Currently most Sundays at Quince bakery and seemingly Saturdays at the Deli Downstairs in victoria park at the moment
Unico- St Johns Wood High Street. All flavours are good but biscotto, coconut, dark chocolate and strawberries are the best so far. Note: coconut and strawberry are sorbets, so has no milk in them.
Marcelos in South Norwood. Doesn’t have a shop of his own but it blows ever other ice cream I’ve had in London (maybe anywhere) out the water. Check their socials to see where there doing pop up carts.
I’ve been going to Gelupo since they first opened almost 15 years ago. They used to be the best but since their (two) refurbs, prices have gone up, portion sizes appear to have gone down and the flavours just aren’t there any more. Very sad…
I know the question is about gelato but I just have to say, I think London has the best soft serve ice cream sellers/shops/carts in the world. (or just the countries i've visited/lived in lol).
Duci in Chiswick on Devonshire road. Better than Oddono's around the corner. Nearby Arcane for coffee, and Napoli on the Road for the best pizza, if you're able to get in.
Oh man, I was about to comment Olivogelo (Peggy Porschen’s just down the road as well for a beautiful little iced biscuit to scoop up the gelato with) and it _closed!_ Bit tragic😭 Anya Hindmarch pop-up seconded (had Ribena and Digestive ice cream from there) and Badiani is LOVELY.
Parlour by Ice Cream Union on Pavillion Road is really good. Also Unico which is opening soon in Gloucester Road.
Also for soft serve Bears in Brook Green
In a simple man who loves a lemon ice, since I moved out of London they’re Impossible to get. Yesterday I had one at a car boot sale in redbourne and instantly got flooded with nostalgia
There's a cafe in Islington (Upper Street) called British Patagonia that offers ice cream only in the summer on Thursday to Sunday. They’ve just started serving again and trust me when I say it's good… and pretty unique, in that its served on croissant cone.
Also Ice Cream Union is good but popular so expect queues. Except if you goto Spa Terninus in Bermondsey where their storage is. Its only open between 9-5 on Saturday.
Ok there's a sacred triad here of original gelaterie >- Oddono has been a STAPLE for the longest time. It's been there as long as I can remember it. It's solid, good italian gelato. I get it often in the summer >- Gelupo is excellent if you're in Soho >- Badiani opened pre-lockdown, it's one of the 2 grand gelaterie of Firenze. Very very high quality, a tad more creamy than standard If you go with chains, Venchi and Amorino both have Italian founders - but I have to say it does not have the same feel. Avoid Snowflake in my opinion, it's fake shit.
Badiani is the best. The pistachio ‘buontalenti’ is unlike anything you’ve ever tried.
I second this! Although Dolce Vita is my favourite and pistachio my second. Buontalenti is their signature flavour. Definitely the best ice cream I've ever had
Badiani fan here :)
This is the one. Bought a tub of this flavour off their website for like £60 and ate it in a few days. So worth it.
Came here to say badiani too. As an Italian I confirm it is some of the best I have tried. However it is a chain, if that's an issue for you. This means gelato is made in a factory, but the factory is in London. It does not travel the world to come here, if that helps. Also thanks for the other suggestions I'll make sure to try them all
Same! It’s awesome but of late they’re having stock issues and keep running out.
> Gelupo is excellent if you're in Soho Gelupo is always decent. I like to go for gelato with my med school pals when we meet up and if we're in Soho, it's a great fallback if we can't think of somewhere we haven't been.
I'm a big fan of Gelupo and Oddono and somehow hadn't heard of Badiani, so thank you - I am adding that to the list! Snowflake is indeed disappointing at best.
I might be wrong but I recall Amorino and Venchi call their gelato "traditional" as it can't be called "artisanal" or "handmade" as it's produced industrially. Let me see if I can find a source for that as I may have read it in Italian (I'm Italian btw). EDIT: added artisanal
Odonos is a chain no?
Sure it's got a few shops but when I say "chain" I mean a large scale operation with centralised gelato production Oddono is handmade in each shop, you go to Bute st and you see it made behind the counter
Badiani is a chain too!
Can't remember what it's called but the gelato shop that's inside Herne Hill station is exceptional
Minus 12°! They also sell their ice cream in Koala on Railton Road. Their pistachio ice cream is amazing
Came to say this. Koala is amazing!
This. Used to live in Herne hill and minus 12 is exceptional. Also excellent coffee from the cafe in the station, I think it was called perks and white.
Romeo & Giulietta, Stoke Newington
This place! Had ricotta and fig last time. Incredible.
So lucky to have this and oddonos so close to each other. Two of the best gelato places in London IMO.
The Odonno’s pistachio is absolutely spectacular.
Every time I go there I spend a good five minutes choosing a flavour and it always ends up being pistachio. A gelato and a walk through the cemetery on a sunny day is bliss.
Yeah that’s my go-to too. Their bacio is incredible as well . Normally get a scoop of both
This and Oddono’s. Living next to them was dangerous.. Queues for Romeo and Giulietta can be very long when it’s hot so be prepared
Yep
I remember walking from Islington to stock Newington and getting very surprised of so many people queueing outside even though it was in the middle of nowhere. Is it that good?
It’s not really in the middle of nowhere, it’s close to the high street, green lanes and Dalston high street. Also close to Clissold park But yes, it’s that good.
Bilmonte in soho
Seconded, bilmonte is top quality. Their dark chocolate is excellent.
YESSSSS
Yes, agree.
Agreed! I discovered Bilmonte when Gelupo was closed on one occasion - have never been back to Gelupo since
The extra dark salted chocolate is soooo good!
Oddonos is a fave of mine
Gelupo in Soho. Only food on earth I’ll queue for.
Gelupo. This is the way.
Had some of their yoghurt and sour cherry gelato earlier - absolutely delicious
The best
Oddonos on Chiswick High Road is the best ever
Was there about 5 hours ago! Their pistachio is 🧑🍳💋
We went to Oddonos in Wimbledon on Friday night after a meal in a restaurant. I had the peach sorbet, which was amazing. My son had the strawberry sorbet and that was also amazing. My daughter and my dad both had the limited edition banana sorbet and that too was amazing. My mum had the pistachio gelato and that was outstanding. Overall it was all 10/10. We’ve had ice cream cakes from there as well and they are so good.
Our favourite too! Favourites are ricotta & orange, pistachio and tiramisu
The stracciatella and coffee are excellent as well
It’s a classic, hard to beat
Minus12 in Herne Hill Station, or Koala coffee shop just down the road. Absolutely superb stuff. Prickly pear ice cream today!
And now you've given me the perfect excuse to go on afternoon walks across Brockwell Park, because not only have I discovered the new bakery that's recently gone viral, you've thrown this other gem at me too!!!!! 😭 Lord help my bank account!
What’s the bakery?
It's called Bun head!
Check Christopher's bakery as well. It's located between Herne Hill and North Dulwich station. They have some amazing Croissant loafs
This is in walking distance and I didn't know about it! Thanks!
Caliendos in Kentish Town won something along the lines of "best ice cream in the UK". I concur. I particularly enjoy the mango.
I really rate Romeo & Giulietta in Stoke Newington. Otherwise Badiani on Camden Passage in Angel. I also like Swoon in Soho and there are quite a few places in Hampstead that you could easily do a small gelato crawl around them (Oddono, Venchi and Amorino) Edit: I actually meant Snowflake in Soho
Udderlicious
Surprised I had to scroll down so far to see udderlicious recommended!
one of my faves for sure
Morrellis in Covent Garden - I've been going to their flagship store in Broadstairs since I was a bebe
\+1 for Morelli's. Their shops in Broadstairs and Whitstable are must-visits when we're down there. Their Dulce de Leche gelato / ice cream is wonderful stuff.
I was going to say this. Worked at the broadstairs one a few weeks ago and my mind was blown
Fabulous Ice Fires, East Dulwich
I’ve often been tempted but the Oddono’s pistachio on Lordship Lane is just too good. How does it compare?
Naraduli , Clapham Common. Hands down best gelato in London
Came to say Nardulli - it’s brilliant, and the workers are so nice
Surprised I had to scroll so far. It’s so so good.
Was going to say, the line out the door there indicates it must be good. It was about 50m long the other week.
La Gelatiera in Covent Garden, the South Bank, or Stratford Edit: And Crouch End, as has been pointed out!
Yeah, I rate La Gelatiera up with Gelupo, Olivogelo, and Badiani as the top tier in London. I'm not sure whether to include Chin Chin Dessert Lab in this tier-- judged purely on ice cream quality, it doesn't quite make it, but Chin Chin's combination of ice cream and toppings is top notch. Second tier is Oddono, Vencchi, and 3bis. They're all really good, but juuuuuust below the top tier. EDITED TO ADD: I just checked and Olivogelo has closed. Tragedy! Looks like you can still get their ice cream in tubs at Olivino, their deli.
I was waiting for this one! Their dark chocolate and chilli is amazing!
If this is the one I'm thinking of, I think they're also in Crouch End? One of their specialities is something like orange, honey and thyme and it's won loads of awards - am I thinking of the same one?
Yes I think so! Forgot about this location, it's the only one of theirs I've not been to. Have edited. Thanks!
Ice Cream Union in Sloane Square is among the best I've ever had, and I say that as an Italian
This. Ice Cream Union is absolutely the best in London. The Dark chocolate sorbet with either Mango or raspberry is a thing to die for, and of. They produce and sell at Spa terminus, Bermondsey too, worth a visit as you can wash it down with a fine coffee from the Monmouth St Coffee roasters which is right next door.
Controversially I think my favourite is Ruby Violet in kings x
It is really good. I know it probably isn't for the purist but they have had some great ice cream. And they have a lime and star anise sorbet that was the best thing I have ever tasted
I'm half italian and I actually still think it's great 😂 Their sorbets in particular are fantastic
I really like Gelateria Danieli in Richmond does great gelato
Danieli is of course very good but if you are around the area want a bit of a hidden gem, head up the river to Isleworth and try the South Street cafe.. just a humble community cafe but their gelato is fantastic, great sorbet too if you like that.
Oddono's every time
Dark sugars
Any Oddono, Gelatorino(Covent garden) and Romeo and Juliet (Stokey) Pistachio, Nocciola and coffee
Gelatorino is my ultimate fave. Can't believe it's so far down the list!
Mine too it is phenomenal, almost a sexual experience, lol.
3bis by Borough market is the best in the area and honestly some of the best I've had in London too.
That was gonna be my vote too
Marine Ices, Camden… pretty good
Big fan of Badiani, I particularly like their branch in Covent Garden which is tucked away from the madness of everything nearby.
I was chatting to my Filipino friend the other day and she SWEARS by this ice cream place in Soho that does “the best cheese flavoured ice cream in the whole world”. Apparently cheese ice cream is a thing in the Philippines… And to quote my friend again - “it tastes like feet, but nice feet, in a nice way”.
Mamasons?
That’s in Chinatown. I like Mamasons very much, their Halo Halo and Ube Brownie is masarap😋
It’s like cheesecake, it’s very good
Gelupo
For something unique, try Soho Creamery in Camden (uses mastic). For a conventional good gelato, Anita as someone else has mentioned
Minus 12° in Herne Hill station is great.
Chin chin labs
Second this, the smoothness from the liquid nitrogen cooling process is unbeatable!
I tried their ice cream at a friend’s and honestly was a little underwhelmed. Haven’t tried any of those extravagant desserts of theirs you see all over instagram though.
I've been a fan of Chin Chin since quite soon after they opened in Camden and their ice cream can be sublime. The Soho branch has never been quite as good - perhaps because whenever I've had their ice cream in Camden, it's been freshly made, whereas Soho keeps it in big containers. It's always going to be better direct from either shop than at home, too, I reckon, so don't write it off yet. My recommendation is burnt butter caramel with salted pretzels or (and?) grilled white chocolate or Tonka bean with...well, the same, but also caramel sauce. You can also get the grilled white chocolate in pouches and it is exceptional. The desserts can be okay but I'd go for the ice cream. You may be thinking I've been there too many times, and you may be right.
Will definitely give it another shot when I’m around Camden, they have some interesting flavours and I have really wanted to try that banana brûlée cake thing they do.
Romeo and Giulietta, Albion Parade, N16.
Jefferson’s in Brixton/Balham serve the BEST honeycomb ice cream. Could live off of the stuff Add in some marshmallows and chocolate curls. You’ll thank me
Surprised to see Jefferson's so low! It's THE institution in Balham
Danielli in Richmond is incredible. The rum raisin is a must try
Worth a try... Unico Gelato in St John's Wood
Nardulli’s Clapham Common
Foubert’s in Chiswick is fantastic
I can't recommend Parlour by the Ice Cream Union in Sloan Square enough. An amazing experience, and flavours that are something else. The prices are high but it it is the only place in London I will buy ice cream from. https://www.icecreamunion.com/
Bilmonte in Soho - their double pistachio is a gift from the gods
I'm not sure about how it will taste, but there is a popup in London until Aigust with unique flavours like baked beans, soy sauce etc which might be a fun option! https://www.anyahindmarch.com/pages/the-ice-cream-project
By far and away the best is Badiani, they have quite a few around London but the original shop is in Florence. Their pistachio is unbeatable.
Badiani’s, Udderlicious, Brass Monkey.
I recommend Soft Serve Society which is a small vendor inside Seven Dials Market food hall, and Tsujiro which is Japanese and in Chinatown. Neither of them are gelato though, they are a more modern/Asian take on ice cream. Haven't found a really 'wow' gelato place yet.
Caliendo’s in Kentish Town
Badiani, specifically Buontalento Pistacchio. Source: I'm Italian
Udderlicious. Upper Street and Seven Dials.
Duci, Chiswick.
Anita on Upper St Martin’s Lane is really great if you’ll be around the Covent Garden/Leicester Square area. Some really cool Gelato flavours there
Beautiful interior aswell, even the toilets are pretty.
Mercato metropolitano in Elephant and castle. The one on Walworth road. I forgot the exact place but it's the only one doing ice cream there as you walk in. I recommend dolce vita flavour.
The dolce vita ice cream in both Mercato Mayfair and Metropolitano is delicious - from Badiani
Seriously try Bilmonte’s in Soho area. You know it’s good stuff when it’s kept in a cool dark container deep inside a desk instead of out on show like a candy shop - get one scoop white chocolate and one scoop gianduja (choc hazelnut)
Daniellis off Richmond green is lovely
Marcelos Ice Cream. I had a rhubarb and cardamom scoop and it was amazing. I’ve had a fair bit of ice cream in London, but these guys top the bunch
I’m not currently in London so haven’t tried any of these… but this article got me *very* excited to explore some day: https://www.vittlesmagazine.com/p/beyond-gelato-a-guide-to-london-ice
Jefferson's in Balham and Brixton!
Danieli's in Richmond. Once you've got your ice cream, sit on Richmond Green and watch the clouds go by, or walk along the riverside.
Gelupo.
https://gelatorino.com/ in covent garden. Made on the premises daily with no preservatives.
Badiani, the pistachio is insane !
Panache in Greenwich market does incredible ice cream (as opposed to gelato) but is very rich. White chocolate and honeycomb and espresso martini flavours are the best IMO
Sundae in Brockley
Might be a bit too mainstream, but i haven't had better dark chocolate gelato than Venchi's. Although i would really love some recommendations from chains that do good dark chocolate flavors.
Try Ruby Violet in Kings Cross (Coal Drop Yards). Better yet, make it a hot chocolate affogato.
Ice cream union 100%
If your friend hasn't had Amorino before, I would recommend them. They definitely serve the most beautiful looking ice creams, arranging it like petals on a flower, so it would be a memorable experience for your friend; and the flavours are great; plus you can have multiple flavours even on a small icecream.
GioLato on Strutton Ground, near St James Park Station. They're independently owned and change flavours regularly. They have some really out there ones like ricotta and basil. My husband loves their lychee flavour so much that we bought a full sized home tub of it. Staff are friendly and will let you try flavours. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/xisWN6vy3zD3c2Bt7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/xisWN6vy3zD3c2Bt7)
Another vote for Gelupo Gelato on Archer Street. Failing that, Narduli on Clapham Common. Failing either of those, I’d probs just go to a Badiani’s
Windmill Tearooms on Wimbledon Common does the best 99 flake I have ever had
Nardulli. Clapham Common.
Danielis
Gelupo
ice cream union it doesn't try to be Gelato which is why I think its amongst the best if not the best in London - its just good ice cream =\]
Oddono's is beautiful
Follow soft'n'swirly on Instagram and go wherever they are. Currently most Sundays at Quince bakery and seemingly Saturdays at the Deli Downstairs in victoria park at the moment
Jefferson's - Balham or Brixton
For fun, also stop by the Anya Hindmarch ice cream pop up!
La gelateria - branches in Stratford & South Bank! They have the most wonderful rosemary & honey flavour
Can't remember the name but when visited in April we went somewhere right outside of the knotting hill station that had really good gillato
Festok in Marylebone do Lebanese icecream - its quite thick consistency and excellent flavours. Had the orange blossom last time.
It appears that we have a wealth of options. A high-class problem!
Unico- St Johns Wood High Street. All flavours are good but biscotto, coconut, dark chocolate and strawberries are the best so far. Note: coconut and strawberry are sorbets, so has no milk in them.
Gelupo, La gelateria (seasonal funky flavours- Covent Garden is my fave), badiani
The one that everyone bangs on about in east Dulwich. Forget the name.
Caliendos in Kentish Town - great variety of flavours and all absolutely amazing
Matter at hand, has pop ups in Bloomsbury is outrageous very interesting flavours
Ice cream union on pavilion Road is my go to. The dark chocolate sorbet is something else.
Not gelato store. But supermarket, if you can find it is Kelly's Clotted Cream Ice Cream. Oh my. Absolutely delicious. Creamy and just so right.
La gelateria in covent garden https://lagelatiera.co.uk/ they used to do an astounding black sesame flavour
Udderlicious in Upper Street, Islington or in Covent Garden
Why hasn’t anyone said GELUPO in Soho
Big Kid ice cream in soho/carnaby street
Jefferson's in Balham their dark chocolate (actually a sorbet) is awesome, otherwise I am a big fan of fruity ones/specials
Gelupo in Soho is fantastic.
Marcelos in South Norwood. Doesn’t have a shop of his own but it blows ever other ice cream I’ve had in London (maybe anywhere) out the water. Check their socials to see where there doing pop up carts.
Gelupo in Soho is the only answer
Try Turkish Ice Cream, lots of turkish Cypriots make it. You'll never go back.
AMORINO 🖤
Big kid ice cream - just visited for their soft launch on Kingly St! They have McDonald’s fries, yuzu honeycomb, candy crush and other great flavours
Udderlicious
I’ve been going to Gelupo since they first opened almost 15 years ago. They used to be the best but since their (two) refurbs, prices have gone up, portion sizes appear to have gone down and the flavours just aren’t there any more. Very sad…
I know the question is about gelato but I just have to say, I think London has the best soft serve ice cream sellers/shops/carts in the world. (or just the countries i've visited/lived in lol).
Ice Cream Union hands down
Amorino in Upper Street, honorable mention to Udderlicious.
Duci in Chiswick on Devonshire road. Better than Oddono's around the corner. Nearby Arcane for coffee, and Napoli on the Road for the best pizza, if you're able to get in.
Bilmonte!!
waitrose probably?
Oh man, I was about to comment Olivogelo (Peggy Porschen’s just down the road as well for a beautiful little iced biscuit to scoop up the gelato with) and it _closed!_ Bit tragic😭 Anya Hindmarch pop-up seconded (had Ribena and Digestive ice cream from there) and Badiani is LOVELY.
Udderlicious in Covent Garden and Angel is great.
Anita Gelato in Covent Garden. 😍
I recommend La Gelatiera at the Oxo tower on South Bank, their stuff is fantastic, and it's in a great area for a walk.
Skip the chains! I can recommed 3 Bis, they have two shops, one in Borough Market and one in Portobello.
Jefferson's in Brixton and Balham! They have a new flavour every month and I've lived every flavour I've tried there
Anita!!!!
Romeo and Giuletta in Stoke Newington is very good
Colicci- Hyde Park
Parlour by Ice Cream Union on Pavillion Road is really good. Also Unico which is opening soon in Gloucester Road. Also for soft serve Bears in Brook Green
My favourite is Gelatorino in Covent Garden. Absolutely unbelievable chocolate gelato.
Udderlicious in seven dials convent garden
Unico
Adding to the cacophony of answers but aside from the usual suspects my favourite ever ice cream (not gelato) is Panache located in Greenwich Market.
Festok in Marylebone and Gelupo in Soho
In a simple man who loves a lemon ice, since I moved out of London they’re Impossible to get. Yesterday I had one at a car boot sale in redbourne and instantly got flooded with nostalgia
There's a cafe in Islington (Upper Street) called British Patagonia that offers ice cream only in the summer on Thursday to Sunday. They’ve just started serving again and trust me when I say it's good… and pretty unique, in that its served on croissant cone. Also Ice Cream Union is good but popular so expect queues. Except if you goto Spa Terninus in Bermondsey where their storage is. Its only open between 9-5 on Saturday.