Cremeria Santo Stefano: “Creamy Concoctions in a Historic Square: The Magic of Cremeria Santo Stefano.”

Cremeria Santo Stefano is one of Bologna’s most decorated gelato shops, located on Via Santo Stefano directly on the edge of Piazza Santo Stefano. It holds three cones in the Gambero Rosso Gelaterie d’Italia guide — the highest rating awarded — placing it among the best artisan gelato producers in the country. The location is one of the most atmospheric in the city: a working gelateria on a medieval piazza, surrounded by the Seven Churches complex, with tables outside when the weather allows.

The Gelato

Cremeria Santo Stefano produces small-batch artisan gelato using high-quality sourced ingredients. The flavour range is more creative than most — alongside Italian classics, the shop has developed a reputation for signature combinations that regulars return for specifically. Standout flavours include:

• Pistachio (two versions) — both made with nuts toasted in-house: a salty Turkish pistachio and a Sicilian variety from the volcanic Bronte region
• Crema Libanese — orange blossom water, almond, and pistachio; one of the shop’s most distinctive flavours
• Crema delle Zitelle — a twist on classic crema combining mascarpone and pine nut
• Caffe Bianco — a white coffee gelato, lighter and more delicate than a standard coffee flavour
• Pomegranate sorbet — clean and sharp, reliable when in season

Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The menu rotates with the season and ingredient availability — ask at the counter what has arrived most recently.

Practical Information

• Address: Via Santo Stefano 70/C, 40125 Bologna
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–23:00; closed Monday
• Seating: Tables outside on the piazza when weather allows
• Awards: Three Cones, Gambero Rosso Gelaterie d’Italia — the guide’s highest rating
• Vegan options: Yes
• Gluten-free options: Yes — confirm at the counter

The Location

Piazza Santo Stefano is one of the quieter and more atmospheric squares in Bologna — triangular, porticoed, and dominated by the Santo Stefano complex (the Sette Chiese). The gelateria sits at the base of Via Santo Stefano, the street that runs from the piazza back towards the city centre. It is a natural stopping point after visiting the churches, and the outdoor tables make it one of the better spots in Bologna to sit with a gelato and watch the square.

The surrounding neighbourhood — the university district extending north towards Piazza Verdi — is dense with bars, bookshops, and student life. For visitors working through the best gelato in Bologna, Cremeria Santo Stefano is consistently among the first recommendations.