My Favourite Gelato Places in London
London’s gelato scene has grown steadily over the years, combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary creativity. From classic neighbourhood gelaterias to refined dessert boutiques, the city offers plenty of places to enjoy excellent gelato made with care and quality ingredients. Here are some of my favourite gelato spots in London, each with its own character and strengths.
Gelupo – Soho
Located just off Shaftesbury Avenue, Gelupo is one of the most consistently good gelato shops in London. Known for its rich flavours and seasonal creativity, it balances tradition with experimentation. The ricotta and sour cherry is a standout, as are classics like pistachio, hazelnut and bitter chocolate sorbet.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unfussy, making it a great stop after dinner in Soho. Gelupo’s focus on ingredients and flavour depth keeps it firmly among London’s best.
La Gelatiera – Covent Garden & Olympic Park
La Gelatiera specialises in small-batch gelato made daily using natural ingredients. Their pistachio gelato is particularly good, and the sorbet selection is strong, especially lemon and dark chocolate.
Both locations offer a clean, modern setting, with a good balance of classic flavours and dairy-free options.
Oddono’s Gelati Italiani – Multiple locations
Founded in South Kensington, Oddono’s has expanded across London while maintaining high standards. The texture is smooth and refined, with flavours ranging from traditional chocolate and strawberry to more unusual combinations like basil or vodka lemon.
Oddono’s works well as both a quick stop and a relaxed dessert destination, and many locations are close to cafés where you might also enjoy a proper espresso — something explored further in our guide on where to drink real Italian espresso in London.
Badiani 1932 – Covent Garden & Chelsea
Badiani brings Florentine gelato tradition to London, with its signature Buontalenti flavour — a rich, creamy base made simply with milk, cream, eggs and sugar. It’s an excellent reference point for those wanting to understand what classic Italian gelato should taste like.
Their London shops also offer waffles, crepes and other desserts, but gelato remains the main attraction.
Amorino – Multiple locations
Amorino is instantly recognisable for its rose-shaped gelato cones. While visually striking, the quality is solid too, with organic ingredients and a wide range of flavours, including good dairy-free sorbets.
It’s particularly popular in tourist-heavy areas like Covent Garden and Soho, and works well for a casual gelato break while walking around central London.
Marine Ices – Camden
A long-standing London institution, Marine Ices has been serving Italian-style ice cream since the 1930s. The setting is informal, but the flavours are generous and comforting, with favourites like coconut, maple walnut and classic chocolate.
It’s a nostalgic stop rather than a trend-driven one, and that’s part of its charm.
Venchi – Central London
Venchi offers a more polished gelato and chocolate experience, focusing on rich flavours made without artificial additives. Pistachio and dark chocolate are particularly well executed, and the overall presentation feels refined without being excessive.
Conclusion
London’s gelato offering reflects the city’s wider food culture: rooted in tradition but open to reinterpretation. Whether you prefer classic flavours, experimental combinations or a simple scoop after dinner, these gelaterias represent some of the most reliable places to enjoy Italian-style gelato in the capital.
If you’re inspired by London’s gelato scene and want to explore where this tradition is rooted, check out our guide to the best gelateria in Bologna, where traditional artisans and modern innovators continue to shape Italy’s gelato culture.
Discover more from Emilia Delizia
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.