When we first arrived in Bologna, I made a point of asking anyone who was willing to converse with me “Qual è la tua gelateria preferita a Bologna?” (“Which is your favorite gelateria in Bologna?”). Almost everyone had an adamant response. “Gelateria [fill in the blank] is, hands down, the best gelateria in Bologna”. At first, it seemed that everyone’s favorite was different. But after asking enough people, I started hearing repeats and the pattern became clear.
I will undoubtedly write more about the gelaterias of Bologna as we eat more gelato, but I feel it’s unfair to keep these precious tips to myself any longer. SO… without further ado… here are, according to locals, the best gelaterias in Bologna:
Stefino, Via Galliera 49/b
051.246736 http://www.stefino.com/gelati.html
Open 7 days a week
They also have a new “bio” location at Via Petroni, 1C that offers gelato made from only organic ingredients as well as vegan options made from rice milk
La Sorbetteria, Via Castiglione 44
051.233257 http://www.lasorbetteria.it
Closed Monday
Don’t miss their awarding winning chocolate
Two additional locations at via Zaragoza, 83 and Via Augusto Murri, 81
Gelatauro, Via San Vitale 98/b
051.230049 http://www.gelatauro.com
Closed Monday
Specializes in organic ingredients and fresh fruit flavors
Cremeria Funivia, Piazza Cavour, 1/d
051.6569365 http://www.cremeriafunivia.com
Closed Monday
They have a great pink grapefruit (pompelmo rosa) granita
Another location at Via Porrettana 158/4d
Ugo, Via San Felice, 24
051.263849
Closed Monday and Tuesday, other days open 3PM-10PM
Gelateria Delle Moline, Via Delle Moline, 13/b
Closed Tuesday
051.248470
Capo Nord, Via Augusto Murri, 39
051.18899921 http://www.gelateriacaponord.it
Open 7 days a week
Read Jessica Spiegel’s How to Order Gelato in Italy and you’ll be all set for a delectable gelato outing in Bologna.
Here are some other articles about Bologna’s gelato:
Guide to Gelato in Bologna from Serious Eats by Robyn Lee
Molto Gelato in Bologna by David Lebovitz
One Scoop of Heaven by Helene Lohr (about her day at the Gelato University near Bologna)
My Gelato Tour of Bologna by Kathy Blake from the Experimental Gourmand
Troppo Gelato in Italia from Jessica’s Dinner Party
Artisan Gelato at Bologna’s Cremeria Funivia from Serious Eats by Carey Jones
Buon appetito!
ciao bologna! 
La Sorbetteria Castiglione, my favorite! The chocolate is to die for. Now I have to try all the others you have listed…
The chocolate at Sorbetteria is Luke’s favorite. And my friend who visited this summer liked it so much she tried to go back for more before she flew out (unfortunately it was 11AM and they weren’t open yet).
YUM. Can’t wait to try them out in July!
Been there – twice. Unforgettable.
Most people have that reaction. Once they taste their gelato, they need to go back for seconds 🙂
I love Il Gelatauro and the newish place on via Petroni. I’m surprised you didn’t mention Grom! Yes, it’s a chain, but a small one, they really try to get good ingredients, and the results are scrumptious. I look forward to trying some of your other suggestions.
Agreed! The place on via Petroni is Stefino Bio (the bio-friendly sister of Stefino on via Galliera). I formulated my list by asking people born and raised in Bologna what their favorite gelateria is. No one mentioned Grom, which is why it’s not on here. I have heard that Grom uses good ingredients. Though I’ve also heard that the Bolognese do business with people they have a personal connection with and that they build up loyalties shopping at the same stores for years and years and years. I gather this would lead the Bolognese to support local, small gelaterie where they know the owner versus a multi-national chain with over 40 shop locations.
Great article!! I’ll link this article to mine. 🙂 I also agree with your comment about Grom.
Ciao, Maribel! Glad a Bologna veteran like yourself approves of my list. A presto!
As a Bolognese myself I could only think about “Stefino”, is absolutely my favourite one! And most probably is the only one I know! As soon as I’m back in Bologna I will definitely visit each one of the above gelaterie!
By the way I love your blog. I’ve never really liked Bologna, I’m trying to get to see more of the positive aspects of the city, these kind of blogs are perfect!
Volevamo Farvi i complimenti per l’ottimo lavoro svolto ! Bravi !