London’s love affair with gelato shows no sign of slowing down.
From tiny family‑run parlours to luxury boutiques, the capital is dotted with specialists who churn fresh batches daily using premium milk and seasonal produce.
Below is a curated list of ten standout gelaterias where you can indulge in authentic Italian craftsmanship, creative flavours and a touch of la dolce vita right here in London.
1. Gelupo – Soho
Hidden on a side street near Piccadilly Circus, Gelupo is the brainchild of chef Jacob Kenedy (of Bocca di Lupo fame). This cosy shop crafts gelato and sorbetto the traditional Italian way, using organic milk and natural ingredients.
Flavours change constantly, think pistachio from Bronte, mint stracciatella, ricotta with sour cherry and even an occasional Campari sorbet. The midnight‑blue interiors and friendly staff make it perfect for a sweet pit stop during a West End stroll.
Signature style: Small‑batch gelato and sorbet made daily with top‑quality milk, nuts and fruit.
Reasons to go: Seasonal flavours; creative specials like blood‑orange granita or coconut sorbet; takeaway tubs for enjoying at home.
2. La Gelatiera – Covent Garden
This award‑winning micro‑factory produces gelato in tiny batches using organic milk from Somerset, water from the Dolomites and hand‑roasted nuts.
The Covent Garden outpost feels rustic yet modern with its polished concrete and wooden counter. Popular flavours include pistachio from Bronte, chocolate with Venezuelan cacao, and unusual recipes like basil and chilli or sweet potato pie. Vegan options are always available, and the team regularly collaborates with local chefs on special editions.
high‑quality ingredients and no artificial additives.
Reasons to go: Experimental combinations such as ricotta and sour cherry or matcha and yuzu; relaxed seating for lingering over affogatos; dairy‑free options.
3. Oddono’s – South Kensington
Oddono’s opened in 2004 and helped kickstart London’s artisanal gelato boom. Founder Christian Oddono uses a family recipe and imported Italian ingredients to create creamy gelato with a silky texture.
Classics like stracciatella sit alongside crowd‑pleasers such as bacio (chocolate and hazelnut), Madagascan vanilla and mango sorbet. The South Kensington shop is the original and remains a favourite with locals.
Signature style: Rich, creamy gelato made with fresh milk and natural flavours; lactose‑free sorbets.
Reasons to go: Rotating specials like tiramisù or roasted fig; generous portions; takeaway tubs and gift boxes.
4. Gelatorino – Covent Garden
Gelatorino brings the flavours of Turin to London. Its gelato is made fresh every day in a traditional “mantecatori” machine and served with a spatula rather than a scoop, giving a soft and silky texture.
Customers can order their gelato layered into a warm brioche bun, drizzled with melted gianduja or topped with whipped cream. Signature flavours include gianduja chocolate, hazelnut from Piedmont, zabaglione and lemon sorbet.
Signature style: Piedmontese‑style gelato served with traditional accompaniments like warm brioche and gianduja sauce.
Reasons to go: Decadent affogato and gelato sandwiches; cosy indoor seating close to Covent Garden piazza; Italian coffee and
pastries.
5. Snowflake Luxury Gelato – Soho
Snowflake began life in West London and now boasts several London boutiques. The Soho shop serves award‑winning gelato made from organic Jersey milk and British cream.
Flavours range from simple salted caramel or dark chocolate to indulgent combinations like chocolate hazelnut crunch and roasted banana with honeycomb.
You’ll also find vegan sorbets, gelato shakes and beautifully decorated gelato cakes.
Signature style: Luxurious gelato and sorbet made with Jersey milk and natural ingredients.
Reasons to go: Stylish shop with outdoor seating; choice of sundaes, waffles and crepes; vegan and dairy‑free flavours.
6. Nardulli – Clapham
Situated by Clapham Common, Nardulli is a family‑run gelateria that uses traditional Italian recipes and locally sourced milk.
Owner Lorenzo Nardulli produces gelato in small batches, with a menu that changes seasonally. Expect flavours such as Sicilian pistachio, hazelnut, tiramisù and refreshing watermelon sorbet. The friendly service and pavement seating make it a delightful stop during a summer stroll.
Signature style: Traditional Italian gelato made fresh daily using natural ingredients and seasonal fruit.
Reasons to go: Warm, neighbourhood atmosphere; seasonal specials like fig or chestnut; dairy‑free sorbets for vegan
visitors.
7. Udderlicious – Covent Garden
Udderlicious started as a small shop in Islington and now has a lively parlour in Covent Garden.
The husband‑and‑wife team develops monthly “flavour of the month” competitions where customers submit ideas that are then churned into reality. Regular favourites include peanut butter and salted caramel, honeycomb, and seasonal specials like mince pie or rhubarb crumble. Vegan and dairy‑free options are always available.
Signature style: Hand‑made ice cream and sorbet with a playful twist, featuring customer‑chosen monthly flavours.
Reasons to go: Fun, community‑driven vibe; inventive flavours that change regularly; vegan and dairy‑free menu.
8. Cremoloso Gelato – Earlsfield
Cremoloso specialises in vegan and dairy‑free gelato made from plant‑based milks and natural sweeteners.
The company began as a wholesale producer supplying restaurants and now operates a pick‑up counter in Earlsfield where customers can purchase tubs to take home. Flavours include hazelnut, chocolate, pistachio and fruity sorbets that rival their dairy counterparts.
Signature style: Vegan gelato and sorbet free from dairy and artificial additives.
Reasons to go: Suitable for lactose‑intolerant and vegan diners; rich flavours that don’t compromise on creaminess;
takeaway tubs available for home enjoyment.
9. Ariela’s Gelato – Edmonton
Ariela’s Gelato is a small‑batch producer supplying restaurants and events across London, with a production base in Edmonton.
Founded by Italian siblings, it uses traditional recipes and local dairy to make gelato that is creamy, smooth and naturally flavoured. While there’s no public parlour, customers can order tubs online or arrange collections for parties and weddings.
Signature style: Artisan gelato crafted in small batches for wholesale, events and private orders.
Reasons to go: Custom flavours for weddings or corporate events; high‑quality gelato that can be delivered to your door; flexible order sizes.
Unit C34, Hastingwood Trading Estate, Harbet Road
