Bologna is a food city, including for gelato. We set out to try most of the top-rated gelaterie and definitely had a few favorites. I generally stuck with pistachio but also discovered ‘crema’ as a new favored flavor on this trip. Eric typically went for some sort of rich chocolate and a complementary flavor.
Cremeria Marconi
Eric got the after-eight mint (pretty good); I had the crema (egg creme with lemon, best version I had).
Gelateria Galliera 49
Eric had the dark chocolate with cherries (so.very.tasty) and I had a grainy pistachio (solid B).
Cremeria Santo Stefano
So good we went twice! Eric got the chocolate and their famous white coffee Cafe Bianco cafe on our first trip, and it was so good he ordered the same on the second trip. I got the salted pistachio (one of my faves of the trip) and crema on the first trip and ALL pistachio (salted and regular) on our second visit. They definitely belong in the lists of top gelato spots in the city.
Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla
I skipped gelato here but Eric really enjoyed his Nutella and dark chocolate with dark cherries (all on the bottom). This spot was different in that you placed your size order at a machine in the corner, then took the receipt to the counter and told them which flavors you wanted.
Delizie Bolognesi
A late night treat near our apartment, this place had some unusual flavor combos. Eric had the dark chocolate and nocciole (hazelnut) while I tried the Alabama (salted peanut with caramel) and Pistachio Robusto. Very good!
Gelateria Gianni
Eric paired coffee (strong!) and chocolate, while I got a pistachio and crema.
Sablè Gelato
Disappointing as we liked this place on our last trip but it was both the most expensive gelato we had (€4.50) and also had some ice crystals. Eric had the amarena (cherries applied to the gelato) and the Haitian chocolate (excellent), while I had the pistachio and crema, which were both underwhelming.
Maritozzi e Gelato di Barbara e Renato
Eric got chocolate and hazelnut crunch (creamiest of trip, rich and flavorful, plus a very crunchy cone). I tried the pistachio and caramel. Served with a small wafer and enjoyed in the Piazza San Francesco, this was our second favorite of the bunch.
Gelato at Cremeria Cavour
Located next to the high end shopping galleria with 5k+ reviews! I had the pistachio and a chocolate / rum with hazelnuts (delicious combo). Eric had the coffee (more bitter, less sweet than others, and a little icy) and the pine nut (lots of real nuts, very good flavor and texture). Worth the walk!
