updated 2026
A perennial favorite, gelato seems to taste so much better in Italy than anywhere else. Perhaps it is simply that when you’re on vacation, everything tastes better.
I was recently in the Lombardy region in Northern Italy and sampled more gelato shops and flavors than I have on previous trips to Italy. From tiny towns like Orta San Giulio to the capital city of Lombardy, Milan, I never missed a chance to try a new gelateria. I wish I had eaten more!
Here’s the scoop (pun intended) on Top Gelato Spots in Lombardy
Vanilla Gelateria
Vanilla specializes in traditional Italian flavors like hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate, and pinoli. During the summer, they offer local and unique fruit flavors, too, such as prickly pear, goji berry, pomegranate, and mango. I tried the coconut and watermelon a great combination. It tasted like summer…sweet and refreshing.
Another unique ingredient used at Vanilla that I’ve never seen anywhere else is olive oil. Olive oil replaces dairy and so is great for those who are lactose intolerant and have other digestive ailments. And, it’s good for your heart – why not have gelato every day?
I spent several hours wandering around near the Duomo in Milano, and noticed that Vanilla always had a line. Plus they had some pretty little bistro tables set with lace and umbrellas, and I was ready to sit down. Most gelaterias have no seating inside or out – you simply stand around outside or walk away with your gelato.
I noticed most people took their gelato in a cone, but I always get it in a cup. I think I agree with the purists that the cone distracts you from the true flavor of the gelato. At Vanilla, the flavors are so fresh and authentic, who needs a cone?
The fellow in this photo knew what I was up to with my camera and gave me a clear shot. Thank you, kind stranger!
Grom
Grom has built its reputation on using only organic, fresh ingredients from around Italy: Sfusato lemon from Amalfi, and the Leonforte peach, for example. They have a central farm where all the raw ingredients are mixed, ensuring their high standards are met.
One to try the next time I’m in Milan or Rome, Grom always had a long line out front. They started with one shop in Torino in 2003, and have since expanded all over the world. You can eat Grom gelato now in Paris, Tokyo, and NYC. They must be doing something right!
There are currently multiple locations in Milan including one near the Duomo di Milano. In case you’re wondering, Grom is the surname of one of the founders however, I read that the brand sold to Unilever not long ago. For now the reviews are still positive.
Grom
Via Santa Margherita, 16, 20121 Milano
Gelato In Voghera
We went to Britz one night when it seemed like the entire town was out for the evening. Within two blocks I saw more gelaterias than you can imagine! Apparently, gelato is the thing in Voghera.
My friend had the chocolate and hazelnut (two typical Italian flavors) and pronounced it “Very good!” I tried the lemon sorbetto and found it a bit too tart and lacking the creamy texture I was seeking. What do I know? Perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing?
The location in Piazza del Duomo, however, is excellent. There is no seating inside, but it’s more fun to be outside people watching. In Italy everyone goes out in the evening to walk (passeggiata) and visit with friends, family, and neighbors. It’s an experience you cannot duplicate anywhere else in the world.
Gelato In Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
Mojito Cafe. Here I found the lemon sorbetto I crave. I don’t know how they do it, because I don’t think they add any dairy as it’s a fruit flavor, but it was creamy, yet light and sweet, but not too sweet. I should have taken a larger serving! An Italian friend said that I must be an Italian girl because limone is the most Italian of flavors. But of course!
The location at romantic Lake Orta didn’t hurt either… I suspect it made it taste even better. I’ll certainly never forget it. To be honest Lake Orta is not in Lombardy but in Piedmont.
Mojito Cafe offers drinks and coffees as well as gelato, and there is seating outside. However, there is a minimum spend per person to sit at a table. When we were there it was raining and every table was taken. We found a doorstep on a tiny side street and sat under the awning.
Mojito Cafe
San Giulio di Orta, Lake Orta
