Dining
The 6 Best Gelato in London
London's proper Italian gelato counters, judged on texture and flavour rather than how tall they pile the scoop.
In short: our top picks are Gelupo, Oddono's and Amorino. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Good gelato should taste of the ingredient it is named after and melt cleanly rather than sit like whipped fat on the spoon, which rules out a lot of the scoop shops along the main tourist strips. The places below are run by people who trained in Italy or apprenticed under those who did, and it shows in the pistachio and the fior di latte especially.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gelupo | Soho | ££ |
| Oddono's | South Kensington | ££ |
| Amorino | Covent Garden | ££ |
| Morelli's Gelato | Covent Garden | ££ |
| Grom | Piccadilly | ££ |
| Venchi | Covent Garden | ££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Gelupo
Why we pick itRun by the team behind Bocca di Lupo next door, the gelato is milk based rather than heavy with egg and cream, which keeps it lighter and cleaner tasting.
Gelateria
-
Oddono's
Why we pick itOver 130 flavours made daily since 2004, and the pistachio is the one regulars order without needing to check the counter.
Gelateria
-
Amorino
Why we pick itScoops are shaped into a rose with a spatula rather than dropped round, a small theatrical touch that does not get in the way of the flavour underneath.
Gelato chain
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Morelli's Gelato
Why we pick itA family recipe going back generations, served in an old-fashioned parlour setting with proper seating rather than a walk-up counter.
Ice cream parlour
-
Grom
Why we pick itA Turin import that sources its own fruit and hazelnuts, the stracciatella is the one to try first.
Gelateria
-
Venchi
Why we pick itChocolate and gelato under one roof, so the gianduia scoop tastes exactly like the chocolate counter it sits beside.
Chocolate and gelato
Before you book
Most of these shops close earlier in winter and stay open later in summer, so check hours before a special trip, and expect queues on warm weekends.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Gelupo is our editor's choice: Run by the team behind Bocca di Lupo next door, the gelato is milk based rather than heavy with egg and cream, which keeps it lighter and cleaner tasting. Gelupo, Oddono's and Amorino lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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