Nothing screams summer more than enjoying a cone of gelato by the lake, basking in the summer sun. Gelato shops are the hangout spots in Geneva; there aren’t many other places that stays open to midnight here.

If you ask 5 people in Geneva for their favorite gelato spots in town, chances are you’ll get 5 different answers. We all have that one spot that we we’ll defend until death. Just to say that everyone has a lot of opinions about gelato, but these are OUR top seven favorite spots in Geneva. 🍦🍦🍦

• Gelateria Fiordilatte (Pâquis)
• Gelato Mania (Multiple locations)
• PUROgelato (Eaux-Vives)
• Manu (Multiple locations)
• Artyglaces Sa / Laboshop Bleuglacier (Jonction)
• Amorino (Plainpalais)
• Muller’s Factory (Multiple locations)

Gelateria Fiordilatte

📍Rue de Bâle 12 | Pâquis | $$$$

Classic, fresh, and creamy. What Gelateria Fiordilatte lacks in variety of flavors, they make up with quality, offering customers gelato that is freshly made each day. The Fior di Latte, Fragola and pistachio are my favorite flavors, and they offer a selection of sorbets as well, for the vegans out there.

It would be a mistake not to highlight the Sicilian specialities of the shop: the brioche ice cream sandwich (CHF13), Scroze di cannoli, and Torta semifreddo (gelato cake). The Siccillian brioche is married with ‘granita’ and topped with lemon, almond, and strawberry, and is just an orgasm in your mouth with that first bite. We haven’t seen this kind of brioche ice cream sandwich anywhere else in town, but come with an appetite as it is a hefty portion. The torta semifreddo is essentially a gelato cake and is the perfect alternative for a birthday cake in the summer. Advance reservations for the semifreddo are required, and you can customize the flavor and size, though if you are in a pinch and want to test your luck, they do sometimes have extra cakes in the freezer. 

Gelato Mania

📍Multiple branches | Bourg de four, Carouge, Plainpalais, Pâquis, Eaux-Vives, Champel | $$$$

Gelato Mania is probably the recommendation you hear the most when asking locals for their favorite gelato spot, and for good reason – it’s a local institute. With so many branches around town, you can reliably find a Gelato Mania nearby so you can get your fix. What sets Gelato Mania apart from the pack is the fresh, high-quality ingredients they use and unique flavor combinations. I’m talking about pineapple & basel, chai tea latte, and early grey & cookies…and so much more. There’s endless choices and refreshed new flavors for the regulars, so don’t be afraid to ask for a sample before making a decision. At CHF7 for a cone (two flavors), it isn’t the cheapest gelato spot but the portion sizes are extremely generous. Too generous, if you’re a slow eater on a hot day – take extra napkins! There’s only a bench inside but it’s often too crowded to stay in the shop, your best bet is to find a nice spot nearby and enjoy the breeze outside. Not too many vegan options, though there are typically at least 2 fruit flavors available. The bourg de four branch uniquely offers gelato cakes (bûches glacées) and other delicious desserts, so be sure to check it out.

Puro Gelato

📍Rle des Templiers 5 | Eaux-Vives | $$$$

Puro Gelato are 100% handmade, and uses local, high quality ingredients and coupled with traditional Italian gelato recipe. We tried the coffee and fior di latte, and honestly, it’s just delicious – light and full-flavored.

Puro Gelato has an incredible range of icy treats, from the classic milk based flavors, soberts to popsicles, ice cream desserts, and even a substantial vegan ice cream line that features plant-based milk. You can find their gelatos in partner shops in town and in the summer, they also deploy their ice cream stands around town.

Manu

📍Multiple branches | Carouge, Cornavin, Eaux-Vives, Pâquis | $$$$

Manu is another gelato institution in Geneva, having won the 2015 best artisan ice cream award in Switzerland. You’ll often find lines snaking out the doors for everyone clamouring for a delicious bite from Manu. The interior transports us to a chic side streep in Milan, with its cute blue and white striped wallpaper and black checkered tiles. They’re crafting gelato with a focus on quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference with the smooth and rich flavors. Their seasonal fruit flavors are where Manu truly shines. Think perfectly ripe strawberries bursting with sweetness, or a tangy lemon gelato that’s like a burst of sunshine.  They’re constantly rotating flavors based on what’s fresh and in season, so there’s always something new to discover. Our personal favorite flavors are peppermint chocolate and manutella. There are gluten-free and lactose-free options for those that are looking for alternatives. 

Artyglaces Sa / Laboshop Bleuglacier

📍Rue du Vélodrome 4 | Jonction | $$$$

This neighborhood joint is tucked discreetly in Jonction and is runned by a warm and welcoming couple that is truly passionate about the art of making ice cream. When you step into the shop, you are subject to a tasting tour provided by the owners where they let you try out as many flavors as you’d like, and give you more insight into the flavors and production. Their fruity flavors stood out to me – the strawberry, coconut, hibiscus ginger etc…it was intensively flavored, really refreshing, and perfectly sweet. Because it is a smaller operation, their opening hours are shorter, so definitely check their schedule in advance! 

Amorino Genève

📍Rond point de Plainpalais, 2 | Plainpalais | $$$$

You may have heard of Amorino before, as they are a huge multinational chain with tons of stores around the world. They just opened their first branch in Geneva this year, adding yet another amazing gelato option in town. Their famous flavors are the bourbon vanilla, pistachio, as well as the famous chocolate + hazelnut flavor called “inimitable”. But what really sets them apart from the others is their beautifully presented flower cones – a feast for your taste buds AND your eyes. It’s nice to eat pretty things sometimes, though it does come with a bit of a premium. In addition to the gelato, they also have a variety of other desserts options like milkshakes, waffles, macaroons, and more. It’s a one-stop shop for those with a sweet tooth.

Muller’s Factory (Quai du Mont Blanc)

📍Quai du Mont-Blanc 2 | Quai du Mont-Blanc | $$$$

Although Muller’s Factory is first and foremost a crêperie, we thought it would a disservice not to mention them – we frequent them all the time! Muller’s Factory is a local Geneva family business that is famous for their delicious waffles and crepes, but also their artisanal gelato. They have multiple branches around the city, in Balexert, Plainpalais, Globus, and our go-to spot on Quai du Mont-Blanc. It’s one of the best places to sit and enjoy a cup of gelato with the backdrop of the lake and the jet d’eau. Because of it’s central location, it’s so easy to walk by and accidentally get some unintended gelato. The flavors are a bit more limited in numbers but still fresh, delicious, and made with local ingredients – our preferences are the rhubarb and pistachio!

Where are your go-to gelato spots in Geneva? Let us know in the comments!