Where to eat ice cream in Palermo

While pistachio remains the most requested flavour in Palermo's gelaterias, fruit sorbets are equally popular — from the lemon of Sant’Agata di Militello at Cappadonia Gelati to the black mulberry flavour found in many ice cream shops across the city. Here are the best addresses in Palermo.

The 8 best gelaterias in Palermo

Cappadonia Gelati

If you happen to encounter Antonio Cappadonia at one of his three locations, don’t be surprised if he personally tells you all about his gelato: for him, the line between passion, professionalism, intuition and creativity blurs, such is the love he pours into his work. As with the finest forms of art, for this gelato master, everything begins with the idea that the product must meet the golden rule of perfection: each flavour leaves his lab only when it is undeniably flawless. Thanks to obsessive care in every step — from the selection of ingredients at their source to the final product — the result, in all its forms, is pure poetry. The territory is always the starting point, with Sicily starring in the sorbet department: from strawberries and wild strawberries from Marsala to yellow peaches from Leonforte, lemons from Sant’Agata di Militello and prickly pears from Cerda, in dialogue with hazelnuts from the Langhe in Piedmont and almonds from Toritto and Corato in Puglia. Off-menu specials are a daily affair, always focusing on seasonality to create masterpieces to be enjoyed only when the time is right, like with the late Ciaculli mandarin. Even the non-gelato items — like brioche and cones — are the result of equally meticulous research, making the entire experience exemplary from beginning to end.

via Vittorio Emanuele, 401 – 392 5759351 – www.cappadonia.it

La Delizia

With over twenty years of experience and tradition, this has become a true reference point for ice cream lovers in Palermo and the surrounding area. Born as a historic delicatessen, it became a gelateria thanks to Bartolomeo Scalici’s vision, starting from a small pozzetti counter. Thanks to the consistent care and passion of the Scalici family, Delizia has won over generations of palates. Among the most popular flavours are hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate and coffee, but fruit-based flavours and granitas like mulberry, basil and lemon, and prickly pear also stand out. Over time, they’ve taken their ice cream to the beaches of Mondello, where their characteristic van refreshes bathers and tourists with authentic flavours right under the beach umbrella.

via Dammuso, 57 – 091 532186 – www.ladeliziagelateria.com

Ficus Gelato

A small kiosk set in the centre of Giardino Duca di Serradifalco, at the far end of via Dante — enter and you leave behind the city chaos, stepping into a green corner of calm and relaxation. Here, among warm lights and tables set on the lawn, you shouldn’t expect a classic ice cream menu: apart from whipped cream, each flavour is conceived to stand on its own, already including its own ideal pairing. So, classic pistachio comes dressed in caramelised walnuts, coffee cream with savoiardi biscuits and bitter cocoa, vanilla with raisins and sweet wine, and nougat with whisky and salted caramel. The concept revolves around the distinction between “sober” ice creams — base flavours enhanced with crunchy or textured ingredients — and “drunk” ones, where the base is paired with alcoholic and spiced reductions. Open from May to October.

via Dante, 332 – 320 8140412 – www.giardinoserradifalco.it/ficus-chiosco-gelato

Galatea

Ice cream parlour, pastry shop and café offering a variety of artisanal gelato made by the Lo Monaco family. This venue is known for using high-quality ingredients, with a selection ranging from classic creams like Noto almond, pistachio, hazelnut, and English trifle, to fresh, seasonal fruit sorbets such as fig, peach and watermelon. Also highly appreciated are the brioche with gelato and cream, ice cream on a stick, mini cakes and mini cones. The variety in flavours and formats, combined with a focus on seasonality, makes Bar Galatea a go-to for those seeking quality artisanal ice cream in Palermo.

via Galatea, 57 – 091 454653

Latteria Gelati Cremosi

This spacious venue welcomes guests with a comfortable outdoor area where they can enjoy a varied offering, setting the tone for what this establishment aims to provide: here, a proper break is a must. You’re not just “limited” to gelato — from coffee to pastries, you’re encouraged to linger and explore all that's available, from single portions to cakes and even pastries for breakfast. The array of flavours is striking: among the sorbets, there’s something for everyone, from the intense mango and passion fruit to the natural sweetness of pear, with a strawberry interlude that never disappoints. The cream-based options aim to surprise — with dark chocolate a constant star, and salted peanut adding a savoury twist. For sweet tooths, a drizzle of dark or white chocolate tops it all off like a cherry on top.

via L. Ariosto, 20 – 324 8887822

Al Gelatone

One of the city’s most famous artisanal gelaterias, renowned for the quality and variety of its classic and creative flavours: from traditional pistachio, almond, milk cream and lemon (all made without preservatives), to fruit sorbets — including the celebrated black mulberry. Master gelato maker and ambassador of Italian gelato, Peppe Cuti, also experiments with original flavours like aloe, coconut water, carrot and ginger, creating innovative combinations. The gelateria offers lactose-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free options, as well as formats such as cakes, logs, and gelato-filled mini pastries. Among the more typically Sicilian offerings are vucciddati and scaccio siciliano. Excellent service and professionalism make Al Gelatone a benchmark for quality gelato in Palermo.

via dell’Autonomia Siciliana, 96/98 – 091 363604

Il Signor di Carbognano

The name refers to a story, as told by Leonardo Sciascia, of a 17th-century Prince of Carbognano who was so fond of sorbets that he would summon the best masters in the craft from Sicily to his court. Today, it reflects the desire to pass down the centuries-old tradition of Sicilian gelato — both by staying true to its roots, as with Candiero, an old flavour based on jasmine and cinnamon, and by pushing it to its highest expression. The chocolate is from Modica, and revisits combinations already found in Bonajuto’s chocolate bars, such as in the orange variant, where the chocolate, also in nibs, is both aromatic and crunchy. A shared characteristic of all the cream flavours is their great silkiness and smooth taste: in the lovable hazelnut, in the vanilla where you can see the seeds, and in the perfectly crafted coffee. The sorbets hold their own as well. House-made brioche enhances the pastry offering across the three locations.

via E. Notarbartolo, 2/L – 091 7302545 – www.ilsignordicarbognano.it

La Vela

The great thing about traditions is that they rarely let you down — and if summer, seaside days, and that sun-drenched weariness calling for a simple treat are involved, tradition becomes a must. For every self-respecting Palermitan, stopping at this classic kiosk is second nature, especially before heading home after a day at the beach among the Addaura rocks. Here, the flavours are kept in traditional stainless-steel tubs, and they’re as classic as it gets: pistachio and hazelnut creams stand out for their richness, while the fruit sorbets — strawberry, mulberry, watermelon and melon — deliver freshness and balanced sweetness. Enjoy them while admiring the view of the Arenella coast, generously offered to all visitors of this small city institution. Tip: whether it’s a soft brioche, a cone with a crisp wafer, or a more minimal cup, we still recommend you don’t skip the whipped cream.

piazza Bordonaro, 10 – 091 361860