gelato con brioche italy palermo sicily best gelaterie

Sicilian-style brioche bun stuffed with gelato, often eaten for breakfast during the summer!

Sicily is home to some of the best gelato in Italy, thanks to its exceptional local ingredients: pistachios from Bronte – considered among the best in the world, cold-processed chocolate from Modica, almonds from Avola, various types of citrus fruits, and Italy’s finest sea salt from Trapani. The top gelaterie in Palermo are committed to locally sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Here are three of the best places to go for gelato in the city! For more info, also check out what to see and do in Palermo for the city’s top sights and activities, the 5 must-try desserts in Sicily, and 10 interesting facts about Sicily.

Cappadonia Gelati

Cappadonia Gelati is Palermo’s most acclaimed gelateria. Known for its dedication to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Cappadonia has earned the prestigious “Tre Coni” award from Gambero Rosso’s Gelaterie d’Italia guide for seven consecutive years. It’s also part of the grassroots Addiopizzo movement, made up of businesses that won’t pay the Mafia’s extortion racket. Shop at places like Cappadonia with an orange Addiopizzo sticker on their storefront (or find them here) to support a Mafia-free economy!

  • If you want to learn more about the history of the Mafia and Sicily’s grassroots fight against it, I highly recommend this tour in Palermo that’s part of the Addiopizzo movement. I absolutely loved it.

La Kala

La Kala produces artisanal gelato using traditional methods and the best organic seasonal ingredients. Its gelato is 100% homemade and natural, free of preservatives, artificial thickeners, or coloring. For fruit lovers, La Kala is where you’ll find the largest and most diverse selection of fruit gelato and sorbets.

Rorò

Rorò is another quality gelateria that produces artisanal ice cream using seasonal local products and without colorants or ready-made bases. They have unique flavors like basil, yogurt and mint, and sesame, plus pistachio and chocolate gelato made without milk for the lactose intolerant.

  • Local Tip: Rorò is next to Bar del Corso, one of my favorite places in Palermo. It’s an authentic, atmospheric espresso bar where one man serves excellent coffee to a constant stream of locals.

More Ways to Enjoy Gelato in Palermo