What’s a better way to wrap after visiting Lecce Children’s museum than a delicious gelato? You are in luck. One of the city’s culinary highlights is its gelato scene, where artisanal ice cream parlors offer a delightful array of flavors and textures.
Gelato, the Italian counterpart to ice cream, has a rich history dating back centuries. Its origins can be traced to the Persian Empire, where frozen desserts made with snow and rosewater were enjoyed by royalty. Over time, this frozen treat made its way to Italy, where it evolved into the creamy, flavorful dessert we know today.
Lecce boasts a thriving gelato scene, with numerous ice cream parlors offering a wide variety of flavors to satisfy every palate. From classic favorites like stracciatella and pistachio to more adventurous options like fig and almond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Cioccolati Gourmet
Located in Mazzini about 3 minute walk from Lecce Childrens Museum, Cioccolati Gourmet is a paradise for chocolate lovers.Located in the heart of the city, this gelateria is not only known for its indulgent gelato flavors but also for its famous wall of liquid chocolate! Upon entering, you’re immediately drawn to the mesmerizing sight of a flowing wall of chocolate, which adds a theatrical and decadent touch to the experience.
The gelato here is rich and luxurious, with chocolate taking center stage. Their dark chocolate gelato is a fan favorite, but you’ll also find a variety of inventive combinations such as chocolate with orange zest or spicy chili. For an extra indulgence, ask for your cone to be dipped in the liquid chocolate—it’s a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Settimo Cielo
Settimo Cielo (which means “seventh heaven”) certainly lives up to its name. Located next to the famous
Teatro Politeama Greco, this gelateria offers a wide selection of both traditional and modern flavors. Their nocciola (hazelnut) and ricotta-stuffed fig flavors stand out, offering a unique combination of local Pugliese ingredients with an artisanal touch.
The interior is bright and welcoming, making it a popular stop for families. The attention to quality is evident in every scoop, and Settimo Cielo is particularly known for its generous portions. If you’re after a gelato experience that feels both luxurious and homely, Settimo Cielo is the place to go.
Baldo Gelato
Baldo Gelato is a must-visit for those who appreciate creativity and fresh ingredients. Situated near the city center, Baldo Gelato prides itself on using organic and locally sourced products. The gelato here is vibrant, with an array of inventive flavors and a smooth, natural texture.
The fruit flavors, particularly their blood orange and fig, are exquisite. Baldo Gelato also caters to a variety of dietary needs, offering gluten-free cones and several vegan gelato options. Their commitment to natural ingredients without sacrificing flavor has earned them a dedicated following in Lecce.
Gelatario Gelateria Naturale
For those in search of a more health-conscious indulgence, Gelatario Gelateria Naturale is the place to be. This gelateria specializes in all-natural ingredients and prides itself on offering organic, vegan, and gluten-free options. The gelato here is made without artificial flavors or preservatives, and every flavor bursts with freshness.
Their signature flavors, such as almond milk or coconut with fresh lime, are light and refreshing, perfect for those hot Lecce afternoons. In addition to their gelato, Gelatario Gelateria Naturale also offers a wide variety of sorbets, made entirely from fruit and sugar, delivering a clean, crisp taste.
Defriscu
Defriscu is relatively new on the Lecce gelato scene but has quickly made a name for itself thanks to its dedication to authentic, all-natural ingredients. Located just outside the city center, this charming gelateria offers a range of flavors that focus on seasonal fruits and high-quality local products.
Their signature flavor, “Defriscu,” is a refreshing blend of mint and chocolate chips, perfect for warm days. Their fruit-based gelatos, such as peach and watermelon, are made using fruits sourced from local farms. Defriscu is ideal for those who want to experience genuine, local flavors in their gelato.
Agricola
Agricola offers a unique farm-to-gelato experience. Their gelato is made with ingredients sourced directly from local farms, ensuring that every bite is packed with fresh, natural goodness. From farm-fresh milk to organic fruits and nuts, Agricola’s commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in every scoop.
Their pistachio and almond flavors are particularly popular, made from nuts grown in nearby Puglian orchards. In addition to their gelato, Agricola offers homemade granita, an Italian-style slush, which is perfect for cooling off during Lecce’s hot summer days.
Tentazioni
Located right in the heart of Lecce at Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Gelateria Pasticceria Tentazioni is a popular spot where tradition meets creativity. Known for its extensive selection of both classic and innovative gelato flavors, Tentazioni attracts both locals and tourists who are looking to cool off with a delicious treat while enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the square.
What sets Tentazioni apart is its commitment to quality and experimentation. While you’ll find beloved traditional flavors like stracciatella and nocciola, Tentazioni also offers inventive combinations such as fig and ricotta, or pistachio with caramelized almonds. Every scoop is made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor in every bite.
In addition to its gelato, Tentazioni offers a variety of freshly baked pastries, making it a great spot for an indulgent break. Whether you’re in the mood for a gelato cone or a pasticciotto alongside your coffee, Tentazioni is a delightful stop during your exploration of Lecce’s historic center.
Gelateria La Romana
Gelateria La Romana brings an established gelato legacy to Lecce. Originating from Rimini in the 1940s, this chain has expanded across Italy while maintaining an artisanal focus on its gelato. Known for rich and decadent flavors like cremino (a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut delight) and fior di panna, Gelateria La Romana is a treat for those looking for intense, creamy gelato experiences.
Their whipped cream, offered as an extra topping, is another specialty, and it’s hard to resist adding a swirl of it on top of any flavor you choose. The gelato is freshly prepared daily in-house, using high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the passion that goes into each scoop.
Gelateria Natale
No list of the best gelaterie in Lecce would be complete without mentioning Gelateria Natale. Home of Santo Pasticciotto, and located just off Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the bustling heart of the city, Natale has long been a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The first thing that strikes you upon entering is the extensive variety of flavors, from classic options like pistachio and chocolate to more innovative ones like fig and almond.
What sets Natale apart is the quality of its ingredients. The owners pride themselves on using fresh, local produce, particularly the seasonal fruits that give the gelato its authentic taste. Their pistachio gelato, made with Bronte pistachios from Sicily, is a must-try. Smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it perfectly embodies what a true Italian gelato should be.
Sensi
Sensi is the place to go for those in search of innovative flavors and a refined gelato experience. This upscale gelateria blends traditional techniques with modern flair, creating unique combinations that are both surprising and delicious. Located near the center of Lecce, Sensi’s minimalistic décor adds to its sophisticated vibe.
Some of their most popular flavors include “salted caramel with pecan” and “lemon cheesecake,” which combine creamy textures with a tangy twist. Sensi also takes pride in offering vegan and dairy-free options, ensuring that everyone can indulge in their luxurious offerings.
Caffè Alvino
Although more famous for its pastries and location in the beautiful Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Caffè Alvino also serves up some of the finest gelato in Lecce. This historic café has been a staple of Lecce’s culinary scene for decades and is a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely gelato while people-watching in the bustling piazza.
Caffè Alvino’s gelato is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Their chocolate and coffee gelato are particularly notable, offering intense flavors that are a hit among locals. In addition to gelato, Caffè Alvino is known for its pastries, including the famous pasticciotto—a traditional pastry from Lecce filled with custard. Pairing a pasticciotto with a scoop of gelato is an experience you shouldn’t miss, blending the best of Lecce’s dessert offerings into one unforgettable treat.
Martinucci
A name synonymous with quality across southern Italy, Martinucci in Lecce is a must-visit for those who appreciate artisanal desserts and gelato. Located in the heart of the city, this renowned pasticceria and gelateria offers a delightful combination of traditional Pugliese sweets and expertly crafted gelato. Martinucci has built its reputation on a commitment to using high-quality, fresh ingredients, resulting in desserts that are both rich in flavor and beautifully presented.
Their gelato selection includes both classic favorites, like pistachio and hazelnut, as well as more contemporary flavors such as salted caramel and cheesecake. In addition to gelato, Martinucci is celebrated for its pasticciotti, a typical pastry from Lecce filled with smooth custard, and other exquisite sweets such as cannoli and sfogliatelle.
With its elegant yet welcoming atmosphere, Martinucci is the perfect place to relax with a coffee and dessert while soaking in the ambiance of Lecce. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or spending time savoring their variety of offerings, Martinucci promises a delicious experience that is as memorable as Lecce itself.
L’Angolo della Dolcezza
For a truly authentic Lecce experience, head to L’Angolo della Dolcezza, located near Porta Rudiae. This quaint gelateria is beloved by locals for its simplicity and high-quality offerings. While it may not have the same tourist pull as some of the larger gelaterie, it more than makes up for it with its devotion to crafting traditional gelato.
L’Angolo della Dolcezza is known for its use of local ingredients, particularly the fresh milk and cream sourced from nearby farms. Their focus is on maintaining the integrity of the gelato-making process, ensuring that each batch is made fresh daily. Standout flavors include mandorla (almond) and nocciola (hazelnut), both of which are made from locally sourced nuts, giving the gelato a rich, natural taste.
Fior di Gelato
Fior di Gelato, located near Lecce’s historic city center, is a fantastic spot for purists who appreciate traditional gelato made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Their vanilla and chocolate flavors are incredibly rich, made from the finest vanilla beans and cacao, and offer a deep, authentic taste.
Fior di Gelato also excels in fruit-based flavors, with fresh strawberry, lemon, and melon proving to be crowd favorites. They focus on creating an authentic gelato experience by staying true to the original recipes, which ensures that every bite is as close to Italian gelato perfection as possible.
Over to you
Lecce is a city that tantalizes the senses, and its gelaterie are no exception. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic flavor or something more adventurous, Lecce’s gelaterie offer something for everyone. From the iconic Gelateria Natale to the luxurious offerings at Sensi, each gelateria brings its unique charm and flavors to the table, offering a delightful escape from the heat or a sweet ending to a day of sightseeing.
Each gelateria in Lecce has its own story to tell, whether it’s the innovative flavors at Baldo Gelato or the rich chocolate indulgence at Cioccolati Gourmet, complete with their mesmerizing wall of liquid chocolate. The diversity of gelato offerings across Lecce ensures that visitors and locals alike can savor the best of both traditional and modern flavors.
As you explore Lecce, take the time to stop at these local gems and indulge in the sweet, creamy goodness that is Italian gelato. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional pistachio cone or a scoop of refreshing sorbet, Lecce’s gelato scene is sure to leave a lasting impression. And remember, when in Lecce, there’s always time for one more scoop!
