London is one of the world's great food cities. It is home to restaurants that rival the best in Paris, Tokyo, and New York. But gelato — truly good gelato, made in the Italian tradition — has historically been a weak spot. That is beginning to change.
In recent years, a small number of independent gelaterias have opened in London with a genuine commitment to quality. Here is our honest guide to what to look for — and where we think you should go.
What to look for
before you buy
Before discussing specific locations, it is worth establishing what genuine gelato looks and tastes like — because a surprising amount of what is sold as "gelato" in London is industrial product in disguise. The key markers of authenticity are: natural, muted colours (not neon greens or vivid pinks); a soft, dense texture that doesn't pile high in the pan; a focused, seasonal menu; and a team that can tell you where their ingredients come from.
If you walk into a gelateria and the menu has 40 flavours, the colours are unnaturally bright, and the staff cannot tell you the origin of the pistachios — move on.
The neighbourhoods
worth exploring
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is our home, and we believe it is the right location for a serious gelateria. The neighbourhood attracts a genuinely international crowd — visitors who have often tasted real gelato in Italy and know the difference. That keeps standards honest. Our shop at 23 Rose Street, just off the main piazza, is open daily from noon until late.
Soho & Fitzrovia
These adjacent neighbourhoods have a strong independent food culture and several spots worth visiting. The density of foot traffic means quality varies significantly — but the best places here benefit from a discerning, food-literate clientele that keeps them sharp.
Borough Market & London Bridge
Borough Market is one of the city's great food destinations, and the surrounding area has benefited from that gravitational pull. It remains one of the better areas in London to find producers and makers who take quality seriously — gelato included.
Notting Hill & Portobello
West London's food scene is dominated by a few high-profile streets, and Portobello Road in particular has a strong independent retail character. Weekend markets here attract quality producers, and the area's food culture generally supports small, craft-focused businesses.
Gelatone, Covent Garden
We will not pretend to be objective about our own product — but we will tell you precisely why we believe Gelatone is the best gelato in London, and let you be the judge.
We source our pistachios exclusively from Bronte, Sicily — a DOP-protected region whose volcanic soil produces a nut unlike any other. Our hazelnuts come from Piedmont. Our milk is sourced from Somerset. Every batch is made fresh each morning. We carry no stock overnight. The menu is small, focused, and seasonal.
We are at 23 Rose Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9EA. Open daily, noon until late.
Visit Gelatone →"The best gelato in London is made by people who cannot imagine making it any other way."