Gelato is the Italian word for "frozen" and is often compared to ice cream in the U.S., usually to the disdain of Italians. It is traditionally made of whole milk and eggs. This gives it richness without flavors becoming masked by the fat from cream. Gelato is classified according to the ingredients used in making them:

semifreddo - Literally meaning "half cold," it is made from the same base as gelato but has whipped cream folded in. It vaguely resembles a mousse, which is what the chocolate flavor of gelato is called.
sorbetto - Also known as fruit sorbet, it has become popular in many Italian restaurants and is often served halfway through the meal to separate the fish and meat courses and act as a palate cleanser, but instead it anesthetizes the mouth in time for the arrival of red wine.
granite - These are slushy water ice granules, usually in lemon or coffee flavors, are normally found in bars, and are more common in southern Italy.

Gelateria Caffè delle Carrozze

Address	Piazza del Pesce - Ponte Vecchio
Closed	Wednesday from November - March

Though it is right next to the Ponte Vecchio it is often overlooked. Head for the Ponte Vecchio and turn to your left and go down a bit, just tucked in this little piazza you will find the gelateria La Carrozza. Try the mousse flavors for a heavenly treat, it is like eating clouds! The creamy richness of these gelati just cannot be surpassed.

Gelateria Badiani

Address	Viale dei Mille, 20r
Quarter	The Stadium
Closed	Tuesday

This gelateria is not in the historic center but it is where all the locals go for great gelato. The Gelateria is known for the Buontalenti flavor which is made with egg yolk and a vanilla cream flavor. This description does not adequately explain this amazing flavor! Just a note: it will be rare if you see a child here, this is a deluxe adult experience!

Perche No?

Address	Via Tavolini, 19r
Closed	Tuesday

After you have done your banking at the AMEX, bop over to this gelateria for a quick fix. The flavors are the standards and are accompanied by the best of the semi-freddi flavors (these are practically like tasting cool whipped cream).

Vivoli

Address	Via Isola delle Stinche, 7r
Closed	Monday

For over three decades this was Florence's best in gelato. In fact, most guidebooks will still name Vivoli as the very best in all of Italy. However, the establishment has changed hands and renewed its look in the last five years and the gelato is not the way it used to be, but it is still very good. Beware: the servings are small.

Gelateria Ponte alla Carraia

Address	Oltrárno - Ponte alla Carraia

For a heaping cone or cup of ice cream, head for the Ponte alla Carraia. The portions are the most generous in all of Florence and the flavors are jam-packed with authentic ingredients. Worth the stroll down the Arno for this one! These are the most generous portions in Florence.

Gelateria dei Neri

Address	Via dei Neri, 22r

In this tiny gelateria one could even find soya ice cream, allowing even vegans and people with a dairy intolerance to indulge.