As the demand for quality artisanal desserts grows, the capital of Romania has become a hub for gelaterias that rival those in major Italian cities. We analyzed reviews and market trends to identify the locations that excel in flavor, texture, and overall experience. Here is an essential guide for gelato lovers, presenting the 5 places in Bucharest where quality is guaranteed by consistent customer feedback.

1. Velocità: The Central Hub for Premium Ice Cream

Velocità quickly established itself as a must-visit spot on Calea Victoriei, often being the first name mentioned in discussions about luxury gelato. Its success is due to the premium ingredients used, sourced from carefully selected origins.

Why Velocità is No. 1 in reviews:

• Star Flavor: Salted Pistachio is considered the benchmark in Bucharest.
• Texture and Quality: Customers praise the creamy consistency and extremely intense flavors, indicating a high concentration of the main ingredient, not just artificial flavors.
• Complete Experience: In addition to gelato, the location is also appreciated for its specialty coffee and modern concept, which attracts constant queues, even outside the main season.

Location Details:

• Address: Calea Victoriei 122, Bucharest 010093
• Operating Hours (indicative):
  • Monday - Thursday: 08:00 – 23:00
  • Friday: 08:00 – 00:00
  • Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 – 00:00

2. Gelateria La Romana Dal 1947: Italian Authenticity with Tradition

Born in Rimini, the city of Fellini, La Romana brings a century of Italian tradition directly to the Capital. It is a fundamental choice for those seeking classic, uncompromising recipes.

What sets it apart in the local landscape:

• Classic Italian Recipes: Varieties such as Bacio di Dama or Stracciatella are executed to perfection.
• Certified Ingredients: The gelateria uses hazelnuts from Piedmont and Avola almonds, underscoring its commitment to ingredient excellence.
• Multiple Locations: Its presence in key areas, including Calea Victoriei and malls (AFI Cotroceni), makes it easily accessible, although queues are an indicator of its undeniable popularity.

Location Details (Calea Victoriei):

• Address: Calea Victoriei 103-105, București 010061
• Operating Hours (indicative):
  • Monday - Saturday: 11:00 – 23:00
  • Sunday: 11:00 – 00:00

3. Delicii Gelato: Innovation and Surprising Flavors

Delicii Gelato is known for not being afraid to experiment. In its own laboratory, the team daily creates flavors based on the traditional Italian method but adds a local and original twist.

Flavors that quickly became famous:

• Award-winning Originality: They became known for unique flavors, such as colivă (boiled wheat) gelato or unusual combinations like orange with basil and black sesame.
• Inclusivity: The gelateria offers an extended range of options for various intolerances (gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free) and vegan varieties.
• Constant Feedback: Customers appreciate that they can always find a new flavor to test their curiosity.

Location Details (Dorobanți):

• Address: Strada Constantin D. Aricescu 65, București 014192
• Operating Hours (indicative):
  • Monday - Friday: 12:00 – 19:00
  • Saturday - Sunday: 11:30 – 19:00

4. Friddi: The 100% Natural Artisanal Experience

Friddi, a Romanian brand started out of passion, has managed to establish itself as a benchmark for quality in just a few years. The focus on clean ingredients and a friendly environment have turned it into a favorite destination.

Why customers return to Friddi:

• Urban Garden: The location on Vasile Alecsandri street, with its urban garden, creates a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for savoring the treat.
• Clean Flavors: The promise of 100% natural artisanal gelato and sorbetto is respected, appreciated by parents and those mindful of their diet.
• Popular Recommendations: Italian-influenced varieties, such as Cuneese al rhum and crunchy almonds, are often mentioned in reviews.

Location Details:

• Address: Strada Vasile Alecsandri 4, București 010639
• Operating Hours (indicative):
  • Monday - Thursday: 08:30 – 20:30
  • Friday: 08:30 – 21:00
  • Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 – 21:00

5. Vice Cream: Refinement and Bold Varieties

Vice Cream caters to those looking for refinement and flavors that break the mold. The gelateria is famous for its unique blends and excellence in preparing non-dairy options.

Strengths highlighted by reviews:

• Quality Dairy-Free: The sorbets are extremely creamy, with flavors like sour cherry raspberry or passion fruit with mint and ginger demonstrating mastery.
• Customer Favorites: Salted Caramel is an undisputed hit, described as the most balanced in the city.
• Sweetness Balance: An important aspect emphasized by customers is that Vice Cream's ice cream is not excessively sweet, allowing the natural flavors to stand out.

Location Details:

• Address: Strada George Enescu 8A, București 010305
• Operating Hours (indicative):
  • Monday - Thursday: 09:00 – 21:00
  • Friday: 09:00 – 22:00
  • Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00

Top 3 Best-Selling Ice Cream Flavors in Bucharest

If you are looking for a safe flavor that will please the majority, here is the ranking of the most requested varieties in the Capital's top gelaterias:

1. Pistachio: A classic, yet essential choice. The high demand for quality pistachio forces gelaterias to invest in the highest quality raw material (often Pistachio from Bronte, Sicily), making it a true quality test for any gelateria.
2. Mango: Mango sorbet, due to its natural sweetness and intense cooling capacity, is usually the second best-selling flavor, also ideal for those avoiding dairy.
3. Vanilla and Salted Caramel: Two opposing flavors often compete for third place: Vanilla, appreciated for its elegant simplicity (especially if made with natural vanilla beans), and Salted Caramel, a modern comfort food that has won over the Bucharest public.

This ranking demonstrates that, although Bucharest residents are open to innovation, they highly value the quality of the basic ingredients.