Gelateria Dondoli
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Who knew a gelateria on a mountain would be the world's best/ most famous gelateria? I had high expectations for the gelato here (especially after that long line), but it definitely didn't disappoint! Their signature flavor with saffron has a unique taste which is worth trying. I also got their pistachio and their flavor of the day (Thai mango). All three flavors wowed me. The gelato here is so creamy with great consistency. Highly highly recommended. I would do a road trip just for this!
Fantastic! Just get their award winning "Crema di Santa Fina" flavor, and savor it. It's the best! An amazing blend of bourbon vanilla, pine nuts from Pisa, and saffron from San Gimignano. It even tastes expensive, and totally satisfies that sweet tooth. It's located in Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano. There are 2 gelaterias in this square. This is the more popular one. There will be a line, but fortunately it moves quickly. The service is very friendly, and the gelato affordable. A great way to cool off while walking around this medieval town in Tuscany.
This is all over TikTok, and our tour guide highly recommended to try it, so we definitely had to. Lines get long, but it moved so fast. Definitely try the special flavors they are known for even though they had SO many to choose from. It was definitely the best creamiest gelato I had in Tuscany, so I'd say it's worth the hype. It's just a little tiny shop to grab your gelato and go explore outside.
Awarded best ice cream spot in the world! I believe this is because of the selection of unusual flavors. Their SAFFRON flavor is most popular. It was indeed good, and an appropriate flavor for Tuscany where saffron is grown. I also enjoyed their RICOTTA CHEESE WITH WILD BERRIES flavor. I like that this flavor wasn't as sweet as normal flavors but had a slight cheese backbone. TIPS 1. Don't fret about the long line. It moves quickly and there is a reason there is a line. 2. Don't go to the wrong gelato place. There must be 5-6 gelateria shops between Johns gate and Dondoli. There is even one kiddy corner to Dondoli that claims they are world famous and had a line, just a bit smaller. Dondoli is in the open square just after public restrooms.
The best gelato in the world located in the historic hilltop town of San Gimignano. Our tour guide told us it was the best in the world and I was skeptical but once I tasted it - I knew it was true. They have traditional and experimental flavors, like Saffron! Expect long lines, it is the best in the world after all, but the line moves very quickly. The general ambiance is excited and fun - everyone from patrons to staff are just thrilled and happy to be there. A must do in San Gimignano!
Tourist trap with crazy long lines. The line goes very fast. The servers do a great job getting people in and out. They're helpful and friendly, letting people try samples before picking their flavors. The small offers two flavors. They have a wide variety of flavors. Surprisingly cheap considering it's a tourist trap. Cool tiny spot with photos of famous people who've been there. Right in the center of the piazza. Overall wasn't blown away. It wasn't any better than any other gelato I've had around Italy. Not sure what the hype is about.
Gelateria Dondoli is known as the "world's best gelato," so I had to give it a try while in San Gimignano. I went with pistachio and hazelnut -- both were very good. However, the service felt rushed, and with the line moving quickly, I felt stressed trying to pick flavors. I ended up choosing ones I already knew I liked instead of taking my time to explore something new. It was extremely busy, which is expected for such a world-famous spot. While it was good gelato, I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had. That said, if you're visiting San Gimignano, it's worth stopping by at least once to see what the hype is about.
This is a very touristy place, they are busy all the time. They have plenty of different gelatos flavors. The most interesting ones was Champelmo, Limone IGP, Curva fiesole, and Mango Thai. All of these flavors are unique and organic. They use the best supply from around the town. The first flavor y a combination of grapefruit and sparkling wine. The second is just their famous Italian lemons. The next one have ricotta cheese and blueberries. Yummy. The and the last one on my list has Mango, coconut, and sticky rice. All of their flavors are sweet but not overwhelming sweet which I loved. I personally don't like very sweet stuff. You get to the cashier counter and you order you gelato. I personally recommend the ricotta cheese with the blueberries. But if you want you can get one scoop from each flavor. :) This is a must for all tourists. Let me know which one you tried and what did you think about the flavor. Like I mention before very busy place, be patients with the workers as you may see that they get pretty busy. There is a plaza outside the place and people just stay there or seat around. The streets are very high angle so if you want to eat more than one I am pretty sure you would loose the calories on the way down. Highly recommend. I tried the Crema di Santa Fina. It had a very peculiar taste. My mom got the pistachio and it was super delicious. Thinking about it I recrear not getting another one.
My family was on a day trip with a stop in San Gimignano. Our tour guide recommended the award winning Gelateria Dondoli and specifically the Crema di Santa Fina flavor. It was 95+ degrees outside and I was staggering around the beautiful neighborhood. I saw the line for gelato and got on. Yes, it's a very long line. Yes, the shop itself is chaotic. Yet somehow the professional staff makes it all work. The gelato itself is worthy of the award it won. The Crema di Santa Fina features saffron and pine nuts and if you're in the know, it doesn't get much more decadent than that! Absolutely delicious!
Very good gelato! This is a very popular spot. The line was pretty long but it was worth waiting for. It was a little chaotic on the inside because we weren't sure who was next or who was currently being served. You kind of just have to jump in and tell them your order. They have some very tasty and unique flavor options. I went to several Gelaterias during my stay in Italy and this place was the most unique and best tasting gelato that I had.
genuinely the best gelato i've ever had in my life. i cannot get the champagne gelato off my mind. they won all of those awards for a reason! great service, great price. the best.
Hands down the best gelato I've ever had in my life. World champion is for real. I've always loved ice cream or gelato with alcohol in it. This place sure how to make them! I tried their Malaga flavor, which is a fortified sweet wine. All I can say is, holy amazing!! Can you say delicioso?! If you are visiting the charming town of San Gimignano, please come try this place. You are missing out if you don't! Seriously!
4 months ago
Gelateria Dondoli is one of San Gimignano's most iconic culinary stops, transforming a simple gelato into a memorable Tuscan experience. It is located in the heart of Piazza della Cisterna, the award-winning gelateria is known for its rich, ultra-creamy textures, high-quality local ingredients, and inventive flavors created by master gelato maker Sergio Dondoli. While classics like pistachio and chocolate are exceptional, the shop is especially famous for creative combinations such as saffron and pine nut cream or pink grapefruit with sparkling wine. We tried Rosemary Baby (Raspberry and Tuscan rosemary) and safron and pine nut cream gelato. Nothing like we ever tasted...The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with long lines that reflect its international reputation. We waited in line about 30 minutes but was well worth it. Despite the long line and higher prices, Gelateria Dondoli remains a must-visit destination. Enjoying a cone beneath the medieval towers of San Gimignano turned the experience into more than dessert...it becomes part of the town's charm, and unique character. read more
Gelateria Dondoli is one of those places that gets a lot of hype, and it definitely draws a crowd in San Gimignano. When we visited, there was a line about 15 people deep out the door, but it moved reasonably quickly. They offer a wide range of unique flavors -- things like rosemary, lavender, and other creative combinations you don't usually see. It makes for a fun experience trying something different. All the flavors we tried were good, and overall the gelato was excellent. We've had some incredible gelato elsewhere in Italy, but this was still very enjoyable. Worth stopping in if you're in San Gimignano. Grab some and enjoy by the well in the center of the piazza. read more
We took a tour of Tuscany and San Gimignano was one of our stops. Our tour guide recommended this gelateria and it was so worth the long line (it moves fast!). I had a scoop of the saffron and pine nuts and a scoop of the thai mango that had black sesame seeds in it. Both flavors were absolutely incredible and I would highly recommend them! Note- the saffron flavor wasn't on the menu but I asked if they had it and they said yes!! read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
Who knew a gelateria on a mountain would be the world's best/ most famous gelateria? I had high expectations for the gelato here (especially after that long line), but it definitely didn't disappoint! Their signature flavor with saffron has a unique taste which is worth trying. I also got their pistachio and their flavor of the day (Thai mango). All three flavors wowed me. The gelato here is so creamy with great consistency. Highly highly recommended. I would do a road trip just for this! read more
Fantastic! Just get their award winning "Crema di Santa Fina" flavor, and savor it. It's the best! An amazing blend of bourbon vanilla, pine nuts from Pisa, and saffron from San Gimignano. It even tastes expensive, and totally satisfies that sweet tooth. It's located in Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano. There are 2 gelaterias in this square. This is the more popular one. There will be a line, but fortunately it moves quickly. The service is very friendly, and the gelato affordable. A great way to cool off while walking around this medieval town in Tuscany. read more
This is all over TikTok, and our tour guide highly recommended to try it, so we definitely had to. Lines get long, but it moved so fast. Definitely try the special flavors they are known for even though they had SO many to choose from. It was definitely the best creamiest gelato I had in Tuscany, so I'd say it's worth the hype. It's just a little tiny shop to grab your gelato and go explore outside. read more
Awarded best ice cream spot in the world! I believe this is because of the selection of unusual flavors. Their SAFFRON flavor is most popular. It was indeed good, and an appropriate flavor for Tuscany where saffron is grown. I also enjoyed their RICOTTA CHEESE WITH WILD BERRIES flavor. I like that this flavor wasn't as sweet as normal flavors but had a slight cheese backbone. TIPS 1. Don't fret about the long line. It moves quickly and there is a reason there is a line. 2. Don't go to the wrong gelato place. There must be 5-6 gelateria shops between Johns gate and Dondoli. There is even one kiddy corner to Dondoli that claims they are world famous and had a line, just a bit smaller. Dondoli is in the open square just after public restrooms. read more
10 months ago
The best gelato in the world located in the historic hilltop town of San Gimignano. Our tour guide told us it was the best in the world and I was skeptical but once I tasted it - I knew it was true. They have traditional and experimental flavors, like Saffron! Expect long lines, it is the best in the world after all, but the line moves very quickly. The general ambiance is excited and fun - everyone from patrons to staff are just thrilled and happy to be there. A must do in San Gimignano! read more
Tourist trap with crazy long lines. The line goes very fast. The servers do a great job getting people in and out. They're helpful and friendly, letting people try samples before picking their flavors. The small offers two flavors. They have a wide variety of flavors. Surprisingly cheap considering it's a tourist trap. Cool tiny spot with photos of famous people who've been there. Right in the center of the piazza. Overall wasn't blown away. It wasn't any better than any other gelato I've had around Italy. Not sure what the hype is about. read more
1 year ago
Gelateria Dondoli is known as the "world's best gelato," so I had to give it a try while in San Gimignano. I went with pistachio and hazelnut -- both were very good. However, the service felt rushed, and with the line moving quickly, I felt stressed trying to pick flavors. I ended up choosing ones I already knew I liked instead of taking my time to explore something new. It was extremely busy, which is expected for such a world-famous spot. While it was good gelato, I wouldn't say it was the best I've ever had. That said, if you're visiting San Gimignano, it's worth stopping by at least once to see what the hype is about. read more
This is a very touristy place, they are busy all the time. They have plenty of different gelatos flavors. The most interesting ones was Champelmo, Limone IGP, Curva fiesole, and Mango Thai. All of these flavors are unique and organic. They use the best supply from around the town. The first flavor y a combination of grapefruit and sparkling wine. The second is just their famous Italian lemons. The next one have ricotta cheese and blueberries. Yummy. The and the last one on my list has Mango, coconut, and sticky rice. All of their flavors are sweet but not overwhelming sweet which I loved. I personally don't like very sweet stuff. You get to the cashier counter and you order you gelato. I personally recommend the ricotta cheese with the blueberries. But if you want you can get one scoop from each flavor. :) This is a must for all tourists. Let me know which one you tried and what did you think about the flavor. Like I mention before very busy place, be patients with the workers as you may see that they get pretty busy. There is a plaza outside the place and people just stay there or seat around. The streets are very high angle so if you want to eat more than one I am pretty sure you would loose the calories on the way down. Highly recommend. I tried the Crema di Santa Fina. It had a very peculiar taste. My mom got the pistachio and it was super delicious. Thinking about it I recrear not getting another one. read more
4 months ago
10 months ago
My family was on a day trip with a stop in San Gimignano. Our tour guide recommended the award winning Gelateria Dondoli and specifically the Crema di Santa Fina flavor. It was 95+ degrees outside and I was staggering around the beautiful neighborhood. I saw the line for gelato and got on. Yes, it's a very long line. Yes, the shop itself is chaotic. Yet somehow the professional staff makes it all work. The gelato itself is worthy of the award it won. The Crema di Santa Fina features saffron and pine nuts and if you're in the know, it doesn't get much more decadent than that! Absolutely delicious! read more
4 months ago
Very good gelato! This is a very popular spot. The line was pretty long but it was worth waiting for. It was a little chaotic on the inside because we weren't sure who was next or who was currently being served. You kind of just have to jump in and tell them your order. They have some very tasty and unique flavor options. I went to several Gelaterias during my stay in Italy and this place was the most unique and best tasting gelato that I had. read more
Hands down the best gelato I've ever had in my life. World champion is for real. I've always loved ice cream or gelato with alcohol in it. This place sure how to make them! I tried their Malaga flavor, which is a fortified sweet wine. All I can say is, holy amazing!! Can you say delicioso?! If you are visiting the charming town of San Gimignano, please come try this place. You are missing out if you don't! Seriously! read more
11 months ago
Rated best gelato of 2024! Lots of amazing options in Italy and this one had cool flavors. Blueberry ricotta and vanilla was what we got. Line was long but went by quickly because the staff was efficient. Located right in the heart of historic town. read more
My friend and I were on a private Tuscany day trip and our driver took us to see San Gimignano. Our driver told us to stop by this gelato shop. I'm so glad he did because to date, this is by far the best gelato I've ever had in my life. It was so good, we went for seconds haha. You cannot go wrong with any flavors - some are so unique and I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else. There are lines even when its cold outside, but the staff is very efficient and lines move quick! read more
This had to be the best place to get gelato in Italy! It's a long walk to this place but so worth it. Our tour guide recommended this place saying even if there's a long line make sure to wait... it will go fast. We lucked out, no line so our group walked right it. Popular place, lots of awards and celebrity photos on the wall. Tried a few flavors before setting on coffee... yum yum yum. A few places to sit outside but most people walk and enjoy. read more
2 years ago
The gelato is indeed very good! One of the best you can find. But the experience of purchasing is horrible. Maybe the fame of this place didn't do it well. You have to get in line, decide the flavour and pay all under the heat, the attendant shouting at you and pressuring to do it quickly. This makes the experience really stressful. Maybe when the gelateria is empty things are different. The gelato is tasty, but the experience not. read more
This is THE spot to go for gelato if you're in Tuscany. We did a walking tour of Siena and San Gimignano and our guide made sure we had a stop here after lunch. Be sure to check out their featured flavors because they have some very unique ones in additional to the more original favorites like lemon, vanilla, Nutella, chocolate, strawberry, etc. They use organic locally sourced milk and also have some dairy free options. Be prepared to wait in line because this is well known as the best gelato in the area. Also scan the QR code to decide what you'd like before you make it up to the counter because they'll expect you to be ready to order. They offer cup or cone and I highly recommend the cones because they are made fresh and they're delicious. read more
I agree with some other reviews that this place has more fame than it seems worthy of. They did have a multitude of flavors that make it hard to make a decision. But our group tried a good amount of different ones and none were special enough to deserve the title of Best gelato, in fact, we agreed that gelato we had in Rome and Pompeii from a little stand was better. On top of that, the service was not very friendly and was rushing to push us all through the line and out the door. read more
I would say the best gelato we had in Italy. We heard that the lines are usually long but it goes by fast cause they work organized as a team. And sure enough before we knew it , it was our turn to order. So many delicious flavors to chose from. I really loved the strawberry gelato, tasted like real strawberries and not just flavoring and color. They use real fruits and quality ingredients. Employees are friendly and work really fast to love the line. We were in that are for three hours so and that line didn't go down for a minute. The whole town of San Gimignano is magical. Grab your gelato and walk around. So pretty. Overall a great decision to try this place out, I highly recommend it. read more
2 years ago
Literally the best gelato in all of Italy! Award winning repeatedly. Definitely stop here if given the opportunity. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
This gelateria makes BY FAR the best gelato I have ever tasted. I got the lemon and mango gelato together in a cone and the price was super reasonable (about 3 euros) and the portion was huge. There was a line out the door when we initially got there was but the line moved pretty quickly and we were to the front within 5-10 minutes. This gelato was so good that the next time I go to Italy I am going to plan around coming back here. The only negative about this place is that no gelato will ever be able to compare to how good this is now. Fun fact: I learned from a tour guide that when the Obama's were in town they hosted a party and had this gelateria provide the gelato and since then it is also Michelle Obama's favorite gelato spot. They even have a gelato flavor named after her! read more
All I can say is amazing. To meet the owner who mingles with those in line and shakes hands. The lines move very fast with about 5 workers behind the counter. I went caramel and it was amazing. Don't be fooled by the place across the street that advertises as being # 1 anyone can claim that. read more
4 years ago
Worth the long line. Go get some gelato and walk around the square. Eat calories, burn calories. Great choice on our visit here. read more
This gelateria has won twice the title of gelato world champion and they want you to know it. It's on their shop sign , on signage as you walk in the door and even on complimentary postcards you can mail to your friends . If you're on a tour your guide may even mention it. Unfortunately I would not have thought I was eating world champion gelato just by judging the flavor . There was a line and I was rushed without sampling the flavors I was interested in . All of these elements combined for an average experience.....perhaps the place is overhyped and my expectations were too high. Saffron is big in this area and their winning flavor is saffron. To me this flavor was just okay at Dondoli. Disappointed with Dondoli gelato in hand I stepped into the other gelato shop in the square and sampled their saffron gelato (they were so nice even despite I had the competitor's gelato in hand). This place had a better saffron gelato! And they also had a cheesecake flavor and several other tasty looking flavors Dondoli did not offer . There was also no line! Their sign said "world's best ice cream." Take a look at both and then decide but just don't buy into the hype like me. read more
3 years ago
There was a line when we went but it went by pretty fast. Lots of options and unique flavors so it was great to try different flavors. Highly recommend! read more
4 years ago
Best gelato in the world???? YES PLS!!!! Had to go here after hearing all the ravings and seeing the awards! Honest opinion: amazing but not best I've ever had! Still a must go since it has the award if you're in the area! Amazing variety of flavors and very unique! They are really quick so know what you want before you come in or you'll end up like me and with 2 flavors you didn't mean to get haha! Amazing gelato! I would've eaten more of these if I could! read more
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More info about Gelateria Dondoli
Piazza Cisterna 4
53037 San Gimignano
Italy
Directions
0577 942244
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http://www.gelateriadipiazza.com
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