• Perugia

Exploring Perugia’s Gelato Scene: Top Picks from Umbra Institute Alumni

Dear Umbra Institute students,

Perugia is a city bursting with culture, history, and, most importantly, food! There is no better way to beat the heat and immerse yourself in Italian life than by indulging in some creamy, flavorful gelato. To help you navigate the gelato scene in Perugia, we’ve gathered recommendations from former students who’ve already explored it in the city center to find their favorite spot for a sweet treat. Here are some must-visit gelaterias and their top flavors:

1. Carloni 1989: Located adjacently to Piazza Italia, almost at the end of Corso Vannucci, Carloni is a favorite among locals and students alike. Former students recommend the pistachio & hazelnut, ricotta, and biscotti/café flavors. For a refreshing twist, explore their range of fruit flavors, especially the fragola (strawberry) and frutti di bosco (wild berries).
2. Gelateria Veneta: If you’re waiting for a bus in Piazza Italia and have some minutes to spare, have a gelato break by la Veneta, founded in 1935! Dive into a world of intense flavors and try the raspberry & dark chocolate combination or the black currant gelato. They also have a wide variety of dairy-free fruit flavors!
3. Mastro Cianuri: In Piazza Matteotti, by the Coop supermarket, Mastro Cianuri gelateria has it all: raspberry and chocolate, pistachio and strawberry, nocciola (hazelnut), limone, biscotto, fragola & stracciatella (an Italian classic). This gelateria is a treasure trove of taste, catering to every preference. Check out their freezer on the back wall for other sweat treats, like gelato cookie sandwiches!
4. Lick: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some unconventional combinations, Lick is the place for you! Go all the way down the stairs at the bottom of via Oberdan and enjoy some unique flavors that past students raved about like pear and choco chip, lemon basil, and passion fruit and yogurt.
5. L’artigiano: For those who appreciate the classics, L’artigiano is just outside the Umbra building and serves up delightful biscotto and bacio (from the famous Bacio Perugina chocolate), along with a perfect creamy vanilla.
6. Grom: Savor the richness of the super popular pistachio and stracciatella or indulge in the sweet and savory balance of salted caramel at Grom, located right by the Post Office, on a street parallel to Corso Vannucci. You can also find shakes and granita here if you want to switch it up!

Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets or taking in the picturesque views of the countryside, a gelato break is always a good idea!
We hope these recommendations will be a sweet way to start your adventure here in the city, and will help you create unforgettable memories as you enjoy the remaining days of summer in this charming Italian city. Buon appetito!