The Best Gelato Shop of the Year is from Randazzo, in the province of Catania, Sicily: it's the Musumeci gelateria, run on the slopes of Etna by sisters Giovanna, a business degree thrown away for a love of the art of baking, Sandra and Carmen who inherited from their father Santo what is now considered a legendary temple of Sicilian gelato, attracting enthusiasts and tourists from all over the island.
"Almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and the finest citrus fruits in Sicily," Santo wrote, "are where my story begins. A simple story born from my land and the richness of its fruits. A story that grows in my land, where the sun transforms everything into treasures for the eyes and the palate... I have put nothing but commitment and dedication into translating these excellences into unique and special creations, into something that speaks of us, our tradition, and our art."
The historic Sicilian ice cream shop has been awarded the Gambero Rosso Guide to the Best Ice Cream Shops in Italy, now in its tenth edition and available, from this year, also in digital format within the new Gambero Rosso editorial ecosystem.
The new edition selected 583 establishments across the country, with 77 gelato shops awarded the Tre Coni, the guide's highest honor. Over 80 new entries were included in the selection, confirming the vitality of a sector that continues to grow in quality, innovation, and focus on sustainability.
According to data compiled by the FIPE-Confcommercio Research Center, the sector comprises approximately 39 businesses and generated a turnover of nearly €5 billion in 2025. This universe, comprised of ice cream parlors, cafés, and pastry shops, is seeing an increasing number of emerging professionals capable of combining technical expertise, the valorization of raw materials, and entrepreneurial vision.
The Guide awarded Eleonora Pinzi of Ele Gelati e Granite in Lucca the Emerging Gelato Maker Award. The Guide writes: "She makes gelato to tell stories. Stories of dreams, of travel, of sustainable work. And her degree in aesthetic philosophy also plays a part, which she tries to forget by keeping her hands busy."
"Gelato represents one of the most authentic experiences of a trip to Italy, and at its best, it speaks to our country's extraordinary biodiversity," commented Pina Sozio, editor of the guide. "The 2027 guide demonstrates the qualitative growth of the industry and highlights professionals investing in research, training, sustainability, and local development. Ten years after the first edition, the Italian gelato scene appears more mature, informed, and creative than ever."
Lombardy remains the region with the highest number of reviewed establishments and Tre Coni-awarded gelato shops, followed by Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Lazio. In addition to the main awards, the guide also awards a series of Special Prizes dedicated to individuals and businesses that are contributing to the evolution of the sector.
Special Awards 2027
Ice Cream Shop of the Year Santo Musumeci – Randazzo (CT)
Emerging ice cream maker Eleonora Pinzi – Ele Gelati and Granite, Lucca
Ice cream makers who made history – 40 Years Gambero Rosso Award Alberto Marchetti – Casa Marchetti, Turin Corrado Sanelli – Sanelli, Salsomaggiore Terme (PR) Giancarlo Timballo – Timballo, Udine Sergio Dondoli – Dondoli Ice Cream Shop, San Gimignano (SI) Gianfrancesco Cutelli – De' Coltelli Ice Cream Shop, Pisa Claudio Torcè – Torcè, Rome Antonio Cappadonia – Cappadonia Gelati, Palermo
Best Gourmet Ice Cream 100% Natural – Sestri Levante (GE) Capodilatte – Vicenza Scilò Contemporary Ice Cream Shop – Chieti
Ice Cream and Territory Ettore Bar – Locri (RC) Lolla Gelato – Viterbo Gasparotto – Lacco Ameno (NA)
The News of the Year The Rag – Atripalda (AV)
