5 Satisfying Gelato Shops in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Looking for the best gelato in Dubrovnik? This gal has you covered! I spent two weeks exploring this charming city and found myself smitten by the end of my stay. One of the highlights was a day trip to Lokrum Island. One of my favorite daily routines was accompanying my insatiable sweet tooth for gelato runs.

Dubrovnik is a very small town, so there aren’t very many gelato shops to choose from. But there’s plenty else to explore, including all of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. However, what the city lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Since I had an opportunity to try every gelato in Old Town Dubrovnik, I didn’t want the knowledge to go to waste!

A few things to know before you go. Gelato in Dubrovnik typically costs between 15 and 30 Croatian kuna per scoop (roughly 2 to 4 euros). Most shops are cash-only, so make sure you have some kuna on hand. The shops tend to open around 9 or 10 AM and stay open late into the evening, which is perfect because a late-night gelato stroll through the Old Town is one of the best things you can do in this city.

If you’re planning a longer stay, don’t miss our full guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik.

So let’s get to it!

Best Gelato in Dubrovnik

Gianni (The absolute best gelato in Dubrovnik)

Gianni is helmed by acclaimed pastry chef Gianni who made a name for himself while working at Restaurant 360. He decided to take a leap of faith and pursue his passion for pastries and ice cream after wrapping his time at the Michelin-awarded restaurant.

The passion is evident, Gianni turns out some of the best gelato in Dubrovnik and we are all better for it! What I liked best about this great Dubrovnik gelato shop is the natural taste of the ice cream. Nothing was oddly colored and the flavors shined through.

I opted for the basil and coconut flavors and both were completely on point. As such, this ended up being my favorite gelato in Dubrovnik and I returned a handful of times during my stay.

The shop is tucked on a quiet side street about a 3-minute walk from the Stradun. You might walk past it if you’re not paying attention because the storefront is small. But follow your nose and the growing line, and you’ll find it.

Note: Gianni also serves both vegan and gluten-free ice cream in Dubrovnik. I tried the vegan chocolate and honestly couldn’t tell the difference.

Peppino’s (flavorful gelato in Dubrovnik)

Peppino’s is often regarded as the best gelato in Dubrovnik and it’s not hard to see why. A plethora of tantalizing flavors guarantee that everyone will find something to love.

The pistachio looked exceptionally inviting during my visit and didn’t disappoint. The gelato is generously swirled with a delicious pistachio cream that had me coming back for seconds in no time. My husband loved the tart flavors most and said this was his favorite ice cream in Dubrovnik.

Peppino’s is located right on the Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main pedestrian street. It gets busy during peak afternoon hours, so visit in the morning or after dinner for a shorter wait. They rotate seasonal flavors too, so you might find something new each time you visit.

The serving sizes are generous here compared to other shops. A single scoop felt like a double at some of the other places I tried.

Gelateria Dubrovnik

Gelateria Dubrovnik is one of the oldest gelato shops in Dubrovnik, and locals seem to love this spot the most. There was a line out the door almost every day I swung by so I knew I had to try it for myself.

I ordered the yogurt scoop and my husband went for passion fruit. Both flavors were deliciously tart and very satisfying, plus the service was super friendly during our visit.

This shop sits near the Pile Gate entrance to Old Town. If you’re walking in from outside the walls, you’ll pass it almost immediately. The prices here are slightly lower than the other shops on this list, which might explain the constant line. Pro tip: the lemon flavor is refreshing on a hot day and pairs perfectly with exploring the city walls.

The Boccapiena

Home to 32 delightful flavors, Boccapiena is one of the best ice cream shops in Dubrovnik! Everything is homemade using natural ingredients exclusively and you can definitely taste the difference. The goal of this lovely Dubrovnik gelato shop is simple: serve high-quality ice cream that adds joy to the day.

And it delivers! They also serve popsicles and soft-serve ice cream in Dubrovnik as well. Vegan and gluten-free options available, to boot.

I tried the salted caramel here and it was rich without being overwhelmingly sweet. The texture was incredibly smooth, almost like silk. The shop itself is adorable with a small seating area outside where you can people-watch while enjoying your cone.

From the website: All of the ice creams and frozen treats are made with premium authentic ingredients without preservatives or additives, all of the flavors are absolutely free of food color, refined sugar, and chemicals.

aRoma

Hailing from Rome, aRoma serves some of the best gelato in Dubrovnik. One of my favorite things about aRoma is the number of flavors on offer, in addition to classics. I ordered the hazelnut flavor and enjoyed every ounce! It’s hard to go wrong with any of the flavors, so I suggest getting your go-to (mine is hazelnut).

aRoma is located near the Luza Square, right in the heart of Old Town. The shop is easy to spot thanks to its bright signage. They also serve coffee, which makes it a nice spot for a mid-afternoon break. I loved grabbing a scoop and sitting on the steps of the nearby church to take it all in.

Tips for Getting the Best Gelato in Dubrovnik

After two weeks of dedicated gelato research (tough job, I know), here are a few things I picked up along the way.

• Look at the color. If the pistachio is bright green, it’s probably loaded with artificial coloring. Real pistachio gelato is more of a muted brownish-green. Same goes for banana, which should be grayish, not yellow.
• Check the texture. Good gelato should look smooth and dense, not fluffy and piled high. The big fluffy swirls usually mean it’s been pumped with air.
• Visit in the evening. The afternoon heat can make gelato melt before you even get your first lick. An evening stroll with a cone in hand is the way to go.
• Try local flavors. Several shops offer Croatian-inspired flavors like lavender, fig and honey, or rakija (local brandy). These are worth trying at least once.

Best Ice Cream in Dubrovnik (Post Summary)

In sum, here’s the best gelato in Dubrovnik.

1. Gianni
2. Peppino’s
3. Gelateria Dubrovnik
4. The Boccapiena
5. aRoma

I tried all five of these spots multiple times during my two-week stay, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you only have time for one, make it Gianni. You won’t regret it.

Map of the best Dubrovnik Gelato

Further Reading

• 20 EPIC Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
• Day Trip to Lokrum Island

Cheers!

Antonina

Check the Dubrovnik Tourist Board for seasonal opening hours in the Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions