What is the best ice cream shop in the world in 2026? To give a verifiable answer, we updated this guide using the official Gelato Festival World Ranking 2026.
The ranking scores gelato masters who have competed in Gelato Festival circuits and links each professional to a shop. It is not a universal judgement on every ice cream shop worldwide; it is an annual ranking based on that competition circuit.
2026 ranking: the top 10 positions
1. La Cremeria gelato italiano — Cádiz, Spain
Carlo Guerriero has 379 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is La Cremeria gelato italiano in Cádiz, Spain.
2. Szypuła 1974 — Baborów, Poland
Tomasz Szypuła has 233 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Szypuła 1974 in Baborów, Poland.
3. Osteria Hubenbauer — Varna (Bolzano), Italy
Elisabeth Stolz has 224 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Osteria Hubenbauer in Varna (Bolzano), Italy.
4. La Parona del Gelato — Parona, Italy
Giovanna Bonazzi has 215 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is La Parona del Gelato in Parona, Italy.
5. Gelateria Giotto — Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
Christian Wu has 212 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Gelateria Giotto in Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium.
6. Savannah’s Kitchen — San Francisco, United States
Savannah G. Lee has 206 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Savannah’s Kitchen in San Francisco, United States.
7. VeroLatte — Vigevano, Italy
Massimiliano Scotti has 191 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is VeroLatte in Vigevano, Italy.
8. Véneta Gelato Italiano — Valencia, Spain
Maurizio Melani has 184 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Véneta Gelato Italiano in Valencia, Spain.
9. IJssalon IJsie Prima — Callantsoog, the Netherlands
Kees Baars has 179.5 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is IJssalon IJsie Prima in Callantsoog, the Netherlands.
10 (tie). Gelateria dei Principi — Correggio, Italy
Fabio Forghieri has 178 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Gelateria dei Principi in Correggio, Italy.
10 (tie). Gelateria Miretti — Turin, Italy
Leonardo La Porta has 178 points in the 2026 ranking. The shop listed by the ranking is Gelateria Miretti in Turin, Italy.
Two professionals share tenth place with the same score. That is why eleven shops appear across ten ranking positions.
How the ranking works
Gelato Festival World Masters updates a ranking of artisans who have competed in Gelato Festival tournaments since 2011 and in partner circuits. Points and crowns reflect competition results. This article uses the 2026 edition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ice cream shop in the world in 2026?
In the 2026 Gelato Festival World Ranking, Carlo Guerriero is first, linked to La Cremeria gelato italiano in Cádiz, Spain, with 379 points.
What is the best ice cream in the world?
This ranking rewards gelato masters and their competition record, not one flavour. A claim about a single product would require a dedicated competition and a precise date.
Why are there eleven shops in a top 10?
Fabio Forghieri and Leonardo La Porta share tenth place with 178 points.
Is the ranking permanent?
No. It is updated annually, so check the edition and the shop’s current details before travelling.
Sources and verification date
- Gelato Festival World Ranking 2026
- Gelato Festival World Ranking: methodology and Hall of Fame
- 2026 ranking announcement
Facts checked on 10 August 2026.
