Ask any local where to find the best gelato in Split, and they'll give you a different answer! The Venetians controlled the Dalmatian coast for hundreds of years, and so there's still Italian influence here including delicious ice cream on every street corner. Everyone here has their favourite gelateria, and they're willing to defend their champion to the end.
Since moving to Split over four years ago, I've made it my mission to visit every gelato maker in the city. In this guide I'm finally presenting my conclusive findings on the best gelato in Split!
The best gelato in Split Croatia? Luka's seasonal ingredients take top spot.
1. Luka
Located just outside of Split Old Town by the big yellow HNK theatre, Luka is my controversial pick for the best gelato in Split. Here everything is about high quality seasonal ingredients. They're always experimenting with new flavours depending on what's good at that time of year. I still sometimes think about their orange, walnut, and fig gelato I tried last winter that was just insanely good.
I'm a huge fan of their mango, lemon, and melon sorbets which are always really refreshing and not too sweet. I also recommend trying the lavender, pistachio, dark chocolate and raspberry, and milk chocolate and truffle gelatos. Or just anything they have. It's always amazing. They also do yummy cakes, including the city's traditional Splitska torta (Split cake) and huge pillowy donuts filled with jam or chocolate.
2. Cookie Lab
Cookie Lab is about 15 minutes walk from Split Old Town. It's right next to Bacvice beach, one of Split's few sandy beaches, which makes it the ideal spot to grab a refreshing post-swim gelato. It's also a cafe so you have the option to sit inside and enjoy your ice. They have a great selection of dainty cakes (named after music mega stars like Bowie and Aretha) and pastries they make on-site and great coffee. Everything is also available to takeaway and enjoy down at the beach.
I love Cookie Lab because it's something of a local institution. All year round local families bring their kids here for a monster-sized bowl of delicious gelato. My favourite is the pistachio (see above!), sour cherry, and hazelnut which they make themselves from scratch. Head to Cookie Lab for crazy generous portions of homemade gelato right by one of Split's most popular beaches.
3. Gelateria Emiliana
Tucked away down some winding streets in Split's Old Town is this cute little gelateria which makes traditional Italian-style gelato. Emiliana has become something of a cult institution amongst locals and tourists alike, with many even ranking it above the mighty Luka. Expect big queues whatever time of day you go.
Portions here tend to be a little on the small side, but the flavours are spot on. Don't miss the pistachio, sea salt and dark chocolate, and zingy raspberry sorbet. Emiliana also offers a lot of gluten-free and vegan options, including gluten-free cones. You'll need to ask for them when ordering as they're usually not clearly labelled.
As with all good stories in Split, there's drama and controversy brewing under the surface. There are actually two gelaterias named Emiliana right next to each other in the Old Town. The smaller one is the original Emiliana, while the larger one was set up as a rival by a disgruntled former employee. Choose your Emiliana at your peril...
Chimney cake cones at Mr Pozzetti's ice cream shop in Split.
4. Mr. Pozzetti Premium Ice Cream and Chimney Cones
For something truly unique head to Mr Pozzetti's just up from Voćni trg (Fruit Square) in the heart of the Old Town. Their speciality is chimney cones which are a cone-shaped cake hailing from Hungary and Romania. It tastes bit like a cinnamon roll. Traditionally they are filled with vanilla cream and covered in cinnamon sugar. But at Mr Pozzetti's they fill them with delicious gelato.
The result is really so indescribable that you should just try it for yourself and let us know what you think. Just be warned that the cone is served warm so you gotta eat the gelato right away before it melts! They're also a bit on the pricey side at around 7 euros for the gelato and cone, but personally I think it's worth it since you basically get ice cream and cake at the same time. They also have nice "regular" cones if you'd rather keep it simple.
5. Tradicija Kirigin
Tradicija Kirigin is unique in a totally different way; it's one of the few testaments to traditional local life in Split's Old Town that have survived to this day. While the surrounding shops have been converted into souvenir stores and restaurants, this little bakery has clung on against the odds. It continues to be run by the Kirigin family who founded the business in 1937.
Everything here is made from scratch, and that includes the ice creams. The Kirigins make their gelato from fresh milk and seasonal ingredients that are locally-sourced whenever possible. If you've got a sweet tooth, I recommend also trying their cinnamon rolls which are to die for when still warm from the oven. Be sure to go early because everything tends to sell out especially in summer!
6. aMare Gelateria Split
This family-run gelateria only opened in 2022, but it's already become a local institution with two locations in Split's Old Town. aMare is the dreamchild of seven siblings from Split who decided to convert their parents' 40-year old leather business into an authentic gelateria. The focus here is on top-notch ingredients. Their signature pistachio gelato, for example, is made from the world's finest Bronte pistachios grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily.
aMare also pride themselves on experimenting and trying out new flavour combinations, so there's always something unique and novel to try. Ask the friendly staff what they recommend. My favourites include the pistachio cheesecake, passionfruit sorbet, and their extra special pistachio, white chocolate and pomegranate combo. If you like pistachio, you should definitely come here!
BONUS: If you're travelling with kids, aMare do an eye-popping bright pink and blue "Troll" ice cream just for the little ones. Plus it even comes with a free troll toy. I haven't tried it myself, but the kids loved it!
7. aRoma
There are actually three aRoma gelaterias in Split's Old Town, so it's a good option if you just need a tasty gelato on the go. aRoma is a Croatian gelato chain that has gelaterias on almost every corner of the Dalmatian coast. But don't let that put you off - they're a cool young brand and their gelato is actually really good. They also have a decent range of vegan and gluten-free options.
I especially like their 70% dark chocolate which is super rich and intense, the mascarpone with caramelized figs and pistachio, and the peach and rosemary sorbet. For a truly Croatian twist, don't miss their "Teranino" sorbet which is based on Teran grapes from western Istria typically used to make punchy red wines. In this sorbet they've captured the full flavour of the grapes and transformed it into something deliciously refreshing on a hot summer's day.
More Tips on Visiting Split
If you're visiting Split and looking for more recommendations, don't miss our dedicated Local Guide to Split page. Here's a few of my favourites to get you started: