Gentile Gelateria

You can’t go to Italy and not eat gelato, right? It’s practically a rule! And if you find yourself in the beautiful city of Bari, you should look no further than Gentile Gelateria. This isn’t just any gelato shop; it’s a piece of Bari’s history. Gentile began its sweet journey all the way back in 1880, which is just incredible to think about! While they’ve certainly modernized over the years, they have stayed true to their core: making absolutely fantastic gelato. It’s all made fresh in-house, and you can taste the quality in every single bite. The texture is just so perfectly smooth and creamy.

Now, a little heads-up: if you’re visiting in the busy summer months, you’ll likely find a line. Don’t worry, it moves pretty fast! But here’s a quick PSA: please be mindful of where you’re waiting. I saw way too many tourists completely blocking the sidewalk, not paying any attention to the locals just trying to get by. Let’s all be courteous travelers and make sure there’s space for people to pass while we wait for our number to be called. We can do better than that!

The flavors rotate, so be sure to check the board outside for the day’s offerings. And here’s my favorite tip: ask for fresh whipped cream on top! It’s completely free of charge, so you just have to ask. It adds an extra layer of deliciousness. As for my personal recommendations, I’m a classic girl at heart. The pistachio (of course!) and the hazelnut were my two absolute favorites—they were pure perfection.

So when in Bari, do as the locals do and grab a scoop (or two) from Gentile. It’s a sweet tradition you don’t want to miss.