Best proper Italian gelato in Notting Hill & Kensington

Best proper Italian gelato in Notting Hill & Kensington 

If you’re looking for actual gelato - dense, low air, ingredient-led - there are only a few places around Notting Hill and Kensington that consistently get it right. This is a tighter list, focused on quality and places locals return to, not just what shows up first on Google Maps.

Gelateria 3Bis Notting Hill

Still one of the strongest in the area. Originally from Bologna, and it shows in the restraint - nothing flashy, just well-made gelato.

• Proper pistachio (not bright green), hazelnut, ricotta-based flavours
• Rotating seasonal menu
• Texture is dense and smooth, not whipped

Best as part of a wander around Portobello Road Market

Unico Gelato & Caffè Holland Park

This is the one people often miss - and it’s arguably one of the most authentically Italian options nearby.

• Family-run brand with roots in Bologna and decades of gelato-making experience
• Classic flavours done properly: pistachio, stracciatella, gianduia
• Also does affogato, pastries, and strong Italian coffee

It’s less hyped than Notting Hill spots, which means better value and a more local feel. Worth combining with a walk through Holland Park.

Oddono’s Gelati Kensington

A long-standing London gelateria that’s stayed consistent.

• Wide flavour range, but classics are the safest bet
• Generous portions
• Less “artisan branding,” more old-school reliability

Good stop if you’re walking between Kensington High Street and the parks.

Snowflake Luxury Gelato Notting Hill

Slightly more polished, but still decent on quality.

• Rich chocolate and cream-based flavours
• Consistent texture
• A bit pricier, but easy and central

Amorino Notting Hill

You’ll recognise it from the flower-shaped cones. It’s a chain, but still better than most generic ice cream spots.

• Strong fruit sorbets
• Good if you want multiple flavours in one cone
• Not the most “artisan,” but reliable

How to tell if it’s actually good gelato

If you’re exploring beyond this list, a few quick checks help:

• Colour: pistachio should be dull green, not neon
• Storage: covered metal lids (pozzetti) = better than piled-high displays
• Texture: should look dense and slightly matte, not fluffy

Make it part of your stay

The best way to do this isn’t treating gelato as a destination - just build it into your day:

• Coffee at the Pocket coffee shop before heading out - we also serve Affogatos using Unico's famous stratchiatella ice-cream.
• Wander through Notting Hill, Holland Park, or Kensington
• Stop when you pass somewhere goo

🧳 Early arrival or late departure? Drop your bags at our coffee shop and head out for a proper wander - you’ve easily got time to fit in a couple of stops without rushing.

Why it works from Pocket Apartments

• You’re within walking distance of multiple genuinely good gelato spots
• Easy to explore on foot - no need to plan routes
• Works for solo travellers, couples, or families doing relaxed days out

Quick shortlist

• Best overall: Gelateria 3Bis Notting Hill
• Most underrated: Unico Gelato & Caffè Holland Park
• Most reliable: Oddono’s Gelati Kensington

If you only have time for one extra stop beyond Notting Hill - make it Unico (we believe its the best).