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Venice has gelato shops on almost every corner—yet not all are worth the calories. If you only have one gelato in Venice, SUSO (Gelatoteca Suso) is the reliable, crowd-pleasing pick: consistent flavor, photogenic cones, and a central location between Rialto and St. Mark’s.
Why SUSO Works (Even in a Tourist City)
1) Consistency you can trust
In a city with 100+ gelato signs, quality swings wildly. SUSO is firmly in the “safe bet” camp—creamy texture, clean finish, and flavors that taste like their ingredients.
2) Ingredient-first philosophy
- Pistacchio uses prized Sicilian pistachios (look for naturally muted, earthy green—never neon).
- Nocciola draws on hazelnuts from Piedmont, Italy’s benchmark for aroma and depth.
- No artificial colorants: the palette comes from the fruit, nuts, and cocoa themselves.
3) It’s made for photos
That signature SUSO-branded wafer on top, plus pastel scoops that pop against canal backdrops—your cone is basically its own postcard.
4) Prime locations for sightseeing
Both shops sit within an easy walk of Rialto Bridge (~2 minutes) and St. Mark’s Square (~8–10 minutes). Perfect for a “cone in hand” stroll.
Main shop (near Rialto)
Closest to Rialto bridge; widest flavor board; expect lines at peak hours.
Secondary shop (San Marco side)
A short walk from the main shop; slightly fewer flavors but often faster.
What to Order (SUSO’s Can’t-Miss Flavors)
- Pistacchio — full-bodied and nutty without being cloying.
- Fiore di latte — pure milk; the Italian benchmark for a shop’s skill.
- Nocciola — deeply aromatic hazelnut, a local favorite across Italy.
- Fragola (sorbet) — bright strawberry; ideal when you want something light.
- “SUSO” caramel — the signature double-caramel crowd-pleaser.
Sizes, Prices & How to Order
| Size | What you get | Typical range* |
|---|---|---|
| Single (1 scoop) | 1–2 flavors if split | ~€2.5–3.5 |
| Double (2 scoops) | Up to 2 flavors | ~€4–6 |
| Cone / Cup | Similar price; cones include the SUSO wafer | included |
*Indicative for central Venice; exact pricing varies by season and location. Check in-store.
- Un cono / una coppetta, per favore. — A cone / a cup, please.
- Due gusti: pistacchio e nocciola. — Two flavors: pistachio and hazelnut.
- Posso assaggiare il fiore di latte? — May I taste the fiore di latte?
- È senza latte? È vegano? — Is it dairy-free? Is it vegan?
- Il conto, per favore. — The bill, please.
Vegan, Gluten-Free & Allergen Notes
- Sorbetti (fruit-based) are typically dairy-free (ask to confirm).
- Many shops label gluten-free options; cones may contain gluten—ask for a cup if needed.
- Nuts & cross-contact: pistachio and hazelnut are common; if you have severe allergies, ask staff to serve from a fresh tub or use a clean spatula when possible.
Beat the Lines & Melting
- Best times: Late morning or late afternoon. Peak queues form mid-day and after dinner.
- Two-shop strategy: If one SUSO is slammed, walk to the other—queues often differ.
- Decide while waiting: Scan the board and pick your flavors ahead of time.
- Summer melt hacks: Go with a cup, or ask staff to press the scoop deeper into the cone.
- Pay flow: Follow the line—Venice counters are small, so step aside promptly after paying.
Photo Spots Near SUSO
Snap your cone with the Rialto Bridge railings in the frame, or along a quiet side canal a minute away from the crowd. Keep phones secure over water (wrist strap helps!).
How to Spot Good Gelato (so you never waste a scoop)
Pistachio is muted
Seasonal fruit
Lidded metal pans
Short ingredient lists
- Avoid neon mounds piled sky-high—often whipped with stabilizers and artificial colorants.
- Prefer covered tubs (metal lids) that keep product at proper temperature.
- Read the board: “artisanal” or “made in-house” is a plus; ask which flavors are made today.
One-Cone Stroll (Rialto → St. Mark’s)
- Pick up a cone at SUSO near Rialto.
- Walk east via narrow calli, pausing at a quiet bridge for photos.
- Arrive at St. Mark’s in ~8–10 minutes (finish before museums).
Gelateria il Doge (Dorsoduro), Gelato di Natura (several shops), La Mela Verde (Castello), or chains like Venchi / Grom. Quality varies—use the “good gelato” checklist above.
After your gelato, walk 6–8 minutes to a Venice classic: Visiting Harry’s Bar (Bellini, prices & what to expect).
Bottom line
Not every gelato in Venice is memorable—but SUSO usually is. Start with pistacchio or nocciola, add a fruit sorbet on hot days, go off-peak to skip the lines, and enjoy a short “cone walk” from Rialto to St. Mark’s.
Want to go deeper into Venetian flavors? Join a local class or tasting via GetYourGuide.
“Make pasta and tiramisu while sipping wine” is a stylish pick—plus many more activities to explore.
Have a fantastic trip to Venice—thanks for reading!
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