This is tucked away on a narrow street about a block from Santa Croce, but the crowds seem to find it and there is often a line. Locals say Vivoli's gelato isn't what it used to be, which is true, but it's still pretty darned good, especi ally for its creamy, smooth texture. If the flavors are a tad less intense than they could be or the rice in the famous riso crunches, well, the purity of the taste is still special. Two more are worth mentioning. Gelateria dei Neri is on Via dei Neri, a street that begins at the back of the Uffizi.
Flavors tend to be light rather than intense, but the gelato tastes clean and fresh.
On a hot day the four stools under the ceiling fan are especially inviting. Bar Perseo is a fancy stand-up cafe at the northwest corner of Piazza della Signoria. It has a gilded look and the gelato is carefully made, especially the dense, creamy gianduia . The chocolate itself is a little light and the fior di latte delicate. Not bad, but not gelato.