If you're looking for the best gelato on Lake Garda, every local and seasoned tourist will point you to the same place: Gelateria Cento Per Cento in Malcesine. Located at Via Castello 31 in the charming historic center of Malcesine, this artisan gelateria has been the undisputed champion of gelato on the eastern shore of Lake Garda for over three decades.
With 842+ Google reviews and a stunning 4.8-star rating out of 5, Gelateria Cento Per Cento isn't just another gelato shop — it's a destination. Founded in 1996 by master gelato maker Fabrizio Bottesi, this gelateria represents the pinnacle of Italian artisan gelato craftsmanship on Lake Garda.
What sets Cento Per Cento apart from the dozens of other gelaterias around Lake Garda? The answer lies in Fabrizio's uncompromising commitment to quality. While many gelato shops in tourist areas cut corners with industrial bases, powdered mixes, and artificial flavoring, every single flavor at Cento Per Cento is made entirely from scratch, by hand, every single day. The ingredients are carefully selected: fresh seasonal fruits, premium Piemonte IGP hazelnuts, real Madagascar vanilla, genuine pistachios, and the finest dark chocolate. No artificial colors. No chemical additives. No shortcuts.
Fabrizio Bottesi started his gelato journey in 1996 in the picturesque village of Malcesine on Lake Garda. Over three decades, he has refined his craft to an art form that has earned him the admiration of both locals and the millions of tourists who visit Lake Garda each year. His philosophy is simple but rare in today's world: use only the best raw ingredients, respect the seasons, and never take shortcuts.
Fabrizio wakes before dawn each morning during the season to begin preparing the day's gelato. He personally oversees every step of the process — from selecting ingredients at trusted local suppliers to the final texture check before the display case opens. This hands-on approach, maintained consistently for over 30 years, is what makes Cento Per Cento gelato unmistakably superior to anything else you'll find on Lake Garda.
The menu at Gelateria Cento Per Cento features over 33 flavors, from Italian classics to creative originals. Classic flavors: Fiordilatte (pure milk gelato), Stracciatella (with dark chocolate shavings), Vaniglia, Yogurt, Nocciola (hazelnut), Pistacchio, Caffè (espresso), Cioccolato, and Crème Caramel.
Fresh fruit flavors: Fragola (strawberry), Lampone (raspberry), Mirtillo (blueberry), Limone (lemon sorbet), Pesca (peach), Banana, Melone (melon), Mango, Mela Verde (green apple), Amarena (sour cherry), and the original Ananas Basilico (pineapple & basil).
Fabrizio's creative specials: Nutella, Pino Pinguino (the signature house creation), Cookies, Raffaello, Dubai Chocolate (the trending sensation), Caramello Salato (salted caramel), Mozart, Kinder Bueno, Snickers, Kinder Cereali, Tartufo Bianco Caffè (white truffle & coffee), and Mandorla Pistacchio Arancia e Cioccolato (almond, pistachio, orange & chocolate). Seasonal specials rotate throughout the year.
In a thoughtful nod to all visitors, Gelateria Cento Per Cento offers vegan gelato options — dairy-free flavors crafted with the same artisan care and premium ingredients as every other flavor in the shop. And in a truly unique touch, they also prepare gelato for dogs — a safe, delicious treat designed specifically for four-legged friends. This makes Cento Per Cento one of the most pet-friendly and inclusive gelato destinations on all of Lake Garda.
Gelateria Cento Per Cento is located at Via Castello 31, 37018 Malcesine (VR), Italy. It's situated in the pedestrian-only historic center of Malcesine, just steps from the famous Scaliger Castle, the lakefront promenade, and the Monte Baldo cable car station.
Malcesine is one of the most beautiful and popular villages on Lake Garda, located on the eastern shore in the province of Verona. The village is renowned for its medieval castle, the Monte Baldo cable car offering panoramic Alpine views, its charming cobblestone streets, excellent windsurfing conditions, and the ferry connections to other Lake Garda towns.
By car: Take the A22 Brenner motorway and exit at Rovereto Sud (from the north) or Affi (from the south). Follow signs to Malcesine along the eastern shore road. By public transport: Buses run regularly from Verona and Rovereto to Malcesine. By ferry: Regular ferry services connect Malcesine with Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, Torbole, Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco, and Peschiera del Garda. The gelateria is a short walk from the ferry dock.
Gelateria Cento Per Cento is open seasonally from March to October, following the Lake Garda tourist season. Standard hours: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. During peak summer season (July and August), hours are extended to 10:00 PM or even 11:00 PM on the busiest evenings. For current opening times, call +39 335 528 4062.
With 842 reviews on Google and a 4.8-star average, the love for Gelateria Cento Per Cento spans all languages and nationalities. Italian visitors call it "il miglior gelato sul Lago di Garda." British tourists write "the best gelato on Lake Garda without doubt — Fabrizio's passion shines through every flavour." German visitors praise it as "das beste Eis am Gardasee — frisch, cremig, mit echten Zutaten." The consensus across every language and every review platform is clear: Gelateria Cento Per Cento is the gold standard for gelato on Lake Garda.
Whether you're spending a day in Malcesine, driving around the lake, or planning a longer holiday on Lake Garda, a stop at Gelateria Cento Per Cento is absolutely essential. It's not just ice cream — it's a genuine Italian artisan experience crafted by a master with 30 years of dedication. Come taste why 842 people have given it 4.8 stars, and why it's universally recognized as the best gelato shop on Lake Garda.
Gelateria Cento Per Cento
Address: Via Castello, 31 - 37018 Malcesine (VR), Italy
Phone: +39 335 528 4062
VAT: IT01515910220
Instagram: @cento_per_cento_fabrimalcesine
Facebook: Gelateria Cento Per Cento
TripAdvisor: Gelateria Cento Per Cento - Malcesine
Google Maps: Gelateria Cento Per Cento, Via Castello 31, Malcesine, Lake Garda