Classic flavours
French vanilla and extra-dark chocolate represent fidelity to the tradition of Italian gelato, made through artisan methods with carefully selected ingredients.

What visitors voted
average of the latest 6 votes
Voting happens from the plaque on display. The average counts only the last ten votes: a bad evening weighs, but after ten visits it is gone.
Dining · Porto Ceresio (VA)
Gluten-free artisan gelato on the Porto Ceresio lakefront
Eccellenza Italianacertificata 2026–2027
Read on
The place
Gelateria 281 Frontelago looks out onto Piazza Bossi in Porto Ceresio, on the Varese lakefront, offering artisan Italian gelato made with quality raw materials. Bartolo and Paola have created a point of reference for those seeking traditional flavours such as French vanilla and extra-dark chocolate, alongside innovative creations such as mandarin-and-ginger granita. The entire production is gluten-free, with cones and crumbles made from rice flour, and numerous vegan flavours are available.
At the table
Gelateria 281 Frontelago occupies a corner of Piazza Bossi in Porto Ceresio, looking out over the lake that marks the border between Italy and Switzerland.

Why you can trust it
GELATERIA 281 FRONTELAGO is a member of the Eccellenze Italiane network. The mark is registered in Italy and abroad: every certified business has a unique identifier, which can be checked at any time.
«La migliore gelateria della provincia!»
5 rosettes · July 2, 2026«Top ..il top in assoluto!!!»
5 rosettes · June 26, 2026«Miglior gelateria d'Italia!»
5 rosettes · June 24, 2026«Miglior gelateria, tutto delizioso!»
5 rosettes · June 16, 2026Accounts appear in the language they were written in, without corrections or translation.
Location
GELATERIA 281 FRONTELAGO is already on our map, with its own mark among the other certified businesses of the area: here you can look at it up close.
Enter the mapOn display
Services and features
French vanilla and extra-dark chocolate represent fidelity to the tradition of Italian gelato, made through artisan methods with carefully selected ingredients.
Baileys and pistachio sit alongside seasonal creations such as mandarin-and-ginger granita, exploring less conventional pairings without betraying the authenticity of the product.
The vegan flavours at Gelateria 281 Frontelago meet the needs of those who avoid ingredients of animal origin, while keeping intact the creaminess and taste of artisan gelato.
Gluten-free cones and crumbles made with rice flour accompany the shop's entire production, which is entirely gluten-free and suitable for customers with coeliac disease.
The figures
What visitors say
«Gelato artigianale fantastico, uno dei migliori che io abbia mai mangiato. Proprietari gentilissimi.»
«Lady in the shop said all Gelato is gluten free, crumbles/toppings are made with rice flour, gluten free cones for extra price.»
«Gelato al bayles e al pistacchio fenomenali. La tentazione di fare il bis era forte.»
«Gentilezza, Generosità e Gelato. Accolti sempre con sorriso e disponibilità, assaggi dei nuovi gusti offerti prima della scelta.»
Reviews appear in the language each guest wrote them in.
In the making · The method

Bartolo and Paola make their gelato following the Italian artisan method, with close attention to the selection of raw materials and the freshness of the product.
The entire range of gelato at Gelateria 281 Frontelago is gluten-free. Cones are offered as a certified alternative, while crumbles and toppings are made with rice flour.
The shop lets customers taste new flavours before choosing, in a setting open to families and to those travelling with pets.