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Featuring 14 fantastic places, this is the ultimate guide for finding the best gelato in Rome. We’ve also included a map and useful tips to help you find your way!
One of the greatest pleasures of visiting Rome is to indulge in tasting as many Italian delicacies as your belly can hold. And as soon as temperatures rise, the cravings for gelato go up as well. The good news is that you can get some pretty much on every corner. The bad news, however, is that not everything you see is indeed the real deal. So, you might wonder, where can you find the best gelato in Rome?
We have some great recommendations for you. But first, let’s start with some useful tips on how to spot the authentic Italian gelato, which will help you avoid the tourist traps.
What is Gelato and How to Spot it
- The biggest difference between gelato and ice cream is that gelato is smoother, has a lower fat content and is prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients.
- Look for signs that say “produzione propria“, which means that gelato is made on the spot, or “gelato artigianale“, meaning that it’s made using natural ingredients and traditional production methods.
- Gelato is meant to be consumed fresh, on the same day that is made. So the best gelato is normally done in small batches.
- Also, avoid gelato that is stored in open plastic containers and piled on high mounds. There is just no way that can be fresh. Look for the one that’s stored in stainless steel trays or bins.
- If it comes in bright neon colors, steer clear. Usually, that’s a sign that it contains artificial ingredients. Good gelato normally comes in natural shades.
- When you taste it, gelato should be creamy and smooth without any ice crystals.
- For an extra indulgent touch, don’t forget to add some
panna (whipped cream) on top.
Below you’ll find our picks for some of the places (all sorted by area) where you can taste the best gelato in Rome. For addresses and contact details, click on the map at the end of this post.
Where to Find the Best Gelato in Rome
Centro Storico
1. Giolitti
One of Rome’s most famous gelateria, Giolitti was established in 1900, and it’s still a family-run business. Their location tucked away in a little alley near the Pantheon is where it all started. It might not be a favorite for many locals, but its gelato is still better than a lot of what you can find in Rome. Plus, they have a lot of flavors to chose from, although not very unusual ones.
Good to Know
It’s usually packed, and you need to first pay at the counter before getting your gelato. Prices are quite decent. For example, you pay €2,80 for a small gelato including two flavors. Also, be aware that if you want to sit, you have to pay extra.
Best for: getting some nice gelato near the Pantheon. Try the caramelized fig flavor!
2. Gelateria del Teatro
Offering many interesting flavor combinations, such as raspberry and garden sage, lemon with basil, lavender and white peach; the Gelateria del Teatro uses only the best of ingredients to produce their gelato. They also serve several milk-free options and have gluten-free cones. Plus, through the front window, you can actually watch they make gelato from scratch.
Good to Know
They have two locations: one near Piazza Navona and another near Campo de’ Fiori. When it gets busy, you need to take a number and wait for your turn. Their granita, an Italian-style water drink made of crushed ice is great as well.
Best for: out-of-the-ordinary and unusual flavors.
3. GROM
A relative newcomer to the gelato scene, GROM has managed to carve a nice following. In fact, you can find them not only in Italy but in a few other countries as well. They only use fresh ingredients so they always change their flavors according to what’s in season. In Rome, you can find several locations around the city, so this is always
Good to Know
Their whipped cream is legendary, so just go ahead and have some.
Best for: authentic gelato with a modern twist.
4. Frigidarium
Located just a couple of blocks away from Piazza Navona, Frigidarium serves amazing gelato at great prices and is open till late every day. Their signature flavor is a perfect mix of chocolate and caramel. And, without doubt, this gelateria scores high with fans by offering to dip your gelato in chocolate to create a crunchy crust.
Good to Know
With its creamy gelato, reasonable prices and excellent flavors, this gelateria is definitely worth the detour and standing in line for.
Best for: the creamiest gelato at unbeatable prices.
5. La Strega Nocciola
Tucked away on a little side street not far from the Trevi fountain, this small gelateria is a great find. La Strega Nocciola offers some creative flavor combinations made out of fresh seasonal ingredients at reasonable prices. Also, since it’s a bit off the beaten path is not as crowded as some of the other places on this list.
Good to Know
There is a sitting area inside, so you can take a break from all that walking while enjoying your gelato. Oh, and the strawberry – basil combo is always a great choice!
Best for: escaping the crowds near the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Best Gelato in Monti & Esquilino
6. Fatamorgana
If you can only go for gelato once while in Rome, then head to one of Fatamorgana‘s several locations around the city. Using just fresh and natural organic ingredients, you won’t find any preservatives or artificial flavors here. Furthermore, all of their
However, what keeps most people coming here are their out-of-this-world flavor combinations, which include their best-seller basil, walnuts, and honey; wasabi chocolate; cumin, sesame, and coriander; and chocolate with a tobacco infusion. This is the place to go wild!
Good to Know
Their location in Centro Storico is open till 11 pm (till midnight on weekends), so you can indulge in some delicious gelato before heading back to your accommodation. Also, if you have food allergies, you’ll appreciate that everything is clearly labeled. Plus, you can taste five of their amazing flavors for €5.
Best for: premium ingredients, strict quality control and outlandish flavors!
7. Gelateria Fassi
Having been in business for over 130 years, Fassi is the oldest gelateria in Italy, an authentic Roman institution. Located near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, this hidden gem is almost always full and even a bit chaotic. However, their prices are very budget-friendly.
Good to Know
It can get crowded, but the line usually moves along quickly. You need to pay first at the register and even though prices are low, you can pay by card.
Best for: some unusual flavors, such as rice!
Best Gelato in Termini
8. Come Il Latte
Come Il Latte uses only high-quality dairy products to create the creamiest gelato in Rome, which has up to 70% fresh cream. However, they also have a good selection of milk-free options for the lactose-intolerant. Plus, you can go crazy trying the different toppings they offer.
Good to Know
The housemade cones with dark or white chocolate add an extra sultry touch to their creamy gelato.
Best for: an excellent choice for when you’re close to the Termini train station.
9. Gelateria La Romana
Established in 1947, what first started as a family-run gelateria has grown to a network with locations all over Italy. In Rome alone, there are three. Gelateria La Romana serves artisan gelato with a conscience. They follow rigorous production methods, use only eco-friendly packaging, and publish a full list of ingredients on their website.
Good to Know
There are three locations in Rome: Termini, Testaccio and Prati and they’re open till midnight most days (until 1:00 am on weekends). Plus, their prices are very reasonable.
Best for: a late night sweet treat.
Best Gelato in Trastevere
10. Otaleg
Set in the heart of Trastevere, Otaleg (which is simply gelato spelled backward) is a relative newcomer to the gelato scene. Visiting this gelateria is well worth the detour so that you can taste some of their original flavors made with gourmet ingredients. Plus, their laboratory is located at the front of the shop, so you can watch as the magic happens.
Good to Know
They serve some of the best pistachio flavors (yes, that’s plural) in the city. And they offer several chocolate gelato options. What more could you ask for?
Best for: creative flavors and gourmet ingredients.
11. Fior di Luna
Made with certified organic and fair-trade ingredients, Fior di Luna has been using ethical practices long before it became trendy. They make authentic artisanal gelato and are passionate about chocolate as well. Sometimes they offer gelato-making courses. For something different, try their sorbets, which are made with fresh seasonal fruits.
Good to Know
They only take cash. Also, compared to other places, they have a smaller selection of flavors; but those they do have, they do them very well. Both their pistachio and hazelnut chocolate flavors are to die for!
Best for: one of the best options for gelato in Trastevere.
Best Gelato in Prati
12. Gelateria dei Gracchi
For those who love pistachio gelato, Gelateria
Also, their gelato is gluten-free, and they only use local seasonal ingredients with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, there are a few locations around the city. Finally, as if those were not enough reasons to visit, they also have a nice selection of vegan options, made with soy.
Good to Know
They also offer some nice pastries, so if you are in the mood for something different, try those.
Best for: some amazing gelato not far from the Vatican.
Best Gelato Experiences in Rome
There are also several Rome food tours and experiences that include some gelato tasting. Here are our top picks:
- Rome Street Food Tour – this small-group tour takes you around to sample some of Rome’s most iconic street food, including gelato. Starting mid-morning at the historic Campo de’ Fiori, the tour lasts three hours and has a cost of €42/person.
- Espresso & Gelato Tasting Tour – if you are also a coffee lover, this is the tour for you! This 2.5-hour walking tour takes you on a coffee, gelato, and tiramisú tasting adventure. You also have the option to upgrade and add a gelato-making session. Prices start at €52/person.
- Gelato Making Workshop – for those who like to learn about how stuff is made, this experience gives you the chance to dive into the world of gelato making. During this 1-hour workshop, you’ll get to make your own gelato. Prices start at €56/person.
- Pizza Making, Tastings & Gelato – after exploring little trattorias and sampling some classic Roman foods, such as pecorino Romano, supplì and cold cuts; you’ll get to make your own pizza! This 3.5-hour experience ends with a delicious serving of gelato. Prices start at €79/person.
- Evening Food Tour – this 4-hour food tour extravaganza offers over 20 tastings of Rome’s best foods, wines, and local products that ends with a gelato lesson at Fatamorgana! Prices start at €90/person.
Further Away
13. Il Gelato di Claudio Torce
With a couple of locations out of Rome’s city center, Il Gelato di Claudio Torce has a knack for pushing the limits when it comes to savory gelato. They offer a long list of original flavors that range from black sesame to celery, to Gorgonzola, to apple strudel. They only use high-quality natural ingredients.
Good to Know
Even though their locations are well off the beaten path in Rome, the trip is well worth the effort. So if you are going to the EUR district, make sure you stop by.
Best for: the most unusual gelato flavors in Rome.
14. Neve di Latte
Using high-quality ingredients, including organic Alpine milk, Tuscan chocolate, and fair-trade vanilla; Neve di Latte produces some of the most magnificent artisanal gelato in Rome. Located right near the MAXXI, Rome’s modern art museum, you should definitely stop by if you are in the area.
Good to Know
This gelateria is a little pricier than others, but the superb quality of its gelato and cute atmosphere are worth a visit. Some of their most interesting flavors include ricotta, avocado, and honey.
Best for: excellent quality and creative flair.
With all these amazing gelato places in Rome, there is really no excuse to eat mediocre gelato! On the map below, you’ll find the locations of all the places on this list, just click on the icons to see their address.
Map With the Best Gelato Places in Rome
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Plan Your Rome Trip
- Are you thinking about visiting Rome? We give you five reasons why you should!
- And if you are traveling with kids, check these great tips for planning your trip to Rome.
- Perhaps you’ve already visited the main highlights, like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Then you should read our list of unusual things to do in Rome, which will get you off the beaten path!
- And if you are going to Venice as well, you will definitely enjoy our Venice gelato guide 😉
- If you still need to book your flights, check Skyscanner to find the best deals!
- For the best options for accommodation and competitive rates, head to Booking.com.
- And don’t forget to get travel insurance, because you never know…
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This post was first published on April 24, 2017 and last updated on April 17, 2019.
Photo Credits
Cover image courtesy of Anita Austvika via Unsplash.
Pinterest images courtesy of Juliana Malta and Blanca Paloma Sánchez via Unsplash.
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Have you been to Rome? Do you have a favorite gelateria you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment and let us know!
Bianca Bauza
Travel Writer
Bianca is a world citizen who spent almost four years traveling around South America and Europe. Her passions include photography, street art, outdoor sports, and cooking exotic dishes. She’s now based in the Netherlands where she lives with her partner and young daughter. She still enjoys traveling, on her own or with her family, and is always looking for an opportunity to see new places.
I never knew that gelato is best kept in stainless steel, I’ll keep this in mind for the future. I went to Fatamorgana a couple of times when I was in Rome, AMAZING!