If you are like my family, from the moment you fly into one of Rome’s airports, you will be thinking about where you’re going to get your first Gelato!
Thankfully, there are countless gelaterias around the city with hundreds of different flavors to choose from so you absolutely can (and should) try something new every single day of your trip!
To help you out, I have gathered a list of the best gelato in Rome and broken it down into areas to help you find something close to where you have chosen to stay in Rome.
What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Many people think that gelato is simply the Italian name for ice cream, while gelato literally translates to “frozen”, that is not the only difference between the two cold deserts.
Gelato is churned more slowly and contains less butterfat but more sugar than ice cream. The result is that less air is introduced into the mixture which gives gelato such rich flavors.
What is the Best Gelato Flavor in Rome?
Finding the best gelato flavor in Rome will of course come down to personal preference, but there are some amazing flavors that you absolutely must try during your visit.
To find the best places, look for dull colors. I know that sounds counter-intuitive but real gelato is made with all-natural ingredients that don’t naturally produce the bright colors you may find at unauthentic spots. Pistachio is a good flavor to check, have you ever seen natural bright green nuts?
Best gelato flavors in Rome to try:
- Pistacchio
- Cioccolato fondente – dark chocolate
- Fior di latte – creamy, sweat gelato with no added flavors
- Stracciatella – Fior di latte with hardened chocolate swirled throughout
Best Gelato in Rome near Trevi Fountain
Giolitti
Location: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40
Started in 1890, this is one of the oldest gelato shops in Rome and has been owned and operated by the same family the entire time. They have even served gelato to the Italian royal family, so you know it’s good!
Il Gelato di San Crispino
Location: Via della Panetteria, 42
This super popular gelateria was made famous by the book and movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. It can be a little pricey and very busy, but the quality is absolutely worth it.
Best Gelato in Rome in Travestere
Il Gelato di Santa Maria
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 4
Great prices, friendly service, and unique flavors, what more do you need in a gelateria? Unlike some of the more strictly authentic places, here you can get your gelato in a cone as well as a cup with plenty of choices for any taste.
Otaleg
Location: Via di S. Cosimato, 14a
This fun play on words (gelato spelled backward) may give you a hint of the hip foodie area where you will find this delicious gelateria. Not only will you get some of the best gelato of your life here, but you can also see the whole gelato-making process at the Otaleg laboratory.
Best Gelato in Rome near Spanish Steps
La Strega Nocciola
Location: Via della Vite, 100
In such a touristy area it can be hard to find genuinely good gelato but La Strega Nocciola takes the cake as the best in the vicinity of the Spanish Steps. With a great range of delicious flavors ranging from the more traditional to some more unique choices like basil, you’ll be sure to find something to suit any taste.
Best Gelato in Rome near Pantheon
Gelateria Della Palma
Location: Via della Maddalena, 19-23
Huge gelateria with 150 different flavors of gelato plus countless other sweet treats. They also have a nice terrace with outdoor seating for you to enjoy your dessert and plenty of additional treats to purchase.
Fatamorgana
Location: Via dei Chiavari, 37A
With a few locations to choose from, you can keep coming back to Fatamorgana once you’ve found your perfect flavor from their eclectic range. With all-natural ingredients, the flavors rotate with the seasons.
Best Gelato in Rome near Piazza Navona
Frigidarium
Location: Via del Governo Vecchio, 112
If you’re looking for an Instagram worth Gelato, Frigidarium takes the cake with its extravagant flavors that you can almost taste with your eyes. Many of their gelatos are topped with various biscuits or chocolate to make your gelato even better.
Gelateria del Teatro
Location: Via dei Coronari, 65/66
An artisanal, authentic gelateria in the heart of a very touristic district. Here you can see the gelato being made through the windows while you look forward to large portions and a wide choice of flavors.