Rome, Italy
The inside scoop: Rome’s 5 best gelato spots
The ultimage guide to Rome’s top gelaterias
In the eternal city of Rome, gelato isn’t just a frozen treat; it’s an art form, a passion and a way of life. Gelaterias here are more than just shops; they are sanctuaries where gelato masters, known as gelatieri, craft creamy masterpieces. Romans take their gelato seriously, with locals and visitors alike making indulging in a gelato a regular pastime. While Rome boasts an array of gelaterias, a few stand out. Here are our favourites.
What is Italian gelato and why should I get it while in Rome?
Italian gelato is the rebellious cousin of ordinary ice cream. It’s creamier, denser and packs a flavour punch that can knock your taste buds into a new realm of delight. In Rome, gelato is a cultural immersion. Forget the ho-hum vanilla and chocolate. Here, gelato artists blend local fruits, nuts and even spices into a spectrum of daring flavours. Think zesty lemon, rich pistachio or the boldness of espresso, each scoop telling a story of Italian passion and culinary prowess.
Why grab a gelato in Rome? It’s simple. You’re not just scooping up frozen dessert; you’re dipping your spoon into history. Roman gelato shops, often family-run, have honed their craft over generations. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients, with no artificial nonsense. It’s the essence of Italian culinary tradition, served in a cone or cup.
Identifying a top-notch gelateria in Rome is an art in itself. The best ones often boast a queue snaking out the door, a telltale sign of local approval. Inside, look for a modest array of flavours; quality trumps quantity here. The gelato should be stored in metal containers, often covered, indicating freshness and care. Beware of neon-bright colours or towering, whipped-up displays – these are often siren calls of artificial flavours and additives. A good gelateria takes pride in natural hues, reflecting the real ingredients used. Also, check if they make their gelato on-site. Freshness is key, and those crafting it in-house are likely to deliver the authentic, creamy goodness you’re after. In essence, a good gelateria in Rome doesn’t need gimmicks; its gelato speaks for itself, through taste and texture that capture the essence of Italian indulgence.
So, while in Rome, let go of the mundane. Dive into a gelato adventure. It’s not just about cooling down on a hot day; it’s about experiencing a piece of Italy, one irresistible scoop at a time.
01
Gelateria Fassi
Gelateria Fassi in Rome, steeped in history since its establishment in 1880, is a blend of tradition and innovation, where the ambience of the shop reflects a museum-like quality, with marble tables adding to its classic charm. Their signature sanpietrini – gelato nuggets coated in chocolate – and unique ice cream tramezzini demonstrate their creative culinary spirit. Founded by Giovanni Fassi, a pioneer in adopting new technologies for gelato making and managed by his wife Giuseppina, an early female entrepreneur in Rome, this gelateria is a testament to their legacy. While its fame has reached international shores, the original experience in Rome remains unparalleled.
Gelateria Fassi
Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Gelateria Fassi
02
Gelateria del Teatro
Nestled in the heart of ancient Rome, below a 13th-century staircase, lies a gelato haven born from a dream. Founded in 2006 by Silvia and Stefano, after honing their craft in Rome’s finest gelato shops, Gelateria del Teatro is a fusion of historic charm and culinary innovation. Here, the gelato-making process is an open spectacle, with customers witnessing the transformation of fresh, quality ingredients into unique flavours like lavender lemon and raspberry sage. The shop’s expansion to Via dei Coronari allowed for an enhanced experience, integrating a chocolate and sweets workshop. This gelateria, now with multiple locations, embodies a passion for artisanal excellence.
Gelateria del Teatro
Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Gelateria del teatro
03
Gelateria Come il Latte
Right in the busy heart of Rome, Gelateria Come il Latte stands out for its commitment to freshness and quality. Crafting gelato daily in limited quantities, they ensure each scoop is at its peak of flavour and texture. Their approach is akin to that of a fine restaurant, treating gelato-making as a culinary art. Ingredients are natural and carefully chosen, with no artificial additives, highlighting their dedication to purity. Their use of fresh, local milk, organic eggs and premium global ingredients like Bourbon vanilla and South American cocoa adds a touch of luxury. The gelateria’s design, featuring retro-style milk jars and chic decor, creates an inviting ambience.
Gelateria Come il Latte
Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Gelateria comme il latte
04
Gelateria della Palma
Gelateria della Palma, established in 1978 by Claudio Patassini in Rome’s Rione Pigna, is a realm of gelato craftsmanship. A short stroll from iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, this gelateria offers a staggering choice of over 150 flavours. It’s a place where traditional gelato making meets modern dietary needs, offering gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan options. Each flavour, crafted with the finest natural ingredients, stands out for its rich, creamy texture and distinct taste – a testament to the gelatieri’s skill and creativity. The spacious venue, complete with a bar corner and free Wi-Fi, serves as a perfect stop for both a quick treat and a leisurely aperitif.
Gelateria della Palma
Via della Maddalena, 19-23
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of gelateria della pa
05
Gelateria La Romana
Gelateria La Romana, established in 1947 in Rimini, Italy this gelateria, now with multiple locations worldwide is renowned for its unique and high-quality gelato. They follow traditional recipes passed down through generations, originally developed by the founder, Vito Zucchi, and continued by his sons, Ivano and Massimiliano. If you’re looking for a nutty taste, the pesto di pistacchio or pesto di nocciola trilobata (hazelnut) are popular choices. For fruit lovers, the croccante all’Amarena, a mix of black cherries, hazelnut, meringue, and chocolate, is a must-try. Another classic favourite is the stracciatella grand cru. La Romana’s commitment to tradition and quality is evident not just in their gelato, but also in their selection of cakes and pastries, all adhering to the motto that a party without a cake is merely a meeting.
Gelateria La Romana
Piazza di S. Andrea della Valle
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Gelateria La Romana
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