The Best Gelaterias in Rome

St. Peter's Square, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the fabulous Trevi Fountain... There is so much to see and do if you're visiting Rome in 3 days that you will not be disappointed with your trip to Italy. Quite the opposite! Especially if you add a good dose of sunshine, delicious food, and mouth-watering Italian gelato to your itinerary! No, I'm not joking, it is in Rome that you will taste the best gelato of your life... But be careful, don't just head to any gelato shop in the city! There are so many to choose from. Opt for those that offer authentic artisan gelato.

Most of them are located in the historic heart of the city, close to the major tourist sites. So you won't have to look far before treating yourself to a nice refreshing break! But since there are so many, I've prepared a list of the 10 best gelaterias in Rome. For me, their gelato has that little 'je ne sais quoi' that you won't find anywhere else....

Giolitti is the favorite gelato shop of Italians and tourists alike... The shop, located in the historic district between the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, has been around since 1900. It is one of the oldest gelaterias in the city and thus a Roman institution! It is even said that this gelateria supplies the Vatican!

If Giolitti is the number one gelato shop in Rome, be prepared to wait in line before you can enjoy one of their gelatos: the queue stretches long to the counters. However, you can taste over fifty flavors of artisan gelato and sorbets. You'll have the choice between basic flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon, and various more original flavors like champagne or pomegranate gelato. In short, there's something for everyone.

I recommend getting a cup of gelato (the Coppa Giolitti, for instance) and savoring it leisurely on the terrace. It's the only way to enjoy its beautiful Belle Epoque-style decor. Otherwise, opt for a cone with double cream (doppia panna); it's pure delight! You can even purchase some very good homemade desserts.

As for the prices, despite the popularity of the gelateria, they are quite affordable: expect to pay €4 for 3 flavors of gelato. It is located at Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 44, 00186 Roma RM and is open every day from 7 AM to 1:30 AM.

The gelateria Il Gelato di San Crispino has been around since the 90s. Located not far from the Trevi Fountain, its gelato is among the best in Rome. Julia Roberts even promoted it in her movie "Eat, Pray, Love."

Be prepared to see a lot of people there as well. Why? Because they serve real artisan gelato of very high quality: it contains no processed ingredients and no artificial preservatives. In fact, to protect their flavors, the gelato is stored in tubs and is not served in waffle cones.

But this is not the only good reason to choose this gelateria: the flavors served are simply sublime and change throughout the year! There are plenty of options available: vanilla, pistachio, coconut, but also ginger, fig, and even basil. The gelateria also offers creams, sorbets (fig, melon...), and meringues.

The owners often recommend trying the "San Crispino" gelato made with Sardinian strawberry tree honey. The gelateria is located at Via della Panetteria, 42, 00187 Roma RM.

Note that there's another shop in the historic center near the Pantheon (Piazza della Maddalena, 3 - Roma). The gelateria is open every day from 11 AM to 9:30 PM.

Located in Trastevere, near the Vatican, Otaleg! (which must be read backward!) is one of the most unexpected gelaterias in Rome. That's what makes it so popular.

They offer standard products like chocolate or coffee gelato but primarily attract customers for their original gelato with unexpected flavors. For example, you'll discover many sweet/savory combinations. Among the most unexpected: gorgonzola/caramel gelato or even salmon gelato... In fact, the laboratory (named "Acquarius") creates two new flavors every day!

Note that you can also purchase ice cream cakes there. You can find this gelateria at Via di S. Cosimato, 14A, 00153 Roma, and it is open every day from noon to midnight.

The gelateria Günther is another must-visit in Rome. The first shop opened in May 2012 near the city center and then another one near Campo dei Fiori in 2014, still within the city.

This gelateria, like Otaleg!, offers unexpected flavors: ricotta, pine nuts.... Add to that organic milk, water from the Dolomites, and seasonal fruits, and you will enjoy gelato of impeccable quality. This gelateria is located at Piazza di Sant'Eustachio 47, 00186 Roma, and is open Monday through Sunday from noon to 11 PM.

Know that there are two more gelaterias in the city:

Come il latte is located not far from Villa Borghese and is yet another original gelateria!

It was created by the daughter of a milk producer (Como il latte means "like milk") and offers artisan gelato that is very tasty and of excellent quality. The ingredients are fresh, protected from air and light. They contain neither colorants nor chemical preservatives. The owner has even catered to lactose intolerant customers by selling milk-free gelato! Additionally, the cones are made in-house.

On the menu: gelato with zabaglione, ricotta, mascarpone, gorgonzola.... and hot chocolate (upon request) that is simply to die for!

Note that you can also buy classic gelatos (vanilla, coffee, chocolate, salted caramel...), frozen yogurts (lemon, melon, raspberry...), waffles, and brioche. The gelateria's address is Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26, 00187 Roma.

Below you can find the opening hours:

La Romana is a chain of gelaterias that has been present in Rome since 1947. There are several franchises in Italy, but also in Europe and even in Dubai.

The La Romana shops offer gelato made from always fresh and authentic products (organic milk, farm eggs). They also care deeply about environmental sustainability and only use recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

I recommend trying the Piedmont hazelnut cream gelato, not forgetting the homemade whipped cream, which is free! A pure delight for tourists . You can also buy pastries. Know that you can find several La Romana gelaterias in Rome! They are generally open from noon to midnight. For more information, visit the brand's website.

Yet another gelateria that loves explosive combinations, providing quality and authenticity (the products are 100% natural)!

Located in the historic center, near Piazza Navona, you will find Frigidarium with a wide variety of flavors (and sorbets) and at very reasonable prices (€2 for two scoops). Among the most popular gelatos, try the lemon/ginger or the cream fiorentina (vanilla gelato + Nutella) ... Don't forget to ask for a delicious chocolate (white or dark) or cream coating; this treat is free! To enjoy these gelatos, head to Via del Governo Vecchio, 112 between 11 AM and 1 AM.

Located in Trastevere, Fiordiluna is also among the most renowned gelaterias in Rome.

Since 2006, its specialty is to prioritize fair trade: the products are organic, homemade, or sourced from local producers. The gelato is also served with whipped cream on the side.

The owners (two passionate brothers) have also created gelatos that are sugar-free, which will delight those with dietary restrictions and those who want to experience the true taste of artisan gelato.

One flavor to try? Pepper chocolate gelato.

To get to Fior di luna, go to Via della Lungaretta, 96. The gelateria is open from noon to midnight from April to October, and until 10 PM for the rest of the year (11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). It is closed on Mondays. You can click here to visit the website.

There is always a line in front of the gelateria Old Bridge Gelateria which is situated across from the Vatican.

It's normal when they offer delicious gelato with traditional flavors! This gelateria is the result of 30 years of experience and the use of quality raw materials without colorants or preservatives, using 100% Italian milk!

If you had to choose a flavor? It would be the amaretti gelato, stracciatella or ricotta gelato. Otherwise, go for a hazelnut gelato. A true discovery! Unless you prefer sorbets (strawberry, melon, peach...) or natural yogurts (with honey, lemon...), in which case, the flavors are also well-executed.

Address: Viale Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5, Roma

There are three more shops in Rome: Via della Scala 70 (Trastevere), Circonvallazione Cornelia 10 and Via Arenula 4 (City Center). They are open from 10 AM to 2 AM except on Sundays: from 2 PM to 2 AM.

FataMorgana was born from the passion of a former actress. Instead of continuing her career, she chose to put all her love into a shop that offers 100% natural gelato, sometimes even vegan.

You can taste exceptional flavors, free from additives or preservatives, but always made with seasonal ingredients and hand-ground spices. There's even a selection of gluten-free and lactose-free products!

Choices include some of the most unusual gelato: rose gelato, basil gelato, myrtle gelato, wasabi gelato... But be sure to indulge in the "Kiss of the Prince" (Bacio del Principe), a gianduia gelato (a preparation made from cocoa and hazelnuts).

So head to Piazza dei Monti or one of the 7 FataMorgana gelaterias located in Rome. You will find a total of seven FataMorgana shops in Rome! They are open every day from noon to 11 PM.

And there you have it; we have reached the end of this brief post. You now know about the best gelaterias in Rome. All that's left is to pack your bags and book a ticket to the "Eternal City." If you're going on a road trip in Italy, you can also check out the article visiting Venice: between romance and enjoyment