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Welcome, fellow gluttons! This post rounds up nine of the absolute best places to eat gelato in Rome…
Obviously, this is by no means an extensive list. There are possibly even more gelaterias in Rome than there are churches – which is to say, there are a lot.
But not all gelato is created equal. For the true gelato experience, look for all-natural ingredients and artisanal gelaterias. There’s more on what to look for (and what to avoid) at the end of this post, but to start with, here are nine shops where you’re sure to have an amazing experience.
“But, Emily,” I hear you say. “You were only in Rome for four days. There’s no way you ate at all these gelato places”. Well, yes, yes I did.
I am seriously greedy when it comes to sweet stuff, especially ice cream, and in the four days I was in Rome I ate gelato seven times. In fact, I had four in one afternoon!
I did a lot of research. I asked online and pestered locals for recommendations, and I made my must-try list before I even set foot on Rome’s streets.
Then, I tried them all (except the one that was closed), and I published the list to help fellow gelato-lovers plan their own trip to Rome. Enjoy…
RELATED POST: 14 Dishes You Have to Try in Rome (A Food Guide)
9 Places to Try Gelato in Rome
In a hurry? There’s a map and a short version of this list at the bottom of the page. Scroll down to get that, or keep reading for my list of the best gelaterias you have to visit in Rome…
READ MORE: How to Spend 2 Days in Rome
Il Gelato di San Crispino
A tiny shop tucked into a side street not far from the Trevi Fountain, Il Gelato di San Crispino is something of an institution in Rome. It’s also the gelateria mentioned in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love – so enjoys a fair bit of fame.
The company is actually a small franchise, but it was founded in Rome’s San Giovanni neighbourhood in the nineties – where the original shop still stands on Via Acaia.
The owners – brothers Pasqual and Guiseppe Alongi – are purists dedicated to natural flavours and quality ingredients. No artificial preservatives or chemical emulsifiers here: just exceptional gelato made for connoisseurs.
Try the: San Crispino Honey is the shop’s signature flavour. Team it with rich cacao or smooth hazelnut for a decadent treat.
Neve di Latte
This trendy shop in Rome’s Flaminio neighbourhood is part retro ice cream parlour, part Instagramable coffee shop. But the neon signs and cool decor are nothing compared with the dazzling array of gelatos and sorbets.
Neve di Latte is slightly off the tourist track and was heaving with locals when I visited, which is always a good sign. There were several unusual flavours to try, but the focus seemed to be on the classics – using high-quality natural ingredients. It felt like you get more bang for your buck, too, with massive scoop sizes for a very reasonable price!
Try the: Pomegranate sorbet for something a little different, or the 75% cacao for serious chocoholics!
Günther
Founded by South Tyrolean master Günther Rohregger, Günther is another high-end gelateria in Rome offering outstanding homemade ice cream. Again, you’ll find all-natural ingredients – sourced from meticulously-chosen local businesses and craftsmen. It’s easy to see why Günther keeps winning awards!
The menu is seasonal. This applies to the fruits used (always fresh), as well as limited-edition flavours that suit the time of year. I visited in winter and they had Christmas spice (creamy, cinnamony, and delicious) and pine (yep, the tree. Tasted a bit like a car air freshener!). Be brave and try something new.
Try the: Tiramisu flavour for a true Italian treat.
Glauco Gelateria Monti
I found Glauco by accident, after trekking to another recommended gelateria which turned out to be closed. This tiny little shop called me in with the rainbow of colourful macarons in the window, which you can add to any scoop of gelato!
The shop is very small, with a handful of flavour offerings. But the quality is high and there are a few unusual flavours to try out. Definitely a must if you’re exploring Monti neighbourhood.
Try the: Cannolo Sicilia, a popular Italian dessert turned into a decadent (and slightly sloppy) gelato flavour.
Gelateria Don Nino
The Don Nino chain is run by five-time champion Italian Gelato Master Francesco Mastroianni, and is often cited as the “best gelato in Rome”. They have several locations across Rome, but I visited the one around the corner from the Pantheon.
Everything is 100% natural and all ingredients are carefully chosen – and often seasonal. It’s not just gelato on the menu, there’s also a cafe serving up coffee, pastries, and savouries – all with a focus on fresh local ingredients. But the gelato is, of course, the star of the show!
Try the: Flavour of the Month. When I visited it was creme caramel.
Fatamorgana
Local chain Fatamorgana is one of the most popular gelaterias in Rome, with numerous locations across the city. The array of flavours is almost overwhelming, and this is definitely the place to come if you want to experiment with unusual flavours.
There are plenty of quirky options, with ingredients like rose petals and matcha dotting the menu. You’ll also find interesting flavour blends, such as Seadas – a blend of pecorino cheese, chestnut, honey, and orange peel – or Kentucky Tobacco Chocolate.
Try: Any of the unique flavours that catch your eye. My personal favourite was the chocolate orange.
Venchi
Chocoholics won’t want to miss a trip to the Rome branch of the historic Italian chocolate shop Venchi. This place also happens to serve what was easily the best chocolate ice cream I had on my trip!
Founded in Turin in 1878, Venchi has become a worldwide chain. The gelato shops are a newer addition, with a focus on combining exquisite high-quality chocolate with sensational ice cream. The selection of flavours is quite small, but chocolate dominates the menu – and rightly so, as this is what Venchi do best.
Try the: 75% chocolate for a seriously decadent treat.
Gelatteria dell’Angeleto
I had numerous recommendations for Gelatteria dell’Angeleto in the trendy Monti neighbourhood. It was closed when I first visited Rome, so on my most recent trip to the city I made sure to head back and try it for myself – and I was not disappointed!
It’s a tiny shop on a quiet street near the pretty Piazza Madonna dei Monti. There’s often a long line – but it’s worth it for delicious, natural gelato.
Try The: Custard flavour if it’s on the menu – otherwise, ask what’s new!
Come il Latte
Come il Latte might be one of the most popular gelaterias in Rome. It’s recommended in multiple blogs and articles – and was directly recommended to me by about six different people as well. I can only assume the gelato is amazing (or the company have done some really good marketing!).
When I visited Rome, the shop was closed for refurbishment, so I wasn’t able to try it personally. But it comes so highly recommended I thought I should still include it.
How to Find Proper Gelato in Rome
You’ve probably seen those dazzling arrays of tubs piled high with colourful, fluffy-looking ice cream.
These displays, designed to tempt tourists, are usually full of colours and other synthetic ingredients. If you’re looking for high-quality authentic gelato (not ice cream), there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.
Number one – true gelato is actually stored in a metal container with a lid, so it’s not on display at all.
Natural ingredients are easier to spot than you might think, because the colour of the gelato should be natural-looking, too.
For example, lemon should be white rather than yellow, and pistachio should be brownish rather than bright green. Vibrant colours and shiny neons are generally indicators of bad-quality ingredients and synthetic flavours.
Another tip, shared by Claire in the comments below – if the handle is clear, the gelato is dairy-free. Handy to know if you’re lactose intolerant, or exploring Rome with someone who is.
What to look out for in a gelateria:
- Natural colours
- Metal containers (often covered with lids, rather than piled high)
- Ingredient list – shops should display one, so you can check if the ingredients are natural.
- Texture: gelato should be denser and less piled up.
Map and Quick List
- Il Gelato di San Crispino
- Neve di Latte
- Gunther
- Glauco Gelateria Monti
- Gelateria Don Nino
- Fatamorgana
- Venchi
- Gelatteria dell’Angeleto
- Come il Latte
Is there anywhere missing from this list of the best gelato in Rome? Leave me a comment or get in touch on social media!
There has been only once I tasted the real gelato and it was actually in Portugal. Since then, I’ve been trying to experience that amazing taste, but without a luck. So thanks, for the tips. Next time I am on a gelato hunt, I will be looking for the signs :)
Oh good – I hope they help! Most places will proudly advertise if they’re selling real gelato, and will have a list of their ingredients, so you can hopefully check if they are all natural! Good luck on your quest for some more delicious gelato!
I can vouch for Fatamorgana gelato. So good we visited twice in two days, natural ingredients and always a queue!
Soooo good isn’t it?! I’m dying to go back to Rome and eat allll the gelato again!
Great points about what the gelato should look like in the freezer case: if it’s piled high and overly bright, it’s just for show. One thing I learned when traveling with someone who is lactose intolerant: if the handle is clear, the gelato is dairy free. Amazingly, that was consistent across all the gelaterias we visited. I also love that you can order numerous flavors (3-4) and the serving is still manageable. It’s more about having a taste of each flavor, rather than an overwhelming portion.
Ah that’s such a handy tip about the clear handles, thanks Claire! I didn’t know that :) I’ve just added your tip into the post to help other travellers!