When in Rome one thing you absolutely have to do is try gelato.
Gelato literally means “frozen” in Italian. It has less fat than ice cream and also less air – making it a denser treat than normal ice cream. It’s also served warmer than ice cream, meaning it will melt faster as you eat it. And above all you can eat gelato while you are taking a walk, to not waste time !
In this post we’re going to help you find the best gelato in Rome.
Gelateria dei Gracchi
Via dei Gracchi, 272
The specialty of the house is the crunchy of dried fruit with pralines, but here it is also a must to taste pistachio, gianduia (with whole hazelnuts), zibibbo and pine nuts cream. You can also try the variations on the chocolate, declined in all its nuances, and also the fruit flavors, in purity as in the case of the pomegranate, or in combination with other delicious ingredients, from the classic apple and cinnamon to the delightful combination of pear and caramel.
Il gelato di San Crispino
There are actually a number locations, but the one in this list that most will be familiar with is at Via della Panetteria, 42, near the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. You will also find one at Piazza della Maddalena. As a bonus tip, if you’re leaving Rome and are missing gelato already there’s even a branch at Fiumicino Airport!
The best tastes? from the unmissable San Crispino, custard with honey added to the many fruit sorbets, from citrus fruit to apple. But the offer changes according to the seasons, always choosing the best products of the month. A separate chapter for the meringues that have made school, in particular the one with fondant Criollo. As true ice cream purists, the artisans of San Crispino refuse to use the cones in order not to alter the taste of the various flavors.
Giolitti
Via Degli Uffici del Vicario, 40
Rome’s oldest gelato shop, having been established in 1890, Gelateria Giolitti is a fantastic option for gelato near the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
As you might imagine, such popularity means it gets rather busy in here, and the queues sometimes go out the door.
There’s a counter service option, or you can opt to be seated (which costs a little extra). We’d suggest the former, the queue moves pretty quickly and it’s worth the wait in any case. Before joining the queue, you’ll need to pick up a ticket so you get served in the correct order.
Otaleg Trastevere
Via di San Cosimato, 14a
Located in Trastevere area at the edge of the movida, ideally for an afternoon ice cream walking through the alleys of the neighborhood (opens from 12 to 24, every day). There is the cream with lemon and orange made with Ciociaria noble milk, pistachio declined in many variations, fresh fruit, in purity or with other ingredients and the many shades of chocolate with different crus and cocoa percentages, even without milk.