17 Best Gelaterias in Rome Italy
For ice cream lovers and dabblers this guide is a treasure chest of Rome鈥檚 best gelato shops. There are gelaterias everywhere. Many visitors to Rome only have a few days to explore the city. You owe it to yourself to make the most of your time and find the gelato locals eat. Often the authentic stuff is just around the corner from a tourist trap. Why not take the recommendation of someone who has been eating and entertaining in Rome for years?
(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome)
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1. Frigidarium
This gelateria is probably the best located in the city. In the downtown district with scenic, winding streets between Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. The shop is small, but it offers a variety of flavors. All of the flavors are homemade and the family members take turns producing gelato and running the shop. Besides a good array of classic flavors, keep a look out for various seasonal ones which you won't see anywhere else. This place is in my personal top three not only for the quality of the gelato, but the location and ever-friendly service you receive.
Where to find it:
Via del Governo Vecchio 112, Rome, 00186, ItalyWorking Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10:00am-02:00am
http://www.frigidarium-gelateria.com/
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2. Blue Ice
This is the only chain of gelato shops in Rome that I'd recommend. While there's nothing like the artesian style of a small, family run business, Blue Ice is a close 2nd. Blue Ice always has a good selection of flavors, the shops are clean and the prices are good. They have locations around most of the major Roman sites. This particular location is right in the center of the city, where you may find yourself crossing once or twice per day, that's why I chose it. Besides a good location the benefits include a good taste and bigger-than-average portions. Some of the best flavors they offer are "After Eight" and "Tiramisu." They also offer a selection of slushy type drinks if you are really thirsty. Finally it is the home of the only soy-based gelato that I've seen in Rome, for those watching their dairy intake. I recommend it as the best in its class.
Where to find it:
Via dei Baullari 141, Rome, 00186, ItalyPhone: 06 68803594
Working Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10:30am-03:00am
https://www.facebook.com/blueice141/
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3. Giolitti
If you are a fan of great atmosphere and great gelato, Giolitti demands to be seen. This is also among my top three locations. Giolitti is a throwback ice cream parlor with Gelato instead. The gelato counter is just one counter among many in this anything goes sugar shop. The shop has the feel of a classy sweets store in a big city about 100 years ago. Besides the atmosphere, it offers one of the most diverse arrays of flavors found in Rome. Classic fruit and gelato flavors are flanked by rarities such as 鈥淐hampagne,鈥� 鈥淏lueberry鈥� 鈥淐innamon鈥� or 鈥淩ice.鈥� The sheer amount of flavors will beckon you for another visit. The gelato here will be a bit more pricey than other places, but not much really. It is well located near Piazza Navona but some folks get very frustrated finding the back street where it is located. That鈥檚 what this guide is for after all, so go for it!
Where to find it:
Via Uffici del Vicario 40, Rome, 00186, ItaliaPhone: 06 6991243
Working Hours:
Mon-Sun: 07:00am-01:30am
http://www.giolitti.it/
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4. Gelato di San Crispino
This gelateria has received rave reviews from both Romans and tourists alike. While it is not in my personal top three, its in my top five. In any case, those who know the gelato scene in Rome always include this location in a top list. This is the shop featured in the film: 鈥淓at, Pray, Love鈥� for those who enjoy non-traditional tourist sites. The establishment is always clean. The selection of flavors is standard, with some novelty flavors such as: 鈥淗oney,鈥� and 鈥淐innamon.鈥� The staff speak a variety of languages, are friendly and very typically Italian. The location is a big plus for this stop, being just a few blocks from the Barberini metro stop and the famous Trevi Fountain. This plus can also be a negative due to large crowds of tourists in the area, so be prepared to wait during high season and have patience with the swamped staff. The increased travel reviews, movie and heavy tourism has raised the prices a bit, but you are paying for good gelato in a high traffic area.
Where to find it:
Via della Panetteria 42, Rome, 00187, ItalyPhone: 06 6793924
Working Hours:
Mon-Thu,Sun: 11:00am-12:30am
Fri-Sat: 11:30am-01:30am
http://www.ilgelatodisancrispino.it/
5. Old Bridge
Most of my favorite gelaterias are often of the small, artesian and home-made type. Old Bridge is none of these. Yet it occupies my top 5, why? Old Bridge is a small place with a great location, fast and friendly staff, good-quality mass produced gelato and HUGE portions. If you find yourself with quite an appetite for gelato and want to see how much is possible to cram on a cone or in a cup come to Old Bridge. They don鈥檛 have any special flavors, just a good selection of standard ones. Even for American serving size standards it鈥檚 pretty big. The location is unbeatable: just around the corner from St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica and the Vatican museums. There are always people here but it鈥檚 never crowded. The staff are very friendly and they move fast to get you in and out of the small shop. This is a great place to bring kids, they will love the size and taste and parents will love the lack of hassle and low prices. Recommended flavors are: 鈥淎nanas鈥� and 鈥淪tracciatella.鈥�
Where to find it:
Viale dei Bastioni di Michelangelo 5, Rome, 00192, ItalyPhone: 06 39723026
http://gelateriaoldbridge.com/
6. Fonte Delle Salute
The gelateria scene of Trastevere is really a dime a dozen. Trastevere is a huge night spot with restaurants and gelato on every corner. It can sometimes get frustrating wandering in the labyrinth like streets and seeing buildings you passed twice already. However the Fonte Delle Salute gelateria happens to be on the main and wide street the cuts through Trastevere. The gelato is of excellent quality and the location offers over 50 flavors. The gelateria offers quality and variety in a neighborhood which often sees scores of mediocre establishments. The space and the possibility of outdoor seating is also a rarity. It鈥檚 an excellent stop.
Where to find it:
Via Cardinal Marmagi 2, Rome, 00153, ItalyPhone: 06 87440297
Working Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10:00-01:00
7. Fiocco di Neve
This Gelateria is well located next to the famous Pantheon and within walking distance from the Trevi Fountain and Barberini Metro stop. Besides its good location and average prices there are a variety of up to 50 flavors. Most gelaterias offer a standard chocolate dip for your gelato which quickly cools and hardens around the gelato. Here there are a variety of other dips such as Hazelnut, Torroncino and Zuppa Inglese. This gelateria received rave reviews from the New York Times for their rice based gelatos which come in a variety of combinations of sweet rice with strawberry, chocolate and cinnamon. Check out the excellent coffee slush offered as well.
Where to find it:
Via del Panteon 51, Rome, 00186, ItalyPhone: 06 6786025
8. Gelateria del Teatro
This relatively new gelateria tops the list and comes in as my number one destination. All of the gelato made here is home made with Sicilian style and ingredients. It is settled in a picturesque neighborhood just two minutes from the bustling center. It has a small but clean shop and a nice outdoor area with tables. Specialties such as lemon cheesecake, grandmother鈥檚 cream, ricotta-fig-almond and caramel pear are simply amazing. This gelateria has one of the best arrays of chocolate flavors in the city as well with everything from milk chocolate to upwards of a 70% pure chocolate flavor. I have had nothing but rave reviews from friends and colleagues on this gelateria. The prices are good and the staff and service friendly. Overall this is an amazing artesian gelateria with a unique assortment of flavors and unbeatable atmosphere. A trip to Rome would be incomplete without a stop at Gelateria del Teatro.
Where to find it:
Via dei Coronari, 65-66, 00186 Roma, ItalyPhone: 06 45474880
Working Hours:
Mon-Sun: 11:00am-10:00pm
9. Gelateria dei Gracchi
This Gelateria is nicely situated a short distance from Piazza del Populo and the Vatican. It is not on a particularly commercial street but it has its great tasting gelato to keep business coming. They have done well for themselves as a small business, just opening another location across town. This gelateria uses only fresh ingredients and while not strictly organic, has that flavor to it. Probably best known for its cream flavors, this gelateria also boasts some specialties not found elsewhere such as Gran Marnier, pine nut and ricotta. Many of the nut flavors come from nuts that they grind up right in front of you. Also they have a strong selection of seasonal flavors with the best array in the fall. This gelateria may not get the best rating on location or atmosphere, but the variety, quality and unique flavors make it worth it.
Where to find it:
Via dei Gracchi 272, Rome, 00190, ItalyPhone: 06 3216668
10. Alberto Pica
This is one of those places that鈥檚 so well hidden it鈥檚 in plain sight! It is literally across the river from the bustling night life of Trastevere, but you would never know it. It鈥檚 packed with locals and families who enjoy the beautiful outdoor gardens and tables in the shadow of some amazing buildings. This gelateria is well situated between the historic Jewish ghetto and the Campo di Fiori night spot. It boasts many awards and newspaper write-ups. The owner and founder for whom it is named can often be seen serving, managing or making up a new batch or flavor. All of the standard flavors are good and the price attracts many families as well as the odd passersby. This is a great place to grab gelato if you find yourself in the Largo Argentina area where many of the bus lines stop. No credit cards.
Where to find it:
Via della Seggiola 12, Rome, 00186, ItalyPhone: 06 6868405
11. Gelarmony
The focus of this gelateria is Sicilian gelato. Besides gelateria del teatro, no one does Sicilian gelato better than Gelarmony. There is always a steady stream of locals and it鈥檚 easily accessible from the Lepanto metro stop. The recommended flavors are cinnamon, chili pepper, vitamine Etna and lemon are all favorites. They also offer granite which is the slushy type drink sold in three or four flavors. There are also some Sicilian favorites such as cannolis and cassata Siciliana. The gelato is by far what they do best offering almost 60 flavors and every one I鈥檝e tried so far really packs a punch of flavor. Besides the traditional cone or cup they will also serve gelato on a warm brioche bun if asked. This is an excellent metro stop gelateria or a great side trip if you find yourself near the Vatican.
Where to find it:
Via Marcantonio Colonna 34, Rome, 00192, ItalyPhone: 06 3202395
http://www.gelarmony.it/
12. Gelateria Al Settimo
This gelateria is located north of the Vatican Museums in the Piazza Mazzini neighborhood. The best option is the Lepanto metro stop and about a 10 minute walk north. It is a very small and unassuming gelateria on the outside with a simple but nice interior design. On paper this gelateria has been dominating the Roman gelato scene with distinguished awards and reviews from the Roman papers and Italian gelato experts. It even bears the Gambero Rosso award, Italy鈥檚 most revered food guide. They offer quite a few varieties of chocolate as well as chocolate with spices and fruit flavors. I was impressed by the quality and the variety they have here. The prices are average and tourists are nowhere to be seen. Check out flavors such as sour cherry, honey and sesame and the never before seen iranano (rose-water, almonds and saffron). I will definitely be back to enjoy great dessert, super-friendly staff and a more Roman atmosphere.
Where to find it:
Via Vodice 21/A, Rome, 00195, Italyhttp://www.alsettimogelo.it/
13. Caffe Minerva Gelateria
If you are around the Pantheon and you need to satisfy that gelato craving immediately, there鈥檚 no closer or better place for Gelato. The gelato is surprisingly good for such a small shop in such a touristy area. One of its redeeming values is that it looks more like a convenience store, so you can skip the lines at the bigger shops nearby to get some great flavor and variety. They offer the standard range of flavors including chocolates and fruits which are highly recommended. The staff is very appreciative of business which can be rare in a high tourist area. They are happy to see you and serve you as quickly as possible. The one flavor I have seen nowhere else, which I highly recommend is Limoncello flavored gelato. Enjoy the sights with some delicious gelato.
Where to find it:
Via Minerva 8, Rome, 00186, Italy
14. Gelateria Della Palma
Variety is the best way to describe this place with over 70 flavors including: green apple, pistachio, passion fruit, chocolate and orange,smarties, kit kat and nutella as well as varieties of sorbet and mousse. Probably the best selling point on this gelateria is the variety, the candy and coffee shop attached and the location around many of the primary sites. That being said the complaints often concern too many tourists, too much sugar in the gelato and higher prices. Taking everything into consideration it鈥檚 still a worthwhile place. The gelato has a good taste, the variety is amazing and tourism is what keeps them open ultimately. They do an amazing job of creating space in an area where many stores are packed in and there鈥檚 barely enough room for 5 customers. This place is a must for chocolate lovers, with such a variety there are over 20 chocolate flavors alone. The prices start at 2.5 euros, but the hours are good and you won鈥檛 find this variety many other places in the city.
Where to find it:
Via della Maddalena 19, Rome, 00186, ItalyPhone: 06 68806752
http://www.gelateria-della-palma.com
15. Fior di Luna
The Via della Lungaretta is one of the pedestrian lifelines into Trastevere. You won鈥檛 be hassled by cars or motorinis but you will find yourself in a sea of people and shops, wineries and restaurants and of course gelaterias. There are many gelaterias on this street which may well be considered teases and tourist traps but you are in good hands if you鈥檝e chosen Fior di Luna. You will see many bohemians and young people hanging out here as this gelateria is not only homemade and healthy but also relies heavily on organic and fair trade ingredients. There is also a wide selection of sugarless gelatos amongst the fruits, sorbets and chocolates. Fior di Luna is very strict on the freshness of their products which means no strawberries in winter, but one thing they do have year round are a variety of chocolate flavors. Vanilla is not a popular gelato flavor but they do it well here, so it鈥檚 recommended. They also make excellent hot chocolate during the winter months.
Where to find it:
Via della Lungaretta 96, Rome, 00153, ItalyPhone: 06 64561314
http://www.fiordiluna.com/
16. Da Checco
The location is really very central but there is a tall monument in front of this gelateria and the small street that its on may not seem so promising at first. But it鈥檚 not too hard to find and the crowd especially at night will give it away. Just follow the line of people who are savoring their gelato after a romantic evening in Trastevere. This shop is really a complex of a bar-pastry shop and gelateria. It is a family business that over generations has grown to include other businesses including a catering service. This may be a good place for not just a gelato but also a nice cup of their house brewed coffee. The gelato is take away but you can wander in next door to sit down and look over some other treats. The gelato is superb, homemade and portions are good. Be sure and go for the fruit flavors which are delicious and if you like the combination of chocolate and cream be sure and add that too.
Where to find it:
Via Benedetta 7, Rome, 00153, ItalyPhone: 06 5811413
Working Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12:00-15:00; 19:30-24:00
http://www.checcoercarettiere.it/
17. Gelateria alla Scala
This is an amazing artisanal gelatria located in the heart of Trastevere. This Gelateria is absolutely tiny, but packs quite a flavor. This gelateria's only downside is probably related to its upside, flavors are made daily and so when they run out that鈥檚 it for the day. That makes for some amazing and intense, but short-lived gelato. This location has made it into many guide books amongst Rome鈥檚 elite gelaterias and continues to do so. By far the best flavors are black current and cinnamon. Many people I know as well as tourists remarked on how strong the tastes of each flavor were. The price cannot be beaten with a small cone starting at 1.5 euro that鈥檚 a bargain anywhere. The staff are keen on giving you more than you paid for and are very friendly and generous. This gelateria is in my top ten for location, flavor and attention to detail. You won鈥檛 find a better deal this side of town.
Where to find it:
Via della Scala 51, Rome, 00153, Italy
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