It takes an iron will to walk by a gelateria in Rome and not order a cone or cup of lip-smacking deliciousness. Beautiful mounds of thick, creamy gelato in an array of colours invite passers-by to come in and try the dreamy flavours. Visiting a gelateria is a quintessential experience while visiting Rome so why resist the temptation?
In fact, some of the gelaterias, such as Giolitti and Giovanni Fassi, have been around since the 19th century. Others have exploded onto the scene in recent years thanks to their menu of unique flavours made with the freshest ingredients, such as Fatamorgana.
We’ve compiled a list of the top gelaterias in Rome but don’t let it stop you from trying out others you may come across as you explore the Eternal City. Psst…the most popular gelaterias tend to have the longest queues – a sign you are onto something special.
The best gelateria in Rome
Which is the best gelateria in Rome? This is a tough question to answer because everyone has different tastes and expectations in terms of flavours and décor. Some of the establishments even change their menu according to the season!
One thing that rings true about all the Roman gelaterias is the incredible quality of their offering. However, if you had to pick just one, Gelateria della Palma (Maddalena, 19-23) is an all-time favourite. It is conveniently nestled in the heart of the city, between three of the most emblematic monuments of Rome: Piazza Navona, Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon: Can you image having to choose from 150 yummy flavours? This is the challenge you’ll be faced with at one of Rome’s top gelaterias. Their gelatos are made from naturally sourced ingredients from Italy and other countries around the world. The family-run Gelateria della Palma has been serving patrons their amazing products for the last 40 years at this kitsch location, but its roots go back even further to the beginning of the 20th century, when the family produced all types of dairy products.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato
The gelato from this establishment definitely ranks among the top gelaterias of Rome. Venchi is an Italian gourmet chocolate and gelato maker that has been producing tantalising sweets since 1878. Come try their delectable products at any one of their establishments located in the city centre or at Fiumicino Airport before heading home. They also can be found throughout Italy and have flagship shops in France, the United Kingdom, the United States and China.
The secret to their success is no secret at all: their products are made daily with fresh milk and top-notch, locally sourced Mediterranean staples, such as hazelnuts, almonds and pistachios. They also have a wide variety of flavours which can be combined in generous scoops in a tasty wafer cone, topped off with chocolate and dried fruits. Try the sinfully delicious cremino o cuor di cacao or the nociolatto al latte – simply amazing!
Be sure to try the household speciality – chocolate. Made from 100% single-source, organic cocoa beans from South America. There are more than twenty different types of assorted chocolates in all shapes and sizes.
Giolitti Roma
Giolitti (Uficci del Vicario, 40) is reportedly one of the oldest gelaterias in Rome. There are two locations in Rome: the first shop opened its doors near the Pantheon over a hundred years ago, in 1900.
It also happens to be housed in one of the most beautiful locations to enjoy a gelato: think classic turn-of-the-century wood and marble décor with a bronze-and-glass counter where beautiful pillows of gelato in an array of flavours call your name. Most of the clientele pick up their gelato and continue their way, but if you can grab a seat and enjoy one of their home-made chocolate and hazelnut-topped sundaes, you won’t be disappointed!
Giolitti is also a sweet shop that sells delicious Italian pastries. They are especially known for their cassata siciliana, a sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueurs and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit, and the Giolitti pie, a dark chocolate-covered nougat parfait. Convinced yet?
Other popular gelaterias in Rome
There are so many great gelaterias in Rome, it’s almost impossible to list them all. Here are a few more that stand out for their distinct gelato philosophy:
- Palazzo del Fredo Giovanni Fassi (Principe Eugenio, 65): The Fassi family opened this establishment in 1880, making it the oldest, running gelateria in Rome. Its signature dessert, the Sampietrino, is a chocolate semifreddo, shaped like the emblematic cobblestones dotting the streets of Rome.
- La Romana (Venti Settembre, 60 and Magna Grecia, 47A): This gelateria was initially a small, family-run business when it first opened in 1947 but has expanded to other locations and countries through a network of franchises. The company only uses fresh, organic, locally sourced ingredients in their gelatos. The clean, contemporary look of the gelaterias makes it an all-round pleasant experience.
- Fatamorgana (Chiavari, 37 and Laurina, 10): It’s no wonder this gelateria has franchised out – the unique flavours whipped up by Maria Agnese are one-of-a-kind. Wine poached pears with gorgonzola, celery and lime, or honey-dipped nuts are just some of the flamboyant flavours waiting to rock your world.
