Some people plan their trip to Rome around its ancient buildings and impressive masterpieces, but I prefer to appreciate art of a different kind. I’m talking about the city’s gelato scene, which needs a fast-pass system as much as Rome’s must-see sights. While seeing the Colosseum is obviously a memorable experience, drinking melted white chocolate out of a cone after devouring scoops of dark chocolate gelato was definitely the highlight of my holiday (if not, my entire life). During our short week in Rome, we tried countless gelato spots and I even managed to do a sneaky repeat – all in the name of research, of course…
Frigidarium
You’re probably wondering which gelateria was worthy of a repeat. It was Frigidarium, where they cover your gelato in melted white or dark chocolate, which hardens into a thin shell of mouthwatering magic. First, I ordered three scoops because I didn’t want chocolate to take over Frigidarium’s gelato flavors. Now I know they complement one another perfectly, especially when you order their famous Frigidarium flavor with a show-stopping cookie on top.
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186
Come il Latte
You’re probably also wondering where you can peak in life (aka drinking melted white chocolate). At Come Il Latte, the cones are every bit as important as the gelato on top, lavishly filled with thick and creamy white chocolate (or dark, whatever floats your bloat, haha). All the gelato flavors are decadent and dreamy, but my favorite was their intensely rich dark chocolate (shocking).
Address: Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26, 00187
Giolitti
Just when you think the crowd at The Pantheon is a little overbearing, you stumble upon the lines at Giolitti. Founded in 1890, this grand-looking gelateria has become a national institution. Its strict Italian etiquette will test your patience (read: order the size of your cone at the cashier, before standing in another line for your ice cream), but it’s SO worth the wait. Presentation might not be their strongest point, but Giolitti’s scoops are huge in both size and flavor: the banana gelato is so pure and creamy you’ll be lost for words.
Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 (best location!)
Fatamorgana
Fatamorgana should come with a warning sign: “good luck with choosing between our vast amount of fantastic flavors, including twelve different kinds of chocolate.” The ever-rotating selection is seasonal and creative, with some American influences in there too: blueberry cheesecake (get it!), carrot cake, hazelnut nutella swirl, and salted caramel. Good luck with that…
Gelateria La Romana
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Rome’s gelato scene, is that the best gelatos aren’t always the prettiest (and vice versa). Faded colors are signs of natural ingredients, while brightness points to artificial crap. The best gelato spots also don’t need to worry about customers, which is why their ice cream is often kept under lids for the right temperature. Gelateria La Romana ticks all the boxes for top quality gelato, finished off with a generous dollop of panna (fluffy whipped cream). It’s hard to choose a favorite gelateria, but I will say that I think about La Romana on a daily basis.
Multiple locations
Otaleg
Gelato spelt backwards, Otaleg offers a line-up of ice cream flavors that range from classic to creative. On the safer side of the spectrum, there’s tiramisu and pistachio, while adventurous foodies can take their pick of cacio e pepe, gorgonzola and licorice – yes, in ice cream.
Address: Viale dei Colli Portuensi, 594, 00151
Gelateria del Teatro
If you like bold flavors, Gelateria del Teatro is basically the Roman king of unusual gelato. Here, chocolate ice cream is mixed with red wine and almonds (a well-rounded meal), raspberry gets a helping hand of basil, and peach smells like heaven with lavender. Bonus points for its location, nestled alongside a charming alleyway with stairs outside – the perfect spot for indulging and people watching.
Address: Via dei Coronari, 65/66, 00186
Neve di Latte
Using nothing but natural ingredients, Neve Di Latte scoops up some of the best gelato in Rome. Both locations are a bit out of the way (Flaminio District and Prati), but then again, a long walk allows for more scoops of gelato. Because you’ll want to taste all these creamy delights, including Madagascan vanilla popping with cherries, Bavarian cream and crème caramel. Forget walking and start running.
Multiple locations
Grom
Before I offend any Italian readers or locals in the know, I’m well aware Grom doesn’t have the absolute best gelato in Rome. But, this fast-growing chain comes in useful when you’re in need of your gelato fix and the lines at Giolitti are just too long for your level of hangryness. I’m also a big fan of their chocolate chunk cones, the pastry cream gelato (infused with lemon in the summer), and that overarching bridge of panna on top.
Multiple locations
Venchi
Everyone talks about the Trevi Fountain, but what about Rome’s chocolate fountain? Set on the shopping street Via del Corso, Venchi is home to a never-ending supply of melted chocolate, flowing down a wall, out of taps and onto your gelato. Following a great first impression, I thought the gelato wasn’t anything special. My advice? Stock up on their chocolate bars instead (the perfect pre-flight snack).
Address: Via del Corso, 335, 00186 (best location)
Ps. We also tried highly recommended spot Gelaterie dei Gracchi, but ended up disappointed with both flavors (pistachio and apple cinnamon). Bad day? Wrong flavors? Who knows. Maybe it’s an excuse to book a flight and try some more.
