Did you know that there was only one gelateria in Rome in the 1930s? Today, the capital of Italy is home to hundreds of gelaterias ranging from small parlors to big-chain gelaterias. Gelato is an Italian version of ice cream and it translates to “frozen”. It’s a little bit different than ice cream, as it has less fat and is usually served warmer than your regular ice cream. The choice of gelato in Rome is overwhelming and there is plenty to choose from. Once you choose the right gelateria, it’s time to pick from hundreds of flavors. Let’s take a look at some of the best places for gelato in Rome.
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Gelateria del Teatro
Via dei Coronari is one of the most elegant shopping streets in Rome and features a number of antique shops selling mostly leather. This charming cobbled back-street is also home to the popular Gelateria del Teatro, a gelato institution which always has a long queue. There are a variety of flavors to choose from and everything here is made from fresh natural ingredients. Make sure to try the signature pistachio gelato, as well as dark chocolate with red wine. Some of the other favorites include ricotta with almond and chocolate with basil. Keep in mind that it can be quite chaotic inside as there are always many tourists here.
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Fatamorgana
The owner of Fatamorgana, Maria Agnese Spagnuolo purchased a book of gelato recipes at a local market in Rome when he was a teenager and decided to make all of these recipes at home. It was 2003 when Maria decided to open up her first gelateria in the city and use only healthy and experimental recipes to make gluten-free gelato. Today, there are two branches of this gelateria in the center of Rome and both of them have a creative range of flavors including black cherry, pear, grapes, nuts, gorgonzola, rosebuds, and black rice. You will also find exotic flavors here such as Kentucky tobacco-flavored chocolate, rice pudding, and blueberry cheesecake.
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Giolitti
One of the oldest gelaterias in Rome, Giolitti is a family-run business located close to the famous Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Did you know that Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck ate gelato here in the classic “Roman Holiday” movie? Their gelato is soft and creamy and there is always a line in front of the store. Besides gelato, they also offer a nice range of desserts and other treats like cakes, chocolates, and ice cream cakes. If you are looking for a perfect gelato in Rome, Giolitti is definitely one of the best places in the city.
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Carapina
Originally from Florence, Carapina is located on a small street close to Campo de’ Fiori. Although this is one of the most expensive gelaterias in the city, their gelato is made from premium-quality ingredients. Expect to find classics, as well as experimental flavors such as cream of whiskey, pecorino cheese, chestnut, and raisins. If you are into chocolate, don’t leave without trying the mouthwatering Neroassoluto. The good news is that unlike some other gelaterias in the city, Carapina has a couple of tables where customers can eat their gelato.
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Gelato di San Crispino
One of the most popular gelaterias in Rome, Il Gelato di San Crispino attracts thousands of both tourists and locals each and every day. The original store is located close to the Trevi Fountain, while there are 4 other branches around Rome in areas like San Giovani, Roma Est Mall, the Pantheon, and Fiumicino Airport. The signature flavor here is the popular basic Italian cream made with honey from Sardinia. Make sure to try some of the other delicious flavors including ginger and cinnamon or their fruit sorbets. It’s definitely one of the best places to try gelato in Rome. Keep in mind that they only sell gelato in cups here at Il Gelato di San Crispino.
