Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.
When in Rome, do a gelato (and never call it ice cream!) This Italian dessert staple is had by locals at any time of the day, irrespective of season. While there are gelaterias at every corner, it is worth your while to look out for some of the best that we’ve rounded up here.
Fior di Luna
This unassuming little gelateria in Trastevere is one of the best in town for its quality ingredients and dedication to processes. Their ingredients – from fruits to hazelnuts to cocoa are ethically sourced from small producers growing the best varieties in the world. The making process follows age-old techniques and uses minimal sugar and no synthetic additives. Come here for traditional as well as crafted flavors, with the friendliest of staff to serve you.
Address: Via della Lungaretta 96, 00153 Trastevere, Rome
Phone: +39 (0)6 6456 1314
Timings: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm; Wednesday and Saturday 12 pm to 11 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Website: https://fiordiluna.com/
Torcè
Claudio Torcè is known as the gelato king of Rome for his all-natural, quality ingredient-driven, and innovatively flavored gelatos. They are seasonal and healthy, and use fructose in place of sugar. Try out the traditional flavors as well as the one-of-a-kind : Sichuan pepper, black sesame, gorgonzola, and habanero, to name a few!
Address: Viale Aventino 59, Rome
Phone Number: +39 (0)6 9788 2939
Timings: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am to 12 am; Monday and Tuesday 11 am to 9 pm.
Website: https://www.claudiotorce.it/
Giolitti
Giolitti is said to be the oldest ice cream parlor in Rome besides being a popular cafe and bakery. It was started off as a creamery in 1890 by a dairy farmer couple. The secret to their gelatos is the use of real cream and no additives. The Sicilian cassata and chocolate fondant pairing are favourites, besides other unique ones such as the pink grapefruit. Go prepared for the long queues here!
Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Rome
Phone: +39 (0)6 699 1243
Timings: Monday – Friday 7:30 am to 11 pm; Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am to 12 am.
Website: https://www.giolitti.it/
Gelateria del Teatro
Here, one can literally witness the gelatos here being prepared, by looking through their large glass window. All gelatos are prepared with premium seasonal ingredients from small producers. Besides traditional favourites such as pistachio and hazelnut, there are ingenious creations such as rosemary, honey and lavender lemon, watermelon, raspberry sage, and so on.
Address: Via dei Coronari 65/66 Roma
Phone: +39 (0)6 4547 4880
Timings: Monday – Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm
Otaleg
Otaleg (gelato spelled backward) is a relatively new gelateria that’s being already cited by many as the best in Rome. The founder, Marco Radicioni, has been trained by gelato king, Claudio Torce himself, and has inherited his penchant for quality and for experimental flavors. One can watch him prepare gelatos from his see-through workshop right at the storefront.
Try the inventive flavors like Marsala, or seasonal ones like prickly pear and acacia honey. Their traditional ones like chocolate, lemon, and pistachio are also hugely popular.
Address: Via S. Cosimato, 14A, 00153 Rome
Phone: +39 338 651 5450
Timings: Wednesday – Monday 12 pm to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesday.
Website: https://www.otaleg.com/
Caffe’ Ciampini
The history of Caffe’ Ciampini dates back to 1941 and it occupies a prime location between the Spanish steps and Pincio hill. They use organic milk, eggs, and fresh fruit in all their preparations. Do try the famous ‘Gelato Tartufo Ciampini’ or chocolate gelato, invented in 1945 as an innovation on the ubiquitous chocolate ice cream!
Address: Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 29, 00186 Roma
Phone Number: +39 (0)6 687 6606
Timings: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am to 10:30 pm; Sunday 9 am to 10:30 pm.
Website: http://www.ciampini.com/
Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi
Established in 1880, this is one of Italy’s oldest and is located in a vast palazzo. It is run today by Anndre Fassi, the founder’s great-grandson who still sticks to family recipes. Apart from gelatos, they offer other delights like ice cream cake, cassata, and ice cream wafer ‘sandwiches’. Sanpietrini (literally meaning cobblestones in Rome), made with nuggets of gelato covered in chocolate, is a specialty here.
Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65, 00185 Rome
Phone: +39 (0)6 446 4740
Timings: Monday – Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm; Sunday 10 am to 8 pm.
Caffe delle Arti
Situated in a corner of the peaceful gardens of Villa Borghese, this is the cafe-restaurant of La Galleria Nazionale gallery. One can sit in the splendid neo-classical themed hall or the terrace, offering stunning views of Rome. Come grab a quick coffee, gelato, or even a light meal here.
Address: Via Antonio Gramsci, 73, 00197 Rome
Phone: +39 (0)6 3265 1236
Timings: Monday – Sunday 9 am to 5 pm
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