You’ll Want Two Scoops At These Gelato Shops In Rome

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When planning your trip to Italy, we know the food is at the forefront of your mind. And Italian ice cream tops the list of desserts on your to-eat list. Gelato, a denser, creamier version of the frozen treat, will take over your sweet tooth once you taste the best of the best in Rome. You know the only way to eat on this trip is generously, with a scoop of gelato to accompany breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Now, luckily for the rest of the world, some Roman gelato brands have expanded to American cities (we’re looking at you, Grom and Fatamorgana). But we wanted to focus on the scoops you can only get in the Eternal City itself. Here are some of our favorite spots to get gelato in Rome.

Fior di Luna

The best gelato shops are in minuscule little holes in the wall, tucked into narrow streets in charming neighborhoods where it feels like you just stumbled into ice cream heaven. And Fior di Luna in Trastevere has that charm — and some pretty great chocolate hazelnut gelato. There are some non-traditional gelatos here as well, such as the kiwi flavor. Brave eaters out there, try the gelato made from donkey’s milk.

Gelateria San Crispino

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If you’re not stopping at San Crispino on a tour of all the spots in the book “Eat, Pray, Love,” then you’re probably there for the fruity gelato. It’s all fresh ingredients, but the big highlights are flavors like black fig, blackberry, grapefruit and plum. The shop is located near the Pantheon so you can enjoy your dessert with a historical view.

Gelato San Lorenzo

Gelato San Lorenzo doesn’t have a decades-long history in Rome, but it’s still made a dent in the ice cream scene. The shop only uses high-end seasonal ingredients — usually products from other regions of Italy. And since they base the gelato offerings off what’s in season, you might end up with some creative twists. Think pineapple, ginger, avocado or basil mixed in with your creamy gelato.

Gelateria del Teatro

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You’ll adore the look at Gelateria del Teatro on Via dei Coronari. You can watch gelato being made through the large front window or pose with the cute ice cream cone motif outside. We’d suggest going for flavors like the lavender white peach and raspberry sage. The shop sells gelato and chocolate covered treats like citrus peels and truffles.

Otaleg

Otaleg (gelato spelled backward, get it?) is located off the beaten path for Rome tourists. The flavors to get here are zabione, a wine gelato, dark chocolate or gorgonzola. The shop is less kitschy than some of the buildings in the city center, but the quality of the gelato will make up for it.

Giolitti

Right near the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, you’ll find Giolitti. It’s not a secret, so be prepared for a line to get your hands on classic flavors, as well as tiramisu and pomegranate gelato. P.S. The servings are pretty generous, so bring your appetite.

Gelateria dei Gracchi

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The pistachio gelato is the absolute standout at Gelateria dei Gracchi, but there are also nut flavors, such as toasted almond, hazelnut and even pine nut here. We’d suggest a chocolate scoop and a nutty scoop, but that’s our personal move. There’s a location near Piazza Navona and the original on Via dei Gracchi.

Gelateria Fassi: Il Palazzo del Freddo

The enormous seating area at Gelateria Fassi will tempt you into getting more than one helping of gelato because it’s not like you have to wolf down your scoop. You can take your time, savoring flavors like cardamom and mango. This place was built in the 1880s, so you’re seeing a bit of history with your dessert.

Come il Latte

Heading onwards from Rome by train? Make one last gelato stop near the Termini train station at Come il Latte for a scoop or two of rich gelato. Look for the mascarpone flavor for an indulgent treat, or try the salted caramel for a more traditional ice cream sweet snack.

Pro tip: You can order more than one flavor, even if you’re getting a small cup of gelato, at most shops. Don’t limit yourself to one flavor — try them all!

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