No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to a traditional ice cream parlor, where famous Italian ice creams are sold. Actually, we believe that no day of sightseeing in Rome is complete without having gelato at least once. And although there are ice cream parlors, or ice cream parlors, in practically every corner of Rome, not all of them are worth their euros.
In general, you want to look for ice cream that is natural in color, offered in small containers, and not filled with air. Avoid places with lots of brightly colored swirling gelato (artificially); this is a sure sign of mass production. Instead, head to one of these ice cream parlors (listed in no particular order), famous for their artisan, homemade gelato and widely regarded as one of the best gelato in Rome.
01
of 07
Frigidarium
Direction
Via del Government Vecchio, 112, 00186 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 3105 2934
Web
Visit the website
The most central little ice cream parlor in Rome, the little Frigidarium is on Via del Governo Vecchio, near Piazza Navona and the nightlife of Campo de’Fiori. Their ice cream is made from carefully selected, high-quality ingredients such as vanilla beans from Madagascar, cocoa from a Dutch company, and special Bronte pistachios grown in Sicily.
Frigidarium makes their ice cream every day, and most of it is gluten-free. You can even dip your cone in a chocolate caramel shell.
02
of 07
Like Milk
Direction
Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26, 00187 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 4290 3882
The name means ‘like milk’, which gives you an idea of the main ingredient used here: Come il Latte ice cream is made from 70% fresh cream, which gives it an extra dairy flavor. This place feels like an old American-style ice cream parlor, but the flavors are original and innovative.
Have you ever tried prickly pear ice cream? Or how about ricotta-pear-chocolate? There are also milk-free options for the lactose intolerant, as well as cakes and pastries filled with gelato.
03
of 07
Morgana girl
Direction
Piazza degli Zingari, 5, 00184 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 4890 6955
Web
Visit the website
Original flavors, organic ingredients, and clever marketing have made Fatamorgana the hottest (or coldest?) Gelateria in Rome. There are now nine locations in Rome where you can find flavors that you won’t find anywhere else.
What does avocado, lime, and white wine ice cream sound like? Or mint and goat cheese? Fatamorgana is the place to dare with your gelato choices! They even offer vegan options and gelato happy hours.
04
of 07
Fiordiluna
Direction
Via della Lungaretta, 96, 00153 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 6456 1314
Web
Visit the website
Your wanderings in Rome will probably take you to Trastevere and when they do, you should head to Fiordiluna. Famous for its chocolate and fruit flavors made from organic, fair trade ingredients, this traditional family-run ice cream shop also sells homemade chocolate bars with dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Like the neighborhood it is located in, there is a real sense of tradition and authenticity here.
05
of 07
gracchi
Direction
Via di S. Pantaleo, 61, 00186 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 321 6668
Web
Visit the website
You once had to walk to the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican to find Gelateria Gracchi, but now, there are four locations throughout Rome. The flavors here are comforting and traditional, like the gelateria itself.
Try seasonal specialties like roasted tangerine or chestnut, or rich milk chocolate or zabaglione, made with egg yolks and Marsala wine. They also make ice cream bars and chocolates.
06
of 07
Ciampini
Direction
Piazza di S. Lorenzo en Lucina, 29, 00186 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 687 6606
Web
Visit the website
From a great location near Plaza de España, Ciampini has been serving scoops of artisan ice cream for over 70 years. The ingredients are all organic, and the atmosphere is traditional and humble.
Chocolate, hazelnut and coffee flavors are especially recommended. The family also runs a bistro just a few steps away.
07
of 07
Other worthy gelato contenders
Direction
Via della Panetteria, 42, 00187 Rome RM, ItalyGet directions
Telephone
+39 06 679 3924
Web
Visit the website
If you can’t come up with one of my picks for the best ice cream in Rome, you won’t be disappointed with these alternatives:
- San Crispino: Portions have been reduced at San Crispino, but quality has remained the same in this Trevi Fountain favorite made famous in Eat, Pray, Love.
- Giolitti: Children will be dazzled by the variety of flavors at Giolitti, a Roman institution. They also sell sweets, cakes, and cookies for those who don’t eat ice cream.
- Gelateria del Teatro: You can see the magic that is being done at Gelateria del Teatro, which has its own ice cream and candy laboratory on site. The proof is in the pudding… er… the ice cream, in this case!
- Il Gelato di Claudio Torcé: For old-school and otherworldly flavors , head to one of the Il Gelato di Claudio Torcé outlets, with eight bright and simple locations throughout the city.
