The Best Gelato in Rome: Your Definitive Guide

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For lovers of creamy, dreamy gelato, Rome is the real deal. More than 1,400 gelato parlours (gelaterie) are spread across the Italian capital. But with gelato places cropping up on every corner of Rome's historic centre, you run the risk of falling into a dreaded tourist trap. 😱

We've written this article to share our favourite gelato spots in Rome. We'll advise where to go, what they do best, and how much you can expect to pay. We've even included some handy phrases to practice your italiano and order gelato in Italian, and some tips to help you distinguish quality artisan gelato from industrially-produced ice cream masquerading as the creamy stuff of dreams.

This guide was written by Alexander Meddings, a travel writer based in Rome. All our articles are authored by local writers who know their cities inside out & provide commission-free recommendations.

Our Favourite Gelato Places in Rome

Bar San Calisto

Address: Piazza San Calisto 1, 00153

Bar San Calisto is a long-standing institution that is renowned for its authentic Roman ambience. While primarily a popular local bar known for inexpensive drinks and lively conversation, it also serves a small but reliably delicious selection of gelato.

You'll find classic flavours like nocciola (hazelnut), stracciatella, (fine strands of drizzled chocolate), and seasonal fruit sorbet at budget-friendly prices (around €2–€3 per serving). Pull up a chair outside during the day to relax and enjoy a refreshing sweet treat. Visit by night and you'll find the place is hopping with students and younger tourists.

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Clients of a Private Rome Food Tour enjoying authentic Italian gelato from Bar Calisto, Trastevere

Gelateria dei Gracchi

Address: Via dei Gracchi 272, 00192

This family-run gelato shop started in Sardinia in the 1980s before opening in the Italian capital in 1999. Situated in Prati, not far from the Vatican, Gelateria dei Gracchi is renowned for its seasonal flavours and all-natural ingredients. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming look, the gelato is top-notch. 👌

Try their signature dark chocolate with orange, zabaione (made from egg yolks, sugar and dessert wine), or toasted almond. The classic pistachio with rice milk is also a revelation – rich, nutty, and most importantly with an understated green-brown hue (real pistacchio gelato should never be neon green).

Prices here are reasonable too, around €3–€4.80 for a generous cup or cone, making this one of the best gelato in Rome for quality-to-price value.

Gelateria del Teatro

Address: Via dei Coronari 65/66, 00186

Located on a quiet cobbled street a few minutes' walk from Piazza Navona, Gelateria del Teatro is a true artisanal gem that has made gelato into an art form. The gelateria gets its name from being set in a former theatre costume workshop, which has since been converted into their laboratorio where you can watch gelato being made fresh.

They’re famous for innovative flavours crafted from local ingredients – think sage and raspberry, lavender and white peach, or ricotta cheese with figs. Traditionalists will love their pistachio (often hailed as one of the creamiest in town) and dark chocolate sorbet. Each scoop is bursting with flavour, free of artificial additives.

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Fresh fruit being prepared for sorbets. Photo Credit: Gelateria del Teatro

Expect to pay about €3 for a small cup and up to €5 for larger sizes – well worth it for gelato that tastes like a work of art. Also be prepared to queue in the evenings, but it moves fast and the payoff is delicious. Open daily from midday until 9 pm.

Gelateria Fatamorgana

Address: Multiple locations

For gluten-free gelato enthusiasts, Gelateria Fatamorgana is a must-visit. This pioneering gelato chain, founded by master gelato-chef Maria Agnese Spagnuolo, has several locations across Rome (in Monti, Trastevere, Prati and more).

As well as being 100% gluten-free, Fatamorgana famous for its wildly creative flavours. As well as all the classics you'll find gelato infused with black tea and smoke or flavoured with rose petal and almonds. For something extra-special. give the pensiero a go (pink grapefruit, ginger and candied lemon peel) or lapsang souchong chocolate gelato, which layers smoky tea with rich cocoa.

Despite the gourmet flair, the atmosphere is unpretentious and the prices reasonable. A small cone or cup with two flavours and cream will set you back just €3 while a large will cost €5.

Visiting Rome during summer? Try their refreshing basil-lemon sorbet or seasonal fruit granita (shaved ice).

Gelateria Fassi (Palazzo del Freddo)

Address: Via Principe Eugenio 65-67, 00185

Gelateria Fassi – also known as the Palazzo del Freddo (“Palace of Ice”) – is a Roman institution. Founded in 1880, it’s one of Italy’s oldest gelato shops and is still run by the Fassi family. Flavour-wise, you’ll find all the beloved Italian classics: stracciatella, nocciola, rich chocolate, and an excellent zuppa inglese (custard with liqueur-soaked cake) that locals adore.

For something different, try the sanpietrino – a Fassi specialty named after Rome’s cobblestones. It consists of a bite-sized cube of gelato dipped in chocolate which you can even order in 'Sicilian-style' in a brioche bun.

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Young woman enjoying a cone of stracciatella gelato

Fassi serves wonderfully traditional gelato at very affordable prices (about €2 for a small cone). This is a no-frills, authentic gelateria where quality and tradition come first.

Gelateria Fior di Luna

Address: Via della Lungaretta 96, 00153

Situated in the heart of Trastevere, Fior di Luna is a tiny, family-run gelato shop with a big reputation. Its Slow Food ethos means it focuses on organic, fair-trade ingredients of local provenance—from single-origin chocolate to seasonal fruit sourced from Italian farms. The result is exceptionally pure-tasting gelato. Their cioccolato fondente (dark chocolate) is intense and silky, and the fruit sorbets taste like the essence of freshly picked produce (try the fig or wild strawberry when in season).

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Gelato from Fior di Luna, Trastevere, as photographed on our Rome Food Tour

Fior di Luna does not use artificial colouring or preservatives, so flavours like banana are a natural creamy white, and pistachio is earthy beige. Not that you'll see this as soon as you walk in, mind; their gelato is stored (as it should be) in covered metal canisters to maintain perfect temperature and texture.

A small cone here costs around €2.50. It’s a humble spot, but many Rome food tour guides will tell you this is some of the best gelato in Rome, especially for chocoholics.

Gelateria Giolitti

Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40, 00186

No list would be complete without Giolitti, the granddaddy of Roman gelaterie.

Established in 1900 and still operated by the Giolitti family, this elegant café near the Pantheon has been serving up scoops to locals, tourists, and even celebrities for over a century. The interior, with its marble counters and turn-of-the-century decor, will transport you to la Belle Époque.

Giolitti offers an astounding array of flavours (often 40+ on any given day). Classics like nocciola and stracciatella are exceptionally creamy and flavourful, and they also make more unusual flavours like champagne, rice pudding, or crema (custard) with pine nuts.

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Audrey Hepburn enjoying Giolitti gelato on the Spanish Steps in the movie Roman Holiday (1953)

To get your gelato here, first line up to pay at the cashier (a small cone is around €3.50 and includes two flavours), then elbow your way to the counter to choose your scoops. Say yes to panna (cream) if you’d like a dollop of whipped cream on top—Giolitti is famous for it (and as with all Roman gelato parlours it’s included in the price).

Giolitti can certainly get crowded, but the chaos is worth it for a taste of Rome’s most famous gelato.

Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Address: Via Urbana 130 (Monti), Piazza Mattei 14 (Jewish Ghetto)

🎶 Ohh baby, do you know what that's worth? Grezzo, for vegans, is a place on earth. 🎶

Located in the hip, studenty Monti neighbourhood, Grezzo (“raw”) specializes in plant-based desserts and vegan gelato, made without dairy or refined sugar. Their artisans use cashew or almond milk bases, raw cacao, and natural sweeteners like coconut sugar to craft intensely creamy gelato that’s also organic and gluten-free.

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Gelato cup from Grezzo Photo Credit: Grezzo Raw Chocolate

Gelato cups & coffee beans. Photo Credit: Grezzo

Flavours include several types of single-origin raw chocolate gelato (don’t miss the rich gianduia, a chocolate-hazelnut blend) as well as options like pistachio, hazelnut, and seasonal fruit sorbets. The texture is a bit denser due to the lack of air and preservatives – which just means more flavour per bite.

Prices are a tad higher (around €3.50 for a small cup), but you are paying for top-quality, ethical ingredients. It’s a perfect stop for a guilt-free treat or if you have dietary restrictions.

Gelateria La Romana

Address: Multiple locations

Website: Gelateria La Romana

There are three certainties in life. Death, taxes, and locals lining up outside Gelateria La Romana.

Despite the Roman-sounding name, La Romana started in the coastal city of Rimini in 1947. But its branches in the capital have quickly become beloved. And with six locations across Rome, you’re likely to encounter this gelateria sooner rather than later.

La Romana is known for its ultra-creamy and super-sweet gelato and crepes. At some locations, they’ll even drizzle melted chocolate into your cone before filling it with gelato, and offer a swirl of fresh panna on top. The flavours here lean toward the classic and indulgent: velvety nocciola, bacio (chocolate hazelnut “kiss”), pistachio, tiramisù, and seasonal fruit sorbets. Their standout flavour is the Crema dal 1947, a rich custard cream flavour celebrating their original recipe.

Despite La Romana's gourmet quality, their prices remain tourist-friendly (about €2.50-€3.00 for a small cone with two flavours). The franchise often stays open late, making it perfect for a post-dinner dessert. Expect long(ish) line on summer nights – a sure sign you’ve come to the right place.

Gelateria Neve di Latte

Address: Multiple locations

Neve di Latte (meaning “snow of milk”) prides itself on purity and simplicity. With locations near the MAXXI Museum (Flaminio) and in Prati, this gelateria offers a more minimalist gelato experience that hardcore foodies adore. The focus is on a short list of flavours made from exceptional organic ingredients: Alpine milk, free-range eggs, single-origin cocoa, and seasonal fruits.

You won’t find 50 crazy flavours here—instead, maybe a dozen perfect ones.

Their fior di latte (pure sweet milk) is often cited as the creamiest in Rome, and the madagascar vanilla or Sicilian almond flavours are remarkably full-bodied. Even the fruit sorbets, like mango or pear, are ultra-smooth and bursting with natural sweetness. Neve di Latte keeps its gelato in covered pozzetti (metal tubs with lids) to preserve the ideal temperature and consistency, another sign of their quality-over-quantity approach.

Prices are between €2.50-€4.50 per cup. If you value authenticity and clean flavours, don’t miss this spot. It’s a quiet joy to savour such pure gelato, even if off the typical tourist path.

Gelateria San Crispino

Address: Via della Panetteria 42, 00187

Legendary among gelato aficionados, San Crispino gained worldwide fame from being featured in Eat, Pray, Love. It's too close to the Trevi Fountain to be a true hidden gem. But don't let the crowds put you off: San Crispino serves up real artisan gelato. In fact, they famously only serve gelato in cups since they believe that cones compromise the gelato's flavour and temperature.

Julia Roberts enjoying San Crispino’s gelato in the movie Eat, Pray, Love (2010)

Gimmick or not, their gelato is outstanding. They use top-notch ingredients and avoid any display-case theatrics (all flavours are kept covered). The texture is silky and the taste of each flavour is incredibly pure. Try their signature miele (honey) gelato for an understated, elegant flavour. Other standouts include pistachio and seasonal fruit sorbets (the raspberry is like eating the fruit itself, only creamier).

Portions are a bit smaller and prices a higher than average (a small cup costs around €3). But you’re paying for “gelato gourmet.” If you’re a true convert, San Crispino is a pilgrimage you won’t regret.

Gelato Baciato, Garbatella

Address: Largo delle Sette Chiese 12, 00145

Located in the authentically Roman district of Garbatella, Gelato Baciato is a neighbourhood treasure that’s well worth the detour. The name means “Kissed Gelato”, and it indeed feels like each flavour is made with love. The shop is modern and welcoming, often filled with local families. The menu isn’t huge (a dozen or so flavours) but each one shines.

Their signature Gelato Baciato flavour is a must-try: a divine combination of pistachio cream gelato swirled with raspberry sauce, achieving that perfect nutty-fruity balance. They do the classics very well (locals get through the chocolate varieties like they're going out of fashion). But you’ll also find granita (Sicilian-style shaved ice) in warmer months, perfect for an afternoon cool-down.

Prices are refreshingly gentle (about €2.50 for two scoops), reflecting its local vibe. If you’re exploring the offbeat Garbatella quarter or admiring the street art of Ostiense, make sure to pop into Gelato Baciato for a sweet reward.

Günther Gelato Italiano

Address: Piazza Sant’Eustachio 47 (Centre) and Via dei Pettinari 43 (Esquiline)

Günther might not be the most quintessentially Italian name, but this master gelato-maker from the Alps has the sweet stuff in his blood. Günther Rohregger, originally from South Tyrol, opened his first Roman gelateria in 2012 – and now has two popular locations in the historic centre (one near the Pantheon and one close to Campo de’ Fiori). His gelato is all about artisan craftsmanship and quality ingredients, with the organic milk sourced from high-altitude farms and the sorbet water from Plose Mountain springs.

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Young woman holding up a cone of double chocolate gelato from one of the best gelato spots in Rome

The flavours range from traditional to innovative. You’ll find beautifully executed classics like Sicilian pistachio, stracciatella, and tangy yoghurt gelato, alongside Günther’s signature creations such as ricotta stregata (ricotta gelato “bewitched” with Strega liqueur) and pino mugo (pine needle gelato with a uniquely refreshing, herbal taste). Sorbet lovers should try the rosemary honey and lemon or elderflower flavours. They might just become your new favourites.

A cup starts around €3, reflecting the premium nature of the product. But the texture and depth of flavour truly set it apart. This is gelato fatto bene (done proper) as the owners say.

La Gourmandise

Address: Via Felice Cavallotti 36b, 00152

Hidden in the tranquil Monteverde neighbourhood, not far from Trastevere, La Gourmandise offers a unique twist on Italian gelato. Chef Dario Benelli, originally from Le Marche, uses local organic produce and even goat’s milk from Malta to craft some of his flavours – making this a great spot for those who are lactose-sensitive or seeking something different. The shop itself is petite and unassuming, but it has been quietly wowing gelato enthusiasts since 2010.

Flavours here can be delightfully unexpected: try the creamy goat milk pistachio or the dark chocolate made with water (intense and dairy-free). There are always a few milk-free options (senza latte) and interesting sorbets – for instance, pear with caramelised ginger, or a refreshing lemon verbena. Because it’s off the tourist trail, you’ll often find you have the shop nearly to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Prices are standard (€2-€4 depending on size). If you’re a true gelato connoisseur, La Gourmandise is worth the trip up the Janiculum Hill for a taste of gelato artistry away from the crowds.

Otaleg!

Address: Via di San Cosimato 14a, 00153

Yes, “Otaleg” is “gelato” spelled backwards – and this playful palindrome reflects the inventive spirit of the place. Otaleg started in a suburban district but thankfully opened a branch in Trastevere, making it much easier to access for those staying around the centre.

Many locals (and a fair few critics) will tell you Otaleg does the best gelato in Rome. Its owner, Marco Radicioni, is fanatical about texture and taste, resulting in gelato that is intensely flavourful yet not overly heavy. The pistachio here is to die for—deeply nutty, silky, and not too sweet. But you really can’t go wrong with any flavour.

They rotate offerings, so one day you might find cacio e pepe gelato (yes, cheese and pepper – surprisingly delicious as a quirky dessert!), and the next day a dreamy pink grapefruit sorbet or an espresso crema. Even their Fior di Latte (sweet milk) is elevated with a swirl of homemade grapefruit marmalade on top – a tangy contrast that highlights the milky sweetness. Otaleg serves its gelato at the perfect temperature (never rock-hard, never melty) and often in interesting pairings.

Prices are about €2.50 for a small cup, standard for gourmet gelato. If you’re in Trastevere, consider this a non-negotiable stop. It’s the kind of gelato that makes you pause mid-stroll just to roll your eyes in ecstasy. 🍧😇

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Saint Teresa in Ecstasy (after trying the best gelato in Rome)

Ordering Gelato in Italian 🇮🇹

Ordering gelato in Italy is a fun and simple experience – even if your Italian is abbastanza limitato (rather limited)! Using a few key phrases can enhance your experience and even earn you a smile from the locals. Here are some expressions you might find useful when ordering at a gelateria.

"Hello"— 🇮🇹 Buongiorno (during the day) / Buonasera (in the evening)

"I'd like..." 🇮🇹 Vorrei...

"A cone / a cup"— 🇮🇹 Un cono / una coppetta

"Thank you"— 🇮🇹 Grazie

"Could I have a taste?"—🇮🇹 Posso assaggiare?

"What flavours do you have?"— 🇮🇹 Quali gusti avete?

"Which flavours do you recommend?"— 🇮🇹 Quali gusti consiglia?

"How much does it cost?"— 🇮🇹 Quanto costa?

"Are they any vegan options?"— 🇮🇹 Ci sono opzioni vegane?

"I'd like one scoop, please."— 🇮🇹 Vorrei una pallina, per favore.

"I'd like two scoops, please."— 🇮🇹 Vorrei due palline, per favore.

"Goodbye"— 🇮🇹 Arrivederci or Ciao

How to Spot Authentic Gelato in Rome

Not all gelato is created equal. Rome has its share of touristy gelato stands that sacrifice quality for eye-catching appeal. Here’s how to identify real, artisanal gelato so you get the best experience:

No Mountainous Heaps

Gelato should not be piled high like the coiffure of the 47th President of the United States.

Those picturesque mountains of gelato you see in some displays might look tempting for a photo, but they’re a sure sign of poor quality. Overly whipped gelato holds its shape in a mound but contains more air (less flavour) and often more emulsifiers. Artisanal gelato, being denser, usually cannot form towering piles as it would melt or collapse on itself.

Look at the colours

Proper gelato is made from natural ingredients, so the colours are usually muted and true to those of the raw ingredients. Banana gelato, for example, should be creamy white or grey, not cartoon-yellow. Pistacchio will be an earthy green or even brownish, and never neon green. Beware of ultra-bright gelato. If you see a Smurf-blue flavour (often labelled “Blue Ice” or the like) then run for the hills.

Check the containers

Authentic gelaterie often keep their gelato in metal tins, sometimes even covered with lids (called pozzetti). This protects the gelato and indicates they care about maintaining the right temperature and freshness. If the gelato is piled in huge, billowy mounds overflowing the container, it’s likely pumped with air and stabilisers. Real gelato should sit level with (or just slightly above) the container.

Seasonal flavours

Italians prize fresh, seasonal ingredients. A good gelateria will feature flavours that make sense for the time of year and may rotate their selection. (Strawberry in winter? Probably from frozen pulp or artificial flavoring – better to try cachi (persimmon) or mandarino in winter, and save fragola (strawberry) for spring/summer when it’s fresh). Look for signs mentioning ingredienti di stagione (seasonal ingredients).

How Much Does Gelato Cost in Rome?

One of the joys of gelato is that it’s an affordable treat, even at the most famous places. Gelato in Rome typically costs around €2 to €3 for a small serving, which usually includes two flavours and optional whipped cream. A medium or large might be €4-€5. Even the best gelaterie in town keep prices reasonable – it’s rare to see anything above €6 unless you’re ordering an extra-large or adding extras.

Join a Cooking Class in Rome to Recreate Real Italian Recipes

After tasting all this delicious gelato, why not deepen your culinary adventure with a cooking class? Our small-group cooking classes in Rome are a fantastic way to learn authentic recipes (and have a blast doing it). Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a budding chef, you’ll pick up techniques and secrets from local instructors that you can take home with you.

Our Spritz & Spaghetti Cooking Class teaches you how to make classic cacio e pepe pasta from scratch while sipping an Italian Spritz cocktail. It’s the perfect mix of cooking and socialising – and yes, you get to devour your creation at the end, paired with more drinks and dessert.

Our Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class lets you master the art of Italy’s most iconic dishes – fresh hand-made pasta and the beloved tiramisù. You’ll master the art of dough and cream in one session! This class is super interactive and family-friendly (because who doesn’t love pasta and dessert!)

Taste Your Way through Trastevere on a Rome Food Tour

If you’d rather leave the planning to an expert and simply enjoy the ride (or rather, the feast), consider joining our Rome Food Tour in Trastevere. This guided food adventure is a perfect way to discover Rome’s culinary highlights – including, of course, gelato – all in one delightful evening.

Preview of our Rome Food Tour

If you want to find out more and discover some of the best gelaterias in the city, why not join us for our Wonders of Rome Walking Tour where we will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of Rome and of course tell you all there is to know about one of Italy’s finest culinary delights!

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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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