Where To Find The Best Gelato in Rome
This is one of the most essential travel questions when it comes to Rome. Sure, you need to know where to stay and what to do, but all of that means nothing without the magical creamy dessert of Italy. This dessert is Gelato. When traveling to Rome, it is essential to know where to find the best gelato in Rome. Don’t think that just because you are in the city, you will find good gelato. I mean, Rome is known for it, all the gelato must be good right? Wrong! Because of its status as a high-traffic tourist destination, more than half the gelato shops are simply tourist traps. Instead of delicious, creamy, fruity, and natural gelato, you’ll find American textures, over-decorated topping displays, and artificial flavoring.
If you want that kind of gelato, I would recommend just finding your local chain gelato store in your rural Kansas shopping mall. If you are looking for the best and most authentic gelato to compliment your authentic trip to Rome, here is where to find the best gelato in Rome.
How to Tell Authentic Gelato From Tourist Gelato
The first step in where to find the best gelato in Rome is to know how to find the best gelato in Rome. The most obvious sign that Gelato isn’t authentic is if it is stacked way above the top level of the bowl. One of the details that makes gelato different from ice cream is that it is churned lower speed. This is why when you taste authentic gelato, it is thick and creamy, not airy and light. If you see gelato able to stand up to extremely high heights for decoration, this is a sure sign that it was whipped at a high speed and essentially not gelato.
The second sign that gelato isn’t authentic is if it is brightly colored. One of the best parts of Rome, Italy, that differs from the United States and everywhere else, is that they use natural flavorings and colors. These natural fruits and nuts and the colors that come with them are what makes gelato taste so good. It is authentic and tastes real. If you see pistachio ice cream in any color other than brown or a brownish green chances are it is artificially colored and flavored. The same goes for strawberries, which should be a light pink, not a bright red. Think of the flavor you are looking for, if it is a natural fruit or nut flavor, consider whether or not it looks real or ridiculously bright. That will tell you whether it is authentic gelato or a cheaply-made ice cream alternative
Best Way to Find All the Best Gelato (Link Gelato tours)
Before we get started with the list, first I’d recommend the best way to find the best gelato during your trip. That would be with a Gelato tour. Because Rome is famous for its tourism and gelato, you will be able to find local tour guides who will walk you through the stone streets and take you to local favorite and world-famous authentic gelato stores. Find some of the highest-rated tours here to skip the hassle of finding the locations by yourself.
Gelateria Brivido
On top of our list of where to find the best gelato in Rome, we have Gelateria Brivido. This gelato parlor is located a short distance away from the tourist destinations of Rome and more where the locals live their lives in the Testaccio neighborhood. I put this as number one on the list simply because of how natural every single selection of their gelato is. This gelateria takes pride in its natural status. This means it is used with all fruits, nuts, and natural flavors and colorings. Here you can also find a rotation of seasonal flavors such as eggnog in the winter and strawberries in the spring.
Gelateria Come il Latte
Then we have Gelateria Come il Latte. If you find yourself in the Salustiano region of Rome. This is a bit northeast of the famous destinations of the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, more towards where most hotels are located. This gelateria, famous amongst both locals and tourists, boasts delicious flavors all from the local area. Chef Nicoletta has mastered the art of combining flavors to make creamy and tasty gelatos for everyone to enjoy. At this location, you’ll even find many low-carb and vegan flavors, along with sugar-free flavors for those with dietary restrictions.
La Gelateria Frigidarium
Third on the list of where to find the best gelato in Rome is La Gelateria Frigidarium. You will find this Gelato shop just a few streets down from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. This is a must-visit for any locals and tourists in the area looking for close and delicious gelato. On top of this, it is one of the top-rated Gelaterias on TripAdvisor, famous among all who visit. As soon as you enter La Gelateria Frigidarium, you are welcomed by gorgeous displays of gelato in flavors such as sour cherry, saffron and pistachio, coffee and so much more. You’ll also find a plethora of crunchy and fruity toppings offered in either a plain bowl or waffle cone. This is one of the best Gelaterias you can find near the tourist spots and monuments, as most in the surrounding area aren’t authentic.
Fiordiluna
The next best gelato in Rome can be found in the Trastevere neighborhood. This is located right on the Tiber River, across from the Theatre of Marcellus. This Gelateria puts simplicity and fun into one and creates imaginative gelato flavors with minimal and natural ingredients. You won’t find a detailed and lengthy list of ingredients here, as most are made with two to three fresh ingredients. You’ll find fantastic flavors such as a combination of hazelnut and pistachio and even chocolate with pepper. Above all, the best part about Fiordiluna that earns its spot on my list is its intimate setting. This is a small gelateria that uses minimal ingredients from very local suppliers which creates an authentic and fresh experience that you can taste in every spoonful of gelato.
Fatamorgana
This bright and magical gelateria is another located in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. Fatamorgana, meaning a mirage, is everything this location stands for. As you walk into the bright gelateria, you’ll immediately find the magic as you are introduced to flavors you would have never thought of combining. This gelateria takes pride in creativity and the magic of life itself. It takes you back to the simplicity of flavor and the power of sweet combinations.
Remember being a kid and mixing strange flavors together and finding the perfect recipe while in the play kitchen, fatamorgana’s gelatos bring out the same energy. Here you can find delicious combinations such as walnuts and rose petals, baklava, nuts and raisins, ginger and grapefruit, and so much more. What is most exciting is that flavors often rotate with the season, meaning you will be getting the freshest and most natural gelato and are in for a surprise depending on the season you visit.
Hedera Gelateria
Then, next on the list of where to find the best Gelato in Rome is Hedera Gelateria. For those touring the Vatican museum or climbing the steps of St Peter’s Basilica, you are lucky to know this location is located just outside the Vatican City. In fact, it is only about five streets down. This beautiful location is another best option for those not looking to travel far, as it is authentic gelato for both locals and tourists and in a location tourists will likely frequent.
However don’t let its location fool you, here you will find the freshest Gelato in all of Rome. This is because Hedera Gelateria only makes six sorbets and six gelato flavors every morning. Think banana and caramel, mango, and many more. The excitement and spontaneity of the menu is part of what makes it so special. Though the flavors cycle, you will be delighted to know that the gelato you are eating was made fresh with natural and local ingredients only hours before you arrived to eat it.
Günther Gelato Italiano
Last on our list of where to find the best gelato in Rome, we have Günther Gelato Italiano. This extremely popular gelateria has three locations around Rome, you can find them across the Pantheon, a few streets behind the Trevi Fountain, and in the Regolo neighborhood of Rome (nearest to the Tiber River). The gelato served here is among the highest quality you will find anywhere in Rome. Günther Gelato Italiano focuses on fresh and organic ingredients in order to orchestrate the perfect Gelato. Without having to go very far, you have multiple opportunities to enjoy unique flavors such as Pino Mugo, made with pine tree essential oil, eggnog, dark chocolate, and so much more. This location is one of the best not only because of the flavors but also because of the fresh ingredients and the way you can taste the quality.
Looking for more tips for your Rome trip? You might like Rome Packing List.
Only have a short time to explore? Try 24 Hours in Rome.
What about the Vatican, do you know the dress code? Before you visit check out What to Wear to Vatican City.