Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome

National Geographic

2 days ago

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato?
This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience.
And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Gelateria Fassi
Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Otaleg
Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Order your gelato in a Ciampini waffle cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza. Photograph by Ciampini, Gianmaria De Luca Ciampini
Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Fruit-flavoured gelatos change according to each season at Gelateria dell'Angeletto, with both lactose-free and vegan options available. Photographs by Francesca Martino Gelateria dell'Angeletto
After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Photograph by Aromi Group Günther
With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Brivido
Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).