With the arrival of summer, the desire to eat good ice cream increases. Do you know which are the best ice cream shops in Rome? Let’s find out. But pima, how to recognize a quality ice cream? Giancarlo Timballo, founding member and president of the World Cup of Ice Cream, revealed to la Repubblica the tricks to recognize quality artisan ice cream:
- No to mountains of ice cream in tubs, it could indicate the use of hydrogenated vegetable fats that allow the ice cream to withstand high temperatures without melting;
- The color should be natural, no bright colors or shocking pink;
- It should not be too cold or hot;
- No to creams that are too light;
- Yes to soft ice cream without the presence of large crystals;
- Each flavor must have its own personality;
- Quality ice cream does not make you thirsty.
Let’s see what are the specialties of the ice cream parlors we selected in different areas of Rome. Where do you get the best pistachio ice cream? Where the artisanal one without additives? Let’s find out together.
Gelateria la Romana – St. John’s and other areas
Gelateria La Romana can be found in several countries, and everywhere there is a line to enjoy these artisanal ice creams. Summer flavors include: creamy almond milk, enhanced by a sweet strawberry compote; Yovè, with the sweetness of caramelized figs and the crunch of praline sesame; Mintnight, fresh white mint stracciatella and dark chocolate.
Where:
- Via Venti Settembre 60, corner of Via Piave, in the Sallustiano district (Centro Storico)
- Via Cola di Rienzo 2, in the Prati district
- Via Ostiense 48/A, in the Ostiense district
- Via Magnagrecia, 47A, 00183 (San Giovanni)
Otaleg – Trastevere
Also included in Gambero Rosso‘s list of gelaterias to try, Otaleg is an artisanal gelateria located in downtown Rome. Thanks to the mastery of Marco Radicioni, it is possible to experience a “journey into taste,” with ice creams prepared in the open laboratory. We recommend trying his specialties: egg ice cream flavors, such as zabaglione al Marsala riserva 1840 and cream with variations, and innovative flavors, such as Gorgonzola and mustard.
Where: Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Rome.
Guttilla Alta Gelateria Italiana – Prati area.
If you want to discover the flavors of Sicily, Guttilla is what you are looking for. It is a refined taste boutique, among the best gelaterias in Rome, where you can enjoy the creations of Sicilian master gelato makers. Here you will find flavors prepared with seasonal fruits, creams, chocolate, Minou and the fragrant Sicilian brioche. The Gelateria also offers 100% Vegan and Gluten Free products. We recommend trying the pistachio flavor!
Where: Via Nomentana 267/277 and at Via Fabio Massimo 23, Rome.
Al Settimo Gelo – Prati
Gelateria Al Settimo Gelo has been a landmark in the city for years for those who want to eat good ice cream. Classic and innovative flavors are created in the open laboratory, using fresh fruit from small local producers, DOP pistachios from Bronte or BIO hazelnuts from Viterbo, and many other raw materials. Also worth trying are the ice cream-filled chocolates and ice cream cakes.
Where: Via Vodice, 21, 00195 Rome.
Gelateria della Palma – Centro
Gelateria Della Palma is a historic artisan gelateria located in the heart of Rome, just a few steps from the Pantheon. Founded in 1978, it is highly regarded for the high quality of its ice cream and the wide variety of flavors offered: about 150, which include classic, original, vegan, lactose-free and sugar-free options. It uses selected raw materials such as fresh seasonal fruits, pure chocolate and high-quality milk.
Where: 19/23 Magdalene Street.
The Gelatist – Tuscolana and other areas
The Gelatist is a popular artisan ice cream shop in Rome, with several locations in the city center. It is known for its high quality raw materials and a rich and varied range of flavors from traditional ice cream to innovative creations, as well as frozen yogurt, crepes and other sweet treats.
It is popular for its variety of flavors (for example, salted caramel and butter crumble are especially recommended). Lactose-free flavors can also be found.
Where:
- Via Nazionale, 19A, 00184
- Via Nazionale, 160, 00184
- Via Torino, 25 (corner of Via Nazionale), 00184
- Piazza di Trevi, 95, 00187
- Via del Corso, 74, 00187
- Via Appia Nuova, 128
- Via Tuscolana, 989
- Via del Tritone, 90
- Tiburtino Shopping Center
Gelateria Torcè – EUR
Three Gambero Rosso cones in 2022, this gelateria is among the best in town. The ice cream and cone are artisanal, and as for the flavors, you’re really spoiled for choice: Trentino raspberry ice cream (lactose-free), Marsala Superiore Riserva 2007 Zabaione, spicy Habanero cream, and many others.
Where: Viale dell’Aeronautica, 105, 00144 Rome. There are also other gelaterias in town:
- Piazza Euclide 25
- Marconi Avenue 445
- Aventine Avenue 59
Fatamorgana
Fatamorgana is Rome’s gelateria among the best to go to. Here you can enjoy ice cream made with natural raw materials, respecting the Italian tradition. Fatamorgana’s artisans strive daily to always offer innovative and refined flavors that are natural and fabulous in their delicious simplicity. Here, ice cream is a philosophy of life, not just a dessert to be enjoyed. If you want to enjoy good and healthy ice cream, drop in. By the way, it was listed among the best ice cream shops by Gambero Rosso winning 3 cones!
Where: various are the stores in town:
- Via Lago di Lesina, 9/11
- Via dei Chiavari, 37
- Piazza degli Zingari, 5
- Via Roma Libera, 11
- Liberty Square, 6
Le Gourmandise – Monteverde
Le Gourmandise was born thanks to the passion of Dario Benelli. In a short time it has carved out a place for itself among the best ice cream shops in Rome, so much so that it was awarded by Gambero Rosso. A cozy colorful place that offers ice creams made with passion. Creative flavors await you: saffron and walnut cream or fiordilatte with wild fennel. Ice cream but not only. Drop in to discover the wonders hidden here.
Where: Via Felice Cavallotti, 36b, 00152 Rome
Stefano Ferrara Gelato Lab – Portuense
Another among the best gelaterias in Rome. Unseen flavors that tickle the palate you will find at this establishment. Stefano Ferrara’s Lab was born to create something different from the classic gelateria: Ferrara does not work with the canonical three sugars, but uses only one and never more than 14 percent. The gelateria has Gambero Rosso’s “Three Cones” and this year also won the award for Best Chocolate in Italy. Special flavors include: cheesecake with robiola and red turnip sauce or like the sugar-free vegan almond with citrusy white pepper. To be tasted, no?
Where: 102/104 Via Enrico Fermi, Rome.
Riserva della Neve – Vittoria
“La Riserva della Neve” ice cream shop in Rome is highly regarded for its high-quality artisanal ice cream. It is considered among the best ice cream shops in the city, with a satisfied clientele that emphasizes the goodness of the ice cream, the variety of flavors (including vegan) and the courtesy of the staff. The laboratory is in-house, ensuring freshness and control over production.
Where: It is located at Piazzale Clodio, 23, in the Della Vittoria neighborhood.
Pico
Pico’s goal is to return the classic neighborhood ice cream shop to the Romans, with a proposal that changes with the seasonality of the ingredients. Naturally good ice cream. Here the philosophy of the place is focused on the craftsmanship of ice cream in its purest form. Fresh and seasonal raw materials, only natural thickeners, no ready-made bases and varieties for vegans and celiacs. In short, an ice cream shop that pleases everyone while fully respecting tradition. Find savory flavors as well.
Where: There are five locations in Rome:
- Largo XXI Aprile, 1
- Via Donatello, 81
- Via Ridolfino Venuti, 77
- Via Vittorio Locchi, 19/D
- Piazzale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 6