Genzano di Roma, land of fraschette and DOC vineyards. And yet, there’s an unassuming doorway in the town center that hides a gigantic wooden barrel—not filled with wine, but with what many consider the best gelato in the Castelli Romani.
Here, a family of artisans who have been making gelato since 1980 has taken an old local tradition—back in the day, gelato was actually made and stored in wooden vats—and transformed it into a truly unique spot.
If you’re looking for artisanal gelato in Rome and the surrounding area that breaks the mold, set your GPS for Via Italo Belardi 67 in Genzano. Once you step inside, you’ll literally find yourself walking inside a barrel, and a small cone—complete with a real waffle cone—still costs just €3.
From Dubai Chocolate to Red Apple: the pop-style display case that rivals the gelato shops in central Rome
Forget the usual run-of-the-mill industrial tubs that have taken over Rome’s historic center. Stepping inside “La Botte” means discovering a creative workshop that comes up with a new flavor every week.
On the right and left, you’ll find timeless classics, but in the center, the display case showcases the latest trends: the highly sought-after Dubai Chocolate —one of the season’s most viral flavors—crunchy mille-feuille, cherry cream, red apple, and Sicilian cassata.
Fresh fruit is processed every morning. The most intriguing detail is the edible fragrance: an edible mist sprayed directly onto the cone, designed to enhance the aromatic notes before each bite.
“Linea Zero” and lactose-free cream: an inclusive oasis that dispels guilt and accommodates food intolerances
The real added value of this unique Roman gelateria is its almost obsessive attention to food intolerances and modern diets—an increasingly central issue when it comes to artisanal gelato. The “Linea Zero” line strikes a delicate balance: the dark chocolate and pistachio flavors are dairy-free and contain no added sugar, yet remain creamy and absolutely delicious.
For those with food intolerances, there’s also lactose-free cream and dedicated flavorslike hazelnut, dark chocolate, and pistachio. There’s plenty of gluten-free options as well, including classic cones, hazelnut-crunch varieties, and the Dubai cone—though the vast majority of flavors are naturally gluten-free, with the exception of those containing cookies or sponge cake.
The staff—very young and attentive—does, however, point out the risk of contamination from crumbs between one cone and another in the display case.
The €3 cone and the incredible assortment of artisanal cones: the best snack in the Castelli Romani
The price of a small cone has gone from €2.50 to €3 over the past year, due to rising raw material costs that have affected just about every gelateria. But even with the increase, the price remains well below what you’d pay today in many parts of Rome, where an artisanal cone often starts at over €3.
Served on a real, crispy waffle cone—not the usual industrial “nocciolcono”—Botte Gelata’s gelato remains one of the best values in Rome and the Castelli Romani.
If you’re not in the mood for a classic cone, the counter offers a vast selection of specially decorated cones, thick milkshakes, and Sicilian-style brioche buns, which you can fill on the spot with gelato or dip into artisanal granitas. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day trip to the Castelli Romani, with hyper-local treats at a price that remains affordable.
📍Useful info: La Botte Gelata is located at Via Italo Belardi 67, Genzano di Roma.
You’ll also find their historic locations in Albano Laziale and Velletri —convenient if you’re exploring the Roman hinterland in search of good, affordable gelato in and around Rome.
