Authentic Gelato In Rome Can Be Difficult To Find

Authentic gelato can be tricky to find, so here is our complete guide to the best gelato in Rome to help you make your best gelato decisions!

If you’re wandering the cobblestone streets of Rome under the summer sun or craving a creamy escape after dinner, nothing satisfies like gelato. But with so many options in the Eternal City, where can you find the best gelato in Rome?

From classic institutions to innovative upstarts, this guide covers ten standout gelaterias, each with its own style, flavor, and fan base. Links to more detailed reviews will help you dig deeper into each one.

Learn to Make Gelato in Italy

What’s better than eating gelato? Learning how to make it! If you’re fascinated by this creamy treat and want to understand its foundations, consider taking a gelato-making class while in Rome.

You’ll learn about the difference between gelato and ice cream, the science behind perfect texture, and how to use fresh ingredients to create seasonal favorites. It’s not just a tasty activity – it’s a cultural immersion.

You can get the scoop on making gelato here: “Learn To Make Gelato In Italy“

How Much Does Authentic Gelato In Rome Cost?

Gelato is very affordable, especially when you are walking around the city experiencing the oppressive Roman heat and these gelateria are no exception. Generally, you can get a small cone for around €3 up to a large cone for around €5 or €6. Their cups are the same price, but if their waffle cones are made in-house, that would definitely be my favorite.

It is common to choose multiple flavors for a single cone or cup and a popular addition is to add whipped cream (panna) on top. I usually skip the panna, but it is a popular addition for many folks.

How To Find Authentic Gelato In Rome?

When you are looking for authentic gelato, you should definitely try any place that looks good, but are there some signs of lower quality gelaterias that you should skip? Yes, these are a couple of pointers that you should pay attention to:

• Color – The super bright and glowing colors are unnatural and should be avoided. Dull colors are more authentic, like banana gelato that isn’t bright yellow and pistachio flavored that is a very dull gray/green color. These are signs of a more natural and higher quality gelato.

• Container – Plastic bins are a dead giveaway that the quality is low. Only stainless steel bins should be used. In addition, the gelato should NOT be overflowing the container. This is a sure sign that too much air has been whipped into the gelato and is lower in quality. An additional sign of higher quality is that the stainless steel bins have lids on them so they aren’t exposed to the air too much.

• Tasting – Most importantly, you can usually ask for a small taste to make sure you are choosing something you will enjoy. I heard about a gelateria that uses some strange flavors, like Cacio e Pepe gelato, but doesn’t allow for a taste. I would skip a place like this. Gelaterias are proud of their products and want to make sure that you get what you will like.

Authentic Gelato In Rome That We Recommend

These are gelaterias that we have personally enjoyed and while they were all delicious, I did have a favorite that I will share with you below. These are scattered all over the city, so if you use this as a guide I am certain one of these shops will be close to wherever you are.

Favorite #5: FataMorgana Gelato

FataMorgana is definitely a high quality and authentic gelateria in Rome and one that you should definitely try. For me, it wasn’t the best, but I would definitely return at my next opportunity. My criticism of FataMorgana was based on two different visits:

• During the first try, I encountered a version of a chocolate chip gelato that had very unsatisfying shards or small chips of chocolate that were more annoying to eat than enjoyable. It wasn’t a mistake, but I didn’t like it.

• On my second, and recent visit, the milk chocolate gelato was filled with what seemed to be ice chips mixed in. This was not intentional, but more of a sign of bad storage. I was disappointed because I would expect milk chocolate to be a popular flavor with a high level of turnover, but ice chips were off-putting.

Again, I didn’t enjoy my experiences here, but I would still make more attempts to try other flavors. They aren’t just going through the motions and because of this, I can allow for more opportunities for them to gain my loyalty.

Favorite #4: La Romana Gelato

This Gelateria known as La Romana has been around since 1947 and it can be found all over the world thanks to their global franchising drive. There are a few locations around Rome, more around Italy and in as far away places as Bucharest, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and around Europe. As you will be able to see from the lines that you will inevitably encounter, this gelateria is popular with tourists and locals alike.

In addition to their delicious gelato and crostata, they offer an amazing looking selection of cakes and pastries. I get a chuckle from the sign above the refrigerator that read: “A party without a cake is only a meeting!”. I loved that.

I really liked their gelato and I would recommend it if you are in the neighborhood, but I wouldn’t go too far out of the way to find them because to be honest, it was delicious, but it didn’t rock my world.

This is the beauty of gelato in Rome. It is around every corner with a high level of quality, so there isn’t a need to travel too far out of your way for delicious gelato, but if you are near one of their Rome locations, you should stop in.

Favorite #3: Torcè Gelateria and Cioccolateria

This Gelateria and Cioccolateria known as Torcè has been around for more than 20 years and it can be found all over Rome. It is a small neighborhood spot that is popular with tourists and locals alike.

I was honestly surprised how much I enjoyed Torcè, and it is because of three things: First, service was really fantastic because we were trying to order, enjoy, take pictures and videos all while fumbling around, and the woman behind the counter couldn’t have been nicer.

Second, I was unaware of their focus on chocolate, and I can confirm that the Chocolate Gelato I ordered was of the highest quality. Lastly, I’ve noticed that Mint-Chocolate isn’t very common in Rome, but they had it and it was delightful.

Their offerings are many, including all the classics you might want, but since they have my favorite flavor, how can I not recommend them! If you are near one, you should definitely make a stop for a gelato and maybe some chocolate just to brighten your day a bit.

Favorite #2: Gelateria Fassi

Gelateria Fassi is a classic and enduring gelateria with one location in Rome, at: Via Principe Eugenio 65/67, 00185. It has a long history that started in 1875 when Giacomo and Giuseppina Fassi arrived in Rome and in 1880 they opened a small shop that began with the sale of ice and beer, a winning combination at the time and in the meantime they were experimenting with sorbets.

Gelateria Fassi is one of the highest quality gelaterias in Rome and one that you should definitely try. It was my favorite gelateria in Rome (until I went to the gelateria below) because of the amazing flavors, but also the history, influences and inventiveness will keep me coming back. Luckily we don’t live too far away from this neighborhood!

Favorite #1: Come Il Latte Gelateria

When we went to Come il Latte Gelateria recently, we were both blown away by the amazing flavors. I ordered something I don’t usually get, which was a Zabaione and because combining flavors is typical in Italy, I asked for a recommendation for a pairing and the Sicilian coffee gelato suggested was incredible. I typically do enjoy coffee gelato, but it had such a strong, delightful flavor, that I’ve already been fantasizing about getting a coffee and chocolate combination on my next visit.

We loved this gelateria, and while I normally wouldn’t travel across Rome for gelato because of the high quality available around every corner, I would for this. I strongly suggest stopping by if you are in the neighborhood, and even if you aren’t you should head on over!

Additional Gelaterias To Consider

Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte In Rome

Tucked near the Pantheon and Piazza della Rotonda, Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte is one of those hidden gems that offers a welcome respite from the tourist-heavy gelato traps nearby. Known for its natural ingredients and small-batch production, Monteforte manages to be both refreshing and authentic.

The flavors are seasonal and often surprise with unique combinations. It’s a no-frills spot, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re already near the Pantheon, this is a great detour.

You can read more about it here: “The Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte In Rome Is Pretty Chill“.

Neve Di Latte Gelateria

Neve di Latte is not on a major street, but it is only a block away from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. This hidden gem could easily be overlooked, but it shouldn’t be if you are looking for some refreshing and creamy gelato.

We stopped by on an oppressively hot Roman summer day, and we were so happy we did. We walked away both satisfied and making plans for what we will have the next time we are in the area.

Neve di Latte is where simplicity meets sophistication. It’s creamy, clean, and full of flavor, and a must-visit for purists looking for the best gelato in Rome. See more information in this supporting article: “The Neve Di Latte Gelateria Is A Favorite While In Rome“.

Giolitti Gelato, Rome Is A Favorite Place For Some Dessert

One of Rome’s oldest and most iconic gelaterias, Giolitti is a staple in the Roman dessert scene. Founded in 1900 and located near the Pantheon, it’s a nostalgic journey through time—with a menu to match.

Expect classic flavors served in tall cups with dollops of whipped cream. While the atmosphere can be a bit chaotic, especially in peak season, the quality holds up. There’s a reason why generations of Romans (and tourists) keep coming back.

Check It Out: Giolitti Gelato, Rome Is A Favorite Place For Some Dessert

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