The Ultimate Food Guide for the Best Gelato in Rome

Italians consume nearly 8 kilograms of gelato per person every year. Across the country, there are almost 20,000 gelaterie generating over €1.5 billion annually, 80% of which are artisanal. So where is the queen of Italian gelato? Look no further than Rome, home to almost 2,000 gelato shops!

The best gelato in Rome blends timeless classics, bold new flavors, and award-winning artisans. And while gelaterie are scattered all over the Eternal City, there are three neighborhoods you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio.

The food and walking tours of You Local Rome take you through some of these very neighborhoods guided by this delicious Rome food guide.

Rome food guide: where can you find the best gelato in Rome?

 

1. Fassi

With 140 years of history and five generations of gelato masters, Fassi is Rome’s oldest family-run gelateria—a must-visit for true gelato enthusiasts.

Housed in the historic Palazzo del Freddo, the shop and its massive production lab are just a short walk from Piazza Vittorio and Termini Station.

Beyond its classic gelato, Fassi is renowned for original specialties that locals have loved for decades. Two standouts include the Sanpietrini, dark chocolate “cobblestones” filled with various gelato flavors and the Gianduiotto, a chocolate-hazelnut semifreddo with cream, lighter in texture than traditional gelato.

Hurry up to taste all Fassi’s tidbits!

• Address: Via Principe Eugenio 65/67
• Website: https://www.gelateriafassi.com/

2. Gelateria del Teatro

A charming spot with two cozy locations, in Via dei Coronari (near Piazza Navona) and in Trastevere – Gelateria del Teatro is beloved for both its atmosphere and its exceptional gelato.

Since opening in 2006, owners Stefano and Silvia have wowed locals and tourists alike with bold, fresh, and creative flavor combinations: pumpkin, rosemary and lemon, honey, lavender, white peach, sage and raspberry… Sound tempting? They are!

• Addresses: Via dei Coronari 65/66 (Piazza Navona) and Lungotevere dei Vallati 25 (Trastevere)
• Website: https://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/gdt_en/

3. Fatamorgana

Founded in 2003, Fatamorgana has grown from a single shop to six locations across Rome, including  Monti and Trastevere, without ever losing its artisanal soul.

Their motto: “It just tastes better.” And it truly does, thanks to a unique mix of high-quality ingredients from all over Italy. Think: rosemary, saffron from L’Aquila, mascarpone, all crafted by founder Maria Agnese, a pioneer of gourmet gelato in Rome.

• Addresses and Website: https://www.gelateriafatamorgana.com/

4. Otaleg

In the heart of Trastevere, Otaleg is a gourmet gelateria known for its bold, sometimes quirky flavors.

One above all is the cacio and pepe flavor -cacio cheese and black pepper- inspired by one of the greatest classics of Roman cuisine: the pasta cacio e pepe (which you can’t miss at the best trattorias in Rome!).

But, if you are looking for gelato, then Otaleg is the place to be. However, if you like more classic or fruity flavors, this gelateria also offers delicious sorbetti, a must-try frozen specialty.

• Address: Via di San Cosimato 14 A
• Website: https://www.otaleg.com/en/home_en/

5. Torcè

Torcè is an award-winning gelateria and a favorite among locals for its homemade gelato and rich chocolate creations.

One of their locations is within walking distance from the Circus Maximus. Just a perfect stop after visiting the wonders of ancient Rome!

• Addresses and Website: https://gelateriatorce.it/

6. La Gourmandise

Tucked away in Monteverde, one of Rome’s greenest and most peaceful neighborhoods, La Gourmandise is consistently recognized by the Gambero Rosso Food Guide  with its prestigious “Tre Coni” award.

For something unique, try their goat milk gelato – it’s gluten-free and absolutely delicious.

• Address: Via Felice Cavallotti 36 B (Monteverde)
• Website: https://lagourmandise.it/

7. Guttilla

With a name like Guttilla – Alta Gelateria Italiana, expectations are high – and it delivers.

This stylish, modern gelateria offers premium-quality gelato with careful attention to technique and presentation. Each cone is crafted with precision, and there’s even a variety of whipped creams to top your gelato to perfection.

• Address: Via Nomentana
• Website: https://guttilla.it/en/

8. Giolitti

Just a short stroll from the Pantheon, Giolitti is a century-old Roman institution known for its timeless charm and decadent gelato.

In addition to traditional scoops, you can taste the stecco ice creams, like the Cacao Fino de Aroma of Central America and milk chocolate glaze. Just as sweet are the artisanal biscuits, like the pure Sicilian pistachio and chopped pistachios.

If you are looking to sit down and relax with a snack, you can try the ice cream cups. Some of them are original recipes, for example the Giolitti Cup with custard and chilled zabaione. Its recipe dates back to 1920, one of the best gelato in Rome.

• Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40
• Website: https://www.giolitti.it/

9. Giuffrè

Serving sweets since 1918, Giuffrè in Trastevere is a local legend offering artisanal gelato, cakes, and pastries.

One of the core ideals here is sustainability. In fact, the Gelateria Giuffrè only uses seasonal and high quality ingredients to make some of its most popular flavors such as Porta Portese with hazelnuts, toasted almonds, and gianduia. Or Portonovo, with salty peanuts and caramel chocolate.

• Address: Viale Trastevere 255
• Website: https://www.gelateriagiuffre.it/en/

10. Capitan Cono

Opened in 2017 by Claudio and Laura, Capitan Cono is a delightful Testaccio gelateria offering lactose-free options and fresh pistachio granita, perfect for a hot Roman day.

Capitan Cono is the perfect stop to grab a spoon of gelato and then head out to enjoy your Roman day with your Rome food guide by You Local.

• Address: Piazza Testaccio 26
• Website: https://www.capitancono.it/

11. Gelateria dell’Angeletto

Stefano Segnalini is the creative mind behind this tiny, artisanal gelato parlor in the heart of Monti. He entered the business in 2014 and, ever since, Segnalini has been offering clients the classic flavors with a delicious twist.

Whatever the flavor, you taste high-quality gelato with no colorants and preservatives. You can also find vegan options and gluten-free ones. If you are starving, you can’t miss the brioche filled with gelato, both artisanal, and a true signature dish.

• Address: Via dell’Angeletto 15
• Website: https://www.instagram.com/gelateriadellangeletto/

The extra tip: Il Cannolo Siciliano

No Rome food guide would be complete without mentioning Il Cannolo Siciliano, an award-winning gelateria that dares to push boundaries with creativity and excellence. Run by Eugenio Morrone and his Sicilian wife Francesca Orlandi, this gelato shop stands out for its bold and unconventional approach. Here, no ingredient is off-limits. Some of their most original and limited-edition flavors have included blue cheese, champagne, and even ham, a true celebration of culinary experimentation.
Morrone is not just an innovator, but also one of the most decorated gelato masters in Italy. Over the years, he has received numerous awards and recognitions. His most prestigious achievement came in 2022, when he won the Gelato World Cup and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Gelato Festival World Ranking, an honor reserved for the finest in the craft. Whether you’re a gelato purist or a flavor adventurer, Il Cannolo Siciliano is a must-try when exploring the best gelato in Rome.

 

| Ready to find your next addiction? Join our Rome Food Guide Tours to taste the best gelato in Rome. We’ll treat you to special tidbits only locals know about! |

 

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