No trip to Italy would be complete without eating copious amounts of gelato, and Rome is home to some of the country’s best places to try it. Whether you’re after a scoop of a traditional favorite like pistacchio or strawberry, or something a bit more innovative, Rome has it all! 

Rome is home to hundreds or gelaterias, but they are certainly not all created equally. Many often serve pre-made and brought in produce, or use flavourings, preservatives, and colourings. For example, I’d advise steering clear of a Gelateria if you see any on display that have a luminous and radioactive-looking blue or green hue.

The ones you really want to go to are those that create their concoctions on-site using high-quality natural ingredients. These will often display the words “artigianale” outside, which is usually a sign you are going to get a legit Italian gelato rather than one aimed at scamming tourists. Luckily for you, I have consumed more than my fair share of high-quality gelato in Rome, and in this post I’m going to share my personal recommendations about where to find some of the best the city has to offer.

Note: As of 2025, prices at good gelaterias typically average around 3 euros for 2 scoops.

Panna & Co

This is probably my favourite gelateria in the whole of Rome, and one that I frequented often when I lived there. It’s small and pretty unassuming, but the quality of their gelato is always very high, with organic and locally produced ingredients used whenever possible. They have a great range of flavours – including several types of chocolate of varying richness and cocoa content. Their coconut is also divine, and I like their seasonal plum flavour, adorably translated as ‘Plums from my grandma’s garden’. My “go to” though is the pistacchio grezzo, which is creamy, rich, and positively bursting with flavour. 

Panna & Co is situated on a main road, which isn’t the prettiest location. However, it is only a couple of minutes from lovely Piazza Testaccio, which is where I would usually go to enjoy mine while doing a bit of people watching (and to use the fountains to wash my hands) 

Address: Via Marmorata, 115

Fatamorgana

One of my favourite Gelaterias in Rome, Fatamorgana is renowned for its exceptionally high quality gelato made using natural ingredients. There are usually a good number of flavours on offer, ranging from classic options like strawberry and lemon, to more wacky creations like chocolate with smoked black tea. However, my all-time favourite flavour (possibly in the whole city) is Seadas, which consists of sardinian pecorino cheese, chestnut honey, and orange peel. In fact, whenever I am back in Rome I head to Fatamorgana ASAP to grab a scoop (or 3) of it, it’s that good! 

I do have a bit of a qualm with Fatamorgana these days, as the prices have gone up, but the portion sizes have noticeably decreased. This is sadly a common theme throughout the world at the moment though. Still, the quality has not diminished which is a relief. 

Address: There are numerous branches around the city in convenient locations, including Monti and Centro Storico.

Gelateria La Romana

This popular gelateria is a great place to come if you are wanting freshly made gelato with natural ingredients. Their gelato is made fresh every day in each La Romana store to ensure the best quality possible. There are lots of flavours on offer, but some of my favourites include Croccante all’amarena (black cherries, hazelnut, meringue, and dark chocolate), and Crema dal 1947 (Italian custard cream with vanilla and lemon zest). 

For an extra bit of indulgence ask for melted white or milk chocolate to be poured into the base of your cone! You can also get your gelato topped with various flavours of whipped cream, but I recommend the zabaione panna. Afterall, calories don’t count on holidays (at least that’s what I’ve been telling myself for the past 20 odd years).

To order you will need to go to the till first and say the size you want, then show your receipt to the servers before picking your flavour. This system helps the long queues flow well.

Addresses: Multiple branches including Via Ostiense, 48 (my old local) and Piazza di S. Andrea della Valle, zona Piazza Navona, 1

Gelateria del Teatro

This gelateria serves up excellent and freshly prepared sugar free gelato using high quality ingredients. Flavours rotate throughout the year based on seasonality of ingredients, but except choices like Amalfi Lemon, ricotta cheese, fig, and almond, as well as interesting herbal-infused creations like raspberry and sage, lavender and white peach, and Rosemary, honey, and lemon – all of which are delicious. 

If you really want to delve into the art of true Italian gelato, then you can actually take a course here! Gelateria del Teatro runs an academy with various workshops available, including a half-day session for tourists. 

There are a couple of branches in the city, but I like the one on Lungotevere as you can enjoy your gelato with nice views of the river. It is also less busy than the shop down pretty via Coronari. 

Addresses: V. dei Coronari, 65/66 and Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25

Gelato San Lorenzo

If you are in this lively, trendy neighbourhood near Termini, you should definitely check out this gelateria. There are plenty of delicious flavours to tempt you here, but my personal favourite is their Pistacchio di Bronte, which is one of the best I’ve ever had. They also serve cremolati, a frozen dessert made from pureed fruit that is similar to granita, as well as waffles, crepes, and cakes. There are two other branches of Gelato San Lorenzo in Rome, as well as a kiosk in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

Address: Via Tiburtina, 6,  Via Gargano, 6, Piazza Alessandria, 19, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

Torcè

Claudio Torcè was one of the trailblazers for introducing savory gelato in the Italian capital, with intriguing flavours like Gorgonzola, red pepper, wasabi, black sesame, and celery on offer. But these aren’t just gimmicky flavours, they are all delicious and packed with flavour. Nevertheless, if these are a bit too out there for you then don’t worry, as there are plenty of classic options available, including numerous chocolate variations.

Torcè has several branches in Rome, but my go to was the branch on Via Aventino, which I would pop into when I was going for a walk near Circo Massimo. You could also combine your trip to this Torcè branch with a pit stop at So Good!, one of the best bars in Rome for craft beer.

Address: Multiple branches including Viale Aventino, 59

Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte

Opened in 2023, Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte is a relative newcomer to the Rome gelato scene. Nevertheless, this artisanal gelateria in the heart of the city is already a firm local favourite for its excellent all-natural and homemade ice cream. You’ll find all the classic options here, but what I like about this shop is that they have an excellent selection of fruit-based gelato, with their Frutti di bosco (fruit of the forest) particularly flavourful. 

There is also a pretty and tranquil little seating area outside with benches and loungers, so you can enjoy your purchase in front of this beautiful old building in comfort.

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 148

Gelateria del Viale

Located just south of Ponte Garibaldi by Isola Tiberina, Gelateria del Viale is an excellent choice if you are wanting to enjoy a gelato by the river. Now, you may miss this place if you aren’t paying attention as it is a little hidden, but that would be a mistake as you would be missing out on some truly delicious, creamy, and indulgent homemade gelato. Their cheesecake alla Fragola is absolutely delightful, while the bio liquorice is intriguing yet tasty. The rich dark chocolate fondant is also well worth your time.

Address: Piazza Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, 9F.

Nevi di Latte

This is another fantastic gelateria that now has several branches scattered around the city. Like others on this list, Nevi di Latte prides itself on using the best possible ingredients available, and this is evident in the quality of their offerings. There are plenty of flavours to drool over here, but I am particularly partial to their sorbets, with their peach, raspberry, and strawberry all delicious and perfect for a hot summer’s day. 

One of their branches is right by Pellegrino Gelateria Monteforte, so why not try one from each in quick succession to see which is your favourite?

Address: Multiple branches including Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 140

Come il Latte

Come il Latte is one of the first Gelaterias I visited when I first moved to Rome more than a decade ago, and it remains one of the city’s best. All their offerings are utterly delicious, but their salted caramel is utterly divine, and easily one the tastiest I’ve tried. Their homemade cones are also some of the best in the city.

Address: Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26

And now, I am really really craving icecream. I hope these recommendations come in handy for your next holiday to Rome. If I haven’t mentioned your favourite gelateria, please share it in the comments! Looking for more food recommendations? Check out my blog posts Where to Eat the Best Pizza in Rome, Where to Eat Like a Local in Rome and Best Cafes and Bakeries in Rome.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow