After visiting dozens of gelaterias across Italy, I’ve developed a good sense of what makes a great scoop – fresh, natural ingredients, bold flavors, and that perfect balance of creamy and melty texture.
Rome has no shortage of gelato shops, but not all are created equal. I set out to find the must-try gelato shops in Rome. After multiple trips to the city and plenty of taste-testing, I’ve narrowed it down to the very best.
This list is ranked with best at #1. If you only have time for a few, focus on the top five – these are the standouts you won’t want to miss.
Best Gelato in Rome
1. Come il Latte
Come il Latte was the one gelato shop in Rome we were most excited to try. We had read so many rave reviews that we knew it was worth the trek from our stay in Campo Marzio, near the Spanish steps.
Getting there took a couple of metro rides and a bit of a walk, but it was absolutely worth it. The gelato is stored in pozzetti, covered containers that help maintain the perfect temperature. Seeing a shop use these is always a good sign.
I got a scoop of whiskey and my husband went for salted milk and the marscapone & gentilini. The salted milk flavor was mind-blowing. I didn’t expect it to have such a delicate yet powerful taste. And the whiskey? Strong. You’ll definitely taste it.
The texture of their gelato is velvety smooth, dense but not too heavy, with bold, natural flavors. No artificial ingredients – just the real thing. If you have the time to go here, do it. You’ll understand why it’s our #1 gelato shop in Rome.
2. Gelateria Cremilla
Just a short walk from Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, Gelateria Cremilla is a spot we highly recommend.
We stayed nearby on one of our trips to Rome and ended up coming back several times – because, well, it’s that good.
They offer a great variety of flavors, and I especially loved the crema. Everything is made with seasonal and natural ingredients and no artificial additives – just simple, high-quality gelato.
If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a stop!
Read more: Best Restaurants in Rome
3. Gelateria del Teatro
Whenever someone asks us where to get gelato in Rome, Gelateria del Teatro is always at the top of our list. For one, it’s just around the corner from the Pantheon, making it easy to find.
But more importantly – the gelato is incredible. What I love most about this spot is the variety of flavors. They always have creative, unexpected combinations I wouldn’t normally think to try, and somehow, always delicious.
Think cheese with fruit or chocolate with red wine – original and absolutely worth a taste.
4. Gelateria La Romana
I’ll admit – I’m usually not a fan of gelato chains. But Gelateria La Romana is an exception.
We first tried it up north in Verona, then down south in Lecce, and finally in Rome. And every time, I half expect to be disappointed – but I never am.
Their gelato is on the creamier side, but the texture and flavors are consistently delicious. The best part? You’ll find La Romana locations all over Rome, so if you’re craving a solid scoop, you’re never too far from one.
5. Otaleg
We had read about Otaleg on several food blogs, and then we met a foodie couple from New York in Florence who swore it was their favorite gelato in Italy. Naturally, I thought – could this be my favorite too?
First off, Otaleg is good, hence why it is #5 on our list. They use high-quality, natural ingredients – when you order pistachio, you’re getting real pistachio flavor with actual chunks of nuts. No artificial stuff here.
That said, I had two critiques. One, the flavors weren’t strong enough for me. I could taste the pistachio, but I’ve had other all-natural versions that packed a much bolder punch. Two, some of the flavor combinations just didn’t quite work for me.
We even went back a second time to see if we were missing something. But nope, our first impression held up. Otaleg is a solid gelato spot in Trastevere, but it didn’t blow us away. If you go, you’ll definitely enjoy your scoop, but if you’re expecting life-changing gelato, you might walk away feeling the same way we did.
Read more: Best Things to do in Rome
6. Fiordiluna
Also in Trastevere, Fiordiluna is an unassuming little gelato shop you might easily walk right past. No flashy signs, no over-the-top decor – just simple, quality gelato.
The flavors were bold, and the texture was perfectly melty – just how I like it. We went for a fresh fruit sorbet and a creamy fig combination, and both were excellent. The scoops are on the smaller side, but honestly, they’re just right if you’re looking for a light, refreshing treat.
Highly recommend stopping by if you’re wandering Trastevere on a warm afternoon!
7. Frigidarium
Just a few steps from Piazza Navona, Frigidarium is one of the most popular gelato spots in Rome. There’s almost always a line, no matter the time of day.
One of their signature touches? You can get your gelato dipped in melted chocolate, which hardens into a crunchy, candy-like shell. Yum!
While it didn’t necessarily stand out from the rest on this list, it’s a solid, safe option if you’re in the area and craving something sweet.
8. Giolitti
A true Roman institution, Giolitti has been serving gelato since 1890. Part café, part sweet shop, part gelateria – it’s a classic spot in Rome’s Centro Storico.
Be prepared to wait in multiple lines. First, you’ll line up to place your order and pay. Then, you’ll move on to another line for the actual gelato counter in the back.
And once you get there? Chaos. This is a classic Italian-style free-for-all, where the loudest and most aggressive get served first. If you want your gelato, hold up your ticket, push your way forward, and know exactly what you want because hesitation isn’t an option.
I went for a berry flavor, my mom got lemon, and before we knew it, we were back outside with our cones. The gelato itself is good, but honestly, the experience is what makes this place memorable.
If you’re looking for a truly traditional, old-school Roman gelato experience, Giolitti is worth a stop.
Read more: 3 Days in Rome Itinerary
9. La Strega Nocciola
La Strega Nocciola is a popular gelato shop with three locations in Rome and three more in Florence.
What sets La Strega Nocciola apart is their commitment to high-quality ingredients. You can count on seasonal fruit, raw nuts, and fresh milk in every scoop.
They also have a variety of vegan flavors alongside their selection of milk-based options. Try one of their more unique flavors like lavender for something a little different.
10. Old Bridge
With three locations around Rome, Old Bridge is a convenient option, but the best one is right across the street from Vatican City. If you’re visiting the Vatican, you can’t ask for a better location for a post-tour treat.
It’s a small window with a limited selection of flavors, but the quality is impressive. The gelato is creamy, rich, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something sweet.
11. Hedera
A tiny gelato shop tucked between the Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo, Hedera is a bit of a hidden gem. I went for the lemon cream, and the texture was perfect – a little melty, a little creamy. The flavor was smooth and delicate, though I would’ve loved a bit more tartness.
Overall, solid flavors and spot-on texture.
12. Gelateria San Lorenzo
On one of our trips to Rome, we stayed near Roma Termini in a quiet, local neighborhood. We arrived around midnight, and as we walked to our hotel, we passed by this little gelato shop—just a block away.
“When in Rome,” we said. So after checking in, we headed back downstairs and joined the locals for some late-night gelato. It felt authentic – no tourist crowds, just a relaxed neighborhood spot. The flavors were natural, and the overall vibe was great.
It’s a bit out of the way, so I wouldn’t say it’s worth a special trip. But if you’re staying nearby, it’s definitely worth trying!
13. Fatamorgana
Our accommodation was right next to Fatamorgana, one of a few locations in Rome, so naturally, we grabbed a couple of scoops while waiting for our check-in time.
The gelato? It’s fine. It didn’t blow us away, but it’s still a good option if you’re looking for a quick scoop during the day. Would I pick it over our top five? Probably not.
That said, it’s still gelato in Rome – so really, you can’t go too wrong!
How to Identify Quality Gelato
- Look for Natural Colors: Authentic gelato should have soft, natural colors. Brightly colored gelato (like neon green pistachio) often means artificial coloring. A true pistachio gelato will have a soft green, almost brown color.
- Avoid Overly Puffy Gelato: Quality gelato typically has a smooth, creamy, and melty texture, not an airy or fluffy one. Avoid shops with puffy gelato piled high in metal tins – these have been whipped with extra air are not authentic.
- Check for Pozzetti Storage: Some of the best gelaterias store gelato in pozzetti (covered metal containers). These maintain a consistent temperature, keeping the gelato fresh. You won’t actually see gelato because they are covered.
- Taste for Balanced Sweetness: Authentic gelato isn’t overly sweet. You should be able to taste the natural flavor of each ingredient without it being overpowered by sugar.
- Look and Taste for Natural Ingredients: High-quality gelato shops use natural ingredients, so you should be able to taste the true flavor of the ingredients.
- Melty Texture is a Good Sign: Authentic gelato tends to melt quite quickly in open air. This is how it’s supposed to be.
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