The 5 best ice cream shops in Rome

The first question when choosing ice cream in Italy: Cone or cup?

Actually, before coming to Rome (Italy), I never really worried much about finding the best “gelateria” / ice cream shop; for me, the neighborhood one near my house was good enough.

The important thing was to have the flavor “Pistachio.”

Upon arriving in Rome, my friends taught me that a gelateria in Rome is not just an ice cream shop. A gelateria should be homemade, artisanal, with fresh flavors and high quality every day, with options for the lactose intolerant like soy or rice-based gelato. And these points are what make some of them the best ice cream shops in Rome.

1. Famous and classic: Gelateria Giolitti

For Rafa, the best gelateria is also Mrs. Obama’s favorite gelateria! Yes, where Michelle Obama went with her daughters in Rome: the gelateria Giolitti.

The Giolitti ice cream shop is very famous in Rome, as it was created in 1900 and is part of the city’s history. It offers numerous classic and traditional ice cream flavors, and in the summer, it drives people crazy, forming long lines waiting for a classic Roman ice cream.

IG: www.instagram.com/giolittiofficial/

Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma RM

2. For vegans and the lactose intolerant, but good ice cream eaters: Gelateria La Romana

On the other hand, Liane, an expert in gelaterias, really likes the famous Gelateria La Romana. The gelateria has several franchises around Rome, making it easy to find. But what makes it one of the top 5 gelaterias in Rome? It was her favorite for two reasons: the cones have the option to be filled with chocolate sauce! And the second reason is that La Romana has soy or rice-based gelatos / ice creams, meaning delicious ice creams for the lactose intolerant too!

IG: www.instagram.com/gelaterialaromana/

Addresses: Via Ostiense, 48, 00199 Roma RM / Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00184 Roma RM

3. Eccentric and traditional: Gelateria del Teatro

Louise likes eccentric gelato / ice cream flavors but follows the traditional recipe of homemade and respectful ice cream. Gelateria del Teatro, located not far from Castel Sant’Angelo, right in the heart of the most touristy area of Rome, is one of the few gems among the mediocre gelaterias in the city center. Everything is made in front of the customers. Homemade and traditional ice cream with a touch of eccentricity. Delicious flavors like pumpkin and lavender lemon, alongside traditional classics like chocolate and amaretto, create bursts of divergent tastes.

IG: www.instagram.com/gelateriadelteatro/

Address: Via dei Coronari, 65/66, 00186 Roma RM

4. The oldest ice cream shop in the world is my favorite: Gelateria Fassi

Lukinhas, following my beginner profile, discovered the best gelateria near where we used to work together! The oldest gelateria Fassi, since 1880, is my favorite because it’s not too sweet and is the freshest of all. The line is not just for tourists but even Italians who gather outside the shop to enjoy the ice cream. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, and there’s plenty of space inside to sit and enjoy the ice cream. Inside the ice cream shop, you can see all the history, old ice cream machines, and old advertisements… it’s really emotional.

IG: www.instagram.com/fassi_1880/

Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67, 00185 Roma RM

5. Near the Vatican, a hidden threasure: Gelateria Old Bridge

All right, well, if you went to see the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the vatican museuns, the Sanit Peter’s Church, I’m sure you will only fency a geleto later on to rebuild the energy. This ice cream shop was the best to go with my friends when we were in the other side of the Tiber river from Trastevere Neighbourhood till Vatican it’s a great option when visiting the other side of the city. 

IG: www.instagram.com/oldbridge_gelateria/

Address: Viale dei Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5, 00192 Roma RM