As Rome settles into its long, hot summer and the city begins to feel like one giant pizza oven, there is one thing we start thinking about almost daily: gelato.
During the warmer months, it’s not unusual for us to have gelato once a day. Sometimes twice. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon break, an after-dinner stroll through the neighborhood, or simply an excuse to cool down and end the day on a sweet note, gelato is woven into daily life here in a way that few other treats are.
Of course, not all gelato is created equal. While you’ll find a gelateria on almost every corner in Rome, many of the brightly colored displays aimed at tourists have little in common with the home-made gelato artigianale that Romans seek out. The towering mountains of pistachio, banana and bright blue “smurf” flavors may look impressive, but good gelato is usually much more understated.
One of the easiest things to look for is the way the gelato is stored. Many of Rome’s best gelaterias keep their gelato in covered stainless steel containers known as carapine, which help maintain the correct temperature and texture. Even when displayed openly, quality gelato tends to sit relatively flat in the tray rather than piled into dramatic peaks.
People often ask what the difference is between gelato and ice cream. Italian gelato is churned more slowly, so less air gets whipped into it, giving it a denser and silkier texture. It also contains less fat and is served a little warmer than ice cream, which lets the flavors really shine. If you order pistachio, it should taste unmistakably of pistachios and be a muted green with slightly brownish tones rather than an eye-popping shade, and fruit flavors should taste like biting into the fruit itself.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places in Rome to enjoy the real thing.
Where to Eat Gelato in Rome
By: Sophie Minchilli
Updated: July 30, 2026
Gelateria dell'Angeletto
Via dell'angeletto 15, Via Leonina, 9, 00184 Roma RM
This is my go-to gelateria in Monti, the neighborhood where I grew up. The selection isn’t huge, but everything is made in-house using natural ingredients. I love that you can often find more unusual flavors like ginger or lemon and basil, alongside plenty of clearly marked vegan and lactose-free options. Grab a cone and head to the fountain in Piazza Madonna dei Monti to watch neighborhood life go by while enjoying a taste of Roman summer.
Ciampini
Piazza di S. Lorenzo in Lucina, 29, 00186 Roma RM
+39 066876606
Ciampini is a true Roman institution, just a short walk from the Spanish Steps. Originally located on Via Frattina, it became one of the meeting places of Rome’s Dolce Vita in the 1960s. Today, the fourth generation runs the business from its beautiful spot on Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, where it’s just as perfect for breakfast, lunch or aperitivo as it is for gelato. If I’m in the area after a shopping spree, I always stop by for a cup of their mango, wild berry or chocolate gelato, topped with their homemade panna. Better yet, order a Negroni or a glass of Prosecco and linger a little longer.
Otaleg
Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Roma RM
+39 3386515450
If you’re looking for creative flavors, Otaleg is hard to beat. There is often a line at the Trastevere location, but it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. Everything is made with seasonal ingredients, and the combinations are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. I never miss flavors like ricotta, cinnamon and blackberries, or yogurt, hazelnut and orange. While most people head to the Trastevere shop, I also love the Monteverde location, just steps from Villa Pamphili. Grab a cone and take a stroll through one of Rome’s most beautiful parks.
Whenever I’m in the mood for something a little different, I head to Torcè. The selection is impressive, with everything from classic favorites to inventive creations and daily specials, and it’s easy to see why it’s consistently recognized as one of Italy’s best gelaterias. Salted peanut, black sesame and caramel, mulberries, chocolate and sea salt, or ricotta and coconut are just a few flavors I’ve loved over the years. I usually stop at the location near Circo Massimo, then wander along Viale Aventino with my gelato in hand.
Gelateria Fatamorgana
Multiple locations
+39 0688818437
Summer isn’t complete without a watermelon, pineapple or passion fruit sorbet from Fatamorgana. They’re bright, refreshing and intensely fruity, making them the perfect antidote to a hot Roman afternoon. I also love the strawberries and champagne flavor (so chic!), along with the incredible selection of chocolate gelato, ranging from milk chocolate to extra dark. With multiple locations across Rome, it’s an easy favorite to stumble upon, and thankfully the quality is consistently excellent wherever you go.
Gelateria La Gourmandise
Via Felice Cavallotti, 36b, 00152 Roma RM
+39 06 9603 9081
Monteverde may be a little off the typical tourist trail, but it’s well worth the trip for La Gourmandise alone. This small, grab-and-go gelateria is known for its thoughtful, creative combinations that change throughout the year. I love that you might find flavors like saffron with crunchy walnuts, Passito wine zabaglione, or honey mango alongside the classics.
Gelateria dei Gracchi has been one of my favorites since childhood and I still remember coming here with my family when there was just the original shop in the Prati neighborhood. It’s one of those places that reminds me why simple, well-made gelato never goes out of style. The flavors are rooted in tradition and sometimes come with a twist. Strawberry grape, pistachio and peach are among the classics I always come back for, but I never leave without ordering the rice and honey.
Gelateria Fiordiluna
Via della Lungaretta, 96, 00153 Roma RM
+39 06 6456 1314
Whenever I’m in Trastevere, Fiordiluna is one of my regular stops. This is where I come when I’m craving the classics done well. Strawberry, hazelnut and pistachio are my usual order, and each one is packed with flavor without ever feeling too rich or too sweet. Their fruit sorbets are another reason I keep coming back, especially on hot summer days.
Grezzo is in a league of its own. Their gelato is entirely plant-based, made without dairy, gluten or refined sugar, yet still incredibly creamy and satisfying. Even if you don’t follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, it’s well worth a visit. While you’re there, don’t miss the raw chocolate bars and handmade chocolates, made from organic cacao using low-temperature processing to preserve their distinctive flavor. They also have a tempting selection of raw desserts, making this much more than just another gelateria.
Gunther is all about letting exceptional ingredients speak for themselves. Every flavor is carefully crafted, with the quality of the ingredients taking center stage. My weakness here is the hazelnut, closely followed by the extra-dark chocolate, but if you’re feeling more adventurous look out for seasonal creations like panettone or buffalo milk with pink pepper. Whatever you choose, this is one of those places where even the simplest flavors are anything but ordinary.
Serving locals since the 1970s, Alberto Pica is one of those old-fashioned Roman gelaterias that has stood the test of time and living proof that you don’t need elaborate combinations to make unforgettable gelato. There’s nothing trendy about it, and that’s exactly why I love it. I never miss the rice flavor, and if the wild strawberry is available, that’s always my second choice. Place your order, grab a seat outside, and sit back as the tram rumbles past and everyday Roman life unfolds.
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