Ice cream for every taste, straight from the Capital

Historic, award-winning, innovative: the 10 best ice cream parlours in Rome to try at least once!

Artisanal gelato in Rome

Rome is a city to be experienced with all five senses — not just through sight. Whether it’s summer or winter, treating yourself to a gelato — between a visit to the Colosseum and an afternoon in Trastevere — is a pleasure that’s hard to resist. A delicious ritual that combines tradition and creativity.

It’s no coincidence that Italy’s capital is considered a global capital of artisanal gelato. Every year, the Gambero Rosso guide awards its highest honour — the coveted Tre Coni — to the finest gelaterie in the country. And in this, the Eternal City never disappoints, offering a stellar selection of master gelato makers who know how to innovate while staying true to tradition.

In this article, we’ve selected six award-winning gelaterie from the 2025 guide, along with four more beloved by locals — for a refreshing tour of the Roman summer.

Six Award-Winning Stops: Tre Coni Highlights

Torcè
For over two decades, Torcè has been a benchmark for signature gelato in Rome. With more than 100 flavours in rotation, the offerings range from classic to daring — think cacio e pepe or habanero cream. Master gelatiere Juraj Detvaj replaces refined sugar with fructose, uses easily digestible milk alternatives, and pays special attention to dietary needs. You’ll find plenty of vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.

Where to try it: EUR (Viale dell’Arte, 9a), Aventino (Viale Aventino, 59), Parioli (Piazza Euclide, 25), Marconi (Viale Marconi, 449).

Otaleg!
The name is “gelato” in reverse — hinting at Marco Radicioni’s unconventional approach to flavour and form. The gelato here is dense and velvety, packed with bold aromas and unexpected pairings. Ingredients are seasonal, fresh, and often locally sourced. Must-tries include Damascus pistachio, Barone Amarelli liquorice, and salted peanuts with dark chocolate.

Where to try it: Trastevere (Via di San Cosimato, 14a), Monteverde (Viale dei Quattro Venti, 70).

Fatamorgana
Maria Agnese Spagnuolo, aka Fatamorgana, is a true pioneer of all-natural gelato in Rome. Every scoop here is free from additives, preservatives, and gluten. Her imaginative pairings are what set the brand apart: basil and honey, chocolate and tobacco, lavender and hazelnuts. It’s a flavour journey through flowers, spices, and seasonal fruits.

Where to try it: Nemorense (Via Lago di Lesina, 9/11), Monti (Piazza degli Zingari, 5), Centro Storico (Via dei Chiavari, 37 and Via della Croce, 46), Trastevere (Via Roma Libera, 11), Re di Roma (Via Aosta, 3).

La Gourmandise
Tucked away in Monteverde Vecchio, La Gourmandise is an elegant little gem founded by Dario Benelli — a trained pastry chef turned passionate gelato artisan. Here, spices, herbs, and a variety of aromas are explored with creativity and balance: goat’s milk, saffron with walnut brittle and thyme-lemon cream are just a few of the most intriguing flavours. The shop also caters thoughtfully to food intolerances and alternative diets.

Where to try it: Via Felice Cavallotti, 36/B (Monteverde Vecchio).

Il Cannolo Siciliano
A slice of Sicily in the heart of Rome, Eugenio Morrone’s gelato shop is renowned for its exceptional ingredients and unwavering loyalty to traditional island flavours. The gelato is smooth and full-bodied, with standouts like Bronte DOP pistachio, late-season mandarin, and ricotta with orange blossom honey. Be sure to check out the house-made spreads, preserves, and classic Sicilian pastries.

Where to try it: Piazza Roberto Malatesta, 16b (Prenestino).

Stefano Ferrara – Formaessenza
A visionary gelateria where ice cream is reinvented with both health and creativity in mind. No flavour exceeds 14% sugar, and many options are entirely sugar-free, gluten-free, or vegan-friendly. The sleek, modern interior and open counter highlight the artistry behind each batch. Must-tries include the gianduia with fleur de sel rock crystals and Bourbon vanilla cream.

Where to try it: Via Enrico Fermi, 102/104 (Marconi).

Beloved by locals: Rome’s best ice cream parlours (with or without awards)

Now let’s move on to a few more stops — historic, authentic and every bit as delicious. They may not all hold official awards, but for us — and for many Romans — these gelaterie are absolutely worth the detour. Loved for their consistent quality and genuine charm, they’ve become beloved neighbourhood fixtures. Here are four of our favourites: time-tested and enthusiastically approved.

Gelateria dei Gracchi
A true Roman institution, this gelateria began in the Prati district (Via dei Gracchi 272) and has since expanded to Viale delle Provincie and the historic centre, with a location on Via di Ripetta. Under the guidance of Alberto Manassei, it has built a reputation for being understated, no-frills — and unwaveringly devoted to quality. Only top-tier ingredients are used: Langhe hazelnuts, Bronte pistachios, fresh milk, and natural sugars. The classic flavours — pistachio, 70% dark chocolate, ricotta and figs — are executed to perfection. A must-visit for true connoisseurs.

Fassi – Il Palazzo del Freddo
Founded in 1880, Fassi is the oldest ice cream parlour in Rome. Its grand Art Nouveau hall, located on Via Principe Eugenio 65 (Esquilino district), retains all the charm of a bygone era and welcomes visitors from around the world. Generous portions and iconic specialties make the experience truly unique. Don’t miss the Sanpietrino – a cube of ice cream coated in dark chocolate with a creamy centre – or the Caterinetta, a classic semifreddo available in three versions: cream; cream and chocolate; and wild berries. In 2023 Giovanni Fassi also opened a branch in Via Piave (Sallustiano district).

La Romana
Founded in Rimini in 1947, La Romana has become a beloved name in Rome as well, with several conveniently located shops (Via XX Settembre 60, Via Cola di Rienzo 2, Via Ostiense 48, just to name a few). Here, classic creamy flavours like custard, hazelnut, and stracciatella are paired with indulgent extras — melted chocolate poured into the cone, and complimentary whipped cream. A reliable favourite, perfect for families and sweet-toothed kids of all ages.

Giolitti
Just steps from the Pantheon, at Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40, Giolitti is a Roman legend. With its Art Nouveau interiors, elaborate sundaes, and a loyal international following, it’s an icon that never goes out of style. As for the flavours? Crema Giolitti, zabaione, marron glacé — all timeless, all irresistible. A must-visit spot, and one of the most photographed gelaterie in the city.
Whether you’re after the most authentic flavour, the most Instagram-worthy cone, or the boldest pairing, Rome invites you to explore it — one scoop at a time!

Ada Home – Luxury Guest House Rome, where taste meets hospitality

A warm welcome, refined comfort, and a prime location in the heart of the city

After indulging in Rome’s finest gelato, there’s nothing better than unwinding in a calm, elegant, and beautifully maintained space. Tucked away at Via Montevideo 2A, Ada Home is a charming retreat that blends genuine hospitality with tailor-made comfort. Nestled in the historic Parioli district — one of Rome’s greenest and most refined neighbourhoods — our guesthouse is the perfect base for discovering the city, savouring its flavours, and embracing its slower, timeless rhythm.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find Villa Ada Savoia and Villa Borghese, ideal for peaceful strolls surrounded by nature and art. And thanks to excellent public transport links, all of Rome’s main cultural attractions, as well as the ice cream parlours featured in this guide, are within easy reach.

Experience Rome through its flavours: we’ll be delighted to offer tips not only on what to see, but also on what to taste. Ada Home – Luxury Guest House looks forward to welcoming you — not just for a stay, but for a truly Roman experience, where comfort and flavour go hand in hand. Book directly at www.adahome.it to enjoy the best available rates.