Chocolate lovers in Rome: history and taste come together

If you are traveling to Rome and are looking for a different activity that combines delicious food and history, one alternative is to visit the city’s most famous chocolate makers.

In fact, not all visitors know that there are many traditional shops in Rome dedicated to making and selling chocolate according to ancient recipes handed down from generation to generation. Some of these shops are very visible, but the really worthy ones are not – we’re here to point you in the right direction!

So, whether you are a romantic at heart or just have a sweet tooth, grab the map app on your phone and follow us!

Moriondo & Gariglio: the king shopped here!

This shop represents the history of Italy itself, and that’s no exaggeration: the two cousins it’s named after were the chocolate makers for the kings of Italy back in 1850, when Turin was the capital of our country. When the capital was moved to Rome, they moved with it and found their place near the Pantheon, where their descendants have been working ever since. To this day they follow their original recipes, which don’t use added sugar.

Where to find them Via di Pie’ di Marmo 21-22 (near the Pantheon, near the Church of Sant’Ignazio)

Gay-Odin: from Naples, with love

The most famous chocolatiers in Naples have a shop in Rome, up in the Parioli district, and if you’re not sure whether to go all the way out there, know that, among many other specialties, they make a chocolate liqueur that you have to try at least once in your life!

Where to find them: Via Antonio Stoppani, 9 (Parioli area, walking distance from the stop for tram lines 3/19 at Viale Gioachino Rossini).

SAID Dal 1923: all chocolate, all the time

If you think the San Lorenzo district is not for you (too noisy? too chaotic? too… young), think again: this is where you’ll find this workshop-cum-chocolate shop. Not only has it been open continuously since 1923, not only can you get their famous cup of Italian-style hot chocolate, you can also stay for lunch… or dinner. That’s right, SAID is also a “themed restaurant”, known for sneaking chocolate into savory dishes. Oh, and they just opened a shop in London, too (see above)!

Where to find them: Via Tiburtina, 135 (again, walking distance from tram lines 3/19 stop at Via dei Reti – can be reached by a number of alternatives)

Grezzo Raw Chocolate: vegan and delicious

Back in the city center, this is a chain of shops that does things differently, because everything they prepare is completely vegan. And yes, that includes their chocolates (and their ice cream!). The first store opened in 2014 in Monti.

Where to find them: Via Urbana 130 (Monti area. But there are more locations!)