Gelato signature tastes: 10 unique addresses in Rome

At From Home to Rome we noticed that one of our clients’ priorities once they get to the Urbs Aeterna is tasting all possible types of gelato… and who could blame them?

It’s inexpensive, it’s everywhere (even off season!) and for the most part (we’re thankful for this change in global trends) it is as artisanal, genuine product, made from top quality ingredients, and seasonal too (hint: if you find peach or apricot in winter… you should know that it’s not a good sign!).

But what does one do when all the classics have been well and truly tasted? This post serves the purpose of suggesting where to turn to for a more adventurous gelato eating experience.

What follow is a list of 10 excellent ice cream shops, having in common their love for turning just about anything into gelato. You will be only able to find the listed tastes (and more!) at their shops. Know that not all of them are in the more touristy areas of the city, not all of them are listed on guidebooks – so keep note of their addresses and remember, there’s always more to explore in a city like Rome. Even when it’s your umpteenth time visiting!

Gelateria del Teatro

With two shops in the city center, this much loved gelato place is walking distance from such accommodations as Catalana al Ghetto, Black & White or Antigua. We love their bold combinations such as lavender and white peach, or sage and raspberries.
Lungotevere dei Vallati 25 or
Via dei Coronari 65/6

Gori Gelato

A bit off the beaten path, this is a “gelateria di quartiere”, a neighborhood ice cream shop, the local equivalent of an ice cream truck that comes back to the same streets every summer. Find it in the lovely Città Giardino area of Montesacro, comfortably linked to the center by subway (closest stop: Conca d’Oro) or bus (no. 60 from Piazza Venezia, no. 90 from the main hub at Termini) and make sure you try at the very least their “Kulti” taste (rice cooked in milk with cardamom seeds and saffron) or their creamy Black Sesame.
Piazza Menenio Agrippa, 8/B-C

Come il latte

Tucked away in an alley close to the Santa Maria della Vittoria Church (and its neighbor, Moses’ Fountain), this small shop has creamy treats for days: go local with one of their inventions, mascarpone cream with crumbles of Gentilini cookies, a staple from our childhood days turned into a fresh, rich dessert.
Via Silvio Spaventa, 24/26

Fatamorgana

Speaking of staples, what about turning one of Sardinia’s most beloved cakes into an indulgent gelato? It’s a mission accomplished at Fatamorgana, with several locations across the city: ask for their “seadas” cream, made with fresh ricotta, honey and candied orange peels.
Some of their addresses include
Piazza degli Zingari, 5 (Monti)
or Via Laurina, 10 (Via del Corso)
or Via Leone IV, 50 (Vatican Area)

La Gourmandise

Literally seconds away from our managed holiday rental at Via Alberto Mario, this is a lovely place for experimenting at will by trying brilliant combinations such as jasmine-scented fig mustard or rosewater raspberry.
Via Felice Cavallotti, 36/B

Gelateria dei Gracchi

One more artisanal chain, with locations close to many tourist attractions (but don’t let that put you off!). Try their “cubano” taste, with rum scented chocolate, or their caramel pear.
Via dei Gracchi, 272
or Via di San Pantaleo, 61
or Via di Ripetta, 261

Il Gelato di Torcè

Claudio Torcè is the gelato rockstar of Italy, with shops in many different part of the city. Try his shop on Viale Aventino, minutes away from Via Annia Faustina or the Circus Maximus, and know that it’s not for everyone: his habanero gelato is as spicy as can be!
Viale Aventino, 59

Neve di Latte

Don’t be fooled by its name, which is very similar to “Come il latte”: this is a different establishment, with one location in the Prati district, and one just on the back of the majestic MAXXI Museum for the Contemporary Arts in the Flaminio borough. Try their prickly pear sherbet, their Afghan pistachio (the flavor is different from the local type!) or go with cinnamon milk cream, one of their newest arrivals.
Via Luigi Poletti, 6 or
Via Federico Cesi, 1

Otaleg!

Many Romans think of it as the best ice cream place in the city. You’ll be the judge: get thee to Trastevere and try their fanciest creations, which include many savory tastes (such as mustard gelato or gorgonzola cheese gelato).
Via di S. Cosimato, 14/A

Günther

A new arrival in the city center, this creative chef loves to tear down expectations when it comes to flavour. Visit one of his locations, close to the large majority of our apartments, and taste his take on gorgonzola cheese, combined with dark chocolate, or go with Pino Mugo, a pine-scented thick milk cream.
Via dei Pettinari, 43
or Via dei Due Macelli, 108
or Piazza di Sant’Eustachio, 47