Where to Find the Best Gelato in Rome – Local Tips & Top Spots

Rome has plenty of places serving Italian gelato or ice cream, widely regarded as the best in the world. It contains less fat and less air than standard ice cream and melts slowly in your mouth. A Roman holiday wouldn’t be complete without trying at least one famous gelateria to find your favourite flavour!

Gelateria Alla Scala

Gelateria Alla Scala is the first on my list. Their gelato is made using only natural ingredients, which is evident from the taste. This gelateria is located in the Trastevere area, and it’s worth stopping by to truly understand the difference between ice cream and authentic Italian gelato! They also serve milk-based drinks and other desserts.

• Address: Via della Scala 51
• Opening hours: Mon–Thurs: 10:30–00:00; Fri–Sun: 10:00–02:00
• Facebook: @Gelateria-alla-scala

Gelateria I Caruso

Gelateria I Caruso is a favourite among both locals and visitors. What sets I Caruso apart is the quality of its gelato. You’ll also find seasonal gelato offerings, with a flavour of the week and a flavour of the month to help guide your choice. In addition to gelato, they serve cakes, semifreddo, and various other tempting sweets.

• Address: Via Collina, 13
• Opening hours: 12:00–00:00

Gelateria del Teatro

Gelateria del Teatro is known for using high-quality, all-natural ingredients. It’s one of my personal favourites. Alongside their gelato, they offer cakes and savoury dishes such as pasta and pizza. All ingredients are natural—think pistachios from Sicily, lemons from Campania, and walnuts from Piemonte. Be sure to try their strawberry, “Vecchia Roma,” and lavender-lemon flavours.

• Address: Via dei Coronari 65/66 and Lungotevere dei Vallati 25
• Opening hours: 11:00–22:30
• Website: www.gelateriadelteatro.it

Fatamorgana

Fatamorgana is considered one of the best gelaterias in Rome. There is a wide selection of flavours, including nine types of chocolate, over ten fruit options, and many more. I recommend trying the hazelnut and zabaione zibibbo flavours. The service is excellent—the staff are friendly and always happy to help you choose.

• Address: Via Roma Libera, 11 (Trastevere) and six additional locations
• Opening hours: 12:00–00:00
• Website: www.gelateriafatamorgana.com

Venchi Cioccolato

Venchi has been around since the 1800s and is one of the most popular gelaterias in Rome. Be prepared for queues! They offer a wide variety of chocolate and attractive souvenirs. The quality at Venchi is outstanding—you won’t forget their ice cream.

• Address: Via del Corso, 335; Roma Termini, Piano Binari; and three additional locations
• Website: eu.venchi.com
• Opening hours: 08:00–22:00

Sweety Gelato

Sweety features a self-service concept that’s both innovative and fun—especially for families and children. There’s a great selection of flavours, creams, and toppings. However, the prices are higher than in typical Roman gelaterias, with two cups of ice cream possibly costing €10 or more.

• Address: Via Flaminia 492 (Ponte Milvio)
• Opening hours: Mon–Thurs: 13:30–00:00; Fri–Sat: 14:00–01:30; Sun: 14:00–00:00
• Website: www.sweetygelato.com

Frigidarium

Frigidarium is located in the historic centre of Rome, just around the corner from Piazza Navona. It offers around 20 distinctive flavours. One of the main features of this gelateria is its passion for experimenting and creating unexpected combinations with pleasant aftertastes. I recommend trying their pistachio flavour.

• Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 112
• Opening hours: 10:30–01:00 daily

Il Gelato di Santa Maria

Although Il Gelato di Santa Maria is one of the more typical tourist stops, it still offers a fantastic selection of flavours and high-quality gelato. It’s not just a gelateria—it also serves treats like pancakes with Nutella, macarons, and other sweet delights. The key principle here is a commitment to using 100% natural and healthy ingredients. I personally enjoy the cocoa and mint flavours.

• Address: Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, 4
• Opening hours: 11:00–02:00

Gelateria Della Palma

Gelateria Della Palma is unique for offering more than 150 flavours of ice cream! They also serve frozen yoghurt, cannoli, waffles, and many other sweet treats. Honestly, it took me nearly an hour to decide on my choices when I first visited. There are no specific recommendations here—everyone is sure to find something to suit their taste.

• Address: Via della Maddalena 20
• Opening hours: 08:00–01:00 daily
• Facebook: @Gelateria-della-Palma

Trying new gelato flavours is one of my favourite things to do during long walks through the Eternal City. With so many gelaterias across Rome, it would take ages to sample them all. Still, it’s always worth pausing to enjoy a scoop made with quality ingredients and creative blends—something you’ll find in nearly every gelateria. Which flavour is your favourite?

Author: Kate Zusmann

I’ve lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every corner of Rome holds a story, and I’m here to share some of the most fascinating historical facts and local legends.