Rome has some of the best ice cream places in the world. I have made a list of my favorite gelato places: shops that I visit on a weekly basis, that have unique ice cream, or that are very popular and stand out from other regular shops.
Frigidarium
Located in the heart of Rome, right by Piazza Navona, is Frigidarium. A small ice cream shop that has been around for over 30 years.
Frigidarium is known for its high-quality and huge gelatos. Another thing that makes them stand out from other ice cream shops is their unique way of serving gelato.
Every scoop is dipped into a pot of melted chocolate before being handed to you. This creates a chocolate shell around the gelato and adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. They have white, dark, and regular chocolate. Depending on the ice cream flavor, they will also add a piece of cookie or chocolate on top. All of this is, of course, optional and has no additional cost.
One of the most popular flavors at Frigidarium is their chocolate-hazelnut gelato, which is made with real hazelnuts and rich, dark chocolate. The shop is small and can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The line moves pretty fast, but the wait is worth it.
Prices are as low as they can get in Rome and are well worth the price, considering the size and flavor. This is my go-to ice cream parlor in Rome.
Best Flavors
- Stracciatella: Vanilla ice cream with huge chunks of chocolate inside.
- Pan di stelle: A famous Italian cookie made into ice cream. With this flavor, they usually put an entire cookie on top.
Gelateria Buccianti
A small and charming ice cream shop located near the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. The ice cream shop isn’t hard to miss, so you really have to keep your eyes open for it. This family-owned business’s gelato is made fresh daily on-site using locally sourced ingredients.
What I like the most about their menu is the wide variety of flavors, starting from classic Italian staples like Stracciatella and Fior di latte to more unique and innovative combinations like Ricotta and Fig or Pineapple and Basil (surprisingly delicious).
In addition to the gelato, they also offer a selection of pastries, cakes, coffee, and other refreshments. One of the highlights of Gelateria Buccianti is their signature Granita con Panna, a refreshing and light shaved ice dessert topped with whipped cream.
This is one of the few gelato places that makes ice cream in the original and traditional way; you won’t be able to get genuine Italian ice cream like this anywhere else in the center.
Best Flavors
- Stracciatella: Vanilla ice cream with pieces of chocolate
- Strawberry: (their fruit flavors are my favorites).
La Romana
La Romana is a chain of ice cream shops that has been around since 1947. They have several locations throughout Rome, including one near the Vatican, Trastevere, Piazza Navona, and many others. As most gelato shops have no artificial flavors or coloring, they offer natural options.
They offer classic signature flavors like chocolate, pistachio, and stracciatella. They also have many unique flavors, like ricotta, figs, and zabaione, an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine.
What makes La Romana unique is their signature whipped cream, which is made fresh every day. You can also put chocolate in your cone so it isn’t flavorless at the bottom once the ice cream is gone. You can choose between white chocolate and regular.
They also have other desserts and drinks. I also love their dessert mugs; you get to keep the mug with the recipe.
Best Flavors
- Crema di biscotti: Made with pieces of cookies and vanilla gelato
- Croccante della Nonna: A traditional cream caramel ice cream with crunchy almonds
- Caramello salato con noci pecan: Salted caramel ice cream with little bits and pieces of pecan
Lucciano’s
If you’ve been searching for ice cream or gelato in Rome on social media, then you’ve seen Lucciano’s for sure. Lucciano’s is a chain restaurant with locations all around the globe. You can find the Rome location right by the Trevi fountain.
They’re known for their unique and delicious creations.
Although they have a bunch of different desserts like gelato, dulce de leche, crepes, and many more, their most famous product in Rome is their ice pop in the shape of the Colosseum.
They have many different flavors. Some are strawberry, pistachio, lemon, and even sugar-free peanut butter.
I also highly recommend their dulce de leche; it’s genuine and tastes just like the original Argentinian recipe.
If I must be honest, I do recommend stopping by Lucciano’s, but I would not go back for the popsicle. Don’t get me wrong, it was amazing, but it is more for the experience and the fact that it is shaped like the Colosseum, not an everyday thing to purchase.
Best Flavors
- Colosseo Ice Pop: I recommend Strawberry
- Gelato: Lucciano’s chocolate hazelnut
Venchi
Vecchi Ice Cream Shop is considered a delightful haven for gelato enthusiasts and a must-visit spot for those seeking a sweet treat in the Eternal City. Venchi has a rich history dating back to 1878.
The gelateria offers a wide array of delicious gelato flavors that cater to all tastes and preferences. From classic flavors like stracciatella and pistachio to more unique and inventive combinations, there is always something to satisfy every palate.
What sets Venchi’s ice cream apart is not only its well-known name but also the use of its renowned chocolate in its gelato creations. Venchi is famous for its premium chocolate, and they incorporate it into their gelato by adding chocolate shavings, chunks, or drizzles to enhance the flavor and texture.
People also enjoy the chocolate wall they have. In some of their locations, they have a “waterfall wall” of chocolate, and many people take pictures here.
You can find Venchi shops all around the city center, by Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, and Piazza Venezia, amongst others.
In addition to gelato, Venchi offers a range of other chocolate-based treats, such as pralines, truffles, and chocolate bars. These are great souvenirs or gifts to take home or to snack on.
Although I do agree that Venchi has amazing ice cream, I also think that they are overpriced and that you can find something better for less. Nonetheless, I do recommend going at least once.
Best Flavors
- Caramel
- Cremino: Piedmont hazelnut layered with chocolate spread
- Pistacchio verde: Green pistachio ice cream. The pistachios are from bronte.
Other Amazing Gelato Shops
- Il teatro
- Dei Gracchi
- Neve di latte
Tips
- Don’t walk into an ice cream shop if the colors look too vibrant. Pistachios, for example, should look dark green, almost like a light tone of brown. If it looks too green, then they probably use artificial food coloring.
- All small cones in Rome include two scoops, so try two flavors or get a double scoop.
- Go for the seasonal flavors. Italian gelato shops often offer seasonal flavors that are made with fresh, local ingredients. These flavors are often the most flavorful and delicious, so be sure to ask for recommendations based on what’s in season.
- Although fruity flavors aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about ice cream, I recommend trying one. Not only are they refreshing, but they are also healthy and delicious.