Rome is a city to be experienced in every possible way. Alongside its extraordinary historical and artistic heritage, it also boasts a rich culinary tradition full of authentic flavors waiting to be discovered.
Among the must-try delicacies when visiting Italy’s capital, ice cream undoubtedly stands out. After all, the city is full of gelaterias where you can enjoy a delicious treat while strolling through Rome’s many wonders.
Some of these ice-cream parlors are true institutions, with a long-standing family tradition behind them. Others are more recent arrivals, but have quickly earned a reputation thanks to their creative approach and focus on high-quality ingredients.
This guide will take you on a journey through some of the best gelaterias in Rome, all united by a passion for making gelato the right way. It’s a different way to explore the city—by following your taste buds.
Stop 1: Gelateria del Teatro – An artisanal experience in the heart of Rome
In the heart of Rome’s historic center, along the charming streets that connect Piazza Navona to Castel Sant’Angelo, lies Gelateria del Teatro—a must-visit for anyone seeking truly exceptional ice cream.
Founded in 2006 by Stefano Marcotulli and his wife Silvia, this ice-cream parlor was born from a desire to offer something genuine, wholesome, and creative all at once. Its name comes from a medieval staircase that once led to a small theater, now an integral part of the shop’s unique charm.
What immediately catches the eye when you arrive is the large windowed laboratory, allowing you to watch the entire ice cream-making process unfold before you. Each batch is freshly prepared daily, using natural, seasonal ingredients. The fruit is carefully selected from local markets, while the aromatic herbs—such as basil, sage, and rosemary—are chosen for their quality and origin, often sourced directly from trusted growers.
The flavors change with the seasons, offering a colorful palette of taste and imagination. Some of the most popular combinations include rosemary, honey and lemon, sage and raspberry, lavender and white peach and white chocolate with basil. Beyond the high-quality ingredients, what makes this ice cream truly special is the perfect balance of flavors, the meticulous attention to detail, and a constant drive to innovate without ever losing touch with tradition.
Another highlight is the ice-cream parlor’s attention to dietary needs. Many of the options are free from gluten, lactose, or eggs, and the cones are handcrafted with olive oil. Even the whipped cream—available upon request—is freshly made on the spot without added sugar, preserving its pure, natural flavor.
In recent years, thanks to its growing popularity, Gelateria del Teatro opened a second location on Lungotevere dei Vallati, bringing the same level of excellence to another part of the city. With over 200 recipes in rotation and a firm commitment to seasonal ingredients, this ice-cream parlor has become a benchmark for those in search of authentic, refined, and deeply local ice cream.
Stop 2: Giolitti – Tradition and elegance since 1900
In the heart of Rome, just a short walk from the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament, you’ll find Giolitti—one of the city’s oldest and most iconic ice-cream parlors.
Founded in 1890 by Giuseppe and Bernardina Giolitti as a dairy shop in Salita del Grillo, the business quickly gained a reputation for the high quality of its milk, sourced from the pastures of the Roman countryside. It soon became the official supplier of the Italian Royal Family. In 1900, the family opened the now-historic location on Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40, where they began producing artisanal ice cream, alongside running a vegetarian restaurant and continuing their dairy trade.
Today, Giolitti is still run by the founding family, now in its fifth generation, and remains faithful to the tradition and elegance that have always defined it. The interior of the shop exudes vintage charm, with original 1930s décor in Liberty and Art Deco styles, creating a refined and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a step back in time.
The ice-cream parlor offers a wide variety of flavors, from timeless classics like chocolate and pistachio to more seasonal and inventive creations. Particularly beloved are the fig and zabaione flavors, which, paired with chocolate, form a delicious trio for the most discerning palates. Each ice cream is crafted using high-quality ingredients, following traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Over the years, Giolitti has drawn countless celebrities, including Vittorio De Sica, Alberto Sordi, John Travolta, Cameron Diaz, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Antonio Banderas, Justin Timberlake, and Sharon Stone.
For the most authentic experience, try visiting Giolitti during off-peak hours, so you can enjoy your ice cream at a relaxed pace, fully immersed in the shop’s timeless atmosphere.
Stop 3: Gelateria dei Gracchi – Innovation and authentic flavors
In the heart of the Prati neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo, you’ll find Gelateria dei Gracchi—an essential stop for artisanal ice cream lovers in Rome. Founded in 1999 by Alberto Manassei, this ice-cream parlor has won over the palates of both locals and tourists thanks to its top-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
The philosophy behind Gelateria dei Gracchi centers on using fresh, natural, and seasonal ingredients, with absolutely no preservatives, artificial coloring, or hydrogenated fats. This commitment results in ice cream that’s not only rich in authentic flavor but also delightfully creamy in texture.
One of the standout flavors is Bronte pistachio, made with premium Sicilian pistachios that deliver an intense and genuine taste. Other notable creations include pistachio meringue, pine nut cream, and toasted almond with orange—flavors that skillfully blend tradition with a modern twist.
The ice-cream parlor also puts a strong focus on dietary needs, offering a wide selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Their fruit sorbets, for example, are made without any milk, making them perfect for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant.
In addition to the original location on Via dei Gracchi 272, the ice-cream parlor has expanded to other parts of the city, including Via di Ripetta 261 and Viale delle Province 30, all while maintaining the high standards that made it famous.
Don’t miss the chance to try their vegan options. Their creaminess and depth of flavor will surprise you, proving that dairy-free ice cream can be every bit as delicious.
Stop 4: Fassi Gelateria – The story of roman ice cream
In the heart of Rome’s Esquilino district, on Via Principe Eugenio 65, stands the Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi, one of the oldest and most iconic ice-cream parlors in the city. Founded in 1880 by Giovanni Fassi, this historic institution has been delighting ice cream lovers for over 140 years, making it a true landmark of artisanal tradition.
The Palazzo del Freddo offers a wide range of both traditional and innovative flavors, all made daily using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Among its most famous creations is the Sanpietrino, a semifreddo named after the iconic cobblestones that line Rome’s streets, available in a variety of flavors. Other beloved treats include the Caterinetta, a semifreddo served in combinations like coffee and zabaione, cream and chocolate, or cream with mixed berries, as well as the Frulletto—a creamy ice cream-based drink blended with a secret recipe and topped with fresh whipped cream.
Beyond its excellent products, the ice-cream parlor offers a unique experience with its open-view laboratory, allowing visitors to watch the ice cream being made in real time. On weekends, the Palazzo del Freddo also organizes tasting tours, where guests can explore a small museum of antique ice cream-making equipment, visit the production area, and end the tour with a delicious sampling of freshly made ice cream.
Stop 5: Gelateria Torcè – Creativity and quality without compromise
In the diverse landscape of Roman gelaterias, Gelateria Torcè stands out as a must-visit for those seeking an unconventional experience, where innovation and quality go hand in hand.
Founded in the 1990s by master gelato maker Claudio Torcè, this ice-cream parlor has revolutionized the concept of artisanal ice cream, offering original flavors and meticulously selected ingredients.
At the heart of every recipe lies a clear philosophy: using only natural raw materials, with no colorants, preservatives, or industrial mixes. Even the more technical choices—like using fructose instead of white sugar and highly digestible milk—are designed to create a healthy, balanced product suitable even for those with special dietary needs.
The variety of flavors is astonishing. Alongside the timeless classics, entirely new horizons open up: here you’ll find ice cream made with celery, carrot, gorgonzola, and other combinations that challenge even the most adventurous palates. It’s precisely this ability to push beyond the boundaries of traditional taste, while maintaining top quality, that makes Torcè a true icon of gelato innovation.
The ice-cream parlor has several locations throughout the city, from Viale Aventino to EUR, including Parioli and Marconi. In each of these spots, you’ll find the same attention to detail, the same spirit of experimentation, and the unmistakable signature of Claudio Torcè, who has turned ice cream into a true flavor laboratory.
How to get to Rome to taste its unique ice cream
To land in the Eternal City and enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation—complete with exceptional ice cream from some of Rome’s most renowned ice-cream parlors—you can fly into one of the city’s two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci in Fiumicino or Rome-Ciampino.
If you’re already in Italy for a tour of the Bel Paese, it’s worth remembering that Rome is easily reachable by train from major Italian cities, thanks to frequent and convenient connections. If you’re traveling from Florence, you can take a high-speed train that will get you to Rome in just over an hour and a half. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to dive into discovering the best ice cream in the city. To plan your trip, visit the official Italo Train website and book your ticket to Rome. By choosing Italo, you can enjoy a fast and comfortable journey, allowing you to freely explore the city and taste the culinary delights that only Rome can offer.
The perfect ice cream on every corner of Rome
Wherever you are, it won’t be hard to come across a ice-cream parlor worth stopping for—whether you prefer classic flavors or more original ones.
Whether it’s during a break between two sightseeing stops, at the end of a dinner, or as an excuse to explore a neighborhood you don’t know yet, having ice cream in Rome is always a good idea.
And now that you have a few recommendations, all that’s left is to pick the right moment and let your taste guide you.
