Founded in the late 19th century, most of the people queuing up for a gelato today are the locals who live nearby. Officially called Palazzo del Freddo, this Roman institution near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is commonly known as Fassi. Whether you’re on a gelato diet or a regular diet, Fatamorgana gelato is a good option if you want a lighter, less decadent dessert. Fatamorgana somehow manages to make gelato that tastes good, and yet is healthy at the same time.Īpparently, some Italians try to lose weight by going on a gelato diet, where they replace a meal with gelato. Sample ' bacio del principe' (a deliciously creamy scoop of gianduja and hazelnut), and zabaione with strawberries. It specialises in gelato naturale and has a creative range of flavours, including grapes and nuts, pear and gorgonzola, black cherry and beer, and black rice and rosebuds. This gelateria has two branches in the centre of Rome. Include a stop here on your Rome city break itinerary with Insight Guides: submit a trip request today to get your holiday started.Īddress: Via degli Zingari 5 Via Roma Libera 11 The gelato is soft and creamy, the perfect refresher on a hot day of sightseeing. With such a reputation, it’s not surprising to find crowds of tourists and locals queuing up for a cone even on rainy January afternoons, although regulars can now buy a 'FastPass' to skip the queue.
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck sampled the gelato here in Roman Holiday, and Giolitti has also been popular with popes and politicians. Located close to the Pantheon, Giolitti is technically a café, but it’s best known as Rome’s most famous gelateria. Many visitors to Rome head straight to Giolitti, which has been run by the same family since 1900. Instead, try the most delicious, authentic gelato in one of Rome’s best gelateria below for a true taste of la dolce vita. Steer clear of the lurid colours (neon blue or fluorescent pink) as they’re usually packed with artificial ingredients.
We can’t help you with every choice, but some kinds of gelato are definitely superior. Once you’ve chosen the gelateria and the flavours, the only decisions left to make are 'Cono o coppetta?' ('Cone or cup?') and 'Con panna o senza?' ('With or without whipped cream?'), and then you’re ready to stroll the streets of the Italian capital city, gelato in hand. Pineapple and ginger, rosemary chocolate, and sushi gelato are just a few of the quirky flavours offered by Fatamorgana. Which flavours to choose? Chocolate? Lemon? Pistachio? Basil? Most gelateria have at least ten mouth-watering flavours to choose from, and gelato-makers are becoming increasingly inventive. Once you’ve chosen a gelateria, there’s an even harder decision to make. Now there seem to be hundreds, and the choice can be overwhelming.
In the 1930s there was only one gelateria in Rome: Fassi.