The Best Authentic Gelato in Rome
When it comes to savoring all of the tastes Rome has to offer, authentic gelato in Rome ranks number one on most people’s list. This cold, tasty, creamy treat is beloved all year round, but becomes a required staple in the summer months in Rome.
The most important part of getting a true, authentic gelato experience in Rome is finding the real deal. There are many manufactured impostors out there, so we are going to tell you how to find the real thing, as well as recommend a few of our top choices for authentic gelato in Rome.
Gelato is similar to ice cream as most people know it, but it has a few important differences that make it even more delicious. Unlike ice cream, gelato uses a higher milk to cream content ratio and is churned at a slower rate. This results in a lower fat content, a creamier texture, and a much more intense flavor. Sorbetto flavors of gelato use no dairy at all, and are made with fresh fruit. Due to this process, it is important that gelato be stored at exactly the correct temperatures, which is why you’ll often find authentic gelato in Rome contained in metal, often with a lid.
Perhaps the most important thing about making a delicious gelato is the ingredients. When it comes to authentic gelato in Rome, ingredients are key, and they are always sourced locally and in season. Whether it’s chocolate with pepperoncino or banana sorbetto, these skilled gelato makers are starting their day at the market to select which flavors they will produce for you that day. With all of this effort, it isn’t a wonder why authentic gelato in Rome is a high step above anything you’ll find outside of Italy.
TIPS FOR FINDING THE MOST AUTHENTIC GELATO IN ROME
Avoid Piled-High Gelato
Since real, authentic gelato in Rome must be stored at the correct temperature for best creaminess and taste, be sure to avoid the mounds of gelato piled high for attention. Instead, look for the gelato in the metal containers with lids, or at least with the gelato kept at or below the level of the container. Those pretty mounds are whipped up and filled with air, ruining the texture of the gelato, and they are not able to keep those mounds cold enough, so the gelato below suffers from being kept at incorrect temperatures.
Beware of Bright Colors
Authentic gelato in Rome will never boast unnaturally bright colors. Since the places serving real gelato are also using real, natural ingredients, the colors of the gelato flavors will be true to nature. At these authentic places, with homemade gelato, you will not find bright green pistacchio or bright yellow banana; these flavors will be more muted as you would expect in a real pistacchio and banana. The only bright colors you should be in a real gelato shop are in the sorbetto section, such as mango, blueberry, and black raspberry, fruits and berries that naturally boast their bright colors.
Too Many Choices
A gelaterie serving authentic, homemade gelato in Rome will not overwhelm you with too many choices. Most shops have one or two gelato makers and will cap the flavor choice at 10-20. There are a few excellent exceptions that have grown due to their quality and can produce up to 30 or so flavors because they can employ a few more gelato makers. But when you see the shop in Rome boasting over 150 flavors, this is your first clue that none of that gelato is homemade or authentic.
Ingredients on Display
A truly exceptional gelato shop will either post their ingredients or be super forthcoming with them when asked. Many will show the seasonal daily special flavor on a sign in the shop. Others will happily tell you exactly what they put into their gelato, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the shop when the gelato maker themself is working, be prepared to hear all about their morning trip to the market, or what crazy new creation they have come up with based on market availability. I recently tried Parmigiano Reggiano gelato at one of our favorite shops.
Here are a few of our favorites to get you started
A truly exceptional gelato shop will either post their ingredients or be super forthcoming with them when asked. Many will show the seasonal daily special flavor on a sign in the shop. Others will happily tell you exactly what they put into their gelato, and if you’re lucky enough to be in the shop when the gelato maker themself is working, be prepared to hear all about their morning trip to the market, or what crazy new creation they have come up with based on market availability. I recently tried Parmigiano Reggiano gelato at one of our favorite shops.
1. LA STREGA NOCCIOLA
- Near the Spanish Steps
- Artisanal creative flavors made by Sara, who will happily tell you all about her latest creations.
Flavors to try: Lavender, Basil, or Buontalenti. *ask to try the daily/weekly special flavor on offer*
2. OTALEG
- Trastevere
- Inventive, creamy textures
Flavors to try: Pistacchio, chocolate, seasonal sorebetto
3. GELATERIA DELL' ANGELETTO
- Monti
- Gluten-free friendly, local vibe
Flavors to try: Hazelnut, dark chocolate, *crema al limone (seasonal)*
4. FATA MORGANA
- Near the Pantheon and in Monti
- Natural, seasonal ingredients, vegan
Flavors to try: banana cream, sesame crunch, mint
5. GIOLITTI
- Near the Pantheon
- Historic pasticceria, endless flavors
Flavors to try: pistacchio or white peach
6. GELATERIA DEL TEATRO
- Via dei Coronari, near Piazza Navona
- Refined flavors, tucked-away spot
Flavors to try: Ricotta & fig, anything chocolate
BONUS: MARLENE'S GELATERIA
- Jewish Ghetto
- Only Kosher Gelateria in Italy, family owned, flavors based on season and Hebrew calendar
Flavors to try: Halva, Salted Caramel, *best Caffe (coffee) flavor in Rome*
Recent Comments