The Best Gelato in Rome
According to Someone Who Made It a Research Project
People often ask me what the best gelato in Rome is, and I always laugh a little because the answer hasn’t been arrived at casually. Finding the best gelato became an accidental side project during the years I spent researching my PhD dissertation. After spending hours in dusty libraries or crawling through yet another church crypt or archaeological basement (my dream day, admittedly), I rewarded myself with a cup. Over several years, I ate an alarming amount of gelato in the name of "research."
I also developed a system. Every shop had to pass the stracciatella test. It's a deceptively simple flavor that quickly reveals whether a gelateria can balance creamy milk, good chocolate, and proper texture. If they got the stracciatella right, chances were good the rest would be excellent too.
One quick tip before we begin: don't be seduced by mountains of brightly colored gelato piled high into elaborate swirls. Those dramatic displays are designed to catch tourists' eyes, not necessarily to produce the best flavor. More often than not, the truly exceptional gelato is tucked away in simple silver canisters with lids. It's less flashy, but much better for maintaining texture and temperature.
Here are my favorites:
Manny's Gelateria Artigianale
If I could only recommend one stop, it would be Manny's Gelateria near the Vatican. It's not even a proper storefront so much as an adorable little stand, which somehow makes discovering it even more satisfying. The gelato is incredibly creamy, tastes freshly made, and never feels overly sweet. Every flavor I've tried has been excellent, but the classics really shine here. It's the place I still think about long after leaving Rome.
Via Andrea Doria, 1, 00192 Rome
Neve di Latte
Neve di Latte feels like one of those places you discover because a local quietly points you in the right direction. The ingredients are wonderfully natural, the seasonal flavors are inventive without becoming gimmicky, and they offer gluten-free cones—a welcome bonus for travelers with dietary restrictions. If you enjoy trying flavors you won't find at every corner gelateria, this is the place.
Via Federico Cesi, 1, 00193 Rome
Günther
With two locations near some of Rome's busiest sightseeing areas, Günther proves that convenience doesn't have to come at the expense of quality. It's one of the few places I'll happily recommend to first-time visitors because it's consistently excellent and easy to work into almost any sightseeing itinerary. When you're exhausted after a morning at the Forum or Pantheon, Günther rarely disappoints.
Piazza di S. Eustachio, 47, 00186 Rome
Via dei Pettinari, 43, 00186 Rome
Venchi
Purists may scoff because Venchi has become an international brand, but here's the thing: it's consistently delicious. Better yet, you'll find locations throughout Rome, across many Italian cities, and even in major train stations. Venchi is famous for its chocolate, and you absolutely should buy some while you're there. When ordering gelato, though, go all in. Get the chocolate-dipped cup, add the special crema (their lightly whipped fresh cream), and embrace a little extravagance. Sometimes vacation calories simply don't count.
Everywhere
Grezzo Raw Chocolate
Located near the Jewish Quarter, Grezzo is my favorite recommendation for travelers with dietary restrictions. Everything is raw, vegan, and gluten-free, but don't mistake that for compromise. The flavors are genuinely excellent, proving that dietary accommodations don't have to mean settling for second best. Whether you have allergies or are simply curious, Grezzo is well worth seeking out.
Via Urbana, 130, 00184 Rome
Piazza Mattei, 14, 00186 Rome
Piazza Euclide, 39, 00197 Rome
Rome has no shortage of gelato shops, and half the fun is wandering into one you've never heard of. Still, if you're only in the city for a few days, these are the places I'd confidently send my friends.