Confession: I’m somewhat of a gelatoholic. My first month in Italy was characterized by the joie de vivre of a near gelato-a-day habit. I practiced, like so many others, my Italian for the first time in gelaterias. There’s just too much joy to be found in a €2.50 cone!
And there’s no better place to enjoy the chocolate fondants, pistachios, nocciolas, and stracciatellas than in Rome. There’s just something about walking around the ancient city on a hot July day with a gelato in hand.
So that begs the question: where’s the best gelato in Rome?
Get your taste buds ready for these.
1. L’Orso Bianco
Not far from Termini station is L’Orso Bianco, a gem on the Roman ice cream front. Consistently touted by tourists and locals alike for their incredible flavors, this is a must-try when in Rome.
[Orso Bianco, Noce (Walnut), Sesamo e Miele (Sesame and Honey) – Mamamia ?? Gelateria. #icecream #gelato #gelati #walnut #sesame #honey #travel #travelfood #dessert](https://www.instagram.com/p/BFJ7B0RGpD6/)A post shared by Sultanyono Tan (@sultanyonotan) on
**Address: **Via Carlo Alberto, 7, 00185 Roma, Italy
2. Fatamorgana
If all-natural ingredients are important to you (and they should be!), then you might want to give Fatamorgana a test run. They’re a franchise, yes, but that’s not always a bad thing.
Boasting 100% natural ingredients, they keep a strict ban on artificial coloring, preservatives, and additives. And, with over 300 original recipes, you’re sure to find something you like!
[Filming my neighborhood today so this happened. #EatingRome #rionemonti](https://www.instagram.com/p/1a6wPDPHWc/)A post shared by Elizabeth Minchilli (@eminchilli) on
**Address: **Multiple locations around Rome
3. Gelateria Della Palma
Nestled among the gorgeous shops and restaurants around the Pantheon is Della Palma. This gelateria is always packed, and it’s not because of the optimal location– it’s because of their huge selection!
Della Palma claims to have 150 flavors, and they definitely deliver– I’ve gone and counted them all myself. And it’s not just quantity that they do well. This is seriously the best gelato in Rome.
[150 сортов мороженного??](https://www.instagram.com/p/BNAhJKbDZSs/)A post shared by @leostychkin on
**Address: **Via della Maddalena, 19-23, 00186 Roma, Italy
4. Frigidarium
Just a few streets over from the Piazza Navona is Frigadarium, another great pick. There’s just one thing to say about this place: Google them. The pictures alone will convince you!
[?This is what dreams are made of?](https://www.instagram.com/p/1YZHQzD0iO/)A post shared by Caitlin Corbin (@omgcaitcait) on
**Address: **Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma, Italy
5. Old Bridge Gelateria
There’s always a line for this place, but it’s worth the wait. The Old Bridge Gelateria is famous in Rome for their masterful gelato, and its reputation is well deserved.
It took off as a franchise after their success, but you can visit the original shop near the Vatican for a more authentic experience. We hear they’ve got the biggest portions in Rome!
[?-weather](https://www.instagram.com/p/1c-E9NvU32/)A post shared by Lara (@lara.0711) on
**Address: **Viale dei Bastioni Di Michelangelo, 5, 00192 Roma, Italy
6. Otaleg
Away from the trodden tourist path is Otaleg, which locals say is the best of the best. This place simply takes gelato to another level.
With their ice cream lab in the front of the store in full view through the window, you can’t help but be drawn into Otaleg. And the quality of the ingredients they use will keep you coming back for more!
[When in doubt get 6 scoops](https://www.instagram.com/p/BGLAI75n-b6/)A post shared by Katie Parla (@katieparla) on
**Address: **Viale dei Colli Portuensi, 594, 00151 Roma, Italy
7. Anywhere
When in Italy, your best plan of action for a best gelato in Rome is to try any old place. Some of the greatest ice creams I’ve had have come from hole-in-the-wall, no-name gelaterias that I wandered into on a whim. The best rule of thumb is, as always, to follow the locals. Where there’s people, there’s something great going on.
And after all, this is Italy– you’d have to actually try to find a bad gelato!