No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to a traditional gelateria, where famous Italian ice cream is sold. Actually, we think that no single day of sightseeing in Rome is complete without having gelato at least once. And while there are gelaterie, or ice cream shops, on virtually every corner in Rome, not all of them are worth your euros.

Word to the wise: never call it ice cream when in town. The American version of the treat is high on fat and air, it’s produced in large, industrial quantities and simply tastes different. Real Italian gelato is made fresh daily in-house with natural ingredients, always opting for fresh milk and cream to powdered versions of the stuff.

When selecting which gelateria to visit and which flavour to go for, keep in mind that seasonal fruits are always best, that your treat should be creamy and without ice crystals and that the delicacy should be kept in steel containers.

A perfect way to round off a traditional meal at a local restaurant, gelato is a favourite choice for an afternoon break from shopping and museum-going as well as during an evening stroll. Basically, when in Rome, it’s always the right time to indulge.

In general, you want to look for gelato that is natural in color, offered in small vats and not puffed full of air. Avoid places with brightly (artificially) colored heaps of swirled gelato—this is a sure sign of mass production. Instead, head to one of these gelaterie (listed in no particular order), famous for their artisanal, house-made gelato and widely considered to be among the best gelato in Rome.

1. Frigidarium

Rome's most centrally located gelateria, ​tiny Frigidarium is on Via del Governo Vecchio, near the Piazza Navona and nightlife of Campo de'Fiori. Its gelato is made from carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients, such as vanilla beans from Madagascar, cocoa from a Dutch company and special Bronte pistachios grown in Sicily.

Frigidarium makes its gelato every day, and most of it is gluten-free. You can even have your cone dipped in a chocolate candy shell. 

2. Come il Latte

The name means "like milk," which gives you an idea of the main ingredient in use here—gelato at Come il Latte is made of 70% fresh cream, giving it an extra-milky taste. This place feels like an old-fashioned, US-style ice cream parlor, but the flavors are original and innovative.

Have you ever tasted prickly pear gelato? Or how about ricotta-pear-chocolate? There are also milk-free options for the lactose intolerant, as well as gelato-filled pastries and cakes.

Must-try flavours: Salted caramel, mascarpone with Gentilini cookies, ricotta with caramelised figs and hazelnut.

3. Fatamorgana

Original flavors, organic ingredients, and savvy marketing have made Fatamorgana the hottest (or is it the coldest?) gelateria in Rome. There are now nine locations in Rome, where you can find flavors you just won't find anywhere else.

How does avocado, lime, and white wine gelato sound? Or mint and goat cheese? Fatamorgana is the place to be daring with your gelato choices! They even offer vegan options and gelato happy hours. 

Must-try flavours: Thought (pink grapefruit, ginger, horseradish and lemon zest); avocado, lime and white wine; punch (strawberry, white wine and lemon); Panacea (almond milk, fresh mint and ginseng); Pollicina (walnuts, rose petals and violet flowers).

4. Fiordiluna

Your wanderings in Rome will probably lead you to Trastevere and when they do, you must head to Fiordiluna. Famous for its chocolate and fruit flavors made of fair-trade, organic ingredients, this traditional, family-run gelateria also sells housemade chocolate bars embedded with dried fruit, nuts and spices.

Like the neighborhood it's set in, there's a real feel of tradition and authenticity here.

A minimalist approach (some flavours are made with only two ingredients), little to no use of sugar and an indisputable creamy texture have made Fiordiluna gelato a favourite in the trendy Trastevere neighbourhood for some thirty years. Dealing mostly with smaller producers, the owners use high-quality ingredients, including fruits that are seasonal and fresh. This is a small shop with very limited seating options, so grab your gelato on a cone, a cup or a brioche (yes, you read that right) and enjoy it on the go.

Must-try flavours: Chocolate with Sichuan pepper, black cherry ripple, Fred (custard with cookies); pistachio and hazelnut with dark chocolate.

5. Gracchi

You once had to trek over to the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican to find Gelateria Gracchi, but now, there are four locations across Rome. Flavors here are comforting and traditional, like the gelateria itself.

Try seasonal specialties like tangerine or roasted chestnut, or rich milk chocolate or zabaglione, made with egg yolks and Marsala wine. They also make ice cream bars and bonbons.

Must-try flavours: Dark chocolate with orange, apple and cinnamon, toasted almond with orange.

6. Ciampini

From a terrific location near the Spanish Steps, Ciampini has been serving scoops of handmade gelato for more than 70 years. The ingredients are all organic, and the ambiance is traditional and humble.

Chocolate, hazelnut and coffee flavors are especially recommended. The family also runs a bistro a few steps away. 

7. Otaleg

Found in the hip Trastevere neighbourhood, all-natural gelato by Otaleg has quickly become an institution in Rome, championing a slow making process and a careful selection of ingredients. Here, quality is preferred to quantity, resulting in an extraordinary consistency. The flavours change often and some of the most creative (read: must-haves) are the salty cacio e pepe and fava beans with Pecorino cheese. Also outstanding are the eggnog with Marsala wine and the fruit sorbets, think passion fruit and strawberry – when in season, of course.

Must-try flavours: Passion fruit, strawberry, mango with dark chocolate chips, Greek pistachio, eggnog with Marsala wine.

8. Neve di Latte

This all-natural gelateria has two branches, one close to the MAXXI (Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture) and one in the Prati neighbourhood. At both destinations, enjoy your treat while comfortably sitting in a modern and minimalist décor. The focus is on organic and biodynamic ingredients, which are carefully selected. The creams are rich and flavourful, the fruit sorbets velvety and succulent and the cherry brittle version is heavenly.

Must-try flavours: Cherry brittle with hazelnuts and chocolate, maple syrup and crumble, orange sorbet, raspberry sorbet.

9. La Gourmandise

This small and seemingly unassuming ice cream shop in Monteverde has been welcoming gelato lovers since 2010. Chef Dario Benelli gives life to daring flavours that will tickle even the most sophisticated palates by combining unexpected ingredients like helichrysum, thyme and juniper with high-quality eggs and goat milk as well as seasonal fruits, with an eye towards dairy and gluten intolerances.

Must-try flavours: Raspberry in rose water, saffron and walnuts cream, Roman mint with lemon zest, almond on salt crust.

10. Günther Gelato Italiano

Since opening the first gelateria in 2012 behind Campo de' Fiori, Trentino Alto Adige-born Günther Rohregger has inaugurated two more venues, all in the heart of the city. The key to his success? A careful selection of ingredients: organic milk from local farmers, only-in-season fruits, water from the Plose mountain.

Must-try flavours: Ricotta stregata, eggnog, mug pine.

11. Torcè

One of the pioneers of artisan all-natural gelato and bold flavours, Claudio Torcè recently added two more venues to his historic shop in the Eur district. You can stick to the safe (and delicious) basics when ordering, think pistachio, peanut and eggnog, or opt for braver options, like wasabi and bell pepper, habanero capsicum or Gorgonzola cheese.

Must-try flavours: Chocolate with Himalayan pink salt, habanero, eggnog.

12. Gelateria del Teatro

Hardly a day goes by without long queues of tourists and locals alike waiting for their sweet fix at Gelateria del Teatro. The attentive production methods employed seek to enhance every single ingredient, and creative flavours sit side by side with original creations like sage and raspberry, rosemary, honey and lemon, or lavender and white peach. Dairy-, egg- and gluten-free folks, rejoice! Appropriate flavours are marked as such on the display. Pro tip: the best way to enjoy the gelato here is on a cone, with olive oil and sugar-free fresh cream on top.

Must-try flavours: Sage and raspberry, favetta strawberry from Terracina, orange Sacher, Avola extra-dark chocolate.

13. Al Settimo Gelo

Self-taught chef Mirella Fiumanò founded the open-laboratory gelateria Al Settimo Gelo in 1997. Located in the busy Prati area, the shop offers a mouth-watering selection of creams and dairy-free fruit sorbets. Among the classics, some flavours to try are Avola almond and wild blackberries sorbet. If you feel like exploring savoury treats, absolute epicurean delights are the cardamom-based Afghan gelato, the Persian-inspired saffron and rose water, and sheep-milk ricotta with caramelised figs.

Must-try flavours: Afghan (cardammon-based), Persian (saffron and rose water), ricotta with caramelised figs.

14. Fassi Gelateria

A historic destination in Rome, Fassi Gelateria has been serving gelato, cakes and semifreddi (Italian frozen dessert) to kings and ordinary citizens for five generations since 1880. Close to Stazione Termini in the Esquilino neighbourhood, the shop is large, able to accommodate the large crowds that stop by daily. Enjoy your gelato on a cone or give it a twist and ask the staff to fill a brioche Sicily-style or a "sandwich" with your favourite flavours. For a more gluttonous experience, savour their sanpietrini, semi-frozen desserts covered with chocolate in the shape of the typical cobbles that make up the city centre’s streets.

Must-try flavours: Zuppa Inglese (English soup), currant, pistachio, eggnog.

15. Pinguino Gelateria Naturale

For high-quality, all-natural, preservative- and artificial colouring-free gelato, visit Pinguino Gelateria Naturale. Seasonal fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices are some of the ingredients used to create a unique dessert in this small gelateria. A not-to-be-missed treat involves caramelised peanuts and, when in season, the zesty mandarin is a must-have as well. Pinguino Gelateria is not close to major monuments, but if you do venture off the tourist path, visit nearby urban park Villa Pamphilj.

Must-try flavours: Caramelised peanuts, chocolate, mandarin, pistachio.

16. Brivido Gelateria

Brivido, in the former working-class Testaccio neighbourhood, has been churning out traditional artisan gelato every day since 1986. The all-natural (no artificial colouring, sweeteners or preservatives are used) treats range from the classic to original creations inspired by regional cakes and the chef’s own imagination. For a more sinful experience, dip your gelato in hot chocolate before tucking into it. There is a vast assortment of vegan and sugar-free options as well.

Must-try flavours: Sugar-free chocolate, vegan raspberry, salted peanuts, eggnog.

17. Fiocco di Neve

Recently renovated Fiocco di Neve displays a pretty wide range of flavours a stone's throw away from the Pantheon. Among the classics, try Riso del Moro with rice, chocolate and cinnamon, or tiramisu. If you enjoy culinary experiments, the ricotta with pistachio and mint chocolate won’t disappoint. The polished contemporary interior comes equipped with footstools, ideal for resting before resuming your historical sightseeing.

Must-try flavours: Riso del Moro, ricotta with pistachio, tiramisu, chocolate with mint.