Ok, Rome may be in the grips of a wet winter spell, but for a true gelato maniac it's never too cold for a good, genuine gelato.
Here are 10* of my favorite places for the creamy Italian delight:
Centro Storico:
1) Pica
Via della Seggiola, 12 (off of Via Arenula)
The owner is the president of the artisan ice-cream makers association of Rome. Try the riso alla canella (rice with cinnamon)
2) San Crispino
Via di Panetteria, 42
A gourmet gelato parlor with home-made flavors. Try the ‘sorbetto di arance e mandarino’- A pleasant, refreshing surprise for your taste buds. The crema di cannella e zenzero- cinnamon and ginger cream- is out of this world.
3) Giolitti
Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40
52 flavors.
One of the most famous gelaterie of Rome, unfortunately plagued by tourists, but the Bacio is out of this world. Has an 18th century ice-cream parlor feeling.
4) Cremeria Monteforte
Via della Rotunda, 22
Famous for its ‘cremolato’- a rich sorbet. Try the chocolate or berry flavors topped with fresh ‘panna’ – whipped cream- yum!
5) Fiocco di Neve
Via del Pantheon, 51
Isn't "snowflake" a great name for the place? It sure does cool you off in the hot, sticky days of estate Romane. Known for their zabbaione, also try crema di mela verde.
6) Della Palma
Via della Maddalena, 20/23
This is the most colorful gelateria in my book. If Willy Wonka had a gelateria, this is what it would look like. Mars bars and KitKat ground up with gelato leaves one at a loss for words...
Near Vatican/Prati neighborhood:
7) Antica Gelateria dei Gracchi
Via dei Gracchi, 272
One of the best places to taste true pistacchio in the Eternal City. The chopped pistachios create such a wonderful texture contasting with the smooth creamy gelato. Also try the mela and cannella (apple and cinnamon) sorbet-like frozen treat.
8) Al Settimo Gelo
Via Vodice, 21/a
Hidden away off of Via Oslavia deep in the heart of Prati, definitely worth the trip for crema al bergamotto, passito di pantelleria, or pistacchio. Winner of the Gambero Rosso 2008.
9) Old Bridge
Via Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5
Located at the doorsteps of the Vatican City walls (around the corner from Porta Sant'Anna), this small gelateria serves up some hefty servings...their fruit flavors are amazing
10) Gelarmony
Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34
www.gelarmony.it
The fine art of Sicilian gelato-making in the Eternal City. The site has a concise history of gelato as well.
*Check back for additions... the list is a work in progress
