Gelato literally translates to ‘frozen‘ in Italian and though often compared to ice cream, they do differ quite distinctively. For one, gelato is made from milk, not cream like ice cream and also has less air making it denser than the latter. It generally contains less fat (yay!) and as a result, the main flavour ingredient is usually more intense and satisfying. Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, so the texture stays silkier and softer BUT it will melt faster as you eat it.
Living in a country with an average temperature of 32°C, indulging in ice cream is embedded in my daily routine. Some days I even have ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner (please don’t judge me). Therefor, it’s only natural that I look for the best gelato Rome has to offer when I am there — even if it risks me freezing to death in the cold winter. So, having had only seven hours in Rome before heading back to Florence while fighting a flu — it’s the absolute worst feeling! But hey, it wasn’t going to stop my mission! Read on to find out my top 3 picks.
Here are my top 3 recommendations for the finest Gelateria
1. Gelateria Valentino
Rated as no. 10 best dessert in Rome, with almost 6000 reviews on Tripadvisor, this family owned gelateria is situated just 2-minute walk from The Trevi Fountain. The owner prides himself on their homemade gelato, using only authentic ingredients with zero chemicals added. You’ll be glad to know Gelateria Valentino is also vegan friendly and offers non-dairy selections as well.
I was served by Mr Valentino himself, the friendly owner and I opted for the medium size cup which allowed me to ask for 2 flavours. I chose Crema & Salted Caramel and as he was handing it over, he smiled and said with confidence “if it isn’t the best gelato you’ve ever tasted, I will pay you instead“. Safe to say, I was more than happy to pay Mr Valentino the €3 I owed him.
Both gelato I had was creamy, smooth and rich in flavours. Crema tasted exactly like custard pudding — as simple as gelato can get but a definite bliss! The Salted Caramel had a pronounced saltiness which I love, balancing the sweet from the caramel flavour. Expect a signature mini cone garnish on top too for that extra crunch!
Find it here :
Via Del Lavatore 96, 00187 Rome, Italy. Tel : +39 06678 3219
2. Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato
Started out in 1878 as a chocolatier, Venchi launched its gelato range in 2007 — producing unique gelato in their premises every single day to ensure freshness. According to their website, the gelato they make contains no artificial colourants, flavours or thickeners, meaning you would be indulging only in natural goodness! Venchi also offers vegan sorbets, including a chocolate flavoured sorbet.
Venchi has more than 115 stores worldwide and operates at least 5 in Rome — I happened to come across the one situated 3 minutes away from The Trevi Fountain. I was in immediate awe the moment I stepped into the shop. There were so many choices of gelato flavours (and chocolates, of course)! However, the queue behind me were growing rapidly so I decided to stick with flavours I know best — Crema and Caramel, in a cone topped with dark chocolate and raspberry grains which totalled to €4.
Comparing this to other gelatos I had, Venchi’s texture were velvety smooth. Each of the flavours were not as creamy yet still very delicious and rich. The Caramel had a beautiful burnt sugar aroma to it while Crema reminded me of egg custard. Eaten together, they sort of tasted like crème brûlée in gelato form — simply delicious! Each serving comes with one piece of their signature chocolate, leaving you wanting more!
Find it here :
Via Del Corso 335, 00186 Rome, Italy. Tel : +39 06678 4698
3. Don Nino
The creative soul behind Don Nino is the talented, five-time champion Italian Gelato Master Francesco Mastroianni himself. Each quality ingredients have been carefully selected to enhance the unique flavours. Don Nino is also well known for its pastries and of course, authentic Italian coffee. They have more than 5 cafes around Italy. Each of them are beautifully decorated to a clean and classy interior, signifying the quality of food they serve.
I went to Don Nino that is situated nearby the Pantheon — literally a minute away. Although this gelateria/pasticceria prides itself on the warm hospitality ambiance they supposedly create when you enter the shop, there has been mixed reviews on that part on Tripadvisor and unfortunately I was spared the warm Italian welcome too. I waited a good 10 minutes before they acknowledged my existence and they weren’t even serving anyone else at that time. BUT I am glad I stayed, as I managed to taste a few flavours and they were good. Really good.
I finally settled for the Biscotto and Crème Caramel in a medium sized cup that came with one piece of waffle cookie. Don Nino’s gelato tasted a tad bit sweeter than the previous two I mentioned above but this gelato is divine! Both flavours I had were rich and heavenly. If you can look past the hit or miss service, I would definitely recommend giving this place a shot. Now I’ve read people saying that they paid €16 for cup/cone (which is of course ridiculous) because apparently the price wasn’t clearly displayed. Well, if you do decide try out Don Nino, show them this post and tell them your friend had it for €3.50 a cup! Thank me later.
Find it here :
Via Dei Pastini 134 Pantheon, 00186 Rome, Italy. Tel : +39 06678 1210
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