Mudpie Fridays >> Italy >> The best ice cream in Rome – Giolitti Gelato

The best ice cream in Rome – Giolitti Gelato

We have been lucky to visit Rome three times now. The first time was on our honeymoon fourteen years ago. On that trip, we discovered the best ice cream in Rome! And we have visited the same best gelateria in Rome each time we have returned. On our latest trip, we took Charlie with us. Although very excited by the prospect of seeing the ancient monuments, the first place he wanted to go was Giolitti Rome. Having heard us talk about Giolitti gelato a number of times, he also wanted to try out the best ice cream in Rome.

Giolittis is the oldest ice cream shop in Rome. So unsurprisingly it is on many tourist must-see lists. For this reason, do not be surprised to find a long queue, especially during peak season. Travelling in February we still needed to queue for a reasonable time on our first visit at lunchtime. Yes, we went more than once during our three-day itinerary!

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Where is Giolitti?

Rumoured to be the oldest gelateria in Rome, Giolitti Gelato was founded in 1890 by Giuseppe and Bernadina Giolitti and is still owned by the Giolitti family today. There is no surprise that the Giolitti name is synonymous with ice cream in Rome.

Located in the Plazza Della Rotonda area of Rome it is easy to find. Close by the Palazzo di Montecitorio and Obelisk of Montecitorio. You can use the address Via Degli Uffici del Vicario 40 A pochi passi dal Pantheon, 00144 Rome on google maps to find the oldest ice cream shop in Rome.

Giolitti is much more than a gelato shop in Rome

As well as being a famous gelato in Rome. Giolitti is so much more. As popular with the Italians as it is with the holidaymakers. It is a great place to pick up fresh orange juice or an Italian coffee. Also, you must try the thick hot chocolate which is like eating slightly runny chocolate ganache! To cater for the breakfast trade as well as the coffee and drinks counter to the right as you walk in. On the left-hand side, there is a pastry shop. Selling all sorts of delicious treats, cakes, biscuits and of course pastry. You can not help but gaze through the glass at the bitesize perfection.

Inside there is a seating area out the back. Where you can take table service if you would prefer. With free wi-fi avaliable it makes a good pit stop. Especially if you are travelling out of season. The tourist menus are very tempting although you will pay extra for eating in. There are also a few tables that line the street. Under the canopy and in the shade these also make a great place to rest weary feet in the heat. You can order ice cream from the tables. Even when it is busy it does not take long for a waiter to serve you.

The oldest ice cream shop in Rome

However, for us, it was all about Giolitti gelato and since we were on quite a tight schedule we decided on takeout. To try and ensure people are not queuing for a long time. You wait first at a little kiosk inside. This is where you purchase the ticket for your ice cream. We found this is quite commonplace across the city. When we visited a small cone or pot cost 2.50€, a medium 3.50€ and a grande 5.50€. A medium cone or pot will allow either two or three flavours of ice cream. So you will get either two large scoops or three smaller ones.

We opted for three flavours. In previous trips we had tried out a grande size, sharing it between us. Once you have brought your ticket you join the queue towards the back of the shop to pick up your ice cream. There are so many flavours to choose from. Above the counter, the flavours are displayed on three flat-screen TV s. It may be easier to look at these than try to move around in front of the counter. All their ice cream flavours are made on-site with natural ingredients. Something that is very important to the family business.

No matter where your Rome travels take you, I would encourage you to make time to visit Giolitti Ice Cream shop, the oldest gelateria in Rome. And if they have it … make sure you try the Champagne Sorbet. It is the best ice cream we have ever tasted… and we have spent a lot of time in Italy over the years.