Ah, Rome, the capital of Italy, and home to the largest collection of historical monuments scattered throughout this grand city. Rome is a popular destination for travellers, and rightfully so! But what do you do while you roam the piazzas and marvel at the beautiful architectures and statues? Eat gelato, of course! Italy is famous for its gelato not only because gelato is an Italian dessert, but they taste SO good too!
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You cannot leave Italy without trying their famous gelatos. Gelato is a type of ice cream that is churned less than regular ice-cream and essentially contains more milk, giving it a richness and density that is distinctively delightful. So delightful that the average ice cream pales in comparison! Excited yet? Check out these 5 dessert places for your traditional gelato fix and other similarly addictive Italian desserts during your next trip to Rome!
Disclaimer: Since Rome is not an Islamic city; please remember to exercise discretion when visiting the stores above. Don’t be afraid to ask for non-alcohol (or “senza alcool” in Italian) and non-lard (“senza lardo”) options before you order anything, and the staffs will be more than happy to point you in the direction of Muslim-friendly gelato and dessert options instead.
1. POMPI
Think tiramisu, think POMPI! Pompi is a popular dessert brand scattered throughout the city and can be found near attractions like Spanish Steps and Vatican City. I can personally vouch that Pompi serves the BEST tiramisu in Rome! Their Tiramisu comes in various flavours like the ever-popular hazelnut, and for each flavour, they have vegan and non-alcoholic options to suit your dietary needs! Though they are well-known for their tiramisu, try their gelato too, and you will leave the place with your dessert cravings satisfied. Each tiramisu (comes in a box) costs €4 and gelato starts from €2.50 for 2 scoops!
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Address: Via della Croce, 82, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Opening Hours: 11am – 930pm
Outlets are scattered throughout city
Most popular outlet: Piazza di Spagna
Metro: Spagna
Vegan and Non-alcoholic dessert options available
2. Guttilla Gelateria
This gelato shop is a hidden gem located in residential areas, but this is worth travelling to! They not only serve delicious gelato that continues churning slowly in the display cases for your viewing pleasure, but the ambience, service, and setting are plus points! Their all-white atmosphere mimics luxurious stores, but fret not, the prices remain competitive. Their gelato starts from €2.50 for 2 scoops, and the friendly workers will ask if you want dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or pistachio sauce as the base (for free!). You can even choose to top your gelato tower with complimentary whipped cream!
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Address: Via Nomentana, 267-277, 00198 Rome RM, Italy
Opening Hours: 11am – midnight
Nearest metro: Bologna (10 min walk)
Accessible by buses from the city too
Non-alcoholic dessert options available
3. Duranti Pasticceria
Although Italy is famous for their gelato, their Italian desserts are a must-try too! This quaint shop offers an array of delicious pastries, cakes, and candies for take-away. If you are not sure what the pastry contains, simply ask “che cosa é?” (Meaning: what is it?), and the friendly staff will gladly explain to you in English. Like the pizzerias in Rome, they charge their pastries by weight. Each pastry costs between €0.50 and €2.
Credit: Duranti Pasticceria on Facebook
Address: Via Livorno, 9, 00162 Rome RM, Italy
Opening hours: 7am – 8pm
Nearest Metro: Bologna
Non-alcoholic dessert options available
4. VENCHI Cioccolato - Gelato
Similar to POMPI, VENCHI is a famous gelato brand with several outlets throughout the city. As the name suggests, it offers delicious gelato, plus a bonus: chocolates that would be great for souvenirs! The accessibility of VENCHI in many tourist attractions is perfect for a convenient yet authentic gelato experience.
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Address: Via della Croce, 25/26, Roma RM, Italy
Opening Hours: 1030am – 10pm
Most popular outlet: Piazza di Spagna
Nearest Metro: Spagna
Scattered throughout the city
Vegan and non-alcoholic dessert options available
5. Pasticceria Andreotti
Hailed as one of the oldest pastry shops in Rome, and recognised by the Roman capital as one of the historical stores of interest, an authentically Italian dessert experience awaits you here! This pastry shop offers hot drinks to complement your cakes, and plenty of room to sit. So sit back, relax, and sip a cup of cappuccino the Italian way! Perfect for lazy afternoons!
Address: Via Ostiense, 54, 00154 Rome RM, Italy
Opening Hours: 7am – 930pm
Nearest Metro: Piramide
Non-alcoholic dessert options available