Giolitti is the place that, for me, defines the idea of what gelato should taste like. And I’m probably not alone in that – it is almost as iconic as the nearby Trevi, though perhaps much more difficult to find even with all the signage. But don’t fret, there are plenty of locals willing to show you the way. And when you finally find your way into the small but cheerful alleyway that houses this famous gelateria, it will be more satisfying than finding an oasis in the desert. Giolitti churns up dozens of flavors daily, and not one of them is disappointing. Every flavor is intense, clean and bright, as if a bottle of sunshine was poured into each batch. All of the gelato has a rich, thick and creamy texture – though you won’t find a trace of cream in the flavor – unless of course, you opt for the crema di latte. If you’re a grapefruit (pomelo) fan, it’s my favorite flavor here. Of course I can’t resist trying a few others for good measure. On my most recent trip, I tried the pineapple – which has actual pineapple chunks buried inside – and dark chocolate. Both flavors are velvety and gorgeous. While on your travels, you may get busy trying to see all of the sights, but trust me when I say, no visit to Rome is complete without a stop at Giolitti.
Side Note: After researching other iconic gelaterias in Rome, I made a visit to San Crispino. Though the gelato there is better than most ice cream you’ve ever tasted, as far as gelato goes, I found it to be a bit of a disappointment. The flavors were not as intense and clean as I would have hoped for. So you can skip the search for San Crispino.
Giolitti
Via Uffici del Vicario 40 – 00186, Rome
+39 06 699 1243
Currently based out of Boston, Jesal is a blogger, freelance writer, yoga enthusiast and lifelong vegetarian who spent four years eating her way through New York City and various other cities around the globe. After answering hundreds of emails and phone calls answering the question, "Where's a cool place I can take my vegetarian friend out to eat" she started Veggiewala to efficiently share her knowledge of the vegetarian food scene with curious carnivores, flexitarians and other vegetarians.