Be it in the sweltering heat of the summer, or even on a mild sunny winter day, nothing beats a great ice cream to accompany you around the glorious streets of Rome. Thankfully the city is blessed with a plethora of artisan ice cream parlours offering a mouth-watering array of flavours; from more traditional tastes to the most innovative and unusal.

Join us for a list of the 5 best ice cream parlours in Rome. Evviva il gelato!

1 - San Crispino

This historic ice cream parlour has several popular locations around the city: the most famous are those of San Giovanni and Trevi Fountain. Immortalised in Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir ‘Eat Pray Love’ this ice cream parlour is a must-do! They specialise in creams, so try the ‘marsala cream’ or the ‘caramel meringue’, which are delicious!Address: Via della Bakery, 42 - Via Acaia, 56

2 – Fassi

One of the oldest ice cream makers in Italy ( circa 1880) located in a huge Art Nouveau palace near Piazza Vittorio in the Esquilino district. The specialties here are the whiskies (ice cream smoothies with various tastes), but above all the ‘semi-freddi Caterinetta’ and the ‘chocolate and eggnog sandwiches’ are delightful. It’s always very busy so get ready to queue!Address: Principe Eugenio Street, 65

3 – Fattori

A few steps from La Sapienza University, situated on Viale Ippocrate Fattori, a relatively new ice cream palour that can give the more established shops a run for their money. In addition to this location there is another one also in the Pigneto district, which is equally as good. Fattori' ice cream has an exquisite contemporary collection with ’pear and white chocolate and ‘bread, butter and jam’, are among the best. Also try the sweet mignons, such as mini cheesecakes and sachertorte.
Address: Viale Ippocrate, 114 - Piazza dei Condottieri, 55

4- Fatamorgana

The choice of flavours at Fatamorgana, near Piazza Crati, are quite similar to that of Fattori: a few traditional tastes and a lot of creativity. Fatamorgana's ice creams are most definitely innovative - among the best are ‘pesto of basil, honey and walnuts’ and ‘Panacea’ (a mix of ginseng, mint and almond milk). A short walk from the ice cream parlour is Villa Nemorense; so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the grounds while enjoying your frozen delight.
Address: Via Lago Lesina, 9/11

5 – Otaleg

Try to read the name of this ice cream shop in reverse: Otaleg. That's right, it’s “gelato" backwards! Otaleg is a modern ice cream parlour, far enough away from the old town, on Viale Portuense . The open interiors allow customers to see the ’gelatai’ preparing their delicious ice cream. Fruit flavours are excellent, but leave room to try the more experimental combinations such as ‘cacio e pepe’ ice cream.
Address: Viale Colli Portuensi , 594