Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

Penny Sadler's picture
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When in Rome, one must eat gelato, yes? With dozens of places to chose from, how do you know which place will deliver the freshest, most authentic gelato? I’m going to make it easy for you and tell you: try Fatamorgana. A friend who has recently relocated to Rome, and is a big organic and natural food person, told me about it - and I went there almost as soon as I landed.

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

Fatamorgana has five locations in Rome; I tried two. The first was in Trastevere just down from Piazza San Cosimato. It wasn’t too hard to find, as people eating gelato passed me one after another. There was a large crowd hanging around just outside the doorway eating, which I took as a good sign, plus it made it easier to find the place. It’s not like the US where there are big signs announcing you’ve arrived at your destination.

In fact, the whole place is unassuming and simple, with white being the dominant color. The interior has very classic lines, which I thought was quite nice as it doesn’t distract from the gelato at all.

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

The location just off Via del Corso is a little less visible. You’ll need to know the name of the street so you can find it - it's on Via Laurina.

Another difference I noticed at Fatamorgana - other gelato shops pile the gelato into big mounds and display it in some contrived way. At Fatamorgana, there were labels with the names of the flavors stuck to the glass and you had to read each one to know what it was. You couldn't guess by the color, either.

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

There’s also a board with the new flavors or popular flavors advertised.

The first flavors I tried were Ricotta with Citrus and Vanilla Rice. I like the Ricotta with Citrus enough that I had it twice. Creamy but not heavy, and it would make a good dessert option. I actually ate it for dinner one night.

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

I also sampled the Madagascar Chocolate, very deep, rich and good, but not my thing. The blueberry chocolate was another that I passed on. But the nut flavors, to die for!

I tried Almond Orange, and of course the classic Pistachio. Both had small bits of ground nuts in them and the flavors revealed themselves in layers. I can’t think of another way to describe it. I can still taste them  - they were rich and refreshing all at the same time.

Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

Of course there are many other original and unique flavors to chose from, so try something new and a favorite. Whatever you chose you can’t go wrong.

At only 1 euro per scoop, try as many as you want!

 Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

Fattamorgana also offers gelato shakes. Sounds tempting, though I prefer the zen of a simple scoop or two in a cup. No cone to distract or contaminate the flavor of the ice cream in any way.

It's once of the few places that says it's original, fresh, organic - and I believe you can taste the difference.

 Foodie Finds: Best Gelato in Rome

 

 

Penny Sadler is the Style/Travel Editor for Wandering Educators. For more information on traveling in style, please see www.pennysadler.com and http://www.adventuresofacarryon.com/
 
All photos courtesy and copyright Penny Sadler
 
Originally published in 2013, updated in 2017