In Rome, gelato is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a centuries-old art form. But with hundreds of shops, how do you avoid the brightly colored, synthetically piled tourist traps? We reveal the secret criteria: look for muted, natural colors (pistachio is grey-green, not neon) and metal carapine (lidded containers). Genuine gelato is served flat and creamy, never mountain-high. Discover the absolute best local favorites, hidden down quiet alleyways. Treat your tastebuds right with an insider’s guide to the city’s most satisfying scoops.