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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
Giolitti
★ 4.0(1 review)Café
historiceleganttourist-friendly
About the Vibe
Giolitti isn't just a café—it's a living piece of Roman history that's been serving the city since 1900. You'll find yourself stepping into an Art Nouveau time capsule where the original marble counters, ornate mirrors, and vintage decor transport you back to the Belle Époque. The real draw? Their house-made gelato and pastries that have kept celebrities, politicians, and locals coming for over a century. Skip the tourist traps near the Pantheon and come here for the real deal: a rich chocolate gelato or a classic tiramisù while people-watching in one of Rome's most authentic settings. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between historic grandeur and everyday Roman life—you'll see everything from tourists snapping photos to locals grabbing their morning espresso at the counter. It's the kind of place where you can linger over a single coffee for hours, or grab a quick gelato to go. The chocolate is legendary (they've been making it since 1900), and the pastry selection changes with the seasons but always delivers on quality. Just be prepared for crowds, especially in the afternoon when tour groups arrive. Go early morning for a quieter experience with a hot chocolate and cornetto, or late evening when the crowds thin out and you can really appreciate the ornate interior.
Known For
- •house-made gelato since 1900
- •Art Nouveau interior
- •famous chocolate desserts
- •celebrity sightings
Best For
morning coffee and pastrytourist experiencesweet treats
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 12, 2026
A Historic Roman Institution Worth Visiting
Giolitti is the kind of place that defines what a historic Roman café should be. Walking in feels like stepping into a time machine—the Art Nouveau decor with its ornate mirrors, marble counters, and vintage charm is absolutely stunning. The gelato here is genuinely exceptional, made fresh on-site using traditional methods that haven't changed in over a century. You can't go wrong with the chocolate flavors; they're rich and complex in a way that modern gelaterias rarely achieve.
That said, it's undeniably tourist-heavy, especially during peak hours. The crowds can be overwhelming, and you'll often find yourself competing for space at the counter. The prices reflect its prime location near the Pantheon, so expect to pay a bit more than you would at a neighborhood gelateria. But for the experience of being in a place that's hosted everyone from Fellini to modern-day celebrities, it's worth the visit.
My advice? Go early in the morning for a quieter experience with a hot chocolate and cornetto, or come late evening when the tour groups have dispersed. The gelato is best fresh, so don't expect it to hold up well if you're planning to take it far from the shop. Still, this is one of those iconic Roman institutions that you simply have to experience at least once.