Kick-start your sugar high at Il Mio Gelato Naturale on Via Romeo Rodriguez Pereira 170 (north-west of the Vatican). This gelateria certainly is one incredible artisanal experience. They offer plenty of different tastes and combinations, ranging from fine vintage cognac to exquisite chocolate. Next in line is Antonini on Via Sabotino 21-29. Apart from delicious gelato in a variety of flavours, Antonini has an impressing selection of mouth-watering pastries, which as made it a firm favourite amongst locals. Moving on, east of the Vatican on Via dei Gracchi 272 you’ll be happy to find Gelateria dei Gracchi. This bona fide gourmet gelateria is where seasonal fruits and high-end flavourings are churned into a seductive frozen sensation. The dark chocolate with Grand Marnier and the pistachio ones are so sinfully delicious you’ll want to camp out on the street for another scoop in the morning. Similarly delightful options are served at Al Settimo Gelo on Via Vodice 21a, not far from Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini. Arguably one of the best gelateria’s around, this sweet spot boasts a friendly staff, warm ambiance and incredible gelato from all organic and fresh ingredients. In the opposite direction and this time south of Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, on Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34 you’ll be pleased to find a Sicilian specialised gelateria by the name of Gelarmony. This place has a truly astonishing selection of ice creams with 60-70 different flavours. In addition to this, they also sell other kinds of Sicilian desserts.

Now let’s move onto my humble selection in the Historical District (Centro Storico).

On Via della Panetteria 42, just two blocks away from Fontana di Trevi you’ll find San Crispino. A suave little ice cream parlour with an diverse range of gelato concoctions – including the must-try ginger and rum-chestnut options – that gained an international reputation thanks to a glowing review in the New York Times. However, in accordance with being located in the tourist district, this place comes with a hidden fee. They will charge you for sitting down within the premises and servings are quite small. Next in line in the historic area is the Alberto Pica on Via della Seggiola 12, not very far from Camp de’Fiori. As it happens, Mr. Alberto Pica himself is the president of Associazione Italiana Gelatieri. Henceforth as you might think, this place really lives up to expectations. Alberto Pica is very small scale and old fashioned, but the light-as-air, refreshing gelato really make it worth a visit. If you still have space for more tongue-tickling indulgence, make your way towards the Pantheon to find Giolitti on Via Uffici del Vicario 40. One of the oldest gelaterias in Rome, founded at the cusp of the 20th century, Giolitti draws a steady stream of clients to it’s rich range of handmade gelatos. Last among the top-notch ice cream emporiums in the historic district is Gelateria del teatro on Via di San Simone, 70, quite near to Piazza Navona. Amongst the city’s new crop of gelaterias, this courtyard-fronted spot has your craving covered with knock-out flavour combinations (think ricotta fig with almonds and white chocolate with basil) made out of organic ingredients.

If you find yourself in Trastevere craving some “gelato artigianale” there are a couple of alternatives to seek out. Firstly, there is Fior di Luna on Via della Lungaretta 96, a small slice of gelato heaving smack dab in the middle of Trastevere. This petite parlour offers six homemade flavours – like pine nuts, pistachio and gianduia (hazelnut chocolate) – prepared in small bathes, plus an assortment of chocolates and cakes. Secondly there is Da Checco on Via Benedetta 7. Run by the same family for several generations, this gelateria boasts a homey vibe and a good selection of the exceedingly creamy flavours, including ones with coffee.