Cristiano is a local classic, you mention the name, people will know what you're talking about,…read moreregardless of whether they're regulars or not. Cristiano is a "pasticceria", not a cafe, so they duly take their lunch break, and open at a leisurely 8am. This is not to say their coffee is no good, they simply offer much more and they produce everything in-house. Depending on the season, you might want to try their gelato, which always comes in generous portions. I wouldn't call it a gourmet option, they don't tout exotic names or fancy food origins (Bronte pistachios anyone?), they just make good gelato, and with fresh ingredients. No strawberries available? Well, no strawberry gelato, and I like it that way. Personal favorites are "Bacio bianco" (with delicious whole hazelnuts) and Kinder (vanilla + rich chocolate), but debating flavor preferences is an exercise in futility. I enjoy the cakes, and while not everything is top notch, you have some memorable winners there. The "torta al limone" (dough, custard and pine nuts) is to die for, especially in its mignon version, which you might be tempted to savor alongside a cappuccino. That's a hell of a breakfast combo, you won't be craving food for a while. I also like the tea pastries, especially the "occhio di bue" (round dough disc with jam in the middle). And they're always fresh, come in on a Monday morning, there's nothing on display, and they start filling the shelves as the products are ready. The outdoor seating area is nice, but could be tidier, and it gets busy at times. Most people order to go, bringing a cake or a tray of sweets home, but I enjoy the place even for just a cappuccino with friends. The price point is just right, and some items might even be a bargain vs. similar options elsewhere. And since they accept any credit card, order away, you won't be disappointed.

In the past, I knew of Gelateria Navona, just a few doors up from the actual piazza, and that was…read moremy go-to place for gelato in Rome. Expecting it to be there one year, I walked over to Piazza Navona and Gelateria Navona had evidently closed. I would then get gelato here and there. I then learned that Giolitti is a long standing gelateria and it's also in the historic center. I filed the name away in my head. Then, one day, I happened to walk right in front of it without even looking for it, so I went in. Giolitti is popular and it can be crowded. I'm going to say that I waited about 10 to 15 minutes. You pay at a counter first, deciding on what you want and how much of it, such as scoops and whether it will be in a cup or a cone. Once up at the counter, they don't rush you, which surprised me. I don't take that much time since I don't experiment much, but I still appreciate the courtesy. The price is roughly what everyone else in the historic center is charging. I always opt for the gelato it in a cup so you can "control" the dripping. The gelato - a mix of dark chocolate and two citrus flavors - was "molto buono." That said, just because it's so popular, I'm not going to downgrade Giolitti for it and complain about the crowds. You downgrade gourmet donut places in the U.S. where their fame has gone to their heads. There is also a spacious salon with nicer decor in which you can eat inside. At this point, Giolitti is really the only gelateria in Rome whose name I remember. I would gladly go back and I recommend it.

Amazing!!!! Wanted to update with pictures because it's simply delicious and we truly miss the…read moreambiance.

Probably the MOST unique gelato flavors I've ever tasted. So amazing. The people there were very…read morenice. The ambiance was like a typical ice cream shop. The wife and I will definitely be coming back here.

Many people have a favorite gelato place in Rome, and this is mine. There's this location in…read moreTrastevere, one in Centro Storico, and one in Monti. A decent gelato place has fresh, standard flavors like chocolate, pistachio, or stracciatella. A good gelato place has interesting flavors like lavender, basil, or pear. A superb gelato place, like Fatamorgana, combines multiple interesting flavors in *one* flavor. My favorite Fatamorgana flavors at the moment are: * Rose petals, violet flowers, and walnuts * Lavender flowers and wood strawberries * Carrot cake * Chestnut and myrtle ...I don't even know what myrtle is, but I know I like it.

A great Sicilian sweet shop in the residential Casal Palocco area. Ice creams, granite, cassate,…read morecannoli, cakes (the sette veli is simply amazing!) and much more. Sweet tooth paradise! There's also a next door rosticceria, under the same management, where you can try arancine and rustici, together with all other typical Sicilian goodies.