Hidden in city center Rome, San Crispino holds such high standards for its gelato, you can’t even see the options when inching up to the counter. Each pure flavor is guarded under a shiny insulated lid to keep it at just the right temperature and free from cross contamination. Good thing, because a visual of gray banana might deter you from trying what would be the best ice cream of your life. There’s nothing but all-natural ingredients here, made from scratch and scooped out as ordered. Just be sure the flavors go together because the owners are so serious about their craft, they will outright refuse clashing combinations like bergamot and pistachio. And don’t dare ask for a cone, which they “consider unhygienic” according to one NY Times article. But forget the rules. The actual gelato is stunning, in familiar flavors that I’ve never tasted with such intensity: Valrhona chocolate, bourbon vanilla and plum sorbet. Their honey-infused signature is Il Gelato di San Crispino, but lemon cream was my personal favorite.
Il Gelato di San Crispino has three Rome locations, including the one I went to at Via della Panetteria 42
near the Trevi Fountain. Definitely toss a coin in the fountain (to guarantee your return to Rome,) but don’t look twice at the countless gelaterias glowing neon. San Crispino is just around the corner and sufficiently far from the mob of tourists. I’m thrilled that I found the place, and I’m thrilled to visit such an amazing city layered with more history, art and religion than one person could ever adequately absorb. In two days I travel to Tuscany, where I’ll be studying sustainable agriculture for three months! Next stop, Siena. Then, on to Spannocchia. -sy
How exciting that you are in Italy. When I went last fall I fell in love with gelato-absolutely no comparison to ice cream-it's so much better. I didn't make it Rome, but it was in Verona where I found the best gelato; and my favorite-pumpkin ravioli. Enjoy your adventure!
Ciao Bella!
Posted by: Becca Lucas | August 28, 2007 at 09:03 AM