Jocelyn A.
Yelp
Everybody has their own opinion on who makes 'the best' gelato in Italy. It's all a matter of personal preference. For what it's worth, after going to the most well known gelaterias in Rome, Florence and Bologna, I found Cremeria Santo Stefano to be the very best.
It is customary in Italy to use high-quality ingredients, but at Cremeria Santo Stefano, they take things one step higher. They use a lot of regionally protected (DOP/IGP) products because they know, for example, that the best hazelnuts come from Piedmont, and the best lemons from Sorrento. I would not be surprised if they had a real cow in the kitchen that was happily kicking out fresh cream. Honestly, I have never tasted fresher cream.
The shop itself is magical. It may have been raining outside on the day I visited, but inside the shop it was nothing but sunshine. The guy that helped me was adorable. I assume that he was the owner, who I read is certified by Valrhona as a chocolatier. I told you, this place doesn't mess around.
Every flavor was fresh and delicious, but I would be remiss if I didn't tell you to order the speculoos. Oh, and if they have them, nab yourself a speculoos ice cream sandwich from the freezer. My biggest regret from my trip was not trying one of those fancy little ice cream sandwiches. Next time!