Austin B.
Yelp
tl;dr the ambitious flavors occasionally err on over-the-top, but the wide selection ensures a delicious option for everyone
When it comes to top Roman gelato spots, few lists will exclude Fatamorgana. Its Apulian-born founder, Maria Agnese Spagnuolo, has been experimenting with ice cream since childhood. Nowadays, she whips up ambitious, sometimes outlandish, gelato flavor combinations, and Fatamorgana has multiple outposts between Rome and Los Angeles.
The Via dei Chiavari shop makes its home on a side street near Campo de' Fiori. The duplex space is split between a large, L-shaped gelato display and a dedicated dining room. Houseplants hang down from the tan, circle-patterned walls. The floors are decorated with mismatched black and white tiles. The wide-open doors invite in the hum of cars crawling over the cobblestoned streets. Even late on a weeknight, expect the shop to be buzzing with customers.
Across multiple visits, I tried a wide assortment of intriguing flavors. All of them had a smooth, creamy gelato base. I most enjoyed the seasonal Pear Sauce with Soft Cheese. The pear was a uniquely refreshing flavor against the extra creamy base, and walnuts added a pleasant crunch. The Pistachio was another stand-out scoop, with a dynamic flavor and plentiful chopped pistachios mixed in. I was surprised to learn that this flavor was without any milk. I also loved the unmistakably Pecorino-y Seadas; its sweet honey and orange peel cut through the surprisingly rich cream. The Wasabi Chocolate was memorably true to both flavors; the wasabi component was stronger in taste than in spice, even standing out against the deep dark chocolate. While not my favorite, I would recommend this flavor for the sheer novelty. Lastly, the more custard-forward than coffee-y Tiramisu and inconsistently topped Strachiatella were forgettable. My sister, meanwhile, thoroughly enjoyed her fruity Strawberry and the deeply dark chocolate-y lineup of single-origin chocolate flavors.
The service was helpful and efficient, able to speak enough English for a seamless order. The golf ball-sized scoops ran 1.50 euros each, and there are enough options for even the pickiest of patrons. Of all the gelaterias I tried across Rome, Fatamorgana was the most diverse and memorable -- if you prioritize visiting one shop, this should be the one to try.