Bar Giolitti Rome
A Testaccio institution
Not to be confused with the famous gelateria near the Pantheon, though there is a connection – they’re both run by branches of the same family. This Giolitti is one of my favourite bars in Testaccio -- laidback, unpretentious and very Roman. The occasional tour group drifts in to sample some gelato before continuing with their Testaccio food tour, but for the most part it’s just the locals – residents who have probably been coming here their whole lives.
Giolitti does great gelato – no need to queue! – in all the classic flavours like chocolate, stracciatella and zabaione (a flavour based on the popular dessert made with egg, sugar and sweet wine). But I generally come here for a quick coffee at the bar, or sometimes for an aperitivo. I like to sit at one of the tables outside, with a view of the Aventine Hill at the end of the street. My Aperol Spritz comes served with olives, crisps and nuts on a silver tray – a nice old-fashioned touch.
Giolitti feels quite old-fashioned in general, which is one of the reasons I like it. Think laminate table tops, old wooden chairs and crazy paving floor. This retro décor is one of the reasons Giolitti was chosen as a filming location for the popular TV series “Romanzo Criminale”, set in the 1970s. As Testaccio slowly becomes modernised and gentrified, I hope this historic bar stays the same.
About this spot
Via Amerigo Vespucci 35
- Mon - Sat 07:00 - 23:00
Coffee:
€
0.90
065746006
Find your way with 152 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
SiTenne
Dressing the past
"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here
by
Rudy
Di Giacomo
CSOA eXSnia
Fight for a better Rome
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
Matteo
Mueller-Thies
Osteria Dar Bruttone
In the name of tradition
"Osteria Dar Bruttone" in Rome makes some of tastiest carbonara (with or without artichokes) you can get your hands on. Also try their Porchetta...
by
Max
Giudice
Cecilia Metella's Tomb
A peaceful garden
"Cecilia Metella's Tomb" is a bit outside Rome's city center, but I love coming here to write among the ancient buildings & the Appia Antica road...
by
Max
Giudice
Trajan's Market Walkway
A path through history
"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Via Casilina Vecchia
The aqueduct neighbourhood
"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Pasticceria Boccione
Historic Jewish bakery
"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Via Piccolomini
An optical illusion
Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!
by
Alexandra
Turney
Villa dei Quintili
Atmospheric Roman villa
"Villa dei Quintili" is an archaeological site on Rome's Appia Antica. Important scenes of my novel 'In Exile' take place here; it's just so atmospheric.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Chourmo
Cosy bar in Torpignattara
"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...
by
Alexandra
Turney
Villa Farnesina
Renaissance splendour
"Villa Farnesina" in Rome isn't exactly unknown, but few tourists visit it. Come here to experience Raphael in peace & tranquility in a Renaissance villa.
by
Alexandra
Turney
Heading to Rome?
152 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 152 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Rome
Get to know our other Spotters from Rome
As featured on:
