Since the dawn of time..or at least the last 300 years…people have asked the same question: which is the superior dessert: Gelato vs. Creme Brulee. It’s hard to imagine that Modern Humankind has been able to advance so far without answering this important question. But never fear friends. The Curious Cowgirl has a thoughtfully prepared list of pros and cons to settle this important questions once-and-for-all.
Gelato vs. Creme Brulee
Let’s Begin with Gelato
You all know by now how much I love Rome. For those of you new to The Curious Cowgirl Blog, you will also soon learn that I adore The Eternal City with every fiber of my being. If you are interested in reading my past posts on Rome, simply enter the word “Rome” in the search icon at the top of the page, and everything I have written will pop up. Some of my favorite posts are this post, this post and this post. While visiting Italy, it would be virtually impossible to not experience the JOY of a fantastic gelato! But, like any other food group, there’s good Gelato….and then there’s GREAT Gelato. Let’s focus on the great, shall we?
I have FOUR favorite spots to enjoy Gelato in Rome.
Giolitti
- This my #1 favorite Gelato in all of Rome. Located just a few blocks from The Pantheon, it’s a completely fun experience. Purchase a ticket first for a small (one scoop) medium (two scoops) large (three scoops). Then go to the counter to place your order. If there’s a lot of people, it’s a survival of the fittest scene…but belly up to the bar, present your ticket and place your order, with or without panna (a dollop of whipped cream). You can’t sit at the tables and enjoy your ice cream if you get it at the counter. But no worries…you don’t have time. There’s so much to see in Rome, like this fabulous museum. Keep walking! If you absolutely have to get off your feet, find a table, and order from a waiter. There’s free WIFI here if you sit! Also, you can use the restrooms here.
Il Gelato di Crispino
- Another famous shop is one block northwest of the Trevi Foundation. Il Gelato di San Crispino is well-known for unusual and artesian flavors. If they have honey….try it! UN-Real!!! How to find this tiny shop: Facing The Trevi Fountain, walk up the street to your right, walk a block up, turn left, and it’s on your right, on the North side of the street.
Come il Latte
- Come il Latte is another FABULOUS gelato shop! It’s in a part of Rome that is not near a TON of historic sites, although it is close to the Chisea di Santa Maria della Vittoria, home of Bernini’s famous “Ecstasy of St. Theresa.” But don’t let that deter you….this is fabulous gelato, with the added fabulous feature of chocolate poured over every offering. I’d call that a win-win for sure!!!
Frigidarium
- My fourth favorite spot for gelato in Rome is Frigidarium, a favorite spot for artesian gelato, located on the via del Governo Vecchio, not far from Piazza Navona. This is one of my favorite shopping streets in Rome, due to the many vintage clothing stores, so grab a gelato, and the set out on a quest for the perfect 1970’s leather jacket.
Now Let’s Talk About Creme Brulee
You all also know by now how much I love Paris. Really….who doesn’t? If you are interested in reading my past posts on Paris, simply enter the word “Paris” in the search icon at the top of the page, and everything I have written will pop up. Some of my favorite posts are this post, this post and this post. The food in Paris is just beyond wonderful. My husband and I always feel totally glutenous whenever we visit, because we do not hold back one tiny bit. We eat all the food. So, my favorite spots for Creme Brulee? Glad you asked!
La Fountain de Mars
- I simply cannot recommend this lovely restaurant enough: La Fountain de Mars. I have enjoyed helping several readers create personalized curated travel itineraries for Paris, and I always include a meal in this special restaurant, just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower, on any travel plan! And clearly, you need to order the creme brulee for dessert. You can thank me later.
Les Deux Magots
- Les Deux Magots is one of those perfect Parisian Bistros you should not miss. Located in the St. Germain des Pres neighborhood, it’s one of my favorite places to dine while in Pairs. A glass of champagne in one hand, and a spoon in the other…dig into that Creme Brulee friends…eat it all and lick the spoon. I’m not going to judge you!
The Jaquemart-Andre Museum
- The Jacquemart-Andre Museum is absolutely in my top top top list of jewel-box museums to visit while in Paris. Like the Wallace Collection in London or the Frick Collection in NYC, this museum was originally a special mansion of great bourgeoise. It houses fabulous art, mainly of Italian and French, but also Dutch, Flemish and English paintings, sculptures, as well as furniture and works of art in the gorgeous State Rooms. But, what I love beyond the collections, is the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the former ballroom, now cafe. It’s so lush and intimate….and the dessert trolley is…well…it’s just epic. Creme Brulee yourself into oblivion, y’all!
So, have I solved the great Gelato vs. Creme Brulee debate for you? Yeah…I didn’t think so. I think the best way to really answer this question is to do some recon….who’s with me? Let’s plan a trip to Rome and Paris and debate Gelato vs. Creme Brulee together!
As always friends, I am here to help you with your specific travel planning needs! I love doing it, and I hope you’ll reach out! I’m already at work on several fall and holiday trips for clients, and even two trips for college graduates in May 2019! Let me help you plan the perfectly curated trip! Email me at marythecuriouscowgirl@gmail.com
If you enjoyed this post, and want to receive more like it directly in your Inbox, simply click here to subscribe! xoxo
Impossible to make a decision. It’s like your children, you love them both equally!!!
HAHAHAHA! Great comparison!
Lol I love it! Yes, let’s go tasting! I wish I had seen this before I went to Rome, but we will definitely be back and I’ll be referencing your fabulous guide! P.S. I’m hungry now 😉
Oh GOOD! I always hope my posts have good info that readers can use for future travel!!!
I’m not a big creme brulee fan so it’s a hands down win for gelato for me. Especially with how delish all of those look!!
There’s no shortage of gelato in Italy, that’s for sure!
I love your blogs! You are ever so informative and funny! I can hear you when I read them. You make me feel like I’ve been to all of these glorious places!
Awwwwww…thank you!!!!!
Not a fan of creme brûlée, I almost experienced death by gelato in Rome. Can’t remember all of the places–a reason why one should keep a detailed travel journal–however, etched in my eternal memory is Vivoli (not to be confused with Vivaldi) in Florence. Best gelato and affogato I’ve had. Near Santa Croce.
Vivoli is now on MY list to try, next time I’m in Florence!!!
This post made me smile. I mean, come on, how can you choose between the two? Personally I’d prefer a affogato though… eps for lunch!
Yes…..there have been a few write-in votes for affogato!!!!
Gelato. Hands down. The only debate is whether to get a chocolate/coffee/caramel combo or lemon/strawberry/raspberry. First world issue!
Yes….the struggle is real!
They are so different 🙂 Depends on the season for me. In the Summer, gelato! In the Fall and Winter, creme brulee! The gelato you are holding is making me salivate! Yum!!
Yes…I agree with you! Seasons do make a difference on which to choose!!!
OMG! How to decide…but I’m going with Gelato on this one…from Crispino! My mouth is watering as I read this. Thanks for the decadent post!
Another vote for Gelato!
It is so hard to make a decision because I do love to eat them both it really makes my mouth watering.
Right? My mouth waters just reading all these comments!!! lol!!!!
I’m definitely a gelato fan! Some of the best in my opinion is in St. Mark’s Square!
Such a beautiful square!!!
I love the simplicity of creme brulee, but I will never say no to authentic Italian gelato. So many great desserts, so little time!
Life is short….eat dessert first!!!
Eating gelato in Italy is one of biggest dreams, but for now I will have to enjoy it in the states. You can’t go wrong with it’s rich, creamy texture.
Right? Love!!!!