Rome Typical Food

Granita is a popular summer treat beloved by adults and children alike in Italy. The origins of this icy delight are Sicilian but almost every Italian city has adopted granita in some form or fashion. Granita is basically a type of fruit slush, made from crushed ice with sugar and fruit syrups added.

In our opinion the characteristics of the perfect granita which we confirm can only be found in Sicily are as follows: the consistency of the granita should not be that of a sorbet, but an equal balance of large crystals and smooth crushed ice, the syrups used should be only those from pure fruit with no artificial dyes or flavors.

High quality fruit are important to the finished product and only a few kiosks in Rome do a good job of serving up a delicious and refreshing granita. Popular flavors include mandarin, lemon, mint, coffee and orange but one of our favorites in the office is melon. During summer most places which sell  gelato will also sell granita and prices range from €3 to €5. In Rome it will usually come in a cup with a spoon or straw.