We wanted to try grattachecca which is a traditional Roman shaved ice and syrup dessert and this place was right by our hotel. We asked what flavors we should get and the guy working there was very friendly and accommodating. He made good suggestions, he asked how we liked it and made adjustments based on that. We ended up with one orange and lemon one with chunks of coconut and a cherry and raspberry one with fresh lemon juice, coconut and high-quality marinated cherries. It reminded me of being at a good cocktail bar. The seating is quite nice, shady, and you can see the Supreme Court across the Tiber, although it's a bit loud due to the road right there.
This place has been here for over 100 years according to the current owner! He has owned it since 2007. I was researching granitas and found that there is something else called a grattachecca. Found an old book that talked about how there used to be grattachecca kiosks all over Rome but as of august 2016 - there are only 3 left!!!!! Grattachecca is when they shave ice off of a huge block and then flavor it with syrup. It's different then a granita (a much more common iced drink) because the ice is much chunkier and you eat it with a spoon until your ice melts. They have at least 30 flavors that go right on top: strawberry, mint, pomegranate, orange, etc. I came here about midnight and just loved the experience. A brightly colored street kiosk with a variety of tasty drinks and cold goodies to enjoy on a hot summer night. So when I asked for a grattachecca - he pulled it out a huge block of ice and placed it on the counter and then used a stainless steel tool to shave ice right off the top and put it into a clear plastic cup. He then added strawberry and mint syrup to it and ....Buon appetito!!! Soooo good!!