What are the best foods in Rome? What is the must-try roman cuisine to eat in the Eternal city?
By the end of this blog post, you will know everything you need to know about Roman food. The top foods to try in Rome. And where to get them?
We know the nation of Italy for its rich and varied cuisine. From pasta to pizza, from gelato to croissants. This post will highlight some of the most famous and popular foods found in Rome.
Eating Europe foods is one of the best reasons to visit this amazing part of the world. We all love to try new food, right? And because there is a lot of English in Italy it is easy to find these dishes.
15 Best Foods in Rome You Have to Try
Cacio e Pepe (ka·choweepeh·pay)
Perhaps the most famous of the local foods in Rome. We can find this dish on almost any menu in the city. But it’s tricky to find the perfect one!
Cacio E Pepe translates to “cheese and pepper,”. And that sums up the dish pretty well. Cacio e Pepe is a dish made of spaghetti with cheese and black pepper.
Sounds simple, right!? Well, when it is done right, this Roman dish packs a lot of flavors. The al dente spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and black pepper is mouth-watering good.
And one of the first things I eat on any visit to Rome.
Maritozzi (ma‧ri‧tòz‧zo)
A Maritozzi is a type of sweet bread that is popular in Rome, Italy. Today croissants rule the breakfast market in Rome. But through history, it was the Maritozzi who ruled Rome as the go-to breakfast. They make the bread with a dough that is filled with a sweetened whipped cream mixture. The bread is then baked and typically served with a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea.
Allesso di Bollito ( aa-l-EH-s-s-oh di bolˈliːto)
This is a dish made from boiled beef that is typically served with a sauce made from onions, carrots, and celery. And served on a sandwich bun.
To ensure that your sandwich is juicy and flavourful, the bread is first soaked in meat juices.
This kind of beef is a tribute to the way they cooked beef in ancient Rome.
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara ( kaar·buh·naa·ruh)
Carbonara is a pasta dish that originated in Rome. They make the dish of pasta, eggs, pecorino cheese, and bacon.
The origins of the dish are disputed, but one story suggests the dish was created by carbonai, or coal miners, in the region around Rome. The dish is said to have been created as a quick and easy meal to prepare after a long day of work.
Carbonara is a classical Roman Dish. And the cheese is usually Pecorino Romano cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a combination of the two. And we all know that pecorino cheese is insanely good.
Need we say more?
Carciofi alla giudia – Fried Artichokes (karˈtʃɔːfi alla dʒuˈdiːa)
Carciofo alla giudia is a dish from Rome, Italy, made of artichokes fried in olive oil or sunflower oil.
These Roman artichokes are a traditional crispy fried globe artichoke, whose golden petals crunch with a delectable crunch when you bite into them, has long been popular with Romans from all communities.
However, its origins these fried artichokes come from the Jewish quarter. Which is still the best place to try this food in Rome.
Seriously, these artichokes are good! And I am not even a fan of artichokes. But in Rome. I eat carciofi alla giudia every time! And these are the crown jewel of Roman Jewish Cuisine.
Guanciale
Guanciale is a slice of Italian bacon made from cured pork jowl or cheeks.
This Italian cured pork jowl is melt-in-your-mouth good. Guanciale is a specialty of central Italy you can find anywhere from a slaughterhouse to popular dishes in Roman cuisine.
Cicoria ripassata
Cicoria ripassata is a dish made of chicory, often known as wild endive. That is first boiled and then sauteed Roman style with garlic and chili pepper and in olive oil.
It is a common side dish in Rome, Italy. And one of the must-try foods in Rome.
Bucatini All’amatriciana
Bucatini All’amatriciana is a pasta dish from Rome made with bucatini pasta and a sauce made from guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino romano cheese, and tomatoes. The flavor comes from the guanciale, pork, and chilies. It is amazing pasta that rivals Cacio e Pepe.
pizza romana
Pizza Romana is a pizza that is made with a thicker crust and is topped with cheese, pepperoni, and other Italian meats. This is a style of pizza originating in Rome. The major difference is the size, taste, and thickness of the crust.
trippa alla Romana
Trippa alla Romana is a dish made with tripe, a type of stomach lining, that is popular in Rome, Italy. They boil the tripe in water until it is soft, then it is sautéed in olive oil with garlic, onion, and tomatoes. Seasoning may also include black pepper, parsley, and red wine.
Pasta Alla Gricia
Pasta Alla Gricia is a spaghetti dish from Rome, made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper.
While these might seem like simple ingredients. This dish is one of the best foods in Rome. Like many pasta foods in Rome, there are a couple of different names for the dishes. And you might see this as spaghetti Alla Gricia.
Saltimbocca Alla Romana
Saltimbocca, Alla Romana means, “jumps in the mouth ROMAN style” is a dish of veal, prosciutto, and sage, all coated in a white wine sauce and served with mashed potatoes.
Gnocchi Alla Romana
Gnocchi Alla Romana, which is also known as Semolina Gnocchi, is a type of gnocchi that is made with ricotta cheese.
And Gnocchi Alla Romana is a dish made from potato dumplings that are boiled and then sautéed in butter and sage.
These crispy Gnocchi are not only tasty, golden, and tender. But these small potato pillows are great Italian comfort food.
So what is the Best Food in Rome?
That will vary from person to person. Taste to taste. For me, I love Cacio e Pepe.
Best Italian Food In Rome | Restaurants
Altrove Ristorante Rome
Altrove Ristorante is in the heart of the Ostiense district in Rome, Italy. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
What’s cool about Altrove is that while the theme is Italian. Other parts of the world influence the cuisine. This spins on traditional cuisine is a cool spin on traditional foods in Rome. And showcase an inventive style that isn’t over complex.
Altrove has a minimalist design, with a sleek interior.
Bistrot64 Restaurant Rome
We can find some of the best food in Rome at its bistros. Bistrot64 is a fantastic example, serving up delicious dishes like beef tartare, salmon carpaccio Pecorino Cheese, and Pecorino Romano, and risotto alla Milanese. And even blue risotto. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Il Quinto Quarto Rome Italy
Il Quinto Quarto is a restaurant in Rome, Italy, that specializes in dishes made from offal, or organ meats. The restaurant’s name, which translates to “the fifth quarter”, refers to the fact that offal is the fifth section of a butchered animal, after the four quarters of meat. Il Quinto Quarto’s menu features dishes such as tripe soup, calf’s liver, and pig’s trotters.
velavevodetto
Velavevodetto is a Traditional Italian Restaurant in Rome
serving delicious food and wine.
We can find some of the best food in Rome at traditional Italian restaurants like Velavevodetto. They serve up some of the most delicious food and wine in the city, making it a great place to visit for a meal.
This is on the slopes of Monte Di Testaccio, in Rome.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Vecchia Roma is a traditional Roman restaurant in the city’s heart. Owned and operated by the same family for generations, it offers classic Italian dishes such as pasta alla carbonara, amatriciana, and Pollo Alla cacciatora. The restaurant also has a wide selection of wines, including many from the Lazio region.
Ristorante Casette di Campagna
My favorite restaurant is in Rome. Although it is outside the city and takes some work to get to. This is a local place, that has food so good it made my friend tear up…literally. When she was eating it. It is worth the trek to get here! As I think it is the best restaurant in Rome.
Street Food In Rome
Pizza al Taglio
Pizza al taglio (literally “pizza by the cut”) is a type of pizza that is sold by weight in Italian bakeries and pizzerias. The dough is rectangular and is cut into slices that are then sold by the weight.
They sell these all over the eternal city – just one of the many facts about Rome -. And host a variety of different toppings and styles. Pizza al Taglio is perhaps the most popular street food in Rome. Well, at least it is the most common.
Trapizzino
One of the newest foods in Rome. (The origins of this street food in Rome only date back to 2009). But don’t let that turn you off. The Trapizzino is wonderful! And has become a popular dish among locals.
A Trapizzino is a type of food that is specific to Rome, Italy. It is a type of sandwich that is made with a pizza dough crust and is filled with various types of meats and vegetables.
Porchetta (por·cheh·tuh)
Porchetta is a savory, slow-roasted pork dish from Rome. They season the pork with salt, pepper, and herbs, then roasted on a spit for hours. They served this pork sandwich on a crispy flatbread.
These are all over the city. But perhaps the best one is not in Rome at all. But the smallest country in Europe, the Vatican. Head to Panificio Bonci to pig out on this pork sandwich.
Supplì (supˈpli)
There are many traditional foods in Rome. Some of the most popular we have already talked about. Like pizza, pasta, and gelato.
But few people know about Suppli. Which is one of the best street foods in Rome.
These Italian snacks are amazing! A supplì is a deep-fried rice ball typically filled with ragù, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
These rice-like croquettes are egg-shaped. Easy to grab on the go, and a perfect mixture of mozzarella, rice, meat, and deep-fried goodness.
Supplizio and Trapizzino are popular places to grab this Roman Dish.
pizza Bianca
Pizza Bianca is a type of pizza that is made without tomato sauce. They typically made it with olive oil, garlic, and salt. And served on Focaccia, which is Rome’s version of flatbread.
Fiori di Zucca
Fiori di Zucca is zucchini flowers, which are often battered and deep-fried. They are a popular dish in Italian cuisine.
These are popular street food, or an appetizer in Rome, Italy.
One of the best ways to try all these great foods, at good places, is by embarking on a Rome street food tour. Or maybe learn how to make dishes by taking a cooking class.
Sweet Foods in Rome
Cannoli
A Cannoli is a Sicilian pastry that is tube-shaped and filled with a sweet, creamy filling. The filling is usually made from ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and flavoring.
Best Cannoli in Rome
Gelateria Sweet Life – My favorite Cannoli in Rome
Ciuri Ciuri
Gelato
Gelato is a type of ice cream that is made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. They usually flavor it with fruits, nuts, chocolate, or coffee. It is one of the most famous Italian sweets. And you can find it on almost every street in Rome. It is not only the most famous roman sweet. It is one of the most well-known items of any roman cuisine.
Best Gelato in Rome
- Come il Latte
- Fiocco di Neve
- Giolitti – My favorite place to get Gelato is Rome.
- Gelateria dei Gracchi
- Grom
- Gunther
- The Gelatist
Our Favorite Foods in Rome
Roman-Jewish Cuisine
When it comes to typical foods in Rome, the city’s Jewish community has a rich culinary tradition that has contributed to the city’s overall food scene. And some of the delights be to found here almost rival the great Peruvian foods.. The Jewish-style artichoke, or Carciofi alla Giudia, is one of Rome’s most popular dishes. This simple yet savory dish consists of artichokes fried in olive oil until they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Coda alla Vaccinara
Coda alla Vaccinara is another traditional dish from Rome. This hearty, slow-cooked oxtail stew has a robust flavor thanks to the combination of tomatoes, celery, and a variety of herbs. It’s typically served with a creamy sauce and sometimes garnished with pine nuts and raisins.
Roman-style Pizza
Roman-style pizza differs significantly from the popular Neapolitan pizza. Instead of a thick, soft crust, Roman pizza is thin, crispy, and often topped with simple, high-quality ingredients. Visit Antico Forno Roscioli, one of the best places in the city to try this delicacy. You can customize your slice with a variety of toppings such as cherry tomatoes, black truffles, or the classic combo of mozzarella and basil.
Flavio al Velavevodetto
If you’re searching for an authentic Roman dining experience, visit Flavio al Velavevodetto, located in the Testaccio district. Not only do they serve excellent pizza and pasta, but their Coda alla Vaccinara is renowned. Be sure to check out their wine list, featuring selections from the nearby Castelli Romani region.
Sweet Treats in Rome
Rome is also known for its exquisite pastry shops, serving a variety of sweet treats. One must-try dessert is the sour cherry tart, or Crostata di Visciole, a delightful combination of a buttery crust, sweetened ricotta cheese, and tart sour cherries. You’ll often find this treat in the Jewish Ghetto district of Rome.
Vegan Eateries in Rome
In recent years, Rome has become more accommodating for food intolerances and dietary preferences. An increasing number of vegan restaurants and food trucks are popping up, offering plant-based versions of classic Roman dishes.
Food Experience in Rome
To get the most of your Roman food experience, consider a food guide or food tour. These guided tours offer insights into the city’s rich culinary history and provide an opportunity to sample a variety of dishes.
Outdoor Dining in Rome
Many Roman restaurants, such as Pizzeria Da Remo, offer outdoor seating. Enjoy a relaxed meal under the Roman sun or stars, complete with a serving of Cacio e Pepe topped with a generous amount of black pepper flakes.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or looking to explore modern interpretations, Rome offers an extensive food experience. Enjoy everything from the famous street foods to meals in the finest dining establishments. Remember, the Italian city is all about “la dolce vita” – the sweet life. Don’t forget to sit back, relax, and enjoy every bite.
Rome Food Facts
Before the 12th century BCE, people didn’t have chimneys in their houses. Bakers only used it. Now, it is used for most houses.
Cooking was very different in ancient Rome. During the Roman Empire, the most common cooking methods were roasting, broiling, and boiling. The Ancient Roman cooking methods seem wild.
Most rich people have meat and fish. They also eat exotic animals like ostriches and peacocks.
In Roman times, people ate a lot of fresh food, including meat and fish. Poor people mainly ate dried peas and porridge, but richer Roman people ate lots of things.
There are a lot of Italy facts in general. That are worth checking out!
Rome is a city in Italy. As the capital of Italy, Rome is a major cultural and tourist center in Europe. The city is home to many famous tourist attractions, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City.
The city’s history heavily influenced the cuisine in Rome. Many of the city’s dishes are based on recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Rome is also home to many restaurants serving international cuisine.
From Piazza Navona to the Spanish Steps, there are great places to grab a Roman pizza, pasta, and sweets in Rome. These are the best Roman cuisine that travelers need to try.
And above all, enjoy these foods in Rome.