When in Rome, Eat as the Romans do! As it happens worldwide, every region (or state) of a country will have a different cuisine style and flavor. For example, Rome’s food and cuisine differ from that of cities like Turin and Modena in the North, and Naples and Palermo in the South.
With Rome being as eternal as it is, food will play an important role in keeping you energized – even if you’re visiting for only a day or two. In addition to keeping you energized, it will also help you dive deeper into Roman culture.
Whether you are a first-time or seasoned visitor, this foodie guide is here to help you taste the best of Rome’s most iconic and traditional dishes.
⚠️ Warning ⚠️ : Do not read this on an empty stomach – you will get hungry and heighten the chances of booking your flight to Rome on a whim.
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Intro to Rome’s Food and Cuisine
If this is your first time visiting Rome and experiencing true Roman cuisine… I could not be more excited for you!
As a native Italian, I can attest that whether you’re from Northern or Southern Italy, food is sacred. This is why (trigger warning) when we see people adding cream to carbonara, or breaking spaghetti in half, we see it as sacrilegious. Food to Italians is an art that must never be disrespected and is also a way we show love.
Due to this and our utmost respect for our food and traditions, Italian cuisine aims to always use high-quality, fresh, and in-season foods. By doing so, we ensure that our food creates magic through the rich and fresh flavors, and shows love through the care of cooking beautiful dishes.
With that said, if you haven’t visited Rome or Italy before – you’re in for a magical, culinary treat.
When it comes to Rome’s food and cuisine, you can expect to see many Mediterranean flavors and ingredients. Some of the most beloved foods in Rome, besides pasta and pizza, are street food like Supplì and Pizza al Taglio, artichoke-based dishes, like Carciofi alla Giudia, and Saltimbocca alla Romana.
Rome’s Food: Street Food
One of the most iconic parts of Rome’s cuisine is the street food. Here are all the must-eats!👇
Supplì
A Supplì is a fried ball of tomato sauce (sometimes meat sauce) rice with a heart of mozzarella. This is one of the most iconic Roman foods, and calling it delicious is a severe understatement. If you are celiac or gluten intolerant, do not fret – you can eat the most amazing gluten-free Supplì at these best gluten-free restaurants in Rome!
The sacrifices of a blogger: writing about the scrumptious Supplì of Rome while in Spain and nowhere near a delicious gluten-free Supplì. I’m getting so hungry.😅
Fior di Zucca alla Romana
Fior di Zucca alla Romana is a fried squash blossom stuffed with anchovy and mozzarella. Created by the Roman Jewish community, this is another of Rome’s most iconic foods. Even though there’s usually only one anchovy inside the squash blossom, its strong flavor pierces through. Therefore, if you are not an anchovy fan – I would recommend you try a Fior di Zucca Fritto without it! If you like anchovies, you will love this street food.
Pizza al Taglio
This may or may not be a controversial opinion… but Pizza al Taglio is the best type of pizza there is!
Meaning “Pizza by the Cut”, in squared slices and can be of endless, different flavors. This type of pizza tends to have a thicker, fluffy dough with a thin and crunchy bottom. Personally, this pizza tends to have the most perfect-tasting tomato sauce and is great both warmed up and cold.
Pizza al Taglio is all over Rome and is the perfect quick lunch or snack. Some of the best sites for this amazing food are Alice Pizza, Sancho Pizzeria, and Forno Campo de Fiori.🍕 If you are celiac, these bakeries make delicious gluten-free Pizza al Taglio!
Trapizzino
Trapizzino is the love child of tramezzino (sandwich) and pizza. This dish is essentially a triangle-shaped pocket of pizza dough filled with a variety of savory fillings. Similarly to Pizza al Taglio, this can be a great quick lunch or snack as you navigate the Eternal City.
Porchetta
Porchetta is a savory and juicy Italian roast made from a whole pig, seasoned with various herbs and spices. This dish originates from central Italy, particularly in the regions of Lazio (where Rome is), Umbria, and Tuscany. Traditionally, porchetta’s cooked over a wood fire or in an oven, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior and tender, juicy meat inside.
Filetti di Baccala
Filetti di Baccalà is a dish of fried salted cod and is another iconic, Roman Jewish food.
Chestnuts
Chestnuts roasting on an open fireeee… Not only in the winter but also during every season! This is a great snack to munch on while walking through Rome, especially in the wintertime.
Rome’s Food: Pasta Dishes
Here are the ICONIC Roman pasta dishes!👇😍
Carbonara
Carbonara is a pasta dish that contains guanciale and a sauce made with egg yolk, grated pecorino cheese, salt, and black pepper. Guanciale is the cheek of the pork and is traditionally cooked to a crunchy perfection – adding a nice touch of salty ness to the sweetness of the egg yolks.
In Rome, it is traditional to eat Carbonara with Mezze Maniche or Spaghetti, which are two types of pasta that help create the perfect bite.
If anyone is wondering… No, there is NO cream in this dish.
Amatriciana
Amatriciana is a pasta dish containing a tomato-based sauce with guanciale, pecorino cheese, and red pepper flakes. This dish originates from Amatrice, a town in the Lazio region.
In Rome, it is traditional to eat Amatriciana with Bucatini or Spaghetti, which are two types of pasta that help create the perfect bite.
Cacio e Pepe
Originating directly from Rome, Cacio e Pepe is a simple “sauce” made of pecorino romano cheese and black pepper.
In Rome, it is traditional to eat Amatriciana with Tonnarelli or Spaghetti, which are two types of pasta that help create the perfect bite.
Rome’s Food: Meat Dishes
Rome’s cuisine is not all pasta, pizza, and street food. Here are some of Eternal City’s best and most iconic meat dishes!👇
Saltimbocca alla Romana
Saltimbocca alla Romana, “jumps in the mouth Roman style” is too accurate of a name! This delicious dish will not only make your mouth water but also make you and your taste buds jump for joy.
Saltimbocca alla Romana is traditionally made with thin slices of veal, prosciutto, and sage leaves, all sautéed in butter and white wine. This is an all-time personal favorite!
Trippa alla Romana
Trippa alla Romana is a dish of tender strips of tripe, simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a famous example of Rome’s rich culinary heritage, reflecting the creative use of ingredients in Roman cuisine. Known for its hearty and flavorful nature.
Rome’s Food: Vegetarian Dishes
Here are some delicious vegetarian dishes from Rome!👇
Gnocchi alla Romana
Gnocchi alla Romana is a dish made with semolina flour, butter, milk, and cheese, then baked until golden and creamy. When compared to the traditional potato gnocchi, the Gnocchi alla Romana differs in flavor and texture.
Carciofi alla Giudia
Jewish-style Artichokes are another of the many iconic foods that come from the Roman Jewish Community. Carciofi alla Giudia is a dish of whole artichokes deep-fried to crispy and golden perfection.
Artichokes in Italy have the most delicious and buttery flavor – making them an absolute MUST-eat! If you’re traveling around Rome, or Italy in general, during artichoke season – do not miss out on them.
Carciofi alla Romana
Roman-style artichokes are tender and braised with garlic, fresh herbs, and olive oil. The preparation of this dish dates back to ancient Roman times and continues to be a beloved part of Roman cuisine, embodying the region’s rich culinary history.
Rome’s Food: Pastries & Desserts
Maritozzi
These delicious treats have a rich buttery dough flavored with orange zest and vanilla, a filling of fresh whipped cream. Maritozzi are often found at special occasions and festivals and are the perfect dessert.
Tiramisù
While it does not originate from here, Tiramisù is extremely popular in Rome. This dessert contains layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Mixing the sweetness of mascarpone and the bitterness of coffee, this dessert has the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.
In Rome, there is a place, Mr. 100 Tiramisù, that creates 100 varieties of Tiramisù – allowing you to taste different flavors and combinations.
Bignè di San Giuseppe
If you happen to be visiting Rome on March 19th, which is Father’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day, these pastries are a must-try! Dating back to the medieval era, this is a deep-fried choux pastry filled with cream and topped with powdered sugar.
Crostata con Visciole e Ricotta
Crostata con Visciole e Ricotta is a tart combining the tangy sweetness of sour cherry (Visciole) and the creamy richness of ricotta. This is a wonderful dessert to enjoy on special occasions or after a meal.
Grattachecca
Grattachecca is a refreshing made of crushed ice and fruit syrup that is typically made from fresh fruits like strawberries, or watermelon. You can find this drink at small street carts during hot summer days, offering locals and tourists alike a sweet way to beat the heat.
Roman Food Tours
What better way to taste the best of Rome’s cuisine than with the best Roman Food Tours? With a food tour, you will be able to taste all the wonders of Roman cuisine while learning about the history and origins of Rome’s food and wine. If you are spending a few days in Rome, I highly recommend adding this type of experience to your Rome travels.
Here are some of the most highly rated and best Rome food tours!
Rome Food Market
When navigating through the Eternal City, make sure to pay a visit to at least one Rome food market! The most famous food market in Rome is Campo de’ Fiori, which offers a vibrant and diverse culinary experience, reflecting the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Here you will find various stands selling fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil, liquors, and more.
Rome’s food markets offer a glimpse into the city’s rich culinary culture and lively community spirit.
Gluten Free Rome
As I mention throughout, Rome is a wonderful city for celiac and gluten-intolerant people. As the population of Italian celiacs continues to grow, Italy continues to improve the gluten-free scene and create celiac-safe establishments. This means you don’t need to give up any of Rome’s food – especially with these gluten-free restaurants and shops!
For your information, Gluten-Free in Italian is Senza Glutine (SG).
I have to ask…
After reading all bout Rome’s food… which of these dishes are you eager to try? Let me know in the comments!😊
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Finally, and as always, thank you for being here; I am so glad you are.❤️
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