Youโll find some of the best food in Italyโbut the food is especially delicious in Rome. Here, youโll discover ancient Roman cuisine, delectable pasta, sweet pastry, and more. The challenge in Rome for foodies will be to select from all the options!
Thatโs why weโve put together this list of the 25 Best Food Experiences in Rome. It will help guide and prioritize your culinary adventures in Rome.
So go ahead, mangia!
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CONTENTS: In this article, you will learn all you need to know about the best dishes and places to be a foodie in Rome. Of course, thereโs no way to rank these food experiences objectively, so youโll find them listed alphabetically. They include:
- Best Restaurants & Eateries in Rome
- Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Rome
- Essential Foodie Experience in Rome
- More Dishes in Rome Foodies Must Try!
- Where to Stay In Rome
- Final Thoughts on Rome for Foodies
Book Recommendation: She Seduced Me, A Love Affair with Rome, by Mark Tedesco
Get an inside look at the people, places, and stories of Rome to which few tourists are privy! Listen in to humorous gossip exchanged at the Roman Baths and glimpse the behind-the-scenes life of ambitious restauranteurs and quirky street performers. This book offers you an intimacy with the seductive capital of Italy as only a local can reveal.
Best Restaurants & Eateries in Rome
1. Ai Marmi
By Eden Fite of Rock a Little Travel | Instagram
Ai Marmi is a local institution in Rome and the perfect place to sample some of the cityโs best pizza.
The restaurant is located on a busy street in the Trastevere neighborhood, just across the Tiber River from Romeโs busy historic center.
The thin, crispy Roman-style pizzas are the star of the show here. If youโre unsure what to order, always go with the classic, just tomato sauce and mozzarella.
This pizza is so good you donโt want to weigh it down with too many toppings, anyway.
The pizzas are expertly rotated around a traditional wood-fired oven until they are just slightly charred and piping hot. Like all the best pizza restaurants in Italy, Ai Marmi uses only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Besides pizzas, Ai Marmi is also known for its fried rice balls. These are breaded and fried until crispy, with fresh melted mozzarella in the center.
You’ll want to order them as an appetizer while you wait for your pizza.
Prices at Ai Marmi are reasonable, with pizzas ranging from seven to ten euros, while fried appetizers cost between four and five euros.
Youโll find that Ai Marmi isnโt just popular with tourists, plenty of locals dine here too.
The best part, theyโre open until 2:00 a.m.
Youโll find Ai Marmi on Viale di Trastevere, 53-59, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
And if you want to make your very own Roman-style pizza at home, then check out Mastering Pizza: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzone.
Because this revolutionary cookbook will allow you to bring a bit of Rome home with you as you discover the secret to making exceptional doughs. This way, all of your homemade pizzas will always be perfect, regardless of the equipment you use and the oven that you own.
2. La Vacca ‘Mbriaca
By Dymphe of Dymabroad | Instagram
One of the best restaurants in Rome is La Vacca ‘Mbriaca.
They serve all kinds of delicious Italian dishes here.
When you are at the restaurant, you should definitely try out one of their pasta dishes. Although all their food is very tasty, the pasta is incredible and tastes like you imagine the best Italian pasta to taste.
What’s also great is that the dishes look beautiful. Each pasta dish is carefully created to be both delicious and wonderful to see.
The prices of the dishes are slightly above average compared to other restaurants in Rome.
One thing to keep in mind is that when you go here during Christmas or New Year’s Eve, they have special menus and you need to make a reservation before going. During these times, the food is also more expensive than usual.
The location of the restaurant is very convenient. It is located next to the Colosseum.
This makes it a good restaurant for when you want to discover the sights in the city.
For example, when you are three days in Rome and you are looking for a good place to have an Italian dinner, then you should definitely consider going to La Vacca ‘Mbriaca!
Itโs located at Via Urbana, 29, 00184 Roma RM, Italy.
If you want, you could also book a fantastic Trastevere food and wine tour too! Tours last anywhere between three and four hours and will introduce you to the Roman neighborhood of Trastevere. This area comes to life in the evening and is home to a vibrant food scene.
So, prepare to experience Rome like a real local and dive into the fascinating world of Italian food and wine. You can stroll from ristorantes to trattorias to exquisite wine bars.
Along the way, you’ll also sample a wide variety of cured meats, delicious homemade pasta, rich cheeses, decadent desserts, and fine-aged Italian wines.
That’s in addition to every Roman’s favorite drink, the aperitivo cocktail.
TIP: Culinary explorers will find this Italy guide invaluable, starting with Rome’s exquisite food scene.
3. Rimessa Roscioli
By Jenn Lloyd of Sick Girl Travels | Instagram
Antico Forno Roscioli is one of Rome’s historic brands.
Originally established by papal edict, the bakery is still in existence today and managed by brothers Alessandro and Pierluigi Roscioli.
Over the years, their business has expanded to include restaurant Rimessa Roscioli, and restaurant/market Salumeria Roscioli. Both are an out-of-this-world experience and a must-visit on your trip to Rome. However, both also require reservations in advance.
Roscioli also offers cooking classes and demos, wine tastings, and light lunch tastings.
Their locations are so much more than restaurants.
You’ll learn about Italian wines, culture, and philosophy.
You’ll eat some of the most exquisite Italian food and wine you’ve ever tasted.
And you’ll leave feeling like you had a night out with friends, even if you came in alone.
Rimessa Roscioli offers a selection of over 400 wines, as well as wine-tasting and pairing menus. Or, you can choose from an รก la carte full restaurant menu. It’s well worth it to splurge on the pairing menu, as it’s easily one of the best meals you’ll have in Rome.
Salumeria Roscioli is a restaurant, gastronomy, salami, and cheese counter.
Come in and purchase carefully crafted Italian cheeses, an impressive variety of pasta, and other fresh-made products.
Or stay and sip delicious Italian wines as you order dishes like artichokes “alla cafona,” Carbonara, Battuta di Manzo, and Cacio e pepe.
The Salumeria Roscioli menu is also great for travelers with allergies. It’s marked by icons and is inclusive of most food allergies. This makes it ideal for those nervous about the language barrier.
You can visit Rimessa Roscioli at Via del Conservatorio, 58, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.
To learn even more about local Roman food and culture, sign up for this fantastic, 3.5-hour walking tour through Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere.
Along the way, your friendly local guide will take you to the best produce markets, legendary artisan grocers, and family-run restaurants. These gastronomic havens will allow you to sample some of the city’s favorite dishes, including pizza bianca with mortadella and artisanal gelatos.
You’ll also learn how to order food like a real local as you walk through some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city.
4. Spaghetteria Lโarchetto
By Jyoti at Story At Every Corner | Facebook
Spaghetteria Lโarchetto is a small restaurant in Rome with an enormous menu and absolutely incredible pastas. If youโre visiting Italy and Rome, be sure to include the Trevi fountain visit in your itinerary, followed by a meal at Spaghetteria Lโarchetto.
Itโs a little gem that happened to be in a side ally right below an Airbnb apartment in Rome.
Most of the seating is in the alley, as the interior is quite small and somewhat tight.
The restaurant has a steady stream of patrons enjoying dinner. Usually, there is quite a line, too. So, always make a reservation before planning your visit, especially on busy evenings.
Even though itโs a small and hidden restaurant, itโs an easy 5-minute stroll from Trevi fountain.
Spaghetteria Lโarchetto has one of the most extensive pasta menus you can find, with many unique flavors.
In fact, you can visit every day and every meal of your trip and eat a unique dish, unless youโre a vegetarian.
It is particularly famous for spaghetti and pasta but offers other menu items too.
Beyond the long lines, the restaurant provides a friendly and quick service and delicious food.
As a tip, check ahead if they take credit cards or be prepared to pay by cash.
Youโll find Spaghetteria Lโarchetto at Via dell’Archetto, 26, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
If you want to have another amazing food-related experience in Rome, then try this Pasta and tiramisu-making workshop. It’s a unique, two-and-a-half-house cooking class where an expert chef will show you how to make pasta from scratch and create your very own Tiramisu.
And once your amazing dishes are complete, you can top your homemade pasta off with carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, or alfredo before sitting down to have a relaxing glass of wine with some brand-new friends.
5. Trapizzino
By McKenna Hurd of One More Step Travels | Facebook
Trapizzino, a little Roman eatery in the Testaccio neighborhood, offers a simple menu that canโt be missed when traveling around Italy!
Their specialty?
Trapizzini!
Trapizzini, invented by chef Stefano Callegari just over a decade ago, merges classic Roman flavors with a modern twist.
Trapizzini are best described as a mix between a sandwich and pizza. A fluffy pillow of bread, shaped like a cone, holds sauces, cheeses, and meats, which makes trapizzini the perfect street food that you can enjoy while walking to your next destination.
Unless, of course, you get more than oneโwhich we strongly recommend!
Trapizzini is cheap, on average costing less than 4 euros each.
There are five staple Trapizzini flavors:
- Meatball with Sauce
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Tongue in Green Sauce
- Double Cream and Anchovies
- Eggplant parmigiana
The chicken cacciatore trapizzino is one of the absolute tastiest things you will eat in Rome.
You can also find daily flavors that are bold and delicious, from octopus to broccoli and sausage to artichokes!
If youโre still hungry, order supplรฌ or the triple chocolate triangular dessert to complete your meal.
Although Trapizzini originates in Testaccio, there are now six locations throughout Rome and several in other cities around the country, including Milan and Florence.
To visit the Testaccio location, head over to Via Giovanni Branca, 88, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
You can also celebrate your undying love for Roman cooking by purchasing a copy of Tasting Rome: Fresh Flavors and Forgotten Recipes from an Ancient City.
It’s an exciting, fully illustrated cookbook that was created by two Americans who wanted to write a love letter of sorts to their new, adopted city. So, get your copy to today and uncover a fascinating narrative that details the history behind, and recipes for, iconic dishes and forgotten street foods of the city’s past.
6. Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
By Whitney of Designs for Travel | Pinterest
As seen in this Perfect Rome Itinerary.
One of the best things to do while traveling is to eat where the locals eat.
When in Rome, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is one of the best restaurants to experience Roman food and culture.
Located on a quiet cobbled street in the beautiful Trastevere area of Rome, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is a popular restaurant amongst the locals for its authentic โmade in-houseโ cuisine.
This restaurant is small and casual and offers in-season menu items along with traditional Roman dishes at reasonable prices served year-round.
Try the famous meatballs with marinara, the delicious cacio y pepe, and in the spring, donโt miss the mouth-watering fried artichokes.
But really, you canโt go wrong with anything on the menu.
The tables are very close to each other, so you may want to check out what the locals are eating!
Itโs not surprising that the wait can get long. So, make a reservation, or plan to sit outside and take in the lovely atmosphere.
Youโll find Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 at Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Rome
1. Cacio e Pepe
By Jessie Moore of Pocket Wanderings | Instagram
Indulging in a Cacio e Pepe (or three!) is a must when visiting Rome.
Cacio e Pepe literally translates to โcheese and pepper,โ which hints at its wonderful simplicity.
The famous Roman dish comprises just three ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Cheese
- Pepper
The cheese is usually Pecorino Romano cheese, which is combined with black pepper and starchy pasta water to make a mouthwatering creamy sauce.
Its wide appeal lies in the fact that it is a humble dish that is truly delicious.
Although a relatively straightforward method on the surface, Cacio e Pepe does require a certain level of skill to really perfect.
Itโs an old favorite in Rome and this is the best city to try this popular dish.
Youโll see it on the menu of virtually every restaurant in Rome, so it wonโt be hard to find.
For an old-school option, try Da Felice in Testaccio, where the chefs make the dish in front of you. The locals love this restaurant, which is always a good sign! Youโll find Da Felice a Testaccio on Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
For something more unique, indulge in a Cacio e Pepe at Roma Sparita in Trastevere. Here, it is served in a parmesan cheese bowl, adding another cheesy dimension to the dish. To visit Roma Sparita in Trastevere, head to Piazza di Santa Cecilia, 24, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
As youโd expect from a relatively simple dish, it is not particularly expensive. Youโll find it priced at around 11-12 euros in most restaurants.
You could also create a truly one-of-a-kind dinner experience by booking a 2.5-hour dinner cruise along the Tiber River.
It will be an extravagant affair to remember since your ship will be brimming over with fresh flowers, exquisite china, and linen-draped tables. This is only enhanced by a stunning series of riverside views.
Add in an incredible all-inclusive dinner buffet that is perfectly paired with a live theatrical show, and you’ll begin to understand the true meaning behind the phrase, “La Dolce Vita.”
2. Carbonara
By Alice from Adventures of Alice
One of the best dishes that you can find in the gorgeous European city of Rome is the classic Carbonara.
Traditionally served with spaghetti or linguine, the carbonara is a simple dish thatโs full of flavor.
The pancetta is fried until itโs crispy and then used to infuse the sauce with a beautiful smoky flavor. The sauce itself consists of egg yolks, heavy cream, garlic, parsley and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Itโs also often sprinkled with an Italian hard cheese, both in the sauce and on top of the finished dish. The full-of-flavor Pecorino Romano is usually the first choice, but the much mellower parmesan can act as a substitute whenever necessary.
Nobody knows exactly where the carbonara dish originated, however, the name is derived from carbonaro which is the Italian word for ‘charcoal burner.’ As a result, some people believe the dish was first made as a meal for the Italian charcoal workers in the 17th century.
Nowadays, carbonara is a pretty common dish. Youโll find it in most restaurants across Rome, but look for the best dishes at more traditional Italian restaurants.
Go where the locals go and youโll find the best recipes.
However, if you eat from one of the more touristy restaurants, youโll probably end up with a substitute carbonara sauce thatโs far from the traditional recipe and is closer to what you can buy in jars in the supermarket.
But, for a wonderfully luxurious meal in an amazing fine-dining restaurant, book this gourmet dining experience in Rome. You’ll first meet your expert guide in the Piazza della Minerva near the Pantheon.
Next, you’ll be escorted to your exclusive table in a nearby restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a three-course seasonal tasting menu prepared by a local chef.
Meal highlights include:
- A tour of a wine cellar dating back to the 16th century
- Glasses of prosecco
- A selection of premium meats and cheeses
- Fresh paccheri al cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and black pepper)
- A main course of beef or fish
- A selection of Italian patisserie for dessert
These delicious foods are all perfectly paired with four authentic Italian wines.
3. Carciofi alla Romana
By Lori of Italy Foodies | Facebook
One of the most delectable specialty foods in Italy is the carciofi (artichoke) and perhaps no city does them better than Rome.
The prickly thistle may be new to some.
Theyโre certainly not the easiest things to eat! But, waiting for you at the bottom is the most perfect food flavor: the earthy and meaty heart that makes any artichoke dish worth the trouble.
In Rome, there are several traditional ways the carciofi is prepared, from baked to deep fried, or simply steamed whole. Eating a fresh whole artichoke involves peeling the leaves off one at a time, biting down, and scraping it through your teeth to extract the pulpy meat from the leaves.
But if youโre looking for a traditional Roman preparation of the carciofi, the simplest preparation that highlights the fresh flavor of the artichoke is called Carciofi alla Romana. Tender baby artichokes are steamed in an herbed broth of white wine and extra virgin olive oil, left to marinate in the mixture, and then served at room temperature.
The dish is wonderfully simple, which is the beautiful part about the food of Italy. Fresh ingredients prepared simply are often the best.
Youโll find fresh artichokes in any local Italian market, though most varieties, like the violet artichokes, are seasonal.
However, if you’re short on time and want to try all of the culinary delights that Rome has to offer, then book this 4-hour food and market tour of Rome.
Not only will your knowledgeable local guide take you to the largest market in the city, but you’ll be treated to more than twenty-five different tastings of authentic Italian foods. Sample pastries, pizza, pasta, wine, gelato, and more.
You’ll even get to sample 30-year-old balsamic vinegar and eat the most expensive ham in Italy! Dining at a restaurant that Anthony Bourdain thought served the best pizza in Rome creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
4. Carciofi alla Giudea – Jewish-style Fried Artichokes
By Milijana Gabriฤ of World Travel Connector | Facebook
Roman Jewish-style fried artichokes, or ‘Carciofi alla Giudea,’ have been one of the most iconic and most popular dishes in Italy for centuries.
The origin of this unique dish is found in the Jewish ghetto in Rome in the 16th century.
Since then, Jewish-style fried artichokes have been a signature dish of the Roman Jewish ghetto and a staple of Roman cuisine in springtime.
Iconic Roman Jewish-style fried artichokes are actually a simple dish. Hereโs how to prepare them:
- Beat the artichokes (to tenderize)
- Briefly soak them in water with lemon juice
- Dry and flavor with salt and pepper
- Fry the artichokes in traditional olive oil
This cooking procedure makes artichokes perfectly crusty from the outside, but tender and buttery inside.
Deep-fried Carciofi alla Giudea are typically served warm as a first course (primo platto) in the taverns of the Eternal City in the springtime.
Artichokesโ harvesting period goes from February to April, which aligns with Passover, a Jewish holiday that celebrates Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt. Thus, Carciofi alla Giudea became a staple of the Roman Passover menu.
Deep-frying makes tasty artichokes open like a sunflower. That makes it easy to eat them with your fingers, starting by picking off the outer leaves.
When in Rome in springtime, do as the Romans do and head to the taverns in the Jewish Quarter to order world-celebrated Roman Carciofi alla Giudea!
If you have time, you could also take a unique guided tour through the Jewish Quarter of Rome.
Over the course of two hours, you’ll learn all about Rome’s unique Jewish community and will even get to visit local attractions like the Jewish Museum and the Great Synagogue.
So, embark on an adventure of discovery with your local guide as you explore the former Jewish ghetto of Rome. The getto was first established in 1555.
Learn why the ghetto was basically an unofficial prison and how the Jewish quarter eventually came to represent an uninterrupted relationship between Jews and the city of Rome.
5. Cicoria Ripassata
By Matt Gardener of Gardeningbank.com
While hearty plates of pasta and heavy stews are what the Romans are popularly known for, you might be surprised to know the local fare is also incredibly strong on vegetables.
Youโll hardly see a Roman settle down to a meal in a restaurant or at home without ordering a plate (or more) of greens.
Weโre not talking about spinach or chicory; the favorite Roman green vegetable dish is Cicoria Ripassata.
Also known as โcicoryโ in English and โindiviaโ in Italian, Cicoria is basically a green weed-like leaf from the family of dandelion.
In the United States, Italian-American families have been growing, picking, and cooking dandelions in the Roman style for years due to its great taste and numerous medicinal qualities.
During the winter period, in its season, you will find bunches of Cicoria stacked high on market stalls in Campo deโ Fiori.
Itโs usually served sautรฉed in olive oil with plenty of garlic and chili peppers piled high on crispy flatbread.
Or, itโs an accompaniment to pasta.
Other uses include:
- On top of crostini or on pizza
- In a frittata with other vegetables
- Wrapped in a pita sandwich
- Stuffed in a panino
Cicoria is bitter, tangy, and satisfyingly savory!
It will cost you between 4 and 5 euros as an appetizer.
Youโll find them in the contorni (side dish) section of most Roman restaurant menus.
It is especially delicious at Zi Umberto, so give it a try there when youโre in Rome. You can visit Zi Umberto at Piazza di S. Giovanni della Malva, 14, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
6. Gelato at Frigidarium
By Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides | Pinterest
While many people recommend Giolitti (at Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40) for gelato in Rome, another place you should definitely try while youโre visiting the Eternal City is a little less well-known but just as delicious: Frigidarium.
Located in the heart of the city on the picturesque Via del Governo Vecchio, Frigidarium has a wealth of fresh, delicious flavors to try. You can even top it with the must-have addition of whipped cream or dipped chocolate – at no extra cost!
The dipped chocolate hardens instantly, adding a delicious crunch to your creamy treat.
Frigidariumโs flavors vary from week to week, and from season to season. But youโll find all the classic flavors expected of a gelateria, such as hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate, fior di latte, and beyond.
One distinctive flavor in particular you should sample is their โMozartโ flavor. Itโs styled after the popular Austrian chocolate, with pistachio, marzipan, and almond flavors.
Their ice cream is priced quite reasonably, at 2 euros for 2 flavors/scoops.
Fun fact: locals tend to consider gelato a โsummer-onlyโ treat, but donโt let that stop you from visiting Frigidarium if you find yourself in Rome in wintertimeโnever fear, itโs open year-round!
From here, itโs a short walk to the river and Castel SantโAngelo or the Piazza Navona areas, and its central location is definitely an added bonus.
If you’re craving some of the best street food that Rome has to offer, try this amazing, three-and-a-half-hour street food tour of the city.
During this tour, your local guide will show you how to avoid common tourist traps and where to go to discover five of the best street food shops in the city.
Plus, along the way, you’ll be able to devour decadent local dishes like:
- Supplรฌ (Roman rice balls)
- Scrocchiarella (thin and crunchy Roman pizza)
- A selection of fine-aged cheeses and hand-cured meats with a glass of wine
- Artisan gelato
- Espresso from the best coffee shop in town
Because there truly is no better way to end a meal in Rome that with a delicious cup of authentic Italian espresso. Once you pick up this habit, you may be tempted to get yourself a home espresso machine.
7. Pizza Bianca con la Mortadella
By Annalisa from Travel Connect Experience | Facebook
Pizza Bianca, which translates as white pizza is a type of Italian bread that belongs to the Roman culinary tradition.
Unlike round pizza, which is eaten in pizzerias and restaurants, this other type of pizza has an elongated shape, is served in slices, and is usually eaten while walking, like street food.
The texture is quite crispy, but it can be opened in two and filled with different ingredients, such as:
- Sautรฉed vegetables
- Slices of ham and mozzarella
- Hazelnut cream
The most popular way to eat it in Rome is with mortadella, a type of salami that in English is similar to Bologna. Romans gobble it up mid-morning or at lunch and think it’s the most delicious snack around.
To find this tasty Roman food, you must go to any bakery in town, a pizza al taglio (a store that sells all kinds of sliced and fried delicacies), or a supermarket.
Ask the clerk for a piece of white pizza as big as you want. Have it opened and filled with mortadella and then…enjoy!
If you want to eat it in a nice neighborhood in the center of Rome, try Antico Forno del Ghetto in Piazza Costaguti 30.
8. Supplรฌ (Dish)
By Claudia Tavani of Strictly Rome
Street food in Rome means supplรฌ โ short for supplรฌ al telefono.
Itโs a typical appetizer in many pizzerie across town and easily found in the best trattorie and gastronomie (take away shops).
Supplรฌ is a dish that was actually invented to use leftover tomato risotto. They are incredibly easy to make at home if you are craving a quick and easy Italian dish.
The main thing you need to prepare supplรฌ is a good tomato risottoโwhich for best results should be prepared the day before. If you let it rest overnight, the risotto will thicken and become a bit more solid.
Once it is cold, add whole eggs and grated parmesan and mix well.
Take a handful of the rice mix; flatten it in your hand and place a strip of fresh mozzarella in the center.
Roll it to form a chunky cone, then roll it over breadcrumbs and fry it in boiling sunflower oil until brown and crispy.
Supplรฌ are meant to be eaten piping hot. If you split them in two, the mozzarella in the center melts and as you pull it apart, a string will formโmuch like a phone cable. Hence the name โsupplรฌ al telefono.โ
One of the best places to have supplรฌ in Rome is La Casa del Supplรฌ, in Re di Roma square.
Other than the classic, you will find a bunch of other delicious flavors.
Expect to pay โฌ1.20 for one supplรฌ โ they are that cheap!
If you want, you can even head out on this 3-hour secret food tour of Rome.
Not only will you get to visit several different food shops and traditional markets in the heart of Rome, but you’ll also sample ten delicious foods that every local loves.
So, skip the overrated tourist traps, get local insight into Rome’s historic food culture, and let an expert guide show you where to go to find some of the best food in the city.
Because you definitely won’t go home hungry after trying:
- Authentic espresso (or cappuccino)
- Two unique styles of homemade pizza
- Fried risotto balls
- Two different Roman pastas
- Cannoli
- Italian ham/salami/mortadella
- A selection of Italian wines
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Sicilian gelato
- One mystery dish!
You’ll also pass several iconic Roman attractions along the way, making this a quick and easy way to see the city and sample some of its finest cuisine.
Foodie Experiences in Rome
1. Pasta Making Class
By James Ian from Travel Collecting
One of the most fun food experiences you can have in Rome is to take a pasta making class.
Learning how to make pasta from scratch is not only an enjoyable cultural experience, it also gives you a whole new appreciation for the pasta you eat in Romeโs restaurants.
There are several classes on offer, but the Walks of Italy class is recommended.
It takes place on a rooftop apartment terrace, in the shadow of one of Romeโs ubiquitous domed churches. To start, you have a chance to get to know your fellow classmates over a welcome glass of wine and antipasti before starting the class.
A long table is set up with individual places, so you can make your own pasta dough. Half of the dough is rolled out and sliced thin with a chitarra into spaghetti and half is used to make hand-pressed ravioli.
The filling for the ravioli, and the simple but tasty sauces, are made by volunteers from the group under the tutelage of the hosts.
Then everyoneโs pasta is combined and while it cooks, you drink more wine.
Finally, the food is ready and you all sit down to a fantastic meal of hand-cooked pasta that you made from scratch withโof courseโmore wine. This is a chance to get to know your fellow travelers and enjoy one of the best meals you will have in Rome.
At the end of the evening, you get a copy of the recipes so that you can take a part of your Roman holiday back home with you and make pasta again for your family and friends.
Another great pasta-making class that you might enjoy is this 1-hour pasta cooking class with dinner.
You’ll start the evening off with a tutorial on how to hand-make a variety of different pastas, including tagliatelle, pappardelle, and gnocchi. Afterward, you’ll sit down to enjoy a delicious, two-hour, Judaic-Roman-inspired dinner inside the historic, La Taverna del Ghetto.
- Meal highlights include:
- Traditional Jewish-style artichoke
- A glass of prosecco
- Your choice of carbonara or homemade tagliatelle with braised beef and tomato sauce
- A selection of traditional Italian desserts with one espresso.
- As a result, this is a fun and interactive way to discover the best that the Roman food scene has to offer.
Other Worthwhile Dishes in Rome for Foodies
Still craving more? Here are more delicious flavors and foodie experiences for you to enjoy while in Rome:
- Allesso di Bollito – A simmered beef (often brisket) served between meat broth-soaked bread.
- Coda alla Vaccinara (Oxtail Stew) – Made with celery, carrots, tomatoes, herbs, and red wine.
- Filetti di baccalร fritta – Battered, fried salt cod, an antipasti or as a street food
- Fiori di Zucca Fritti – Zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, battered and fried.
- Maritozzi – Sweet brioche-style buns slathered with fresh whipped cream; eaten for breakfast.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese – A sharp and salty hard cheese made from sheepโs milk, ideal for grating over pasta dishes. (Pecora means โeweโ.) Itโs one of Italyโs oldest cheeses, once a staple food in ancient Rome.
- Pizza al Taglia – A street food baked in rectangles and sold by the square or rectangular slice. Al taglia translates to “by the cut.” The puffy crust is topped with tomato sauce and any variety of toppings from pepperoni to artichoke hearts.
- Porchetta – A spit-roasted boneless pork or suckling pig, stuffed with fennel, garlic, herbs, liver, ground pork, and/or sausage.
- Roman Aperitivo – A pre-meal drink, usually served between 7-9 PM. A traditional Roman Aperitivo is a mix of Prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and club soda. Salute!
- Saltimbocca a la Romana – A veal cutlet dish made with prosciutto, sage, and a white-wine/butter sauce. Its name literally means โjump in the mouthโ
- Torta Ricotta e Visciole (Sour Cherry Cheesecake) – A ricotta-based cheesecake with sour cherries, traditionally Roman Jewish cuisine.
Where to Stay in Rome
After sampling all of the best cuisines that this great city has to offer, you’ll want to relax in one of Rome’s finest hotels. However, with so many fantastic accommodations to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to stay.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to share with you some of my favorite hotels in Rome, which are all listed just below.
- Hotel Mediterraneo – this 4-star hotel with eclectic decor and a beautiful rooftop terrace offers incredible views of Rome. Enjoy dinner on the hotel’s Roof Garden Restaurant and Terrace or sip a drink at the new Ligea Lounge Bar. Velvet sofas, mirrors, and lush plants add an air of mystique to the lounge, which provides a 180ยฐ view of Rome from on high. Both the restaurant and lounge soar over 165 feet (50 m.) above the Eternal City. Vintage touches throughout the hotel, from the precious 1940s lamps to the restored art deco interior design pieces will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in timeโin classic luxury, of course.
- Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel – This opulent, five-star hotel sits just opposite the Piazza Della Repubblica and is less the 2 kilometers away from both the Colosseum and the Pantheon. It also features a wide array of exquisite rooms that offer guests free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, en suite bathrooms, minifridges, coffee-making facilities, and whirlpool tubs in upgraded rooms. Around-the-clock room service is also available, as is access to a public rooftop area, an onsite restaurant, an outdoor pool, a champagne bar, a spa, and a gym. Breakfast is also available but for an additional fee.
- The Inn at the Roman Forum – Looking for an exceptionally well-located hotel that is also reasonably priced? Then try The Inn at the Roman Forum. Rooms here start at just over $100 per night and offer refined, but comfortable decor that includes free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, and whirlpool tubs/fireplaces in premium suites. Room service is also available upon request, as is access to a complimentary breakfast buffet that is served atop a rooftop garden with impressive city views. However, no stay here would be complete without a visit to the ancient, 2,000-year-old engravings that sit tucked away in the basement crypt.
- The Westin Excelsior, Rome – This well-located, exquisite, 5-star hotel sits inside a historic building that is just a 5-minute walk from the metro and a 12-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. All of the luxurious suites here also come fully outfitted with crystal chandeliers, modern marble bathrooms, WiFi, and flat-screen TVs. There’s even an ornate lobby and piano bar for guests to enjoy, as well as a gym, a chic spa, an upscale restaurant, and an indoor pool – making this a premier destination for anyone seeking a bit of luxury in the eternal city.
To get the best hotel rates, be sure to compare popular hotel booking platforms, like booking.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com.
Or, you can use this full-featured interactive map to hone in on your preferences.
Tip: You can adjust the dates, budget, and filters, as well as zoom in/zoom out to narrow down your options. Adjust the filters to explore tours, restaurants, and other attractions here, too!
Final Thoughts on Rome for Foodies
Of course, whether you seek out these food experiences in Rome as a self-guided experience, or opt for an amazing food and wine tour, be prepared to encounter some of the best Italian food while youโre in Rome. The good news is, youโll likely walk it all off as you explore the city.
If you enjoyed reading this culinary round-up of the best food in Rome, continue reading to learn how to plan the perfect foodie trip, here.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF
I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years. With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality. Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! Follow my social channels for more inspiration.
This article is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. For more information, please see the following Disclosure.
Next Steps: Read More Articles About Italy
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Photo credits: Photos provided by contributors, unless otherwise noted. Ai Marmi Pizza: Isaac Quesada (Unsplash), Roman artichoke – y.ganden (Wiki Commons), Meatballs – Shutterstock
Great to know that Roscioli requires a booking in advance. I’ve heard a few people saying great things about it when asking where to eat here. Trapizinno looks like they have seen a gyros and turkish kebab and then challenged them. It looks amazing though.
Yes, definitely book in advance for Roscioli, Nicole!
The pizza from Ai Marmi looks simple but mouthwatering. I also want to try the trapizzini from Trapizzino. Definitely looks inviting! And I/m intrigued to try that fried artichokes. Never heard it before.
Yes, all of those things!
The one thing that I was super confused about in Rome was the food. Everything seemed familiar yet different – the names would seem right but the ingredients felt different each time. I wish I had this post earlier to decipher what exactly I wanted. The Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe for me was a little hard to figure which one was it that I liked. The waiters there were not able to pinpoint the difference which your post finally has cleared!
I’m so glad to have been helpful, Ami! You are so right — familiar but different!
This is such a helpful post! When we first went to Rome, it was a slightly impromptu trip to visit a friend living in a town nearby, and I didn’t think to research about the food in advance. We had some good meals but missed on a lot of the local gems and local specialities.
I’d love to try the Carciofi alla Giudea, the Suppli and the Allesso di Bollito next time. And I’d also love to take a cooking class – we do that a lot but didn’t think to in Rome!
Sometimes, impromptu trips are the best. But I’m glad to offer you some ideas for your next trip to Rome, Kavita!
Being a vegan, Cicoria Ripassata is something I would surely order when in Rome. Obviously, I would love to enjoy other restaurants in Rome that you have mentioned. They would probably have one or two vegan options. The food pictures are very enticing!
Yes, what a delicious treat Chicory is, Vegan or not. This is a dish my grandmother used to make for me, only using dandelions.
It has been YEARS since I’ve been to rome and I’m dying to make it back!! Definitely bookmarking this for later! Thank you!!!
My pleasure. I hope you get back to Rome again soon, Chloe!
One of my favorite cuisines is Italian. I mean, who doesn’t love them? If I go to Rome, I’ll make a point of seeing Rimessa Roscioli and Ai Marmi. When it comes to traditional recipes, I’ll always go for my all-time favorite carbonara! This is why Rome has always been at the top of my vacation wish list. They have some exceedingly good cuisine in addition to beautiful scenery.
I couldn’t agree more, Maria. There’s not much better than authentic Italian cuisine!
I should have seen your post before visiting Rome. The first few days we were at a loss trying to figure out what to have. Landed up having mostly Pizzas in the first few days. In Venice we finally did try out some Italian cuisine. Lovely enticing food and love the look of Suppli.
I’m sorry you didn’t see the post before you went to Rome! Of course, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to Italian food. The Suppli is one of my favorites (among many)!
Ah! The food in Rome – well, Italian food in general – is so amazing. I remember eating pizza a lot because I was 14 the last time I was there, lol. I’d definitely try more pasta dishes if I went back. I hope to someday!
Even the pizza is (of course) amazing! But with an adult palette, you could appreciate so much more now. Hope you get back to Rome again, too!