Must-Try Dining Delights in Rome: 14 Tempting Treats to Savor
Welcome to my reworked Rome food guide - a rundown of some of the must-try traditional dishes to assist you in discovering the finest of Roman cuisine...
When I ventured to Rome in January, my principal mission was to eat. Hell, I ate so much that I might've depleted Rome's gelato supply! There was even one remarkable day where I downed two lunches in around two hours.
Chances are you think of Italian food as pasta, pizza, Bolognese, lasagna, or perhaps tiramisu. And yes, those食物 can be encountered throughout the country.
However, it's essential to note that Italian food is actually quite regional: each area of the country has its own unique cuisine, influenced by its history, culture, and the ingredients it yields. Rome's cuisine is distinct from that of Bologna or Naples, for instance.
Rome, of course, boasts a multitude of unique dishes that every food enthusiast should add to their Rome bucket list. Continue reading for 14 dishes you must try in Rome, along with suggestions for where to sample them...
14 Must-Try Dishes in Rome
1. Artichokes
Artichokes hold a significant position in Roman cuisine since ancient times - all the way back to the days of the Ancient Romans, in fact. They thrive in the adjacent Roman region of Campagna, and can be spotted piled high at markets, along with on numerous restaurant menus.
There are two popular artichoke dishes to savor in Rome:
- **Jewish-style artichoke (Carciofi alla giudia), a classical dish from the Jewish Ghetto that dates from at least the 16th century. Artichokes are flattened, deep-fried, and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- **Roman-style artichokes (Carciofi alla romana), another popular dish. Artichokes are hollowed out, stuffed with garlic, parsley, and mint, then slowly simmered in water for around an hour until tender throughout.
2. Suppli
*Suppli* is a delectable street food found in many Rome food guides. Similar to arancini, Suppli are balls of rice combined with tomato sauce, sometimes meat, then breaded and deep-fried for a savory, finger-licking snack. You'll find numerous varieties, including one with spaghetti!
Where to Try Suppli in Rome
Suppli is easy to find in stores selling deli items and pizza. I found the best examples at Panificio Bonci, located near the Vatican.
- Supplizio - 143 Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 00186 Roma
- Panificio Bonci - 36 Via Trionfale, 00195 Roma
- Imperivm Pizza - 75/76 Via Arenula, 00186 Roma
3. Roman Salami
Salami consumption by Italians dates back to before ancient Roman times. A wealth of cured meats, salamis, and other sausages are available, but if you're after local fare, search for corallina Romana and schiacciata Romana. Both represent traditional Roman varieties of salami well worth your attention!
Where to Try
Norcineria Viola, 43 Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma. This historic shop, established in 1890, boasts an incredible assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and salamis to savor.
4. Pizza al Taglio
*Pizza al taglio** denotes pizza by the slice. It's more widely consumed in Rome than standard pizza. Pizza al taglio is baked in large square trays, then sliced into substantial rectangular servings for takeout or standing tables outside. Servings are generally priced by weight.
There are various toppings to pick from. Two popular local varieties are pizza rossa - covered in red sauce and no other toppings - and pizza bianca, unadorned with sauce but flavored with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. People frequently use pizza bianca to construct a sandwich, filling it with hot roast pork or cured meats and cheese.
Where to Try
Pizza al taglio locations abound in Rome, making it simple to locate. Request advice from a local or enter a store that grabs your attention. As for my recommendations:
- Pizzarium by Gabriele Bonci - 43 Via della Meloria, 00136 Roma
- Antico Forno Roscioli - 34 Via dei Chiavari, 00186 Roma
- Grano, Frutta e Farina Bistrot - 49A Via della Croce, 00187 Roma
5. Cacio e Pepe
One dish you'll find on nearly every Rome food guide is cacio e pepe. With a name hinting at its ingredients - "cheese and pepper" - the dish relies on a basic recipe for three components: black pepper, pecorino romano cheese, and pasta. Tonnarelli, a type of thick pasta, is typically employed, but spaghetti might be used**. Thoughts linger over how cacio e pepe should be made, inducing numerous regional variations across the city.
Where to Try Cacio e Pepe
I sampled my cacio e pepe at La Terrasse Restaurant atop the Sofitel in Rome, as part of a complimentary meal.
6. Pasta Alla Gricia
Like cacio e pepe, *pasta alla gricia is another straightforward pasta dish, involving three minimal ingredients: black pepper, pecorino cheese, and pasta. *Pasta shapes such as spaghetti or bucatini are commonly used. The simple formula allows the powerful, earthy tastes to truly shine, but don't let the modest appearance fool you; the dish is anything but plain.
Where to Try Pasta Alla Gricia
I enjoyed mine at Da Sergio, 27 Vicolo delle Grotte, 00186 Roma, a rustic, charming trattoria adorned with red-checked tablecloths and a menu brimming with classic Roman foods.
7. Bucatini Amatriciana
One of my favorite Italian meals came from La Matriciana, 44 Via del Viminale, 00184 Roma.
Similar to pasta alla gricia, bucatini amatriciana comprises a rich tomato sauce emphasized by white wine and dried red chillies, pieces of guanciale - cured pork cheek or jowl -, and bucatini pasta. The hollow center of bucatini exacerbates its notorious difficulty to consume, but the robust flavors make the mess worthwhile.
Where to Try Bucatini Amatriciana
La Matriciana offers the dish as their specialty.
8. Carbonara
Wondering if you've heard of the carbonara? Although it might seem familiar, it's actually quite a new dish in the Rome culinary scene! The dish is believed to have been invented following the Allied forces overthrowing the Germans from Rome, and distributing rations, including large quantities of bacon and powdered eggs.
Similar to pasta alla gricia, carbonara involves guanciale (cured pork cheek or jowl), pecorino cheese, black pepper, and egg yolk. While the egg gives carbonara its creamy texture rather than cream, the misconception persists.
Where to Eat Carbonara in Rome
Recommendations for Roscioli, 21 Via dei Giubbonari, 00186 Roma, and Baccano near the Trevi Fountain abound. I suggest visiting Roscioli for a delectable meal, but book a table in advance as the restaurant is popular - reservations can be made online. Traveling solo? Reserve a seat at the bar or book a table during off-peak hours.
9. Saltimbocca alla Romana
Saltimbocca alla Romana is a must-try dish in Rome. The name literally translates to "jumps in your mouth," reflecting the dish's flavor profile. Saltimbocca is a widely acclaimed dish, popular across Italy and beyond, but Rome's version is considered the original.
The dish consist of veal roll-ups wrapped in prosciutto and sage, pan-fried in dry white wine and butter.
10. Allesso di Scottona
One of my favorite Roman meals came from Mordi e Vai* in Testaccio Market (Stand 15).
Allesso refers to simmered meat, scottona being a cut of beef renowned for its tenderness. Slow-cooked beef dishes like this were once extremely popular in Rome due to their ability to tenderize tough cuts, but they have fallen out of fashion. The retired butcher behind Mordi e Vai is reintroducing the dish to the public with his (extremely popular) stall in the market.
To try the dish, request a number, wait your turn, and order the "number 4". It's served with braised chicory, another traditional Roman ingredient, and one piece of the bread is dipped in the meat's sauce for you. The result is a tasty sandwich that should not be missed!
11. Porchetta
Porchetta* is a boneless pork roast popular throughout Italy, but hailing from Rome. Porchetta is cooked over a wood fire, then cut into individual servings for consumption. The meat is commonly enjoyed as a sandwich filling, especially on pizza bianca.
Where to Try
Panificio Bonci (36 Via Trionfale, 00195 Roma) sells one of Rome's finest porchetta sandwiches, but it's available only on Saturdays. In Centro Storico, La Salumeria (Via del Banco di Santo Spirito) also serves porchetta.
12. Maritozzi
Maritozzi are a classic Roman breakfast pastry. I'd never heard of them before researching this trip.
A sweet, yeasted bun similar to brioche bread, it's served with whipped fresh cream. The name is a discreet insult towards the Italian term for husband, because maritozzi were traditionally gifted to a betrothed bride, symbolizing "almost a husband".
13. Gelato
Although not exclusively a Rome dish, gelato can be found everywhere throughout the city. There's a plethora of artisanal gelaterias to indulge in.
Not all gelato is crafted equal, so for first-rate examples, visit:
- Fatamorgana
- Neve di Latte
- Günther
14. Roman Wine
No trip to Italy is complete without wine tasting, and Rome is no exception. Although not as widely exported as wines from Veneto, Piedmont, or Tuscany, the region of Lazio, surrounding Rome, produces wine.
Wines from the communes near Rome are collectively known as Castelli Romani, and offer predominantly white wines. The most renowned wine from this region is Frascati. These wines are appropriate table wines, commonly served at several restaurants in Rome. They also produce sparkling wines, ideal for piano drinks in the sunshine.
What to Expect from Food in Rome: Ingredients and Flavors
Roman cuisine emphasizes simple dishes created with top-quality seasonal ingredients. Meat dishes characteristically draw from shellfish, lamb, and pork sources, while vegetables include globe artichokes, peas, and fava beans, alongside prevalent Pecorino Romano cheese.
Historically, Roman culinary influences have emerged from Mediterranean, Ancient Greek, and Jewish sources, and later, Italian Renaissance, when popes attracted renowned chefs to work in the Vatican.
Best Food Tours in Rome
Nothing beats a fantastic food tour or cooking class led by a local expert! They provide a memorable means to absorb the essence of a new destination's culinary culture. Traveling to Rome? Consider these food tours and book your adventure with Get Your Guide for a seamless experience.
- Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide
- 4 Hour Food Tour by Night
- Trastevere 3 Hour Street Food Tour
- Private Food Tour with 10 Tastings
- Jewish Ghetto & Campo de Fiori by Night Food Tour
- Pasta Cooking Class in the Kitchen of Mamma
- Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner
- Make Your Own Pizza Cooking Class & Dinner
- 4-Hour Combo Pizza and Pasta Cooking Class
- Rome Pasta-Making Class
Rome Food Guide: The Quick Version
Here's the rapid round-up of dishes to savor during a tour of Rome:
- Artichokes
- Suppli
- Roman Salami
- Pizza al Taglio
- Cacio e Pepe
- Pasta Alla Gricia
- Bucatini Amatriciana
- Carbonara
- Saltimbocca alla Romana
- Allesso di Scottona
- Porchetta
- Maritozzi
- Gelato
- Roman wine
Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Rome
Did I miss any must-try dishes in this Rome food guide? Scroll down to leave a comment!
- explore the unique dishes of Rome's food culture, such as Jewish-style artichoke (Carciofi alla giudia) and Roman-style artichoke (Carciofi alla romana);
- savor the delectable street food Suppli, a Roman version of arancini, found at Panificio Bonci or Supplizio;
- indulge in local cured meats like corallina Romana and schiacciata Romana at Norcineria Viola;
- try pizza al taglio, baked in large square trays and typically priced by weight, with popular varieties being pizza rossa and pizza bianca;
- sample the classic Roman dishes cacio e pepe and pasta alla gricia, both featuring black pepper, pecorino cheese, and pasta;
- enjoy other popular Roman dishes like bucatini amatriciana, carbonara, saltimbocca alla Romana, allesso di scottona, and porchetta;
- start your day with traditional Roman pastries like maritozzi, filled with whipped fresh cream;
- indulge in authentic gelato at Fatamorgana, Neve di Latte, or Günther;
- try local wines from the Lazio region, particularly the Rose wines from the Castelli Romani area, often served in Rome restaurants;
- join a food tour or cooking class to immerse yourself in Rome's culinary culture and learn about its regional flavors.