Food Lover’s Rome – A Culinary Guide to the Eternal City

Discover the best Roman dishes, hidden trattorias, and street food delights!

Let’s admit it—there’s no place like Rome when it comes to history, culture, and, of course, food! The Eternal City doesn’t just nourish the soul but also the stomach.

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With a culinary heritage shaped by thousands of years of history, food in Rome is more than just a daily necessity—it’s an everyday form of celebration of life, a way to connect with the local community, and a deep dive into regional traditions.

What better way to experience the true Roman dolce vita than through a culinary adventure? Romans, like all Italians, are (extremely) passionate about food. Located in the heart of Italy, Rome is the perfect starting point for your journey into the world’s most beloved cuisine.

So, let’s walk through the narrow cobblestone streets of Trastevere, explore the authentic flavors and spirit of Testaccio, and admire the stunning piazzas of the historic center, discovering the must-try delicacies along the way!

Roman Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition

Rome's cuisine is deeply rooted in its countryside and working-class heritage rather than in cosmopolitan influences. The secret to its success? Fresh, high-quality ingredients, simple yet bold flavors, and dishes that are both humble and full of character. The local cuisine is dominated by meat, flavourful cheeses and seasonal vegetables. 

Romans have always been resourceful, making the most of what they had. While emperors and popes dined lavishly, everyday people relied on creativity and skill to turn simple ingredients into flavorful masterpieces. True Roman cuisine is therefore straightforward, genuine, full of flavours and accessible to everyone. 

So, let’s dive into the most iconic dishes of Roman and Lazio cuisine that you simply cannot miss!

🍝 Pasta alla Carbonara – The Quintessential Roman Classic

If there’s one dish that defines Roman cuisine and is deeply loved by its citizens, it’s pasta alla carbonara. This rich and flavorful pasta is made with:

✅ Guanciale (cured pork cheek, crunchy and flavourful)
✅ Pecorino Romano (aged sheep’s milk cheese)
✅ Fresh farm Eggs (to create a creamy, rich sauce—without cream!)
✅ Black pepper (for an aromatic kick)

While the origins of carbonara are debated, many believe it was named after the coal workers (carbonari), who needed a hearty, energy-packed meal. Even though the dish is considered relatively recent (from the 1900s), ingredients like cheese, similar to modern pecorino romano, have been prepared already in ancient Roman times! 

📌 Roman Pasta wars: Romans fiercely debate whether spaghetti, tonnarelli, mezze maniche, rigatoni, or bucatini is the best pasta choice. And yes, it is a serious question! Try them all and pick your side! As much as Romans like to fight theatrically over little  details like this, at least one thing they agree on for sure. What is that? Check below!   

⚠️ Important: Never ask for carbonara with cream—it’s considered a crime in Rome!

Carbonara’s Pasta Family

Not convinced yet? Try these carbonara cousins (including a vegetarian option):

🍝 Cacio e Pepe – A minimalist, vegetarian delight of just pecorino romano, black pepper, and pasta. In case you wish to learn the local Romanesco dialect: “cacio” is a Roman word for cheese (pecorino romano again in this case), and pepe is the Italian word for pepper. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity - it takes real skill to choose and  balance the ingredients just right to create the perfect harmony of flavors!

🍝 Pasta alla Gricia – Carbonara without the egg, made with guanciale and pecorino. Luckily, Italians are very family-centered people, and the same applies even to pasta. The name reflects the love for a forthright and practical approach to food:  “gricio shops” in the times of Papal Rome were those small corner markets selling the most easily accessible ingredients. So what did the Romans do? They created a work of art with products from the corner store

🍝 Pasta all’Amatriciana – A tomato-based version of gricia, with white wine and chili flakes. The story goes that when Columbus found America, the first tomatoes came to Italy, and they were added to the gricia recipe for the first time in the town of Amatrice, near Rome. This new version of the dish quickly became popular in Rome. So, we owe a big thanks to Columbus and the town of Amatrice for yet another mouthwatering option to try!

📍 Where to try the best Roman pasta? Join our "From Jewish Ghetto to Trastevere" tour, where we’ll guide you to the best local trattorias and osterias! Our wonderful guides will show you their favourite places with more stories and anecdotes behind these beloved Roman specialities! 

🥩 Saltimbocca alla Romana – A Dish That “Jumps in Your Mouth”

Funny enough, the name Saltimbocca means a dish that jumps in your mouth. When you try it, you’ll understand why! This classic Roman second course features:

✅ Thin veal slices wrapped in prosciutto
✅ Fresh sage, infusing it with an aromatic depth
✅ White wine and butter sauce, for a rich and silky finish

Pair it with side dishes (contorno) such as sautéed chicory (cicoria ripassata alla romana) and a glass of Frascati white wine from the Castelli Romani region for an unforgettable Roman dinner!

🌿 Carciofi alla Romana & Carciofi alla Giudia – Artichokes, Two Ways

Romans love artichokes (carciofi), and there are two famous ways to enjoy them:

🥘 Carciofi alla Romana – Slow-braised in olive oil, garlic, mint, and white wine until soft and flavorful.

🍽 Carciofi alla Giudia – Deep-fried Jewish-style, crispy on the outside and tender inside. 

📍 Where to try the best Jewish-Roman delicacies? Join our "From Jewish Ghetto to Trastevere" tour to find out more about the fascinating neighbourhood of Jewish Ghetto, its people, rich history and unique delicacies like baccalà all’ebraica (Jewish code fish), crostata ricotta e visciole (ricotta and sour cherry tart), and pizza ebraica (a nut-fruit cookie)!

📅 When to try artichokes in Rome? Especially during the main artichoke season in the spring, when they are very well represented (or rather, overrepresented!) in every true Roman restaurant. Local restaurants use romanesco artichokes - a specific kind, harvested specifically in Rome and nearby areas. 

🐂 Coda alla Vaccinara and the flavours of the Roman Working-Class

Let us take you now to Testaccio, an area known for its genuine working-class spirit and a thriving food scene. The district takes its name from the Monte Testaccio, a hill formed entirely of broken pottery fragments (testae), a relic from the ancient Roman practice of discarding amphorae used to transport mostly oil and wine. In Testaccio, Rome’s historic working-class neighborhood, food traditions were shaped by necessity. Locals here really mastered the art of nose-to-tail cooking, transforming lesser cuts into delicacies. You can find here the most authentic Roman food and dine where the locals do! 

🥘 Coda alla Vaccinara – Literally “butcher’s tail.” A slow-cooked oxtail stew, rich in tomatoes, red wine, and spices, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

🥩 Trippa alla Romana – A Roman-style tripe dish, cooked with white wine, vegetables, and pecorino. Trust us, it’s really worth giving a try!

📍 Want an authentic Roman food experience? Join our "True Rome" tour to explore Testaccio, visit the famous Mercato di Testaccio, and enjoy real Roman flavors! If you want to know more about the fascinating district of Testaccio before you go read our article. 

🥪 Trapizzino & Supplì – Rome’s Must-Try Street Foods

Are you on the go and want to try the most popular Roman street food? Here is what you should try:

🍕 Trapizzino – A modern Roman street food, this triangular pizza pocket is stuffed with delicious fillings like chicken cacciatore, meatballs, or eggplant parmigiana. Especially popular in Trastevere district and great for those spending an evening out and listening to live music in the many popular bars and piazzas of Rome. Invented by chef Stefano Callegari in the 1960s, it has fast made its way to the hearts of locals as well as visitors. Compact and ready to go with you!

🍚 Supplì (al Telefono) – Rome’s answer to Sicilian arancini but different when it goes to filling. These deep-fried rice balls are stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella, named for their stringy “telephone wire” cheese pull! Available in almost every corner alongside pizza slices from takeaway kiosks. The name is claimed to originate from French soldiers occupying Rome during the Napoleonic wars. The soldiers upon discovering the melted cheese inside the fried balls, exclaimed "que surprise!" and that led to the twisted term "supplì".

🍰 Maritozzi – Rome’s Cutest Pastry

Craving something sweet? Try maritozzi, a fluffy sweet bun filled with whipped cream. Sometimes you find versions filled with chocolate, custard or even jam, in case you want to try the same idea with a twist.

💍 Fun fact: The history of maritozzi is just as sweet and soft as their appearance and  taste. Traditionally, men gifted maritozzi to their sweethearts before proposing—hence the name (marito = husband)!

☕ Pro tip: Pair this fluffy loveliness with your cappuccino for a classic Roman breakfast and a perfect way to start your day exploring the endless wonders of Rome! 

Final Tip: Experience Rome Through Its Food!

It’s often said that one lifetime isn’t enough for Rome—and once you’ve tasted its food, you’ll understand why! As do we!

📌 Don’t forget: Toss a coin into Trevi Fountain during our "Welcome to Rome" tour to ensure you’ll return for more delicious adventures!

Buon viaggio e buon appetito! 🇮🇹✨

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

❓ What food is Rome famous for?

✔️ Rome is famous for dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and saltimbocca.

❓ Where can I eat the best pasta in Rome?

✔️ The best pasta in Rome is found in Trastevere, Testaccio, and the Jewish Ghetto.

❓ What are the best street foods in Rome?

✔️ Try trapizzino, supplì, and pizza al taglio for an authentic street food experience.

❓ What is the best time to eat in Rome?

✔️ Lunch (1-3 PM) and dinner (8-10 PM) are peak hours for dining in Rome.

❓ How can I experience Rome’s food like a local?

✔️ Join our tour! Walkative’s "From Jewish Ghetto to Trastevere" and "True Rome" tours are great way to learning more and exploring Roman cuisine.