Food in Rome: If we had to choose only one city to savor the rest of our lives, Rome would be our top pick for its incredible culinary delights.
Roman cuisine is so diverse, delectable, and unforgettable that even a lifetime of meals wouldn’t fully satisfy our cravings for morning Italian coffee and afternoon carbonara.
After months of exploring Rome—and even more time discovering Italy—we find ourselves increasingly enchanted by Roman cuisine with every visit.
Here’s a thorough guide to what you should eat in Rome (note: many dishes are quite different from what you might find in Venice, Florence, or Sicily), along with tips on how to find and enjoy the best food in the city!
How to Experience a Varieties of Food in Rome at Once
If you want to sample several top dishes in Rome in a single go or prefer to taste small portions to avoid ordering something you might not enjoy, consider joining a Rome food tour!
We’ve participated in numerous food tours throughout Italy, including two in Rome, and each time we leave with a deeper appreciation for both the local cuisine and the city itself.
For example, we enjoyed a food tour in Trastevere, which allowed us to try more dishes in one evening than we could in several days of regular dining!
If you’re interested in a food tour in Rome (or any other city), it’s a good idea to book it early in your trip. This way, you’ll have plenty of new favorite dishes to order in restaurants for the rest of your stay.
What to Eat in Rome, Italy
Classic Roman Pasta Dishes
If there’s one category of Food in Rome that everyone should try, it’s pasta. Rome is renowned for its four traditional pasta dishes. Make sure to sample each one as you explore the city’s food scene!
Carbonara
Originating from WWII, carbonara is one of Rome’s most beloved pasta dishes. Made with guanciale (pork cheek), black pepper, egg, and cheese (usually pecorino romano or parmigiano-reggiano), this dish is creamy and flavorful. Importantly, traditional carbonara contains no cream or milk.
Though outside Rome, the dish is often made with cream, the traditional version is far superior.
Gricia
Consider gricia as an egg-free version of carbonara. It consists of black pepper, cheese, and guanciale. Despite having fewer ingredients, gricia is as rich and delicious as its more famous counterpart.
Cacio e Pepe
This simple yet delightful Roman pasta is made with generous amounts of cheese and pepper. For a comforting meal in Rome, make sure to add cacio e pepe to your list.
Amatriciana
Amatriciana is likely the most familiar of the Roman pasta dishes to newcomers, featuring a red tomato-based sauce. Alongside tomato, it includes pecorino romano, guanciale, and sometimes onion. Be prepared for a bit of spice!
Meat-Based Dishes to Enjoy in Rome
Saltimbocca
Veal with prosciutto and sage defines this traditional Roman dish. While it might not top many visitors’ lists, it’s worth sampling if you’re after authentic Roman fare.
Trippa
Though tripe might not be the most popular dish among visitors, it’s a staple of Roman cuisine!
Coda alla Vaccinara
This hearty oxtail stew, made with celery and other vegetables, is a classic Roman dish often served in trattorias.
Traditional Roman Sandwiches to Try
Though Rome is more commonly associated with pasta than sandwiches, make sure to try at least one traditional Roman sandwich!
Trapizzino
A recent addition to Roman street food, dating back to 2008, trapizzino combines pizza dough shaped into a triangle and stuffed with various meats, sauces, and vegetables.
Porchetta
Porchetta is a boneless pork roast stuffed with liver, spices, and herbs, then cooked for hours. Often served as a sandwich, it’s definitely a must-try in Rome!
Tramezzino
These simple sandwiches, made with crustless white bread filled with meats and cheeses, are a popular snack throughout Rome.
More Unique Foods in Rome
Pizza al Taglio
Unlike the famous Napoli-style pizza from Naples, pizza al taglio is cooked in large rectangular trays, sliced, and sold by weight. This style of pizza was invented in Rome!
Roman-Style Pizza
Rome has its own distinct style of pizza with a very thin, almost flat crust, different from the chewy crust found in Naples but equally delicious.
Suppli
These fried rice balls are similar to Sicilian arancini but feature their own unique twist, often filled with cheese and coated in breadcrumbs.
Artichokes
A traditional Roman dish, artichokes are in season during winter. They come in two styles: Roman-style, which are stuffed and cooked with oil and water, and Jewish-style, which are fried.
Cornetto
Often compared to Italian croissants, cornetti are typically enjoyed as breakfast pastries stuffed with nutella, cream, or jam.
Maritozzi
These sweet bread rolls, traditionally filled with whipped cream and once popular during Lent, are now enjoyed year-round and are perfect for a sweet craving.
Pecorino Romano
An ancient cheese made from sheep’s milk, pecorino romano is salty, hard, and flavorful, and dates back to the Roman era.
Cicoria Ripassata
This Roman-style chicory, cooked twice to reduce bitterness, is a classic side dish in Rome.
Desserts to Try in Rome
Gelato
Though not invented in Rome, gelato is everywhere in the city and a must-try. Sample a few flavors to experience this popular treat.
Tiramisu
A relatively recent addition to Italian desserts, tiramisu combines mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, eggs, sugar, and coffee. In Rome, it typically has a pudding-like consistency.
Panna Cotta
This sweet cream dessert, made with gelatin and served with various toppings, is popular in Rome and can be found in many restaurants.
Crostata Ricotta e Visciole
This traditional Roman dessert, originating from the Jewish community, features sweet pastry filled with ricotta cheese and sour cherries.
What to Drink in Rome
Coffee
Coffee culture is integral to Rome. Whether you prefer cappuccino, espresso, or another type, enjoying coffee at the bar is a quintessential Roman experience.
Spritz
Although not invented in Rome, the spritz, especially the Aperol version, is a popular choice for aperitivo.
Wine
Italian wine is a must-have in Rome. The house wines offered by the liter are both delicious and affordable.
Tips for Enjoying Rome’s Food
Embrace Roman Breakfasts
A traditional Roman breakfast consists of a cappuccino or espresso with a cornetto, enjoyed while standing at the bar.
Look for Lunch Specials
Lunch in Rome is often more affordable than dinner due to generous specials, typically including 2-3 courses and sometimes wine.
Consider a Food Tour
Food tours are an excellent way to dive into Rome’s culinary culture. Booking one early in your trip can help you discover new favorite dishes.
Do Your Research
Avoid random restaurant choices to steer clear of tourist traps. Researching dining options in advance can lead you to some of Rome’s best eateries.
Make Reservations
Popular restaurants in Rome can fill up quickly, especially for dinner. Making reservations in advance is a good idea to ensure you get a table.
Eat Dinner Late
Romans generally dine later than North Americans. Be prepared for restaurants to get busy around 8:30-9 pm.
Understand Coffee Culture
Familiarize yourself with Italy’s coffee culture to enhance your coffee experience in Rome.
Know About the Coperto
Rome doesn’t have a coperto (cover charge) like other parts of Italy but has a “pane” charge for bread. You can request to have it removed if you prefer.
Enjoy your culinary journey through Rome!