Best Street Food Rome: Top 10 Eats on the Streets
Last Update: 1/16/2025
Ready to taste the best street food Rome, Italy, offers? As a chef who just spent a month in the Eternal City, I’ve got your eats on the street covered!
From ancient Roman snacks to creative modern inventions, I’ve listed the must-try best street food in Rome and the best places to eat it!
The best part? Eating street food in Rome is a very affordable way to try some of the best Roman classics of Italian cuisine. And even if you’re not looking for the cheap eats in Rome, you’ll want to try the cibo di strada of the Lazio region.
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Moreover, even if you know Italian food well, I bet there’s at least one new Roman food that you haven’t tried on this list! After all, you’ll find the food is very different from the street food in Venice, the specialties of Bologna, and even the traditional foods of Tuscany.
If you want to save time and effort, consider a Rome food tour with a local guide. Here’s the best street food tour of Rome by a local guide: Rome Street Food Tour. Rated 5 Stars, you won’t find a better way to discover the secrets of the streets in a short period of time.
Top 10 Rome Street foods and where to find them
Below, I’ve given you at least one awesome place to eat each street food listed. However, they are by no means the only places with tasty versions of these Roman street food favorites.
A good bet for foodies in Rome is to follow the locals: Whether you’re wandering off the beaten path or at a food market, if there’s a line of locals, that’s an excellent bet.
1. Supplì: The King of Roman Street Food
The king of Roman street food, Supplì al Telefono
Supplì is the most traditional Roman snack. So, if you're looking for a taste of authentic Roman street food, then you simply cannot miss out on trying supplì in Rome.
What is Supplì?
Supplì are basically a deep-fried rice ball filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
The more formal name is Supplì al Telefono (supplì on the telephone) because when you pull one apart, the melted cheese still links the two halves together, resembling an old telephone cord.
Where to Try the Best Supplì in Rome?
For those who want a taste of true Roman tradition, head to one of my favorite neighborhoods, Trastevere, to the most popular supplì vendor, Supplì Roma.
Supplì Roma: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma
2. Pizza al Taglio: Popular Rome Street Food
Pizza al Taglio with basil, peppers, pesto, and creamy fior di latte.
Food historians credit Naples in the region of Campania with the original pizza, but pizza al taglio originated in Rome.
In fact, this Roman specialty is quite different from the typical Neapolitan Margarita pizza. But when in Naples, you’ve got to check out the best street food in Naples.
What is Pizza Al Taglio?
Pizza al taglio translates to “pizza by the cut” or “pizza by the slice,” which makes this ubiquitous Roman gem easily transportable. Combine that with the wonderful taste, and it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular street foods in Rome.
Unlike the round Neapolitan specialty, or other types of Italian pizzas, pizza al taglio is baked in large rectangular trays and then cut into individual portions. The dough is light and fluffy, providing the perfect base for an array of toppings.
There are so many versions to try! These range from the most simple, pizza bianca (white pizza), which only has olive oil and salt; to marinara, which just has tomato sauce; to creative toppings like potatoes, squash blossoms, or prosciutto and arugula.
Where to Try the Best Pizza Al Taglio in Rome?
Pizza al taglio can be found at to-go pizzerias as well as in many bakeries—both are plentiful in Rome.
For the most traditional toppings, two of Rome’s best bakeries in the city center will delight your taste buds: Antico Forno Roscioli and Forno Campo de ‘Fiori.
Antico Forno Roscioli: Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma
Forno Campo de ‘Fiori: Campo de' Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma
Near Vatican City, Pizzarium stands out as the most famous Roman pizzeria for al taglio. The famed Chef Gabriele Bonci has revolutionized the pizza-making scene with his innovative creations. He even opened a shop in Chicago and is giving their deep-dish pizza some heavy competition.
Pizzarium: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma
For more, read our guide to the best pizza in Rome!
3. Carciofi alla Giudia: Jewish Street Food in Rome
Jewish-style artichokes at the Mercato Centrale
Carciofi alla Giudia, or Jewish-style artichokes, are a Rome street food served with a rich history.
During the 16th century, Jews were confined to the Roman Ghetto and faced numerous restrictions on their food choices. To make the most out of limited ingredients, they developed creative recipes using locally available produce. Today, Jewish artichokes are a beloved dish not only among the Jewish community but among all Romans.
What Are Carciofi alla Giudia?
Carciofi alla Giudia are deep-fried artichokes with a crispy exterior and tender heart.
If you love artichokes like I do, you must try this unique street food of Rome! They are unlike any artichoke I’ve had anywhere else.
The fried artichokes I grew up on were breaded, small, and quartered. These have no breading, are kept whole, and flattened so that each deep-fried artichoke resembles a flower.
They are hands down one of my favorite things to eat in Rome!
Where to Try the Best Carciofi alla Giudia in Rome?
If it’s not yet obvious, Rome’s Jewish Ghetto is where you’ll find the best Carciofi alla Giudia in all of Rome. Ask around and you’ll likely be sent to Piperno, where they have been making this Roman dish since 1860.
Piperno: Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma
And while I love Piperno, it is a sit-down restaurant only open for dinner. For a grab-and-go option, one of my favorite food markets in Rome, Mercato Centrale, serves them all day long!
Read our guide to the Best Jewish Ghetto Rome Restaurants!
4. Porchetta: Street Food Roman Locals Love
Our favorite porchetta sandwich in Rome
The porchetta sandwich is definitely one of the foodie highlights of the Roman street food scene. With its origins dating back to antiquity, this traditional Italian dish has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among locals.
What Is Porchetta?
Porchetta is a no-frills pork roast sandwich. Sink your teeth into succulent roasted pork served in a crusty roll. Taste the perfect balance between tender meat, crispy skin, and aromatic herbs.
Sounds simple, but it is always one of the best things I eat in Rome when I visit!
Where to Try the Best Porchetta in Rome?
Porchetta sandwiches can be found at many salumeries, food markets, and even bakeries.
One of the most iconic spots for porchetta in Trastevere, Rome, is La Norcineria di Iacozzilli.
La Norcineria di Iacozzilli: Via Natale del Grande, 15, 00153 Roma
However, I prefer the sandwich from the hidden gem near Piazza del Popolo, La Vita è Un Mozzico.
La Vita è Un Mozzico: Via Angelo Brunetti, 4, 00186 Roma
However, I think the best porchetta is at our favorite bakery.
Antico Forno Roscioli: Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma
For more top picks for porchetta, read: Best Porchetta in Rome
5. Trapizzino: modern Street Food Rome Adores
Trapizzino, a modern street food in Rome
Many traditional Roman dishes have rich histories involving monks, kings, and Medieval castles. The Trapizzino is not one of those Italian foods. It is by far the most modern Roman food on this list of street foods.
What is a Trapizzino?
In 2008, Stefano Callegari, a Rome-based pizzaiolo, had a brilliant idea. He created a triangular pizza cone and filled it with savory toppings such as chicken cacciatore, eggplant parmigiana, and my favorite, meatballs in tomato sauce.
Where to Try the Best Trapizzino in Rome?
Today, Callegari has several Trapizzino Rome shops all over the Eternal City, as well as in other cities like Florence, Milan, and even New York City.
Avoid the knockoffs and stick with an original. At the Piazza Trilussa location, you can have a glass of wine while you wait. If you don’t want to wait, I’ve never had to stand in a long line at the Mercato Centrale location.
Trapizzino: Piazza Trilussa, 46, 00153 Roma
6. Pasta da Portare Via: Grab-and-Go Pasta
Pasta da Portare Via, takeaway pasta from Da Enzo 29
I’m always craving one of the four pasta dishes of Roman cuisine. And on the streets of Rome, pasta da portare makes it possible without spending a couple of hours on a sit-down restaurant meal.
What is Pasta da Portare?
Local vendors and restaurants in Rome now offer Pasta da Portare Via, which translates to "pasta to take away.”
You’ll find a wide variety of grab-and-go pasta options, but when I’m in Rome, I like to stick to the classic Roman dishes.
I usually pick one of the creamy traditional Roman pasta sauces like carbonara or cacio e pepe. My husband Mike, on the other hand, usually chooses Amatriciana, with its red sauce, or Gricia.
Where to Try the Best Pasta da Portare in Rome?
In the neighborhood of Trastevere, you’ll find some of the best takeaway pasta in Rome at Da Enzo al 29. However, it’s such a wonderful place, if you can get a table, you may want to sit down and enjoy your meal at the restaurant.
Da Enzo al 29: Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma
Alternatively, near the Spanish Steps, you’ll find one of the best cheap eats of Rome, Pastificio Guerra.
Pastificio Guerra: Via Della Croce, 8, 00187 Roma
7. Filetto di Baccalà: Traditional Street Food of Rome
Filetto di Baccalà, or fried salt cod, one of the most traditional foods of Rome
Seafood lovers should not miss out on trying the Filetto di Baccalà, a very traditional street food that dates back to the early 17th century.
What is Filetto di Baccalà?
Filetto di Baccalà is a fried cod fish dish that was introduced to Rome by Spanish fishermen in the 1600s. Today, the dish is an intrinsic part of the city's culinary culture and very much a Roman food.
Many people (like my mother) cringe with fear when they hear “Baccalà.” But I promise, this isn’t your Italian grandfather’s salt-saturated Baccalà! It’s battered and crispy on the outside and light and flaky on the inside.
Where to Try the Best Filetto di Baccalà in Rome?
You will find fried cod in many places around Rome. However, there are a few street vendors that are known for their exceptional Filetto di Baccalà.
One of the most frequented is Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara, a small restaurant located near Campo di ‘Fiori. This iconic eatery has been serving delicious fried cod for more than 70 years!
Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara: Largo dei Librari, 88, 00186 Roma
Another local’s favorite is Food Box in the Mercato Testaccio.
Food Box: Via Beniamino Franklin, 12, 00153 Roma
8. Gelato & Sorbetto: Coolest Street Food in Rome
Gelato in Rome is always a good idea.
Who can resist the allure of a creamy gelato or a refreshing sorbetto on a scorching summer day? Or, for me, any day—especially in Roma!
What is Gelato?
Gelato means “frozen,” and this frozen treat made from milk was invented in Italy in the 16th century.
What’s the difference between gelato, sorbet, and ice cream?
Sorbetto is the Italian word for the French dessert sorbet. Sorbetto is always eggless and dairy free, so it is vegan.
The difference between gelato and ice cream is that ice cream is made with cream and has more air whipped into it. So, most times, even though gelato uses milk, it’s more dense and more creamy tasting.
As you wander through the streets of Rome, whether you’re in the mood for gelato or sorbetto, you'll encounter an array of flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From classics like fragola (strawberry) and cioccolato (chocolate) to more adventurous combinations like pistachio and ricotta fig, there's something for everyone.
Where to Try the Best Gelato in Rome?
At some point, you are very likely to be near Giolitti, a historic gelateria located near the Pantheon and just a short walk from Piazza Navona. This family-owned establishment has been serving up delectable frozen treats since 1900.
Giolitti: Via Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma
Two of the more modern sensations are also worth a stop—Frigidarium and Fatamorgana.
Fatamorgana (centro storico): Via Dei Chiavari 37A, 00186 Roma
Frigidarium: Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, 00186 Roma
9. Maritozzo: Sweet Treat on the Street
Maritozzo is a sweet Italian pastry filled with whipped cream.
This is one Italian breakfast you won’t want to miss!
What is Maritozzo?
Maritozzo is a luscious, cream-filled Roman pastry that has been around for more than a thousand years. It is considered both an Italian breakfast pastry and a typical Roman dessert. So, in Rome, it’s eaten from morning to night.
Back in ancient Rome, Maritozzo was a panis maritus, meaning "husband's bread." It was given to the groom on his wedding day as a symbol of love by his bride.
Today, you can indulge in the sweet, soft texture of Maritozzo wedding day or not.
Where to Try the Best Maritozzo in Rome?
Some street food vendors are open all day, everyday. Like Il Maritozzaro, which is really a bakery and has been serving the best Maritozzo in Rome since 1960. I walked miles for this pastry and I’d do it again!
Il Maritozzaro: Via Ettore Rolli, 50, 00153 Roma
My runner up is a historic bakery on the other side of town, Regoli Pasticceria. However, get there early; they often run out by noon!
Regoli Pasticceria: Via dello Statuto, 60, 00185 Roma
10. Panino: Roma Street Food Staple
Allesso di Bollito sandwich at Mordi e Vai in the Testaccio Market
Rome is home to some of the best panini shops in Italy.
What is a Panino?
A panino (the singular of panini) is a sandwich. A Roman panino doesn’t have to be toasted, pressed, or grilled like an American panini.
They can be made with almost anything, from traditional salumi and Italian cheeses to octopus, tomatoes, and olives!
Where to Try the Best Panino in Rome?
On my last trip to Rome, I could not get enough of the Allesso di Bollito sandwich at Mordi e Vai located in the Testaccio Market.
On top of the melt-in-your-mouth beef, I always add the greens and salsa verde—hands down one of the best panini I’ve ever had!
We often added a roman artichoke on the side, but Mordi e Vai also makes a great vegetarian sandwich with mashed artichoke and pecorino cheese that is definitely a winner.
Mordi e Vai: Box 15, Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, Via Beniamino Franklin, 12/E, Roma
FAQS ABOUT STREET FOOD IN ROME
1. IS IT SAFE TO EAT STREET FOOD IN ROME?
Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Rome. The city has strict regulations regarding food safety, and hygiene standards are enforced. However, it is always advisable to choose vendors who have good reviews and appear clean—like the ones in this street food guide.
2. WHAT ARE THE BEST LOCAL FOOD MARKETS WITH STREET FOOD STALLS?
My top picks for a variety of Italian street foods are Mercato Centrale di Roma and Mercato Testaccio. For more, read Best Food Markets in Rome.
3. WHAT ARE THE BEST FOOD TOURS IN ROME?
I have a whole article on them that you can read here: Best Rome Food Tours. In addition to the Street Food Tour, the Trastevere Food Tour, Prati Food Tour, and Testaccio Food Tour also hit some yummy street food spots.
Skip the line at Pizzarium and enjoy pizza al taglio and suppli on a food tour of the Prati.
4. HOW DO YOU EAT ROMA STREET FOOD?
If you’re wondering how to eat street food while you’re wandering, it’s really quite simple. Most of it is designed to be handheld so you can eat these treats on the go. If you find that to be difficult, find a spot in a piazza, sit down, and enjoy.
5. ARE THERE FOOD TRUCKS IN ROME?
You may come across a few scattered food trucks in Rome. In other words, it doesn’t come close to the food truck scene in Portland, Oregon, or other U.S. foodie capitals. You are much more likely to find street food at the local markets, at street food store fronts, and at trattorias or restaurants offering takeaway.
There is one food always found for sale by street vendors in the winter—chestnuts.
Chestnuts sold by street vendors is a common Roman sight in wintertime.
6. CAN I FIND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AMONG ROME'S STREET FOOD OFFERINGS?
Absolutely! While many traditional Roman street foods include meat, there are also plenty of vegetarian options available. From pizza al taglio with various vegetable toppings to supplì filled with cheese and vegetables, you'll find delicious vegetarian choices throughout the city. Read this article for more vegan options in Italy: Vegan in Italy Travel Guide.
7. ARE STREET FOOD PRICES IN ROME AFFORDABLE?
Street food in Rome is generally more affordable than dining in restaurants. Prices, however, can vary depending on the specific vendor and location. But overall, street food options constitute some of the best cheap eats in Rome.
8. CAN I FIND GLUTEN-FREE STREET FOOD OPTIONS IN ROME?
Yes, there are gluten-free street food options available in Rome. Some vendors offer gluten-free pizza crusts or rice-based dishes that cater to individuals with dietary restrictions. But, of course, it’s always a good idea to communicate your dietary needs to the vendor beforehand to be confident that you’ll be getting what you think you will.
9. Where can I find captions for my street food photos?
Here’s a list of over 150 possibilities: Italian food Quotes
Enjoy your street food adventure in Rome and buon appetito!
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