Rome for Foodies 2024: Ultimate Rome Food Guide
Rome, for food lovers, can be one of the best travel experiences ever! And if you use this Guide to Rome for Foodies, it is certain to be one!
With over 20,000 Roman restaurants and hundreds, if not thousands, of menu items, Rome can be overwhelming for foodies who to try to eat it all. Believe me, I’ve tried! So, you’ll want to find the best of Roman cuisine.
Finding the places to eat in Rome, Italy means eating authentic traditional foods instead of eating at tourist traps. But the restaurants of Rome can be hard to navigate. That’s where this food guide to Rome comes in!
Sure, when visiting Rome, you need to visit the top tourist sites like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps to take your Instagram photos.
But if you’re a foodie, Rome is much more than sightseeing—your best memories will revolve around the Roman food of this beautiful, delicious city!
Evidence of Rome’s rich history abounds, with ornate buildings, city squares, and ruins found throughout the Italian capital. In fact, its vastness can be a little overwhelming for tourists who to try to see it all.
You will have all of the Rome foodie essentials at your fingertips. Not only is our guide about the best of Roman cuisine—like the best pizza in Rome, the best pasta in Rome, the best restaurants in Rome—it also includes the best food markets of Rome, cooking classes and food tours in Rome, and much more! Quite simply, it contains everything a foodie in Rome would need to have the best culinary experiences in Rome!
A sample of the best traditional dishes of Roman cuisine outside a restaurant in Rome
What to eat in Rome
When deciding what to eat in Rome, you need to first ask, “What food is Rome known for?” The answer: The Roman classics!
In other words, the best foods in Rome are the timeless, traditional Roman dishes! Does that mean you’ll be eating at only Italian restaurants in Rome? Yes! But don’t worry, there’s lots of variety in traditional Roman cuisine. And among all the restaurants Italy has to offer, in Rome you’ll find many of the best! So, why settle for good restaurants in Rome, when, with our help, you can do so much better?
Each region in Italy boasts its own specialty dishes, and Rome is no different. Italian cuisine has always emphasized using local ingredients for regional specialties, so it’s no surprise that Italy is the birthplace of the slow food movement! For example, Pecorino Romano cheese, a regional treasure and one of the most popular cheeses of Italy, plays a major role in all of Rome’s best known specialty pastas: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana. But more on those Roman pastas further below in our Rome food guide!
Most traditional Roman dishes have long histories, some even dating back to Medieval times. However, it is interesting that even a city as historic as Rome isn’t immune to trendy new foods, like the popular Trapizzino. Invented in 2008, this half pizza—half sandwich Roman street food can now be found all around the city. Proof that foodies will find in Rome not only amazing dishes that date back to antiquity, but bold new flavors from the city’s current culinary creators!
In addition to the local foods of Rome, since it’s the capital, you can find specialty dishes of other Italian regions here. You’ll find some of Italy’s best known foods from Bologna, specialties from Tuscany, and even some from Venice.
If you are not visiting other regions on your trip, go ahead and try these specialties in the country’s capital while you are still in Italy. Otherwise, I would encourage foodies in Rome to concentrate on traditional Roman food when in the Eternal City. And if you’re wondering where that nickname came from, it first appeared way back in 1 B.C. to describe what seemed like the never-ending power and expanse of Rome.
That’s enough Roman history for me; let’s talk about Roman food!
Ultimate Guide to Rome for Foodies
Best Farmers Markets in Rome
Best Coffee in Rome
Best Pizza in Rome
Best Pasta in Rome
Best Lunch Deal (and Tiramisu) in Rome
Best Roman Specialties
Best Vegan Food in Rome
Best Gelato in Rome
Best Food Tour in Rome
Best Cooking Classes in Rome
Outdoor Roman market at Campo de’ Fiori is a colorful place in Rome for foodies to grab a snack.
Best Market in Rome for Foodies
Mercato di Testaccio
One of my favorite ways to get to know the local food in any city is to stroll through the farmers’ markets. I love perusing the colorful displays, seeing what’s in season, and discovering new ingredients. It’s definitely one of the things to do in Rome that I would not miss! And these Rome food markets can be a great place to purchase some provisions for a picnic!
Rome has many fabulous food markets—you can find almost any food Rome has to offer at its mercati. Locals shop for everything from meats and cheeses to fruits and vegetables at the open-air Mercato San Cosimato located at the Piazza San Cosimato in Trastevere Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Although the farmers’ market in Campo de’ Fiori square bustles with tourists, it’s still worth a walk through for the unparalleled ambiance. You may even find a souvenir food from Rome to take home! It’s open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.
And if you’re looking for a great Roman meal, head to the Testaccio Market, located at Via Beniamino Franklin, a few minutes from the city’s Monte Testaccio archeological site. This foodie heaven is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, which makes it a great spot for an Italian breakfast and/or lunch at affordable prices. These are some of the best cheap eats in Rome! At the Mercato Testaccio, snag the typical Italian breakfast of a pastry and coffee, and for lunch, try one of the following options:
Food Box (Box 66) is known for some of the best Roman street food in the city. Their Supplì (egg-shaped rice croquettes), sometimes called Supplì Roma, are fried to order. The classic is stuffed with a meat ragu, while a few other flavors are usually on offer as well. If the Carciofi alla Giudia (fried whole artichokes) are available, grab some of those too!
Mordi e Vai (Box 15) may be the most popular stall at this Roman market. But don’t wait until you’re starving to go there as there’s usually a line for the killer sandwiches made by retired butcher Sergio Esposito. Really? Wait in line for a sandwich? Yes, really! You’ll thank me for sure!
Cups (Box 44), run by the inventive Michelin-starred chef Cristina Bowerman (Glass Hosteria), offers some excellent choices beyond traditional Roman food.
A popular place in Rome for foodies to get lunch, the Testaccio Market, offers plenty of outdoor seating.
Best Coffee House in Rome for Foodies
Tazza D’Oro
By Karen from Wear I Wandered
Tazza D’Oro is considered by many to serve the best coffee in Rome. Its full name is Antigua Tazzadoro La Casa Del Caffe al Pantheon, but Tazza D’Oro will do. Rome is a city where drinking coffee is an art. You will definitely sense the artistry and experience the importance of coffee at Tazza D’Oro.
This coffee house was established in 1944. The company carefully sources, roasts, blends, and serves their own coffee right in the heart of Rome. The location is amazing! It is just off the Piazza della Rotonda, the gorgeous piazza on which the Pantheon is situated. Because of its central location, you will almost definitely be near Tazza D’Oro at some point during your visit to Rome.
It is a must-stop place in Rome for foodies! The décor is simple but traditional with dark marble and gold. Like many coffee shops in Rome, and the bàcaro in Venice, this is mostly a stand-up bar with few tables. You order first at the register, then take your ticket to the bar where you are served, and you then drink your coffee without sitting down.
The coffee? It’s superb. Smooth and rich and amazing, perhaps the best coffee in Rome. Of course, you can have an Americano or a Cappuccino, but when at one of the most iconic coffee shops in the world, perhaps you should try one of their specialties. The espresso at Tazza D’oro is sheer perfection. Or if it is a warm day, you could try their granita. Tazza is known for this cold concoction with layers of shaved iced coffee and cream. It is out-of-this-world delicious. You owe it to yourself to experience Tazza D’Oro on a trip to Rome.
Foodies in Rome should try the Granita at Tazza D’Oro.
Best Pizza in Rome for Foodies
Pizza al Taglio at Molino Roma
Renata from Bye Myself
Pizza is perhaps the most famous dish of Italy, and so it is one of the most popular foods in Rome for locals and tourists alike.
First things first: A real pizza is not that thing in a cardboard box waiting in the corner of your freezer for you when you get hungry at odd hours. A real pizza is a thin, subtly tasty layer of dough topped with produce of the highest quality—and those are by no means buried under an avalanche of heavy yellow cheese.
Italian pizza is a dish best sampled in Italy. But beware, it will forever ruin any other so-called pizza for you. Naples, in the region of Campania, prides itself on being the cradle of Italian pizza making and the local bakers insist that only they know the real recipe—as if it is a secret potion.
Nevertheless, I personally have had the best pizza of my entire life in Rome at Molino Roma!
In the Italian capital, pizza is not only an entire meal, it can also be a quick snack—fast food, if you want. There are many small food vendors and bakeries in Rome selling amazing pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice. This means that you choose how big a piece you want of which variety of pizza. You then pay for it according to the weight—the pizza’s weight, not yours.
In contrast to denizens of some other Italian cities like Florence, Romans are not afraid of toppings. At my favorite pizza place, the Molino Roma, the toppings are about three times as thick as the dough. The classics are zucchini flowers and anchovies, figs and cheese, and chicory, a very hearty green spinach-like vegetable. Also, the baker is an artist who composes with his ingredients like a painter uses his palette to create masterpieces. This is equally true for any of the traditional pizzas that begin with a canvass of mouthwatering tomato sauce or the sauceless wonders of the inventive pizza bianca, or “white pizza” varieties. He makes them all with loads of talent and lots of amore to make the best pizza, and best pizza al taglio, in Rome.
Molino Roma is one of the best spots to eat in Rome, and it is just minutes from the main train station Roma Termini. You'll find it across from the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore on Via Merulana.
Pizza al Taglio at Molino Roma, image courtesy of Renata from Bye Myself
Best Pasta in Rome for Foodies
Cacio e Pepe at Ristorante da Pancrazio
By D&J of Make Them All Trips of a Lifetime
Until our most recent visit to Rome, we had yet to taste its famous Cacio e Pepe, one of the Italian capital’s most classic pasta dishes. Introduced to us (by my sister) on our second night, we ordered the creamy and delicious dish at every restaurant we visited from that night forward.
Located in the trendy Trastevere area of Rome, the Antica Osteria Rugantino Restaurant served its Cacio e Pepe with thick spaghetti, in a deep bowl, soaked in sauce. The dish was rustic and delicious. However, we would soon discover another spot that would become our favorite restaurant, with the best pasta in Rome.
Hidden in the Campo de’ Fiori area, Ristorante da Pancrazio was built atop ancient Roman ruins. An attempt to expand the premises in the 1950s revealed several rooms from the first-century Theatre of Pompeii, where Julius Caesar was murdered.
The restaurant’s simple exterior reveals nothing of its history and extraordinary menu of authentic Roman dishes. Sitting outside on the small patio under the night sky, we indulged in a chilled bottle of Rosé and nibbled on Cacio e Pepe Potato Croquettes and delicately fried Zucchini Flowers with Anchovies. As is typical of many traditional Italian dishes, the ingredients were simple and the flavors subtle and complementary. The appetizers soon gave way to our second course, large flat dishes of spaghettini pasta in the best Cacio e Pepe sauce we have ever had to date. As we ate, buskers appeared, singing opera and playing accordion music; it was pure magic.
We stayed late into the night, sipping wine and resisting the urge to order another phenomenal dish, but before we left, the owner invited us to explore downstairs, where full rooms were excavated and ancient artifacts are clearly visible. The story may intrigue you the first time, but it is the exceptional food that will bring you back again (and again). Pancrazio is one of the city’s best-kept secrets, yet one of the most special places to eat in Rome.
Ristorante da Pancrazio, image courtesy of D&J of Make Them All Trips of a Lifetime
Amatriciana a Flambe at Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Eating in Rome should definitely include one of the must-try pastas in Rome for foodies—Amatriciana. And we know the best Rome restaurants for one of the best dishes in town.
On our first visit to Rome together, my husband Mike (also a foodie), quickly discovered he fancied Amatriciana.
While Italian chefs debate over whether tonnarelli, spaghetti, or bucatini are the best pasta to serve with Amatriciana, it didn’t matter to Mike. He ate the dish almost every day in Rome, with whatever pasta it was served.
What’s so special about this tomato-based pasta sauce?
It looks like an ordinary marinara-type sauce, however the Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (beef cheeks), and hot pepper make Amatriciana much more complex, with sweet, salty, spicy, sharp, and fatty flavors.
Amatriciana is originally from the nearby city of Amatrice, and like many of Italy’s specialties, it has peasant roots. It dates back to the 1600s, and is still one of Rome’s most revered dishes.
In fact, almost every trattoria and osteria serves their version of this traditional sauce. But only the best trattoria in Rome serves it from a wheel of Pecorino Romano cheese—Trattoria Vecchia Roma!
You may know that cheese is my favorite food group, so if you’re bringing my pasta to the table in a wheel of cheese, you will definitely win my vote not only for where to get the best Amatriciana, but also for best pasta restaurant in Rome!
However, my two runners-ups, Armando al Pantheon and Flavio al Velavevodetto, both serve delicious Amatriciana versions of their own.
The delicious Rome for Foodies recommendation, Amatriciana a Flambe at Trattoria Vecchia
Tonnarelli all'Amatriciana at La Vacca ’Mbriaca
By Dymphe from Dymabroad
La Vacca ‘Mbriaca is one of the top restaurants in Rome for foodies! This restaurant serves many delicious Italian dishes. Even though everything here is great, I’d especially recommend having one of the pasta dishes, and especially the Tonnarelli all'Amatriciana. La Vacca ‘Mbriaca has some of the best pastas Rome has to offer! They all taste amazing, and they look incredible too!
Moreover, during certain holidays, La Vacca ’Mbriaca has special menus with special pricing. At these times, you can taste dishes that you normally can't get from the restaurant, which is great! For example, there is a three-course Christmas lunch for 25 euro.
Furthermore, the atmosphere in the restaurant is lovely. The people working in the restaurant are very friendly, and you’ll feel completely welcome when you have dinner there. Also, the interior is very cozy, making it the perfect place for a relaxing evening of dining with a choice glass of wine from the unpretentious wine list.
Not only is La Vacca ’Mbriaca one of my favorite restaurants in Rome, but its location is very convenient. It’s located in the Monti neighborhood, and it's only a short walk from the Colosseum. Because of this, it is very easy to get to, even if you have only one day in Rome.
The restaurant’s chef is Lorenzo Bevilacqua. A fun thing to know is that this restaurant once participated in an Italian show on television! The show is called Cuochi d'Italia. For this, Lorenzo Bevilacqua prepared the dish Tonnarelli all'Amatriciana, for which he received a perfect score of 10!
So, if you're looking for one of the best restaurants Rome has to offer for a superlative dinner at an affordable price, you should definitely consider La Vacca ’Mbriaca!
Foodies in Rome should go to La Vacca 'Mbriaca near the Colosseum.
Spaghetti alla Carbonara at Le Mani in Pasta
By Giulia from the Travelling Sunglasses
Without a doubt, during your trip to Italy, you will eat a lot of pasta. When in the capital, make sure you try Spaghetti alla Carbonara, one of the most authentic Roman dishes; it is a must-have in Rome for foodies.
Simple but delicious, carbonara is known all over the world and has many variations. Head to Ristorante le Mani in Pasta in the Trastevere neighborhood to try an authentic carbonara made with eggs, hard cheese (Pecorino Romano), pork cheek (guanciale), and black pepper. Long pasta pairs well with carbonara, with spaghetti the best choice. It's absolutely delicious, light yet nutritious. It’s so good, you may even decide to come back to Le Mani in Pasta for more!
The history of pasta carbonara is very interesting. Similar recipes combining lard, eggs, and cheese are documented since the 1800s. The "carbonari" are coal miners, so it is believed that this dish was prepared by these workers.
However, the name "carbonara" was first used in 1950, and its fame is tied to World War II: Eggs and bacon were included in the US military rations that were distributed to the locals. These same ingredients, in turn, were used by local chefs to cook for the American soldiers, and pasta carbonara became a favorite of the GI’s.
Throughout the years, the recipe has been modified by chefs worldwide, with the addition and removal of ingredients such as cream, garlic, spices, different types of cheese (often parmesan) and pancetta or bacon. However, if you’re in Rome, make sure you get the real deal and enjoy the authentic carbonara at Le Mani in Pasta, my pick for best restaurant in Rome, Italy! Check here for more unique things to do in Rome.
Spaghetti alla Carbonara from Le Mani in Pasta, image courtesy of Giulia from the Travelling Sunglasses
Spaghetti alla Carbonara at PizzerIa Pasquino
Brit from Travel by Brit
During our trip to Rome, my husband and I stayed at an adorable bed and breakfast called My Suite Rome that we discovered on Booking.com. The host was incredibly hospitable and recommended a handful of restaurants in Rome Italy during our stay.
One of the places he recommended was Pizzeria Pasquino—and wow, am I happy we took his recommendation! Pizzeria Pasquino is located just outside of Piazza Navona. Unlike the chaotic, tourist-filled restaurants in Piazza Navona, Pizzeria Pasquino is situated on a quaint, quiet corner that offers a relaxing ambiance and the classic, outdoor dining experience that’s a cherished amenity in Rome.
One of my favorite parts about dining at this restaurant was watching the chef make the fresh pasta from scratch through the restaurant window! The best thing to order at Pizzeria Pasquino is the Spaghetti alla Carbonara—an Italian pasta dish made with egg, cured pork, hard cheese, and black pepper.
The Carbonara at Pizzeria Pasquino was the best pasta we ate during our entire time in Italy! In addition to the incredible food, Pizzeria Pasquino has fantastic service. Our waiter was so friendly, and at the end of our meal, he brought us each a small glass of limoncello to enjoy—free of charge! This small act of kindness made our already exceptional dining experience at the restaurant especially memorable.
Best Lunch Deal (and Tiramisu) in Rome for Foodies
Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli
By Martina & Jürgen from PlacesofJuma
One of the best places to eat in Rome for foodies, especially those looking for authentic Italian food in Rome and delicious desserts, is the Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli. This restaurant is actually located in one of the coolest areas in Rome, in San Lorenzo, a touch outside the city center.
In addition to some of the best food Rome has to offer, it has surprisingly fantastic prices! I consider it one of the best affordable restaurants in Rome.
You should definitely come here for lunch and try the daily lunch menu. Every day, there is a new culinary meat or fish special to choose between. The best deal in Rome, here you will get a starter, a main course, water, and coffee for around 10 Euro!
And if you love to eat pizza, this pizzeria is the right place to do it in Rome! Many people praise their fantastic pizza as one of the best in Italy–and, truly, the taste is uniquely delicious here. You should also definitely order the divine Tiramisu as a dessert. It’s one of the best desserts in Rome!
Even though the Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli is just a short distance from the tourist center of Rome, it is a local favorite, and the waiters are super friendly—it’s truly one of the coolest restaurants in Rome, Italy—a real culinary insider tip that you should not miss!
Tiramisu at Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli, image courtesy of Martina & Jürgen from Places of Juma.
Best Roman Specialties for Foodies
Porchetta at I Porchettoni
If you eat pork, this Rome for Foodies recommendation is a must! Once considered a dish only for special occasions, Porchetta’s deliciousness has propelled it to a dish now popular for every day. In fact, it has become one of the favorite street foods of Rome.
Imagine a boneless pork roast stuffed with aromatic herbs like garlic and fennel, and slowly cooked until the outside is crackling and the inside is perfectly moist. That’s Porchetta! And when I say slowly cooked, we’re talking all-day slow, like 8 or more hours! No wonder it was once made only on special occasions!
Today Rome offers many ways to have incredible Porchetta experiences! The tender meat makes wonderful sandwiches, and you can find them on food trucks at markets and at delis all around the city. Try Er Buchetto for an inexpensive lunch in Rome with the feel of a real local’s “hole in the wall.” It’s one of the best porchettas in Rome!
it’s truly where to eat Rome like the Romans do! Or sit down to a meal for the house specialty at I Porchettoni in the San Lorenzo area. Or, better yet, do both! Wherever you eat porchetta, it will be one of the best affordable Roman meals!
If you have time for a day trip, you can visit Ariccia, a small town just 16 miles outside of Rome where Porchetta originated back in Medieval times. You can easily take a train to Ariccia to enjoy Porchetta at one of the traditional “fraschettas,” like Fraschetta Da Rugantino or Osteria Mastro Titta-Fraschetta. It’s worth the trip for this famous Roman food!
Porchetta, a local foodie favorite in Rome
Carciofi alla Giudia at Ristorante Piperno
My husband still teases me about the first time I ordered artichokes in Rome. I just knew the word “carciofi” meant artichoke and picked something I saw on the menu with that in the description. Luckily, Mike knew a few more words and told me I had just ordered brain with artichokes! I quickly changed my order. Yes, sometimes eating in Rome can be tricky!
I grew up eating lots of artichokes: stuffed, sautéed, steamed, and dipped, and hearts breaded and fried. But not Carciofi alla Giudia—Jewish style artichokes! These are flattened and then deep-fried whole artichokes—YUM! The crispy chip-like outer leaves give way to a more meaty center.
And, you may have guessed from their name, that they are a specialty of the Roman Jewish Ghetto.
In 1555, Roman Jews were forced to live in this once walled area where Carciofi alla Giudia are now a famous Rome food. Ristorante Piperno on the border of the Jewish Ghetto is one of the oldest restaurants in the area, dating back to 1860, and these artichokes are a must-have if you go there when artichokes are in season (January/February through May).
Two other longtime Jewish Roman ghetto restaurants, Sora Margherita and Gigetto, serve tasty Carciofi alla Giudia in more modest settings. Throughout Rome, you may also find these artichokes as a starter, or try the street food stall Food Box at the Testaccio Market.
A must-have in Rome for foodies, Carciofi alla Giudia at Ristorante Piperno
Best Vegan Food in Rome for Foodies
Vegan Burgers at Flower Burger
By Annalisa from Travel Connect Experience
At Flower Burger, you can enjoy some of the best vegan burgers in Rome. This small and colorful burger shop near Vatican City offers exclusively vegan products. The protagonists are large, colorful burgers accompanied by abundant french fries.
The creator of the successful Flower Burger franchise is famous chef Marco Bianchi, author of several alternative Italian cookbooks. The first Flower Burger appeared in Milan but the eatery very quickly spread to other Italian cities, including Rome. Marco has won the hearts of Italians with his sweet smile, active social media presence, and zest for promoting healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle.
At Flower Burger, there are at least 7 types of vegan burgers to choose from. Some made with quinoa, others with chickpeas, peas, lentils, or red beans and accompanied by delicious sauces and vegan cheese. The bun is the hallmark element that characterizes Flower Burgers, with a rainbow of colorful options to choose from: ocean blue, bright yellow, shocking pink, purple, white, and black.
Since Flower Burger is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Rome, expect to stand in line at dinner time and on weekends. To reach the restaurant by public transportation, take the A-line metro to the stations of Ottaviano or Lepanto and then take a short walk through the elegant Prati neighborhood, one of the best neighborhoods of Rome in which to encounter impressive examples of Art Nouveau architecture.
Vegan Burger at Flower Burger, image courtesy of Annalisa from Travel Connect Experience
Rifugio Romano
By Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
For anyone who wants to taste authentic local specialty dishes eaten only in Rome, a meal at Rifugio Romano is a must. And I do mean anyone, because this typical Roman trattoria does an incredible job of catering for those with special dietary requirements, including vegetarians and vegans in Rome, while continuing to serve up the classic dishes that regular customers expect.
Alongside the regular menu, which is made up primarily of dishes from the local cuisine of Rome and the surrounding region of Lazio, there is also a full vegan menu covering every course of an Italian meal, from antipasti to desserts. There are literally dozens of vegan options to choose from, and one of the best things about them is that most are still traditional Roman specialties, but reimagined in vegan form.
For anyone who avoids animal products, whether for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, Rifugio Romano is one of your must-eat places in Rome. It’s a rare opportunity to try dishes like spaghetti cacio e pepe or supplì. Any of their pasta dishes can also be made with whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
I recommend ordering the antipasti platter as a first course to share with everyone at the table, that way you'll get to try a little bit of everything. And don't leave without ordering the vegan tiramisu for dessert!
Rifugio Romano is located just a few minutes' walk from Termini, the main railway station in Rome. It's not a place where you would expect to find a restaurant of this caliber, and it has to be said that it's not the most atmospheric part of Rome. Nevertheless, it's very convenient if you're arriving by train or staying in one of the many budget-friendly hotels in the area.
Antipasti platter at Rifugio Romano, image courtesy of Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
Best Gelato in Rome for Foodies
Gelateria dei Gracchi
By Matt from The Plate Unknown
My dad loves food; this is probably a big reason I love food. My dad also travels a lot for work and eats out a lot as a result. When we were heading to Rome, a place he visits regularly for work, he struggled to tell us where to eat since he is usually taken to places by his Italian colleagues, and there’s no way of working out what they’re called or where they were after a few bottles of wine and an after-dinner Grappa.
One thing he could say with absolute certainty is that the best gelato in Rome is served at Gelateria dei Gracchi. One of his colleagues in Rome is obsessed with gelato, and he is adamant that Gelateria dei Gracchi serves not only the best gelato in Rome but possibly in all of Italy. This second claim should be taken with a pinch of salt as this man is a native of Rome and Italians are rightly proud of their local produce—sometimes to the point of belligerence.
The first of the four Gracchi gelato shops was opened in 1999 by Sardinian Alberto Manassei, who was a violin maker and learned the art of gelato making from his brother. His focus is on creating artisan gelato using products as close to the shop as possible, entirely Italian and using the best of each season’s ingredients.
His pistachio gelato has been internationally recognized as exceptional, but all the flavors are magnificent.
These shops do get incredibly busy in summer, so be prepared to queue, but, boy, is it worth it for some of the best gelato in Rome—and possibly on Earth.
Gelateria La Romana
By Shelley from Travel-Stained
If the constant and never-ending line of (mostly) locals is any kind of testament, Gelateria La Romana is the place to go for gelato in Rome.
La Romana was founded in 1947 in the historic center of Rimini, and named after the owner's daughter. Known for gelati that use traditional recipes and premium ingredients, La Romana ensures the total freshness of their gelato by producing small quantities at different times of the day. In fact, the average duration of each batch of gelato is not more than 3 hours.
To order, line up at the cashier, order your gelato by size or number of scoops (2 or 3 usually), then take your receipt to the gelato bar. This is where you'll decide what flavors you want, whether you'd like a cup or cone, and if you'll add panna (whip cream).
There are over 20 rotating flavors of gelato to choose from, so it's best to decide before joining the scrum at the gelato bar. At La Romana, you also have the choice to coat the inside of your cone with white or dark chocolate. You can also select from several whip cream flavors, including regular, zambione, or chocolate.
There are several locations in Rome (and around the world), but the Via Venti Settembre 60 location is a slightly less touristy spot to check out in Rome's historic center, near Porta Pia.
Gelato from Gelateria La Romana, image courtesy of Shelley from Travel-Stained.
Giolitii
By Constance from A Well-Read Wanderer
The year 2019 was such a fun travel year for me. For my 30th birthday, my husband and I took a trip to Italy, where we did ALL the eating we could have hoped for, including lots of gelato. On a 10-day trip, we had gelato from at least 18 gelaterie across the country. While they were all delicious, one gelato experience from Rome was so memorable, it still makes my mouth water.
We had just returned to Rome after a long day trip to Pompeii and Sorrento. We were still trying to adjust to the Italian schedule of a late dinner and hadn’t had an aperitivo to tide us over. So, when our desired restaurant had a long wait before a table would be ready, we decided on a little pre-dinner gelato. In Italy, after all, there is no “wrong” time for gelato.
We walked through the lamplit streets to a gelateria I’d heard about from a few people, Giolitii. While I generally try to mix up my flavors for more variety, the kind of hunger I was carrying around called for my go-to craving: dark chocolate, or cioccolato.
This dark chocolate gelato was positively life-changing: unbelievably decadent in its chocolate flavor and creamier than any other gelato I’d ever tried. My husband tried a taste, but that was all I’d allow him, and he had serious regret about not choosing that flavor himself.
Later in our trip, we participated in a gelato-making class, during which I learned that dark chocolate gelato, unlike other gelatos, doesn’t actually have any cream added to it. The rich and creamy texture comes from pure chocolate.
Looking back today, I’m so grateful for that trip to Italy with all the carbs and gelato. I believe now more than ever that opportunities are fleeting, and travel is (almost) always a good idea.
Best Food Tours in Rome for Foodies
Testaccio Tour by Eating Europe
By Katy from Untold Italy
The neighborhood of Testaccio has been an important food center for the city of Rome since ancient times. Often referred to as the "food bowl" of Rome, it's the perfect place to take a Rome food tour. Eating Europe has a day-time experience that visits the popular local Testaccio market, but we chose the evening tour so we could enjoy an aperitivo among the locals of this traditionally working class rione, or neighborhood.
We made five stops for traditional Roman food on this generous outing. First, sampling cheeses, wine, and antipasti in both a traditional cantina and modern enoteca, or wine bar. Then it was onto some serious pasta eating during which we learned the interrelationship between the quintessential Roman pasta dishes: cacio e pepe, alla gricia, and ,of course, carbonara. Of course, no food tour in Italy would be complete without a stop for pizza. On this occasion, we discovered a modern innovation: the stuffed pizza known as trapizzino. Then it was onto a traditional gelateria for some of the creamiest dessert in town.
Our guide, a former chef, explained the importance of the neighborhood to Rome's food culture and encouraged us to try local offal specialties that people travel across town and Italy for. So, if you want a Rome foodie adventure, head to Testaccio and treat your taste buds to its symphony of flavors.
One of the best experiences in Rome for foodies is shopping at the Testaccio market.
Truffle Hunting in Rome
by Lannie from Lannie’s Food & Travel
Chances are, if you’re a foodie, you’ve enjoyed truffles, or have seen truffles on an Italian restaurant menu. Truffles, pungent fungi (similar to mushrooms), are used in Italian, Croatian, and other Mediterranean cuisine to give dishes an extra flavor kick. Depending on the type of cuisine, region, and season, chefs will either use black truffle or white truffle.
Many places in the truffle region offer truffle-hunting tours. For someone who loves a winning combination of travel, gastronomy, dogs, and a little outdoor time, truffle hunting is the perfect day trip from Rome.
We started the day with a quick 45-minute train ride outside of the city. Greeted by our guide and his two truffle-hunting dogs, Wendy and Uji, we set out for a wooded area nearby. The dogs were set free to start the hunt. For us humans, it’s part leisurely stroll, part “easy” hike. When Wendy and Uji found some loot, our guide went over to dig around in the dirt, and out popped a beautiful black truffle. This meant treats for Wendy and Uzi, and truffles for our meal later!
After a few hours of truffle hunting, we went to the home of our guide and his partner for a home-cooked Roman meal with our newly acquired treasures! Imagine sitting in the Italian sun, at a home in the countryside, with a delicious meal prepared specifically for you—topped or cooked with beautifully fresh black truffles. Perfection? Absolutely!
For foodies in Rome, going on a truffle-hunting food tour is a must! This food tour in Rome is also great for dog lovers missing their pups while on holiday!
Truffle hunting in Rome, image courtesy of Lannie from Lannie’s Food & Travel
Best Cooking Class in Rome for Foodies
Fabiolous Cooking Day
By Karen from Wear I Wandered
One of the best food experiences in Rome for foodies is taking a cooking class. Italians are very serious about using the freshest ingredients, as well as employing traditional methods of preparing pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties. You can learn to fully embrace this ethic in a Rome cooking class, and Fabiolous Cooking Day taught by chef Fabio Massimo Bongianni is a wonderful option.
There are a variety of Italian cooking classes to choose from, but the market and cooking class is my choice because you not only learn to prepare a variety of foods but you start early with stops at an open air produce market in Rome as well as a number of small shops. It’s the best way to learn how and where the Roman people buy their produce, cheese, meats, and breads.
After collecting your ingredients, you go to a gorgeous apartment in the center of Rome to cook. The instruction is simple and all hands on. You will not just be watching but also doing. These are small-group classes that give you plenty of opportunity to attempt, and perhaps master, a variety of methods of food preparation as well as to interact with the host and the other guests.
One of the best parts of the day is eating! You’ll be seated on a rooftop overlooking the city, chatting with new friends, while the Roman food that you have prepared will be served to you along with delicious Italian wine! What a perfect day in Rome for foodies!
Cooking class by Fabiolous Cooking Day, image courtesy of Karen from Wear I Wandered
Walks of Italy Pasta Making
By James from Travel Collecting
The food in Rome is amazing, so what better way to experience it than to learn how to cook it yourself? I took an awesome class in a rooftop apartment in central Rome, just a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona. The Roman pasta making class started with a welcome drink and antipasti on the terrace. We enjoyed the views of the dome of a neighboring church above us and narrow cobbled streets below us as we got to know our fellow classmates and our instructors—a delightful Italian couple who spoke flawless English.
A large table was set up on the terrace and we soon took our assigned places. We learned how to mix eggs, flour, and olive oil, and knead them into the perfect pasta dough. As it rested, one of our group members volunteered, under tutelage, to demonstrate the making of the filling for our ravioli as we drank more wine.
Then out came the pasta rolling machines and chitarras (named after the guitar). We rolled our doughs into sheets then used the chitarra strings to slice half of them into spaghetti and cut the other half into shapes to form our raviolis. Our instructors were constantly on hand to help and guide us. Our efforts were combined, and as we rested one last time, another volunteer helped make the simple but incredibly delicious sauce, with the help of our instructors.
When everything was cooked, we sat down to enjoy my favorite meal in Rome—one we had cooked ourselves—with great company and more wine.
At the end of the evening, we were given the recipes. I have made them many times since. I love that I am able to recreate part of my Roman holiday at home any time I please.
Final thoughts on the Ultimate Guide to Rome for Foodies
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Ultimate Guide to Rome for Foodies! You should be well armed with knowledge of the traditional Roman foods, where to eat in Rome, and hopefully everything you need to enjoy the best food in Rome.
I know I can’t wait to get back to Italy and eat Rome! And although for foodies, Rome is not about quantity, but quality, it is great to have so many wonderful Roman foods to look forward to!
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