Introduction
Rome. The Eternal City. But beyond its breathtaking architecture and captivating history, Rome offers another equally compelling reason to visit: its incredible food scene. More than just sustenance, Roman cuisine is an experience, a journey through centuries of tradition, and a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Forget stuffy fine dining; Rome embraces a rustic charm in its culinary offerings, inviting you to savor the true flavors of Italy. If you’re planning a trip to the capital and you are a big fan of delicious food, you are in for a treat. The best foods in Rome have been waiting for you, and this is a great time to get to know about them.
This article is your essential guide to navigating the delicious world of Roman cuisine. We’ll explore the must-try dishes, uncover the best places to find them, and provide insider tips to ensure your culinary adventure in Rome is truly unforgettable. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and discover why Rome is a food lover’s paradise!
Pasta Perfection: The Holy Trinity and Beyond
No exploration of the best foods in Rome would be complete without a deep dive into its pasta. Roman pasta isn’t about elaborate sauces or complicated techniques; it’s about the quality of the ingredients and the mastery of the simple preparations. Let’s start with the reigning champions.
Cacio e Pepe
This seemingly simple dish is a testament to the power of quality ingredients. Cacio e Pepe translates to “cheese and pepper,” and that’s precisely what you get – pecorino romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta, traditionally tonnarelli or spaghetti. The magic lies in emulsifying the cheese with the pasta water to create a creamy, decadent sauce that clings to every strand.
Why is it a must-try? Because it encapsulates the essence of Roman cuisine: simplicity and flavor. When done right, it’s an explosion of peppery, cheesy goodness that will leave you craving more.
Where to find the best Cacio e Pepe?
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: A deli-restaurant hybrid known for its high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared Roman classics. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it.
- Flavio al Velavevodetto: Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, this restaurant offers a traditional Roman dining experience with incredible Cacio e Pepe served in a charming setting.
- Felice a Testaccio: A legendary spot known for its Cacio e Pepe. They’ve been perfecting this dish for decades.
A tip: A good Cacio e Pepe should be creamy, not oily or clumpy. The pasta should be cooked al dente (firm to the bite). The flavor should be balanced, with the sharpness of the pecorino harmonizing with the spice of the black pepper.
Carbonara
Ah, Carbonara. This dish is often butchered outside of Rome, so experiencing the real deal is a must. Authentic Carbonara consists of guanciale (cured pork cheek), eggs (only yolks, traditionally), pecorino romano cheese (sometimes a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan), and black pepper. That’s it. No cream!
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a Roman culinary icon, a dish that truly showcases the city’s culinary heritage. The richness of the egg yolks, the salty crispness of the guanciale, and the pungent pecorino create a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
Where to find the best Carbonara?
- Da Danilo: A beloved restaurant that takes pride in its traditional Roman cuisine, especially its Carbonara.
- Armando al Pantheon: A classic trattoria near the Pantheon, known for its delicious Carbonara and other Roman specialties.
- Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto: Located outside the city center, this restaurant is worth the trip for its exceptional Roman cuisine, including a standout Carbonara.
Important note: Remember, real Carbonara NEVER includes cream. Any restaurant that adds cream is not serving authentic Roman Carbonara.
Amatriciana
Amatriciana builds upon the flavors of Carbonara by adding tomato sauce, typically made with San Marzano tomatoes. It features guanciale, pecorino romano cheese, and a touch of chili pepper for a subtle kick. The pasta is usually bucatini (a thick, spaghetti-like pasta with a hole running through the center) or rigatoni.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a slightly richer and more complex pasta dish than Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara, offering a deeper, more savory flavor profile. The tomato sauce adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the guanciale and the sharpness of the pecorino.
Where to find the best Amatriciana?
- Lo Scopettaro: This restaurant is a Roman institution known for its traditional dishes and exceptional Amatriciana.
- Hostaria Romana: A traditional Roman osteria that serves a wonderful example of Amatriciana.
- Roma Sparita: Famous for its Cacio e Pepe served in a parmesan crisp basket, they also have a very great Amatriciana.
The Amatriciana has its origins in the town of Amatrice, and the recipe has evolved over time. Make sure to sample the best foods in Rome to taste the differences with the other regions.
Other Pasta Delights
While the “holy trinity” are a must, don’t stop there. Gricia, similar to Cacio e Pepe but with the added goodness of crispy guanciale, is another essential taste. Also, Pasta alla Gricia con Carciofi, which features artichokes, a Roman staple, is a seasonal treat you don’t want to miss. If you are looking for a heavy dish, try the Oxtail Ragu served over pasta which is usually eaten as a main course.
Roman Street Food Delights
Beyond restaurants, Rome’s street food scene is vibrant and offers a quick, affordable, and delicious way to experience Roman flavors.
Pizza al Taglio
Pizza al taglio means “pizza by the cut,” and it refers to rectangular pizzas sold by the slice. The beauty of pizza al taglio lies in its variety – you’ll find everything from classic margherita to more creative toppings.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s the perfect on-the-go snack or light meal. It is one of the best foods in Rome because of its popularity and taste. Plus, it allows you to sample a wide range of flavors without committing to an entire pizza.
Where to find the best Pizza al Taglio?
- Gabriele Bonci’s Pizzarium: Considered by many to be the best pizza al taglio in Rome, Bonci uses high-quality ingredients and innovative toppings.
- Forno Campo de’ Fiori: A historic bakery in Campo de’ Fiori market offering a variety of delicious pizzas and other baked goods.
- Antico Forno Roscioli: Another top choice of the city.
Remember to order a variety of slices to try different flavors and crust styles!
Supplì
Think of supplì as a Roman cousin of the arancini. These are fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and ragu. The mozzarella melts inside, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s the quintessential Roman street food snack. It’s cheap, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.
Where to find the best Supplì?
- Supplì (Via San Francesco a Ripa): A small shop dedicated solely to supplì, offering a variety of flavors.
- Many pizzerias al taglio sell supplì.
While the classic supplì is with ragu, you might find variations with different fillings.
Trapizzino
This innovative street food is a relatively recent addition to the Roman culinary scene, but it has quickly become a favorite. Trapizzino consists of triangular pockets of pizza bianca (Roman flatbread) filled with traditional Roman dishes like chicken cacciatora, eggplant parmigiana, or oxtail.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a modern and delicious way to experience classic Roman flavors in a convenient and portable format.
Where to find the best Trapizzino?
- Trapizzino (various locations): The original Trapizzino shop has multiple locations throughout Rome.
Fiori di Zucca Fritti (Fried Zucchini Flowers)
These delicate flowers, filled with mozzarella and anchovies, are battered and fried to golden perfection.
Why is it a must-try? Because they’re a seasonal delicacy, typically available in the spring and summer. The combination of the delicate zucchini flower, creamy mozzarella, and salty anchovy is truly divine.
Where to find them: Many restaurants and markets will offer fiori di zucca fritti when they’re in season.
Main Courses: Meat, Seafood, and Vegetables
Beyond pasta and street food, Rome offers a variety of delicious main courses.
Saltimbocca alla Romana
This classic Roman dish features veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, marinated in wine, and then pan-fried. Saltimbocca literally means “jumps in the mouth,” and this dish certainly lives up to its name.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a simple yet elegant dish that showcases the quality of the ingredients. The combination of the tender veal, salty prosciutto, and fragrant sage is simply irresistible.
Where to find it: Many traditional Roman restaurants offer Saltimbocca alla Romana.
Carciofi alla Romana & Carciofi alla Giudia (Artichokes)
Artichokes are a staple of Roman cuisine, and two popular preparations are Carciofi alla Romana and Carciofi alla Giudia. Carciofi alla Romana are braised artichokes cooked with mint, garlic, and olive oil, while Carciofi alla Giudia are deep-fried artichokes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Why are they a must-try? Because they showcase the versatility of the artichoke and offer two distinct and delicious flavor profiles.
Where to find them: The Jewish Ghetto is famous for its Carciofi alla Giudia. Many restaurants throughout Rome offer both preparations, especially during artichoke season.
Pollo alla Cacciatora (Hunter’s Chicken)
This comforting and flavorful dish features chicken braised in tomato sauce with onions, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold evening.
Where to find it: Many trattorias throughout Rome serve Pollo alla Cacciatora.
Baccalà (Salt Cod)
Baccalà, or salt cod, is another Roman staple. It can be prepared in various ways, such as Baccalà alla Romana (fried).
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a traditional Roman dish that offers a unique and distinctive flavor.
Where to find it: Look for Baccalà at restaurants specializing in Roman cuisine.
Sweet Endings: Desserts and Drinks
No Roman culinary experience is complete without indulging in some sweet treats and local drinks.
Gelato
Italian gelato is world-renowned, and Rome is no exception.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and satisfy your sweet tooth. The best gelato is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and offers a wide range of flavors.
Where to find the best gelato?
- Giolitti: A historic gelateria near the Pantheon, known for its classic flavors and wide selection.
- Fatamorgana: Offers unique and inventive flavors using natural ingredients.
- Günther Gelato: A high-quality Gelateria.
Avoid gelato piled high with artificial colors; look for natural colors and a smooth, creamy texture.
Tiramisu
This coffee-flavored Italian dessert is a classic for a reason.
Why is it a must-try? Because it’s a delicious and satisfying way to end a meal.
Many restaurants throughout Rome serve excellent Tiramisu.
Grattachecca
Shaved ice with flavored syrups. A refreshing summer treat. Look for traditional grattachecca stands.
Coffee and Digestifs
Embrace the Roman coffee culture by enjoying an espresso after your meal. Also, consider trying a local digestif like Limoncello or Amaro to aid digestion.
Tips for Eating Like a Local
To truly experience the best foods in Rome, here are a few tips for eating like a local:
- Be aware of Italian dining customs.
- Choose trattorias to get the best food.
- Explore Markets for fresh food.
- Learn Basic Italian phrases.
Conclusion
Exploring the best foods in Rome is more than just a culinary adventure; it’s an immersion into the city’s culture, history, and traditions. From the simple perfection of Cacio e Pepe to the innovative flavors of Trapizzino, Roman cuisine offers something for everyone. So, be adventurous, try new things, and don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Get to know about the best foods in Rome and you will have an unforgettable experience. If you find any great hidden gems, do not hesitate to share them. Buon appetito!
