6 Traditional Foods To Try In Rome (And Where To Try Them)
Looking for the most traditional local foods to try in Rome, Italy? You’re in the right place!
When you think of Rome, what immediately comes to mind? Perhaps the iconic Colosseum, the majestic Vatican City, or the charming cobblestone streets. However, for food enthusiasts, Rome offers a quite a journey through its rich culinary history.
Best way to discover the flavors of Rome? Join local experts on a guided food tour! My favorites include: Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours and Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe
Foods to Try in Rome
The city’s traditional foods are not just meals; they are portals to centuries of culture and tradition, each bite telling a story of Rome’s past and present. Without further ado, here are 5 most traditional dishes to try on your next Roman vacation:
1. Pasta alla Carbonara
Let’s start with a classic: Pasta alla Carbonara. This dish embodies the essence of Roman cuisine with its simplicity and depth of flavor. Originating from the post-war era, it consists of pasta (typically spaghetti) coated in a creamy sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. The creamy texture paired with the salty bite of the guanciale creates a harmonious balance that leaves a lasting impression.
Now, I know you came to Around The World in 80 Flavors for meatless food travel tips. I got you, boo. While hunting down the best artichokes in the Jewish Quarter, look out for veggie friendly and equally delicious…drum roll please…artichoke carbonara! You heard that right. All the creamy pasta indulgence and none of the pork.
Also look for: pasta gricia which is essentially a lighter version of carbonara, with no egg.
Where to have it:
Personally, the only one I’ll ever eat is made by my uncle in his very own Roman kitchen! In fact, I only eat carbonara made by my uncle, which these days is about once every two years or so. You guys know I’m mostly vegan/vegetarian. The fact that I eat carbonara at all is quite a statement to Roman cuisine… That said, see below recommendations for Roman pastas all in one place.
2. Cacio e Pepe
Another pasta dish that deserves the spotlight is Cacio e Pepe. It’s quite a sentimental one for me as it was Anthony Bourdain’s favorite pasta dish. RIP Chef 🙁 As straightforward as it gets, this Roman staple features spaghetti or tonnarelli tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
The magic lies in the technique of emulsifying the cheese with pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Italian cooking.
Where to have it:
Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara and gricia can typically be found at the same restaurants serving Roman cuisine. Try: Osteria delle Commari, Pasta In Corso, Osteria Luci in Cucina, Antica Osteria Rugantino, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, Trattoria Perilli, Cacio e Pepe (Metro Lepanto).
Out of the beaten path try Osteria Bonelli (your one stop shop for all things Roman on the list, to be honest. This one is a true local find.) And if you happen to be on my home turf in LA, try cacio e pepe made inside a parmiggiano wheel at Forma in Santa Monica.
You might also like: BEST FOOD IN CINQUE TERRE, ITALY: 6 LIGURIAN SPECIALTIES YOU MUST TRY , THE BEST CICCHETTI IN VENICE (AND WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT)
3. Supplì
For something to munch on the go, look no further than Supplì. Often referred to as Rome’s answer to Sicily’s arancini, Supplì are deep-fried rice or pasta balls. They tend to be filled with a gooey center of mozzarella cheese and ragù (meat sauce), but you can find plenty of veggie friendly fillings too. They are crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside—a delightful street food that showcases Rome’s knack for transforming humble ingredients into culinary delights.
Where to have it:
The best suppli in Rome can be found at I Supplì dei Coronari, Supplizio, Supplì Roma (in Trastevere), La casa del supplì and Bonci Pizzarium. The last one is my personal favorite. Go as soon as they open at 11am to avoid lines out the door. And to enjoy the suppli at their freshest.
4. Roman Artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana)
In the realm of vegetables, Roman artichokes hold a special place. Carciofi alla Romana is a dish where artichokes are braised with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon until tender. The result is a dish that is both tender and flavorful, showcasing the artichoke’s natural sweetness and earthy undertones. It’s a dish that reflects the simplicity and elegance of Roman cuisine.
Also look for: fiori di zucca (zucchini blossoms), typically served deep fried stuffed with cheese and anchovies.
Where to have it:
No carciofi can ever equal the ones made in the kitchens of Roman Jewish Quarter. If you want to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Bourdain, head to Il Giardino Romano. Despite the fame that the late chef’s visit brought to this otherwise quiet restaurant, the quality of the food is still excellent. In Trastevere across the river, try Ristorante Pinseria Da Massi. Also try Osteria Bonelli and most of the above pasta recs – they all tend to serve carciofi as an appetizer – when is season.
Pro tip: the artichoke season in Rome is quite short, from February to April. It also happens to be off season time to beat tourist crowds, in case you needed another excuse.
5. Roman Pizza (Pizza Romana)
No culinary journey through Rome would be complete without sampling Pizza Romana. Unlike its Neapolitan counterpart, Roman pizza is characterized by its thin and crispy crust. Toppings are often minimalistic, allowing the quality of the dough to shine through.
Classic toppings include fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and fresh basil—perfect simple flavors that reflect the essence of Italian pizza-making. Also look for: pizza by the slice (square slices sold to go all across Rome).
Where to have it:
Pizzeria Remo A Testaccio, MG19 Pizza Moderna Romana, L’Elementare – Trastevere, Bona | Pizza Roma – multiple locations, PINSALLEGRA, Trieste Pizza (look out for pizza carbonara!). And so so many more…
Pro tip: remember when in Rome do as the Romans do (had to find a way to sneak this one in – sorry not sorry! :P). Pizza is never ever washed down with wine – the local way is beer and beer only.
You might also like: DEATH OR REBIRTH OF VENICE? HOW TO VISIT VENICE RESPONSIBLY POST PANDEMIC
6. Gelato
To end your culinary adventure on a sweet note, indulge in Rome’s artisanal gelato. Gelaterias dot every corner of the city, offering an array of flavors crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. From traditional flavors like pistachio and hazelnut to innovative combinations like fig and ricotta, each scoop is a celebration of Italy’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Where to have it:
As a general rule, avoid tourist traps by steering clear of the gelaterias where gelato containers are piled high and decorated with whatever ingredients they are made with (see image above). The best ones are only made in small quantities each day and they are usually covered up.
Try: Guttilla Alta Gelateria Italiana Roma, Gelateria dei Gracchi, La Strega Nocciola, Gelateria Cremilla, The Gelatist Gelateria Artigianale, Manny’s Gelateria Artigianale, Gelateria La Romana, Lemongrass Gelato.
Join local experts on a guided food tour! My favorites include: Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours and Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Eating Europe
Final Thoughts on Roman Cuisine
Exploring Rome through its traditional foods is more than just a gastronomic experience; it’s a journey through history, culture, and the art of simplicity. Each dish tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring legacy of Roman culinary traditions.
Whether you’re wandering through the charming Roman streets with suppli in hand or sitting down at a cozy osteria devouring your carciofi, take a moment to savor the flavors that have shaped Rome into the vibrant culinary capital it is today. Buon appetito!
What are the best Roman foods you tried on your Roman vacation? Have you tried any of the restaurants above? Let us know in the comments or tag @eightyflavors on socials!
OUR TRIED AND TESTED FOOD TRAVEL RESOURCES: Book a hotel with Booking.com. Search for the best flight deals on Skyscanner. Find the best local food tours on Viator. Browse curated conscious group trips with GAdventures. Get your travel insurance with World Nomads.
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