What Foods is Rome Famous For? -

Rome is known for its ancient buildings like the Colesseum, but it’s food is worth visiting for too.

Top 16 Foods to Try in Rome

If you’re wondering what to eat in Rome, you’ve come to the perfect page to find out the essentials you’re going to want to try. First off, there are a ton of choices so narrowing them down is no easy task. The list we’ve got here, are a lot of the ones that you might eat if you’re invited for dinner with the locals.

So let’s get into the top 16 foods you should try when you visit Rome, Italy. They’re simple, delicious, and will have you craving Rome for not only its sights and sounds but for its tastes and smells too.

1. Pizza al taglio

Are you thinking, I’m not going all the way to Rome just to eat pizza? But, you don’t understand, this pizza is different. It’s lighter and packed with more flavor because the crust is thin and doesn’t overtake everything else. And the topping combinations you’ll find are just as fun to try out as the experience of pizza al taglio itself.

This Roman style of pizza is sold by the slice and can be found at bakeries and street food vendors throughout the city. Oftentimes, you’ll have a long row of rectangular trays with different kinds of pizza and you can tell them how big of a slice you want them to cut off. They’ll then weigh it and give you the price.

If you take the slice to go, they’ll often fold it in half so it’s easier for you to hold and eat as you walk. It’s an interesting experience wandering ancient streets while noshing on a pizza.

2. Fritti

If you’re looking for a tasty snack on the go, grab some fritti from a street vendor. These fried goodies include arancini (rice balls), baccalà (cod), and fiori di zucca (zucchini flowers). They’re crispy and packed with flavor!

3. Spaghetti alla gricia

This is a simple but delicious pasta dish made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It’s a Roman classic that’ll make your taste buds sing.

4. Porchetta

You will see a lot of porchetta sandwiches being made and consumed as you wander Rome. Porchetta, which is a traditional Italian pork roast that’s seasoned with garlic, fennel, and other herbs. It’s typically served on a sandwich and is a popular street food in Rome.

5. Bucatini all’amatriciana

Similar to the gricia, this pasta dish features bucatini (thick spaghetti-like pasta), guanciale, tomato sauce, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s savory, filling, and oh so delicious.

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6. Coda alla vaccinara

Feeling adventurous? Try this Roman oxtail stew made with tomatoes, celery, carrots, and onions. The meat is cooked until it’s tender and falling off the bone, and it’s often served with creamy mashed potatoes.

7. Maritozzo

Looking for something sweet? Check out this traditional Roman sweet bread that’s filled with whipped cream or Nutella and sprinkled with powdered sugar. It’s perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack.

8. Rigatoni con la pajata

For a bold and unique flavor experience, try this rigatoni pasta dish with tomato sauce and the intestines of milk-fed veal. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s a true Roman delicacy.

9. Trippa alla romana

Another hearty dish to try is the Roman-style tripe stew made with cow stomach, tomato sauce, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s a bit of an acquired taste, but definitely worth trying!

10. Saltimbocca alla sorrentina

This is a variation of the classic Roman saltimbocca dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage, but with the addition of melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. It’s a tasty twist on the original.

11. Crostata di ricotta

To end your meal on a sweet note, go for the crostata di ricotta. This is a traditional Roman dessert made with a creamy ricotta filling and a buttery pastry crust. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

12. Carbonara

Let’s start with a classic pasta dish that’s a must-try for anyone visiting Rome. Carbonara is made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork cheek), eggs, and Pecorino Romano cheese. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more.

13. Carciofi alla romana

If you’re looking for a tasty vegetable dish, then you should check out carciofi alla romana. This simple but delicious dish features artichokes that are braised in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and mint. It’s a great option for a side dish or appetizer.

14. Gelato

No trip to Italy would be complete without trying some gelato, and Rome has plenty of great gelaterias to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla or something more adventurous like pistachio or stracciatella, you’re sure to find something delicious.

15. Cacio e pepe

This i a very basic dish and perfect for kids and it’s fun to say – cacio e pepe. It’s made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, and the sauce is creamy and flavorful. That’s all there is to it, but you’ll see it on most menus so it could be something to try as a part of a lunch.

16. Tiramisu

You can’t visit Rome and not try Tiramisu. Even if you’ve had it back at home, it’s a different experience here. This classic Italian dessert is made with ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. It’s rich and indulgent and is the perfect way to end a meal. It’s also something lovely to try when you’re sitting in a cafe enjoying an espresso and watching the world go by.

What to Eat in Rome Wrap Up

The above top foods list gives you a glimpse into the basics of yummy food to try in Rome. Just the pizza combinations alone could have you eating a different slice of pizza for every meal on your trip. Also, the number of pasta dishes on a single menu is often mind-boggling, but you’ll see the ones mentioned above on most of them. Have fun trying Rome a mouthful at a time!

Which Italian food do you think you’ll try first?

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