Rome is a paradise for food lovers, with a rich culinary history that spans thousands of years. From classic pasta dishes to crispy Roman-style pizza, the city offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the must-try dishes in Rome and the best places to find them!
1. Carbonara: Rome’s Most Famous Pasta
🍝 What is it?
A creamy, savory pasta made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper—no cream, ever!
📍 Where to Try It?
- Roscioli (Via dei Giubbonari, 21) – A famous deli-restaurant known for its rich, authentic Carbonara.
- Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari, 29) – A small, cozy spot in Trastevere serving a perfect Carbonara.
- Flavio al Velavevodetto (Via di Monte Testaccio, 97) – A local favorite with amazing pasta dishes.
💡 Tip: Avoid touristy restaurants that serve Carbonara with cream—real Carbonara never has it!
2. Cacio e Pepe: The Simplest Yet Most Delicious Pasta
🍝 What is it?
A creamy, peppery pasta made with just Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water—simple but packed with flavor.
📍 Where to Try It?
- Felice a Testaccio (Via Mastro Giorgio, 29) – Famous for its table-side mixing of Cacio e Pepe.
- Roma Sparita (Piazza di Santa Cecilia, 24) – Their version is served inside a crispy cheese bowl!
- Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli, 5) – A modern spot with a twist on classic Roman cuisine.
💡 Tip: This dish is best enjoyed with tonnarelli pasta, a thick, square-shaped spaghetti.
3. Amatriciana: A Spicy, Savory Pasta Dish
🍝 What is it?
A bold and flavorful pasta with tomato sauce, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and a touch of chili pepper.
📍 Where to Try It?
- Armando al Pantheon (Salita de’ Crescenzi, 31) – One of the best places for traditional Amatriciana.
- Trattoria Vecchia Roma (Via Ferruccio, 12B) – Famous for their flaming Amatriciana, served straight from a giant cheese wheel!
- Da Teo (Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A) – A hidden gem in Trastevere with excellent Amatriciana.
💡 Tip: If you love spicy food, ask for extra peperoncino (chili flakes)!
4. Roman-Style Pizza (Pizza al Taglio & Pizza Tonda)
🍕 What is it?
Rome has two famous styles of pizza:
- Pizza al taglio – Thick, crispy crust served by the slice.
- Pizza tonda – Ultra-thin, crispy round pizza.
📍 Where to Try It?
- Pizzarium (by Gabriele Bonci) (Via della Meloria, 43) – The best pizza al taglio in Rome, with creative toppings.
- Antico Forno Roscioli (Via dei Chiavari, 34) – A historic bakery with delicious pizza bianca and pizza rossa.
- Da Remo (Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44) – A local favorite for classic pizza tonda.
💡 Tip: Try pizza bianca, a simple olive oil & salt pizza, often eaten as a snack.
5. Supplì: The Ultimate Roman Street Food
🍢 What is it?
A deep-fried rice ball filled with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. When you break it open, the cheese stretches like a telephone cord—hence the nickname “supplì al telefono” (telephone supplì).
📍 Where to Try It?
- I Supplì (Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 137) – One of the best places for traditional supplì.
- Supplizio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143) – A gourmet take on this classic snack.
- Trapizzino (Piazza Trilussa, 46) – Famous for both supplì and trapizzino (a pizza-sandwich hybrid).
💡 Tip: Supplì makes for a cheap and delicious snack—only about €2 each!
6. Carciofi alla Giudia & Carciofi alla Romana (Artichoke Dishes)
🥬 What is it?
Rome has two amazing artichoke dishes:
- Carciofi alla Giudia – Jewish-style, deep-fried artichokes, crispy and golden brown.
- Carciofi alla Romana – Roman-style, braised in olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
📍 Where to Try It?
- Nonna Betta (Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16) – Famous for their Jewish-style artichokes.
- Sora Margherita (Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30) – A hidden trattoria in the Jewish Ghetto.
- Trattoria Pennestri (Via Giovanni da Empoli, 5) – Serves an incredible Carciofi alla Romana.
💡 Tip: Artichokes are seasonal—the best time to try them is from November to May.
7. Maritozzo: The Sweet Roman Breakfast
🍰 What is it?
A soft, sweet bun filled with whipped cream—a Roman breakfast tradition!
📍 Where to Try It?
- Regoli Pasticceria (Via dello Statuto, 60) – One of Rome’s oldest bakeries.
- Il Maritozzo Rosso (Vicolo del Cedro, 26) – Offers both sweet and savory maritozzi.
- Forno Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori, 22) – A bakery famous for traditional pastries.
💡 Tip: Pair it with a cappuccino for the perfect Roman breakfast.
8. Tiramisu: Italy’s Favorite Dessert
🍮 What is it?
A coffee-soaked sponge cake layered with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder.
📍 Where to Try It?
- Pompi (Via della Croce, 82) – Rome’s most famous tiramisu, with different flavors!
- Two Sizes (Via del Governo Vecchio, 88) – Known for its mini tiramisus in different sizes.
- Flavio al Velavevodetto (Via di Monte Testaccio, 97) – A fantastic homemade version.
💡 Tip: Try pistachio tiramisu at Pompi for a delicious twist!
Final Thoughts
Rome is a dream for food lovers, with delicious local specialties at every corner. Whether you’re indulging in Carbonara, biting into a crispy supplì, or ending your meal with tiramisu, every bite in Rome is an unforgettable experience.