What to Eat in Rome: 27 Must-Try Traditional Roman Foods

As a self-proclaimed foodie in Rome who actually lives in the Eternal City, everyone always asks me what to eat in Rome.

After living in Italy for over two years, taking plenty of food tours, and eating my way through some of Rome’s best restaurants, I’ve narrowed down the dishes that every visitor should experience at least once.

And although Rome is one of the best food cities in the world…it’s also surprisingly easy to eat poorly here.

Many tourists wander into the first restaurant they see when the hunger pains hit, and—honestly—some of those restaurants leave you nostalgic for SpaghettiOs. If you want Roman food worth the flight prices nowadays, it’s best to do a little planning.

From my personal favorite, supplì, to all four classic Roman pastas to even a vegetable or two (shocking, I know), these are the foods that deserve a spot on your Roman foodie bucket list.

Roman Pizza

Starting out with a classic which, even when it’s bad…it’s still pretty good. I’m, of course, talking about pizza.

I would be lying if I said that pizza wasn’t one of the main reasons I moved to Italy…Once you try it here, you’ll understand.

Naples may have been the birthplace of pizza, but over the years, every city in Italy has put its own spin on this beloved dish.

Whether you prefer thick and fluffy crust, thin and crispy slices, or something in between, these are the four types of Roman pizza that deserve to be tried, tasted, and loved on your trip to Rome.

1. Pizza al Taglio (in Teglia)

Starting off strong with my personal favorite type of pizza in Rome—pizza al taglio, which translates to “pizza by the slice.” This is one of the city’s classic street foods, so it’s obviously a must eat in Rome.

Most shops are grab-and-go, so it’s one of my favorites for a quick lunch while sightseeing or a little snack porta via after Italian class.

Ordering this one can be a little stressful in Italian, but the good news is you can do most of it with hand gestures. Just point to a pizza, indicate how much you want, and they’ll cut it, weigh it, heat it up, and hand it over.

There are countless pizza al taglio shops across Rome. Nowadays, you can’t walk 10 feet without running into an Alice (a popular pizza chain in Italy, pictured below), or you can opt for a cozier spot with a more neighborhood-y feel.

My favorite (or at least, most nostalgic) place in the city for pizza al taglio is Pizza Trilussa in Trastevere. Not everyone will agree their pizza is the best, but when you’ve spent as many drunk nights there as a study abroad student as I have…there’s really no beating it.

2. Pizza Tonda (Pizza alla Romana)

Also known as pizza alla romana, pizza tonda is the style of pizza you’ll typically find at sit-down pizzerias around Rome. Like Neapolitan pizza, it’s served as a large, round, single-serving pizza.

The biggest difference is the crust. Instead of being thick and chewy around the perimeter, the entire pizza is thin and crispy.

In my experience, you’re either a pizza alla romana person or a Neapolitan pizza person. Personally, I’m team Neapolitan pizza (don’t tell Rome 😅), but I still love a good pizza tonda when it’s done right.

If you’ve never been served pizza in Italy, be aware that this will not come pre-sliced. It’s served whole and you’re supposed to cut it up yourself with a knife and fork.

The pizza pictured below is from Trattoria al Tettarello in Monti, but you’ll find delicious pizza tonda all over the city.

3. Lingua di Pizza

Lingue di pizza, or “pizza tongues,” are long, thin, crispy Roman flatbreads that are found all over the city.

They’re lighter, longer, and crispier than pizza al taglio and are perfect for a quick and easy meal on the go. (Or to slice up and snack on for a little DIY aperitivo.)

You’ll commonly find them at fornos and supermarket bakeries throughout Rome.

4. Pinsa

The last of the Roman pizzas, but certainly not least is pinsa, an oval-shaped, hand-stretched Roman flatbread that’s known for being lighter and easier to digest than traditional pizza.

Most Roman pizzerias serve either pinsa or pizza tonda, typically not both.

It had been a while since I’d had traditional pinsa, so recently my roommate and I headed to Deus Pinsa in Centocelle to try it out for ourselves.

I ordered the capricciosa with mushrooms, prosciutto, artichokes, and olives, while she went with the potato and truffle pinsa. The restaurant is famous for its all-you-can-eat pinsa, which also includes unlimited beer, soft drinks, fried appetizers, and arrosticini.

We stuck to one pinsa each (I actually have no idea how people eat more than that) before finishing the meal with a Nutella pinsa for dessert—which was delicious, even if I was far too full to fully appreciate it.

5. Supplì al Telefono

The best street food in Rome is, without a doubt, the supplì.

This delicious street food is truly unique to Rome, so if you leave the city, you’re probably also leaving supplì behind.

If you’ve had Sicilian arancini, the idea is similar, but the execution is completely different. Supplì are made with risotto and marinara sauce wrapped around a gooey ball of mozzarella, then breaded and deep fried. It sounds simple, but it’s one of my favorite foods of all time.

You’ll find them at pizza al taglio shops, bakeries, and just about anywhere that serves food in Rome. While some places offer fun twists on the original, like carbonara or cacio e pepe, it’s hard to beat the OG recipe.

The saucy delicious guy pictured below is from the iconic Supplì Roma in Trastevere—a haven for foodies in Rome.

Roman Pastas

There are probably tens of thousands of pasta variations in Italy alone.

However, when in Rome, there are four iconic dishes that must be on your noodle radar: carbonara, gricia, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana.

If you’re a vegetarian, I’ve got some bad news…only one of these is porkless. If you’re not, get ready to drown in guanciale heaven, because I highly recommend trying all four before you leave the Eternal City.

6. Carbonara

I’m just going to call it how I see it—I have absolutely zero self-control when it comes to carbonara.

I’ve probably ordered it hundreds of times since moving to Italy. Even when I know I should branch out and try something new, I almost always end up ordering yet another plate of carbonara.

Carbonara is as simple as it is *chef’s kiss* delectable. It’s made with pasta, egg, grated Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and crispy guanciale. When it’s done right, it’s one of the best Italian dishes you can find.

Since it’s arguably the most famous food in Rome, you’ll find carbonara served with all different pasta shapes all over the city. One word of warning: if you spot carbonara made with cream—or, God forbid, peas—run in the other direction as fast as you can.

7. Cacio e Pepe

Vegetarians—this one’s for you!

Cacio e pepe is the only one of the four classic Roman pastas that’s vegetarian. Made with just pasta, Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper, it’s a simple, but phenomenal Italian favorite.

I like to think of it as the Roman version of buttered noodles—but made with way more skill. If you’re a picky eater, you are going to fall head over heels with Roman cacio e pepe.

The cacio e pepe pictured below is from La Scala di Trastevere, one of my favorite restaurants in Trastevere. This one is a bit fancier than you’ll typically see, since they added in cherry tomatoes and zucchini flowers.

Although I love a good cacio e pepe, I am the opposite of a vegetarian—so I typically order the next pasta on the list instead… 👇🏼

8. Pasta alla Gricia

If you love the simplicity of cacio e pepe, but you wish there was a version with protein…well your prayers have already been answered.

Pasta alla gricia is essentially the same dish, just with the addition of crispy guanciale. It’s simple, salty, and absolutely delicious.

The gricia pictured below is from Maccarone near Campo de’ Fiori—in my opinion, one of the best affordable restaurants in Rome for a quick meal.

I also learned to make my own pasta alla gricia from scratch during one of my favorite cooking classes in the city—Carpe Diem’s Spritz & Spaghetti making class!

🍾 Get your drink on while learning the art of pasta from a local chef—use code “MADISON20” for 20% off your Spritz & Spaghetti class! ↗

9. Amatriciana

If you’re a red sauce girl, you’re going to want to write this next one down.

The fourth and last Roman pasta on this list, pasta all’amatriciana, is made with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, Pecorino Romano, and crispy guanciale.

(By now, you’ve probably noticed that pecorino and guanciale are recurring characters in Roman cuisine.)

I love a good amatriciana because the acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the cheese and guanciale, making it feel a little lighter than the other classic Roman pastas. The heaping plate pictured below is from my visit to Al42 by Pasta Chef in Monti, another great spot if you’re looking for a casual, affordable meal in the city center.

10. Gnocchi alla Romana

Now that we’ve gotten the Roman pizza and pastas out of the way, it’s time to move on to what to eat in Rome besides pasta and pizza.

Despite the name, gnocchi alla romana is completely different from the potato gnocchi you’re probably picturing in your head.

Instead of little dumplings, it’s made with semolina, milk, butter, egg yolks, and Parmesan, then cut into round discs and baked until golden. It more closely resembles sliced polenta than anything else (very Romanian food vibes).

The outside becomes slightly crispy while the inside stays soft, cheesy, and incredibly comforting. If you’re looking for the ultimate Roman comfort food, this is it.

11. Carciofi alla Romana

Surprised to see a vegetable on this list? You should be. I don’t eat many of them in Italy, but every once in a while, I make an exception 😂

Carciofi (the Italian word for artichokes) alla romana is the most popular artichoke dish in the city, and it’s quite simply phenomenal.

The dish is relatively simple: whole artichokes are stuffed with garlic, parsley, and wild mint before being braised in olive oil and white wine until they’re fall-apart tender.

I love ordering them as a side to pizza or pasta, especially when I’m sharing with a group. They’re absolutely drenched in olive oil, so whether they’re actually healthy is up for debate…but they quite literally melt in your mouth.

12. Carciofi alla Giudia 

This is technically another vegetable, but whether it still counts after being deep fried…well, you be the judge.

Carciofi alla giudia is a classic Roman-Jewish dish made by flattening and twice-frying a whole artichoke until it’s unbelievably crispy. I like to think of it as Rome’s answer to a blooming onion, just without the batter.

I didn’t try one for the first time until recently, and let me just say—mind blown 🤯

They’re usually served piping hot with a sprinkle of salt and sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon. They’re every bit as delicious as carciofi alla romana, just in a completely different way, and they’re an absolute must-try while you’re in Rome.

The delicious carciofo pictured below is from Otello in Trastevere.

13. Fiore di Zucca

If you thought this was going to be a light and healthy vegetable…you’d be 100% wrong. Fiore di zucca are definitely not earning a spot on the food pyramid, but they are very tasty and worth a try on your trip to Rome.

Fiore di zucca are a typical Roman appetizer consisting of zucchini blossoms stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, battered, and deep fried until golden and crispy. The amount of batter varies depending on the restaurant, but they’re always one of my favorite appies to order before a phenomenal Italian meal.

The one pictured below was a bit heavier on the batter than I usually prefer, but was still savory and delicious.

14. Cicoria

Cicoria (chicory) is one of the most common vegetables you’ll find on Roman menus. If you’re looking under verdure (vegetables), keep an eye out for cicoria ripassata, which is sautéed chicory cooked with plenty of olive oil and garlic.

I’ll be honest—this is one of those dishes you either love or hate. I personally love it, but my roommate is a dedicated cicoria hater.

The greens are naturally a little bitter, but cooking them in buckets of olive oil really helps to soften the taste. If you’re looking to try an authentic Roman vegetable, this is definitely one to order because yes—it does technically count as greens.

15. Puntarelle

Romans really love their chicory. As an American, it’s not a vegetable I had a lot of experience with before moving to Italy.

Both of Rome’s most famous vegetable side dishes come from it. While cicoria ripassata is made from the dark leafy greens, puntarelle uses the crisp inner shoots of the plant.

To make puntarelle alla romana, the shoots are shaved into thin strips, soaked in ice water until they curl, then tossed with extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and mashed anchovies. It’s one of the healthier dishes you’ll find on a Roman menu and a great way to squeeze in some much needed greens.

16. Porchetta

If you’re a carnivore at heart, you can’t leave Rome without trying its world-famous porchetta.

Savory pork roast is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, fennel, and black pepper before being slow-roasted until the meat is juicy and the skin turns irresistibly crispy.

I’ve tried porchetta at sandwich shops all over the city, as well as from La Norcineria di Lacozzilli in Trastevere (pictured below), which has been a neighborhood institution since 1954.

It was served on crispy pizza bianca on a food tour with Carpe Diem Tours, and was easily one of the best bites of the night!

17. Saltimbocca alla Romana

If you’re looking for another one of the best Roman bites for carnivores, saltimbocca alla romana better be on your radar.

This classic Roman dish is made with thin veal cutlets topped with fresh sage and prosciutto crudo before being lightly floured, pan-seared, and finished with a splash of white wine.

The saltimbocca pictured below is from Otello in Trastevere, where I thoroughly demolished it along with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and salad. It’s rich, savory, incredibly filling, and a nice break from the carbo-overload you’re most likely suffering from already.

18. Coda alla Vaccinara

I’m still dreaming about the coda alla vaccinara I had at Taverna Urbana, one of my favorite restaurants in Monti (the neighborhood near the Colosseum).

This classic Roman oxtail stew is slow-simmered with tomatoes, wine, celery, and the unexpected addition of cocoa and pine nuts, which somehow works perfectly.

Every time I’ve ordered it in Rome, the meat has been so tender it practically falls off the bone. The sauce is absolutely incredible, so make sure you save some table bread to soak up every last bite.

If you’re looking for a break from pizza and pasta, this is one Roman classic you won’t regret ordering.

19. Trippa alla Romana

When I first heard about trippa alla romana, I wasn’t exactly rushing to order it.

I’d tasted tripe before while trying all the best street food in Hanoi, and let’s just say I wasn’t sold on the texture.

But after watching the Rome episode of Tucci in Italy, I changed my mind because it honestly looked incredible. I finally gave it a try when my parents visited in March at Osteria al Vicolo 9, one of my favorite restaurants in Monti, and I was shocked by how much I loved it.

Cooked in a rich tomato and white wine sauce with plenty of Pecorino Romano, it’s hearty, flavorful, and actually quite affordable. It’s also a great gluten-free option for those trying to eat authentic food on a gluten-free diet.

20. Pecorino Romano

By now, you’ve probably noticed that Pecorino Romano shows up in almost every savory dish on this list. I figured that it’s earned its own spot on the list of what to eat in Rome.

Produced right here in Lazio, Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese made entirely from sheep’s milk that’s been around for more than 2,000 years. It has a sharp, bold flavor that’s completely different from Parmesan and adds so much depth to classic Roman dishes.

Although you’re guaranteed to try it in pretty much any dish you order at any restaurant in Rome, I highly recommend ordering a cheese board or just picking up a block from the grocery store to try it on its own.

21. Trapizzino

Trapizzino is a bit of an oddball on this list. While most of Rome’s iconic dishes have been around for centuries, Trapizzino was invented just over a decade ago in Trastevere—and it’s already become one of the city’s most famous street foods.

I tried it for the first time in 2023, and since then I have been obsessed.

It’s basically a triangle-shaped pizza pocket stuffed with classic Roman fillings like oxtail stew, meatballs, pork belly, or, my personal favorite, doppia panna e alici (cheese and anchovies).

The OG Trapizzino shop in Trastevere can get busy, so try to visit outside of peak meal times. While you’re there, don’t skip the supplì—they’re excellent too.

22. Maritozzo

If you’re wondering what to eat in Rome for breakfast, and you have an early-morning sweet tooth, then you absolutely have to try a maritozzo on your trip.

It might look like dessert (and personally, I think it is), but Romans actually eat these fluffy cream-filled buns for breakfast.

I tried my first maritozzo at Regoli Pasticceria, one of Rome’s most famous bakeries near the Colosseum. If you visit during peak season and the line is out the door, don’t wait—you can find excellent maritozzi all over the city.

Made with a soft brioche bun stuffed with whipped cream, they’re surprisingly light and not overly sweet. Just be warned: there’s no graceful way to eat one, so grab a few extra napkins (we made a mess).

While I’d personally choose one for dessert over breakfast, it’s still a Roman classic that’s well worth trying.

23. Crostata di Ricotta e Visciole 

If you’re a pie lover, I have the perfect Roman dessert for you. Crostata di ricotta e visciole is filled with creamy ricotta and tart sour cherry jam inside a buttery pastry crust. It’s basically the Roman version of cherry pie.

I’ll be honest—I’m not much of a pie person. I’d choose chocolate over fruit any day. But I grew up in the Midwest, where pie is practically a religion, so if that’s your poison, you’re not going to want to miss this dessert.

Crostata di ricotta originated in Rome’s Jewish community, where apparently they used to hide the ricotta beneath the pastry centuries ago when they weren’t allowed to sell dairy products openly. If you want to try one for yourself, I recommend heading to Pasticceria Boccione.

24. Tozzetti

If these look familiar, it’s because they’re what most Americans would call biscotti. Fun fact: in Italian, biscotti simply means “cookies,” while these crunchy, twice-baked treats are more accurately called tozzetti in Rome.

Usually packed with almonds or hazelnuts, tozzetti are lightly sweet, extra crunchy, and perfect alongside an espresso after a meal. They’ve been enjoyed in central Italy since ancient Roman times…so basically eating cookies means you’re getting culture.

Why do you think I love Rome so much?

If you want to try some of the best, head to Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti in Trastevere.

25. Castagnole

The next two desserts are typically only found in Rome during Carnevale, so if you’re visiting in the spring, definitely keep an eye out for these two.

Castagnole are basically Italy’s answer to donut holes. These bite-sized fried dough balls are crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and dusted with sugar.

Their name literally means “small chestnuts,” and they’ve been enjoyed in Italy since the 18th century. Look 👀 another dessert that counts as a history lesson.

If you’re in Rome during Carnevale, one of the best places to try them is Forno Monteforte.

26. Frappe

Frappe are crispy, fried pastries traditionally eaten during Carnevale. You’ll actually find them all over Italy under different names, but in Rome, they’re called frappe.

They’re paper-thin, extra crispy, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Personally, they’re not my favorite—but I’m also not much of a dessert person. If I’m going to splurge on something sweet in Rome, I’m almost always choosing gelato.

If you’re visiting during Carnevale, though, they’re definitely worth trying. One of the most famous places to grab them is Pasticceria Valentini.

27. Gelato

Okay, I’m lying to you a little bit. Gelato isn’t unique to Rome, but if you visit Rome and don’t eat gelato, you’re doing something seriously wrong.

…and you might get kicked out of the country.

It’s hands-down my favorite Italian dessert, and you’ll find gelato shops on just about every corner. That said, not all gelato is created equal, so I recommend starring a few great spots in Google Maps before your trip.

If you’re in Trastevere, Fior di Luna is one of my favorites. Across the river near Campo de’ Fiori, Frigidarium is another excellent choice, although it can get pretty busy. I also love Rivareno Gelato if you’re near San Giovanni.

One of the easiest ways to spot authentic gelato is by looking for shops that keep it in covered stainless steel containers called pozzetti. If you see giant mountains of brightly colored gelato piled high in the window, I’d keep walking.

Book a Roman Food Tour

If you are a self-proclaimed Rome foodie like I am, I highly, highly recommend booking a Roman food tour during your trip. I’ve taken multiple food tours and cooking classes in Rome, and there really isn’t a better way to learn about the city’s incredible food culture than from a local guide.

My favorite company is Carpe Diem Tours. I’ve had amazing experiences on multiple tours with them, but my two favorites are their Spritz & Spaghetti Cooking Class and their Trastevere Food Tour.

🍕 Use code “MADISON20” for 20% off any tours with Carpe Diem! ↗

The Spritz & Spaghetti class is one of the most fun activities I’ve done in Rome. You’ll learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch with a professional chef while enjoying unlimited Aperol Spritzes, Hugo Spritzes, and Limoncello Spritzes throughout the class.

If you book the evening session, it turns into a really fun, party atmosphere. And if you’re lucky enough to get Benjamin as your instructor, you’re in for a great time 🥳

Their Trastevere Food Tour is another one I can’t recommend enough, especially if you’re staying in Trastevere.

You’ll visit five different food stops while tasting Roman favorites like porchetta, pizza al taglio, supplì, Pecorino Romano, gelato, and plenty of other local specialties. I learned so much about Roman cuisine, and our guide, Anna, was fantastic

They also offer plenty of other experiences, including hands-on pizza and tiramisu classes, pizza and cocktail-making classes, food and drink tours, and private experiences.

🍝 Book any Carpe Diem Tours experience with 20% off using code “MADISON20“! ↗

Foodie Guide to Rome and Beyond

Whether you’re craving crispy pizza al taglio, a creamy plate of carbonara, or a more adventurous dish—like trippa alla romana or coda alla vaccinara, I hope this post has helped give you a better idea of what to eat in Rome.

While pizza and pasta may be what Italy as a whole is famous for, there’s so much more to discover if you’re willing to venture beyond the tourist menus. From centuries-old recipes like supplì (my personal fav) to newer favorites like Trapizzino, Rome is packed with incredible bites that make it one of the best food cities in the world.

And whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, there’s always something new and exciting to eat or experience in Rome…like this quirky and colorful eFiat Tour of the city center 😍

I live in Rome and I’m constantly uncovering new restaurants, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences for solo travelers. Be sure to join my newsletter below for more insider Roman tips and inspo to plan your next Italian adventure ❤️

Ciao for now!

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