Rome is a city that feeds your heart and your stomach at the same time. You’ll see ancient ruins next to busy cafés. Fountains shine in sunny squares. And the smell of fresh pasta, hot pizza, and strong espresso fills the air around you. If you’re searching for the best food in Rome, you’re in for something special.
Italian food tastes different here. It’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Recipes are usually passed down through families for generations. Every bite tells a story, even if it’s creamy pasta or a crispy street snack.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best Rome food to try, where to find it, and how to make your trip even tastier with fun food tours and cooking classes. Get ready to explore, taste boldly, and enjoy the very best of eating out in Rome. Che buono! 🍝
1. Carbonara
A plate of classic spaghetti carbonara with guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper | Photo Credit: Flickr
If you ask locals about the best pasta in Rome, many will say carbonara. This famous dish is made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. There is no cream in real Roman carbonara. The sauce turns silky from the eggs and cheese alone.
The flavor is rich but balanced. The salty guanciale and sharp cheese work perfectly together. You’ll find some of the most authentic plates in Trastevere, a lively neighborhood known for good food in Rome. Walk its cobblestone streets and follow the smell of sizzling pork.
Want to learn how to make it yourself? Join a hands-on class like the spaghetti cooking class in Rome!
🍽️ Where to try:
- Roscioli Salumeria
- Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere)
- Osteria da Fortunata
💶Price range: €12–€18
2. Cacio e Pepe
A simple bowl of spaghetti topped with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Cacio e pepe means “cheese and pepper.” That’s it. Just three simple ingredients: pasta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Yet it’s one of the best food dishes in Rome!
The magic is in the technique. The cheese melts into a creamy sauce when mixed with hot pasta water. The pepper adds a warm kick. The result is simple but unforgettable. This dish shows why the best food in Rome doesn’t need fancy extras.
For a deeper food adventure and learning at the same time, explore Trastevere and taste classic dishes like cacio e pepe on this Trastevere food tour.
🍽️ Where to try:
- Felice a Testaccio
- Tonnarello (Trastevere)
- Roma Sparita
💶Price range: €10–€16
3. Amatriciana
A serving of Amatriciana pasta with guanciale, and grated cheese | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Amatriciana is another pasta star. It’s made with tomato sauce, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and chili flakes. The flavor is bold, savory, and slightly spicy.
Klook tip: Order amatriciana with bucatini instead of regular spaghetti. The thick, hollow pasta holds the tomato sauce better, so you get more flavor in every bite!
This dish comes from the town of Amatrice but became a Roman favorite. It’s often served with bucatini, a thick pasta with a hole in the center. If you’re hunting for the best Rome food, add this to your must-eat list.
🍽️ Where to try:
- Armando al Pantheon
- Da Bucatino
- Osteria dell’Ingegno
💶 Price range: €11–€17
4. Supplì
A platter of crispy fried rice balls (Suppli) filled with mozzarella, accompanied by lemon and greens
Supplì is Rome’s answer to comfort street food. These fried rice balls are filled with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. When you break one open, the cheese stretches like a string.
They are crispy outside and soft inside. You can grab them as a quick snack before dinner. If you want casual, tasty bites while eating out in Rome, this is a smart choice. Even better, why not try this crispy treat with artisanal gelato during a guided food tour of Travestere and Jewish Ghetto?
🍽️ Where to try:
- Supplizio
- I Supplì
- Trapizzino
💶 Price range: €2–€4 each]
5. Pizza al Taglio (Roman-style pizza)
Pizza al Taglio | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rome is famous for pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice. It’s baked in large rectangular trays and cut with scissors. The crust is thin and crispy.
Toppings range from classic margherita to potatoes with rosemary. In a pizza and gelato making class, you can mix and match flavors in one meal. It’s affordable, fast, and delicious. For many tourists, this is part of the best food in Rome experience. After grabbing a slice, you can take a peaceful walk around Piazza Navona.
🍽️ Where to try:
- Pizzarium
- Forno Campo de’ Fiori
- Antico Forno Roscioli
💶 Price range: €3–€6 per slice (priced by weight)]
6. Saltimbocca alla Romana
Saltimbocca alla Romana | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Saltimbocca means “jump in the mouth,” and that’s exactly what this dish does. It’s made with veal, prosciutto, and sage, cooked in white wine.
The flavors are savory and slightly salty. The sage adds a fresh herbal note. It’s a classic second course in Roman meals. If you want something beyond pasta, order this and enjoy a true local favorite. Pair it with an Italian wine and olive oil tasting experience to make your meal even better
🍽️ Where to try:
- Trattoria Da Teo
- Ristorante Aroma
- La Matriciana
💶 Price range: €15–€25
7. Carciofi alla Romana (Roman Artichokes)
Carciofi alla Romana | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Artichokes are a big deal in Rome, especially in spring. Carciofi alla Romana are stuffed with garlic and herbs and then slowly braised in olive oil. They are tender and full of flavor. Another popular version is fried artichokes from the Jewish Ghetto. These dishes show how vegetables shine in the best Rome food scene.
Join a combined Campo de Fiori, Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere food tour to explore Rome’s historic districts and try classic Italian dishes all in one day!
🍽️ Where to try:
- Nonna Betta (Jewish Ghetto)
- Ba’Ghetto
- Piperno
💶 Price range: €8–€14
8. Maritozzo
Maritozzo | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Start your morning with something sweet. Maritozzo is a soft bun filled with fresh whipped cream. It may look simple, but it’s a beloved Roman breakfast treat. It’s light, fluffy, and not too sweet.
Pair it with a strong espresso, and you’re ready to explore the city. If you’re serious about finding the best food in Rome, don’t skip breakfast. Now, join a special breakfast tour in Trastevere to try it the right way!
🍽️ Where to try:
- Regoli Pasticceria
- Il Maritozzaro
- Pasticceria Romoli
💶 Price range: €3–€5
9. Gelato
A variety of colorful gelato flavors like pistachio, yogurt, and strawberry in metal containers | Photo Credit: ROMAN ODINTSOV on Pexels
Last but not least, no trip to Rome is complete without gelato. It’s smoother and denser than regular ice cream. Flavors range from pistachio to dark chocolate to fresh fruit. If you want to learn more about the best gelato spots in Rome, check out this gelato guide!
The best gelato uses natural ingredients and muted colors. Avoid bright neon shades. Enjoy it while walking near ancient ruins like the Colosseum or sitting by a fountain. It’s a sweet ending to your search for the best food in Rome.
Turn your sweet tooth into a full experience by joining this espresso, gelato, and tiramisu tour in Rome!
🍽️ Where to try:
- Gelateria del Teatro
- Fatamorgana
- Giolitti
💶 Price range: €3–€6
FAQs about food in Rome
What not to miss eating in Rome?
You shouldn’t miss carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. These three pasta dishes are the heart of Roman cooking. Also try supplì and gelato for a full experience. They show both the savory and sweet side of the city’s food culture.
What foods is Rome famous for?
Rome is famous for pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe. It’s also known for thin, crispy pizza and fried street snacks. Artichokes and saltimbocca are classic Roman specialties. Together, they make up the best Rome food tourists talk about.
What is the best food in Rome?
Many people say carbonara is the best food in Rome. Others vote for cacio e pepe because of its simple but bold flavor. The truth is, the best food in Rome depends on what you love. Try several dishes and decide on your favorite.
What pizza is Rome famous for?
Rome is famous for pizza al taglio and thin-crust Roman pizza. Pizza al taglio is sold by weight and cut into squares. The crust is crispy and light. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal while exploring the city.
What is the best area to eat in Rome?
Trastevere is one of the best areas for eating out in Rome. It’s full of trattorias, wine bars, and gelato shops. Testaccio is another great food neighborhood with deep local roots. Walk around, explore side streets, and follow the crowds of locals.
Savor every bite in Rome
A gelato cart in front of the Castel Sant'Angelo with people walking by and enjoying their ice cream | Photo Credit: Matteo Basile on Pexels
Rome is more than ancient ruins and famous landmarks. It’s a city that feeds you well and leaves you wanting more. From creamy pasta to crispy pizza and sweet gelato, the best food in Rome is waiting for you.
Don’t just read about it; go taste it!. Book a food tour, join a cooking class, and explore neighborhoods like Trastevere. Savor every bite, try something new, and turn your trip into a delicious adventure. Rome is calling; answer with an appetite!
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