Guide to the best food in Rome
One of the reasons you’re probably visiting Rome is to sample some delicious, authentic Italian food. But where do you start? In a city jam packed with amazing restaurants, choosing the best ones can be a stressful task! This post will share tips on what to try, and our favourite stops.
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Also read: Sightseeing in Rome
Morning Cafe
Kick off your day at a small Italian cafe for a delicious pastry and a cappuccino. Al Biscione Cafe is great for early morning people watching!
TIP: If you want to fit in, don’t drink Cappuccino after 11am. People will look at you very strangely if you have a cappuccino after 11. Milk based coffees are reserved for morning and breakfast!
Piazza del Biscione, 82, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Pizzarium Bonci
We found out about this place after watching Anthony Bourdain’s Road Trip to Rome. A little out of the Vatican City, this place was worth the trek! With a long deli of different pizzas, Bonci offers up your traditional slice, and also some weird and wonderful options. Of course we had to go for something interesting so we tried the Beef, Tuna Flakes, and sauce which I can’t remember the name of, and the Cured Ham, truffle, and dried sweet corn slice. Not traditional but both INCREDIBLE!
Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Authentic Italian Food
Rome is thriving hub of little authentic back street restaurants and cafes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Rome, but no matter where you go you’ll always find somewhere to stop for a bite to eat. The best way to try Rome’s hidden gems is to just pop in to a random one on a whim! It’s very unlikely you’ll be disappointed with the food you try in these small places, especially if it’s pizza or pasta you’re after. It’s also wise to try these places as the restaurants located in main squares/ piazze are usually triple the price and far more touristy. These are some places we tried for traditional food. Unfortunately Caffe Bianco is now close, but you’ll be able to find equally amazing Cacio e Pepe elsewhere!
Cacio e Pepe – Caffè Bianco
Via Dei Baullari 147, 00186 Rome, Italy
Pizza – Mastro Fidelio
Via degli Stefaneschi, 3, 00153 Roma RN, Italy
Traditional Italian – Elle Effe
Piazza Pollarola 32, Zona Campo De Fiori – 00186 Rome
After Dinner Drinks
Head to Campo de’ Fiori for some post-dinner drinks and people watching! Although a little more pricey than your backstreet bars, you’re paying that little extra for the fabulous ambience!
Local Produce
Head to Piazza Campo de’ Fiori in the morning for a huge food market with local fruit, vegetables, and spices, as well as an increasing amount of tourist souvenirs. You’ll be able to try tasters of interesting produce, and you can bring the local food back home with you to test your Italian cooking skills. Make sure to check your airline restrictions before travelling, but you can usually pack food items in your hand luggage! Open Mon-Sat 06.00-14.00, closed Sun.
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Gelato
Italy is one of the best places for amazing Ice Cream! Although it’s a chain Gelatteria, Fatamorgana Gelato had some INCREDIBLE Gelato on offer. We both had a scoop triple chocolate chip with huge chunks of chocolate in, and a scoop of Mint which had fresh mint in, Jordan also had a scoop of raspberry white chocolate which had fresh raspberries and chunks of white chocolate. The perfect way to cool down in the summer heat!
Via dei Chiavari, 37A, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
You might want to get stretching your stomach before you head to Rome because you’ve got A LOT to fit in! We can’t wait to go back and try even more, but we hope this helps you pick somewhere to eat. Check out our Michelin Star experience if you’re after some posh nosh!
