One of the things I enjoy most about visiting a new country is trying the local foods! Italian food is very different from the Italian-American dishes you might recognize. (If you are visiting from the States). The answer: Rome foodie guide!
There are plenty of classic Italian dishes you must try. I also wanted to recommend some delicious restaurants to visit! After reading through this blog you will not only have a list of the best food in Italy but also what to try at some amazing restaurants!
Best Foods To Try
Caprese Salad
A perfect start to any meal, this light dish is common on most Italian menus. Typically made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Some say it is a homage to the Italian flag.
Bruschetta
Instead of garlic bread with your pasta, request bruschetta. A great addition to any meal or a perfect appetizer it is made with thick slices of bread grilled and rubbed with garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and often topped with tomatoes and herbs. Delicious!
Cacio e Pepe
One of the four iconic kinds of pasta of Rome is cacio e pepe or pasta de pepe. Simply translates to cheese and pepper pasta. Can it get better than that?
Pasta all’Amatriciana
Another iconic pasta dish to try in Rome is Amatriciana or spaghetti alll’amatriciana. This dish consists of guanciale (pig cheek), pecorino romano (cheese), and tomato sauce. (Italian cuisine does not serve meatballs with pasta dishes. If you wish to eat meatballs, they can be ordered separately).
Carbonara
The third iconic pasta dish from Rome you have to try is carbonara. Made with eggs, guanciale (pig cheek), pecorino romano (cheese), and black pepper. This has to be my favorite!
Pasta Alla Gricia
The fourth and final iconic pasta in Rome: Pasta all gricia is very similar to carbonara, however, this dish does not contain the egg/ everything else remains the same including guanciale (pig cheek), pecorino romano (cheese), and black pepper.
Suppli
An Italian form of fast or rustic street food the suppli is something you have to try! Consisting of mozzarella, surrounded by rice in tomato sauce, rolled into a ball, covered in bread crumbs, then fried. It is heaven and a perfect snack for any part of the day!
Panzerotti
A panzerotti is a savory dough pouch that is filled and fried! (The difference between a panzerotti and a calzone is the panzerotti is deep-fried or pan-fried, and the calzone is baked). A panzerotti can be filled with many different things. I chose the simple mozzarella and tomato sauce. If you are traveling to Milan, check out Luini’s!
Gelato
If you come to Italy in the summer, you are sure to get a gelato (or two or three). There are tons of gelato shops in Rome, to spot the real stuff make sure it is not brightly colored. And not overly stuffed (real gelato is not full of air). And remember to always order two flavors (they will know you are from out of town if you only order one).
Best Restaurants to Visit
There are thousands of restaurants in Rome alone, so how do you know which ones to try and how to avoid tourist traps? My favorites are listed below and I can guarantee they are authentic Italian cuisine!
La Bocaccia – In Rome, pizza is sold by slice and weight. At La Bocaccia you will find authentic Roman pizza, not to mention it is delicious! If you are feeling adventurous, try the potato and cheese pizza!
Bono Bottega Nostrana – This is a great spot for lunch (and right next to the Vatican!). The menu has countless varieties of paninis it is hard to choose a favorite!
Osteria da Fortunata – Another great place for lunch, come here early as the line starts to form before opening and watch the pasta being handmade! Perfect for your Instagram content!
Da Enzo al 29 – Classified as a trattoria, which is a less formal eating spot in Italy. A perfect spot for dinner, and far from the tourist areas, it is a not-to-miss location!
Rione 13 – Serving family-style this restaurant is a perfect place to end the day.
Spirito di Vino – If you are looking for a place with great wine, check this place out! Choose from over 800 wines that are housed in a wine cellar that dates back to ancient Rome! If that doesn’t get you in the food might. Request a dish that happens to be one of Julius Caesar’s favorite recipes! Leave some room in your luggage to bring some wine home.
Porchetteria la Rinascita – An incredible family-owned deli in the heart of Rome.
Fatamorgana – Off the beaten path, you will find this gelato spot with a lot of different flavors to choose from! Remember to pick two or more!
How To Avoid Tourist Traps
Because there are so many restaurants in Rome, there are a ton of tourist traps! Here are a few tips on how to avoid them:
If the menu is out front (or in English) with pictures is a huge red flag!
Avoid the place, if there is a host staying out front asking you to come in. If it is a good restaurant, they will not need to invite customers in.
Try to go a few blocks away from the tourist locations (especially around the Colosseum and Forum).
I highly recommend booking a food tour! It is a great way to learn about the city and find the local gems! You could also book a cooking class with locals!
Table Manners
As is the case with most European restaurants, the water is not free. Request a bottle of tap water (sparkling is the standard).
The Italian dinner culture is late and long. Do not expect the check to be brought to you unless you ask for it.
If you are eating al fresco, some restaurants will have you come inside to pay. So keep an eye out for your table number (or ask the waiter).
Check opening times, some restaurants in Rome close mid-afternoon and do not open again until dinner (around 7 pm).
Make reservations if you can. A lot of the popular restaurants will fill up quickly, so you want to make sure you get a table!
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this Rome Foodie Guide!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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