What to Eat in Rome, According to Locals

Italy is a foodie’s paradise, and its cuisine is truly one of the best in the world. While the culture and history of Rome and Italy are fascinating, the truth is that it’s the incredible food that really steals the show. If you’re heading to Rome, you absolutely have to try these iconic dishes that capture the true essence of Italian flavors. Skip the tourist traps and avoid the Americanized imitations; these authentic bites are the real deal. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll understand why Italian food cravings are impossible to shake!

Amatriciana

Amatriciana, carbonara, gricia, and cacio e pepe are classic Italian pasta dishes with pecorino cheese and black pepper. Unlike the others, it includes tomato sauce and salty guanciale, which combine to create a perfect bite each time. Amatriciana is typically served with rigatoni or bucatini pasta.

Carciofi alla giudia

These delicious artichokes are fried until crispy and coated in salt. Every part of the artichoke, from the flower to the stem, is edible. Jewish-style artichokes are a popular dish from Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. It is impossible to resist ordering more after just one bite! Some of my favorites are at Nonna Betta.

Supplì

Both Supplì and Arancini are rice balls made from rice and mozzarella. However, they are very different. Supplì al telefono is a popular street food in Rome, known for its signature cheese pull that resembles old phone cords. You can easily find them in snack shops all over the city.

Pizza al Taglio

This rectangular pizza is thin and can be easily eaten on the go. It is cut using shears and available with both classic and unique toppings, such as potato-topped pizza. Some of the best places to get this pizza in the city are Le Renella in Trastevere and Roscioli near Campo dei Fiori.

Cicoria Ripassata

This sautéed chicory is an ideal side dish for any Roman meal, and you can enjoy it throughout the year. It has a spicy, garlicky, and slightly bitter taste, bursting with flavors and a bit of a kick. However, be cautious with the spicy red peppers!

Saltimbocca

This famous Roman dish, created in the late 1800s, has remained a crowd favorite. It comprises veal wrapped in prosciutto and sage, marinated in wine, and sautéed in butter. Its name, “saltimbocca,” meaning “jump into the mouth,” highlights its popularity due to its deliciousness.

Gelato

Every Italian city must have gelato as an essential dessert, but Rome, in particular, boasts many fantastic gelato shops. The locals won’t judge you if you eat gelato in the dead of winter. Gelataria la Romana, Frigidarium, and Giolitti are some of Rome’s most popular gelato spots.

Pinsa

Pinsa differs from pizza al taglio because it has a dense and thick crust – the opposite of Neapolitan pizza. The dough consists of rice, wheat, and whey flour that pairs well with various toppings. Locals love Pizza Mpo for its authentic pizza.

Carciofi alla Romana

Roman cuisine incorporates artichokes in various unique dishes. One such dish is Alla Romana, which involves stuffing artichokes with garlic and mint, braising them, and serving them warm during early spring.

Cacio e Pepe

The traditional Roman pasta dish, Cacio e Pepe, only needs a few ingredients, such as black pepper, pecorino cheese, and some starchy pasta water to create a silky sauce. Its simplicity makes it irresistible.

Porchetta

Ariccia, a small comune in Rome, boasts the world-famous porchetta. This irresistible pork dish roasts with herbs and fennel and pairs perfectly with mustard. One of my favorite spots to enjoy porchetta is Ai Tre Scalini, a charming little restaurant in Monti.

Maritozzi

Romans prefer a sweet breakfast, and these fluffy brioche buns have a delicious flavor of orange zest and whipped cream filling, making them an excellent way to start the day. They are not too sweet and perfectly complement a cappuccino.

The city of Rome boasts a rich culinary scene, offering a variety of delectable dishes for every meal. There are plenty more options than CaCarbonarao enjoys. From the iconic pasta to sugary confections, there is something to satisfy every taste bud in the eternal city.

Tiramisù

Even though it is not originally from Rome, tiramisù is an Italian classic that everyone heading to this country should try. Plenty of restaurants throughout the Italian peninsula have added this delicious dessert to their menu, and Rome is no exception. Remember that tiramisù contains coffee, so it’s better to try it for lunch rather than dinner.

Gnocchi alla Romana

Gnocchi alla Romana is another delicious recipe from Rome that will make your taste buds explode. These little disks of semolina have a crunchy crust made from butter and pecorino cheese. The best day to try them is Thursday, as traditionally, this dish was served on this day of the week; however, with some luck, you may find it on other days, too.

Bruschetta

No matter where you are in Italy, you cannot miss the chance to try this unique and delicious dish: Bruschetta. It consists of a grilled slice of homemade bread, often served with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and—at times—garlic and black pepper. Even though this may sound too basic, the high quality of Italian ingredients will make your taste buds explode.

Panzanella

Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad known for its unique fresh flavors. The dish typically features cubes of stale bread mixed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil. The mix is tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, letting the bread soak up the dressing and getting an intense flavor in every bite. Panzanella is a perfect way to use up leftover bread and is especially refreshing during the summer months when tomatoes are in season. This is a must-try dish anytime you visit Italy, and it is also one you can easily make at home.