Food & Drinks in Rome: What to Eat and Where to Go

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Rome is a food lover’s paradise, offering bold, authentic flavors that celebrate simplicity and quality, best experienced in its traditional trattorie and osterie.

Get ready for a delectable adventure, where every dish tells a story to enrich your Jubilee journey.

Roman Dishes

Must-try Iconic Roman Dishes

Roman food on a trattoria table

Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of traditional Roman cuisine, where every dish tells a story and offers a unique dining experience in Rome.

Explore the timeless recipes that make Roman gastronomy a must-try for food lovers.

Suppli food fried rice balls called in Rome suppli al telefono

Supplì

Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella are pure comfort food.

Panino con la Porchetta

Aromatic roasted pork seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and fennel, often served as a sandwich or platter. A specialty of Ariccia, a charming town in the Castelli Romani area, just outside Rome.

Cacio e Pepe

A creamy, peppery delight made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, showcasing the beauty of simplicity.

Carbonara

Rich and indulgent spaghetti made with eggs, Pecorino cheese, guanciale, and black pepper. A must-try!

Amatriciana

A vibrant tomato-based pasta dish enriched with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.

Gricia

A classic Roman pasta dish made with crispy guanciale, pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. 

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Tender veal cutlets layered with prosciutto and sage, cooked to perfection in white wine.

Abbacchio alla Scottadito

Abbacchio alla Scottadito is a dish of lamb chops grilled over high heat until crispy outside and tender inside. The name “scottadito,” meaning “burn your fingers,” comes from the tradition of eating them piping hot, straight off the grill! 

Carciofi alla Giudia

Crispy fried artichokes, a golden delicacy from the Jewish-Roman tradition.

Carciofi alla Romana

Soft and fragrant braised artichokes infused with mint and garlic.

Maritozzo

A soft and fluffy bun filled generously with fresh whipped cream. A Roman breakfast favorite!

Grattachecca

Refreshing shaved ice topped with fruity syrups, perfect for hot Roman afternoons.

Italian Classics

Italian Classics to Enjoy in Rome

While Rome boasts its unique specialties, you’ll also find beloved Italian classics that are cherished nationwide.

These dishes add an extra layer of delight to your culinary exploration:

Pizza al Taglio

Roman-style pizza served by weight, with a variety of toppings to choose from.

Quick, delicious, and budget-friendly.

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Gelato Artigianale

Don’t settle for generic! Seek out artisanal gelaterias for creamy, natural flavors made fresh daily.

💡 Look for gelaterias that display gelato in covered containers (pozzetti), indicating a commitment to freshness.

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Tiramisù

The classic Italian dessert featuring layers of mascarpone, espresso-soaked biscuits, and cocoa.

Look out for creative twists on this timeless treat.

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Map of Our Selection: Where to Eat and Drink in Rome

Good to Know

Good to Know About Food & Drinks in Rome

When dining in Rome, there are a few cultural nuances that can enhance your culinary experience:

  • Meal Times: Romans typically have lunch between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM and dinner starts after 8:00 PM. Plan accordingly to enjoy your meals when restaurants are at their best.

  • Coperto: Many restaurants add a small charge called “coperto” to your bill, which covers bread and table service. This is customary, so don’t be surprised to see it listed.

  • Seasonal Dishes: Roman cuisine celebrates seasonality, so dishes like carciofi alla romana in spring or fresh porcini mushrooms in autumn are a must-try. Ask your waiter for the seasonal specialties.

  • Coffee Culture: Italians take their coffee seriously. For a true Roman experience, order an espresso or caffè macchiato at the bar. Avoid cappuccino after breakfast—it’s considered a morning drink.

  • Curiosity About the Bill: Ever heard the phrase pagare alla romana? It refers to splitting the bill equally among diners, regardless of what each person ordered. While the practice isn’t universally followed in Rome, it’s a fun way to enjoy a shared meal with friends or family.

  • Tipping: Tipping in Rome is not mandatory but appreciated. A small tip, like rounding up the bill or leaving an extra 5-10%, is considered polite if the service was good.
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