Rome is a city that feeds the soul — and the appetite. With every cobblestone street and sun-drenched piazza, the Eternal City serves up an unforgettable culinary experience that’s just as iconic as its ancient ruins and Renaissance treasures. From handmade pastas to creamy gelato, the best foods in Rome are deeply rooted in tradition, flavor and local pride.
Whether you're savoring every bite of carbonara in a tucked-away trattoria or joining a food excursion in nearby Civitavecchia, eating in Rome is more than a meal — it’s a cultural journey. Wondering what to eat in Rome? These 12 must-try dishes are the perfect way to taste your way through one of Italy’s most legendary cities.
1. Cacio e Pepe
Simple yet unforgettable, cacio e pepe is a Roman classic that lets a few humble ingredients shine. Made with pasta (often tonnarelli or spaghetti), pecorino Romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, this dish is all about technique. The result is a creamy, peppery plate of perfection that captures the heart of Roman cooking — rustic, flavorful and full of soul.
2. Supplì
If you’re strolling through Rome and spot a small shop selling golden, deep-fried snacks, you’re probably looking at supplì. These crispy rice croquettes are stuffed with gooey mozzarella and sometimes ragu — think of them as Rome’s answer to arancini, but with a Roman twist. They make for the perfect street food snack or appetizer before a big pasta feast.
3. Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-Style Artichokes)
If you're visiting in the spring, you’re in for a treat: artichoke season. Carciofi alla Romana is a Roman-Jewish specialty that features artichokes braised in olive oil, garlic, mint and white wine until tender. Often served whole, they’re equal parts hearty and delicate and absolutely worth ordering if you see them on a menu.
4. Carbonara
No list of what to eat in Rome would be complete without carbonara. This beloved pasta dish, made with eggs, pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek) and black pepper, is creamy without using cream — a point of pride among Roman chefs. Each bite balances salty, savory and rich notes that make it one of the best foods in Rome.
5. Trapizzino
A modern twist on Roman tradition, trapizzino is where pizza meets sandwich. Invented in Rome, this street food innovation involves triangle-shaped pockets of pizza dough filled with classic Roman stews and fillings, like chicken cacciatore, eggplant parmigiana or meatballs in sauce. It’s quick, satisfying and perfect for foodies on the go.
6. Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Hailing from nearby Amatrice but beloved in Rome, bucatini all’amatriciana is a hearty dish made with thick, hollow pasta tubes, guanciale, tomatoes and pecorino cheese. It’s one of Rome’s most famous pastas, offering a slightly spicy, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with a glass of local red wine.
7. Porchetta
Craving something savory and rich? Don’t miss porchetta — slow-roasted pork belly stuffed with herbs and garlic, then rolled and cooked until the skin is crackling crisp. You’ll find this delicacy in Roman markets and sandwich shops, often sliced into crusty rolls for an irresistible bite on the move.
8. Roman-Style Pizza (Pizza al Taglio)
Pizza in Rome isn’t always round. Pizza al taglio — “pizza by the cut” — is baked in long rectangular pans and sold by weight. Expect a thick, crispy crust and a wide variety of toppings, from roasted vegetables and mushrooms to prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella. Grab a slice or two and eat it while exploring the city’s many piazzas.
9. Saltimbocca alla Romana
A dish that translates to “jump in the mouth,” saltimbocca does exactly that. Made with thin slices of veal (or sometimes chicken), layered with prosciutto and sage, then pan-seared in butter and white wine, this dish offers savory depth and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It’s one of the most elegant main courses you’ll find on Roman menus.
10. Maritozzo
If you’re seeking something sweet for breakfast or dessert, look no further than maritozzo. This Roman pastry features a soft, brioche-style bun split and stuffed with whipped cream — rich, fluffy and slightly indulgent. Pair it with a cappuccino for a true Roman morning ritual.
11. Gelato
No matter the season, gelato is a must in Rome. From traditional flavors like pistachio and hazelnut to modern creations like ricotta-fig or lavender-honey, Rome’s gelaterias are some of the best in Italy. Look for shops that make their gelato fresh daily, often indicated by muted, natural colors and seasonal flavors.
12. Tiramisu
Though this creamy dessert is believed to have originated in northern Italy, tiramisu has become a staple on Roman dessert menus. With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream and cocoa powder, this sweet ending to your meal is as comforting as it is caffeinated.
Join a Food Excursion in Rome
If you're docking at the port of Civitavecchia, you can still enjoy Rome's rich culinary traditions through immersive food-focused shore excursions. Here are a few standout options for travelers wanting to taste more than just the sights:
- Civitavecchia Foodie Walking Tour
- Stroll through the charming streets of Civitavecchia while sampling regional favorites like olive tapenade, fresh pastries and local wine. This walking tour blends bites with beauty, offering a flavorful look into daily life beyond the capital.
- Italian Countryside and Olive Oil Tasting
- Take a scenic drive into the Etruscan countryside and explore the medieval town of Tuscania. Then, head to a family-run farmhouse for a tasting of homemade olive oils, local bruschetta, jams and wine — a sensory snapshot of the region’s rustic flavors.
- Classic Rome with Lunch
- See Rome’s greatest hits — the Colosseum, Vatican City and Trevi Fountain — and pause for a traditional Italian lunch along the way. It’s a perfect balance of sightseeing and savoring, ideal for first-time visitors who want a taste of it all.
What Foods Is Rome Famous For?
The best food in Rome is its bold, rustic cuisine that turns simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes. The Eternal City is known for iconic pastas like cacio e pepe, carbonara and amatriciana — each one a flavorful symbol of Roman culinary tradition. These dishes are must-tries if you're looking to experience authentic local flavor. Beyond pasta, Rome is also celebrated for crispy supplì (fried rice balls), slow-roasted porchetta and artichokes prepared Roman-style. And no visit is complete without sampling fresh gelato or a sweet maritozzo filled with whipped cream. Whether you’re dining at a street-side trattoria or tasting your way through the countryside, the foods Rome is famous for are steeped in history and made to be savored.
Want to explore more flavors of Italy? From savoring street food in Civitavecchia to sampling olive oils in the countryside, the Eternal City is always best served with an appetite. While you're planning your trip, don’t miss these helpful guides on what Rome is known for and what to buy in Rome to make the most of your time in this unforgettable destination.
