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Rome food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Rome.
Photo by Chris Czermak on Unsplash
What to eat in Rome
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Cacio e Pepe
$12–$18
A deceptively simple pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water, creating a creamy, peppery sauce. Its magic lies in the quality of the ingredients and the technique.
Where to try: Trastevere's trattorias, especially around Piazza di Santa Maria.
Saltimbocca alla Romana
$18–$25
Veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried in white wine and butter. The name translates to 'jumps in the mouth' and it's a savory, aromatic delight.
Where to try: Traditional osterias in the Testaccio neighborhood.
Carciofi alla Romana / alla Giudia
$8–$15
Artichokes prepared two ways: 'alla Romana' are braised with garlic and mint, while 'alla Giudia' (Jewish-style) are deep-fried until crispy. Both are seasonal Roman specialties.
Where to try: The Jewish Ghetto for 'alla Giudia', and markets like Campo de' Fiori for fresh produce to be prepared in local eateries.
Supplí
$2–$4
Fried rice balls, typically with a tomato-based ragù and a core of melted mozzarella that creates a 'telephone wire' stretch when broken. A quintessential Roman street food snack.
Where to try: Pizzerias and street food vendors around the Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori.
Maritozzi con la Panna
$3–$5
Sweet, soft buns split and generously filled with whipped cream. Often enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat with coffee.
Where to try: Historic pasticcerias and cafes in the Monti district.
Coda alla Vaccinara
$16–$22
Oxtail stew, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables like celery and onions. A hearty, deeply flavorful dish showcasing Roman peasant cooking.
Where to try: Butcher shops and traditional trattorias in the Testaccio neighborhood.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Trastevere
Bohemian and lively, with cobblestone streets lined with trattorias, bars, and artisan shops.
Traditional Roman cuisineEvening drinksPeople-watching
Testaccio
Authentic and down-to-earth, known for its history as the city's slaughterhouse district, now a hub for genuine Roman food.
Offal dishesLocal marketsNo-frills dining
Jewish Ghetto
Historic and atmospheric, offering a unique culinary heritage distinct from mainstream Roman cuisine.
Carciofi alla GiudiaHistorical explorationSeafood
Monti
Chic and artisanal, with a bohemian feel, featuring independent boutiques, wine bars, and cozy eateries.
Pastries and coffeeWine barsBoutique shopping
Dietary notes
Traditional Roman cuisine is meat-heavy, particularly pork and lamb. While pasta dishes can often be made without meat, vegetarian options beyond artichokes and salads might be limited in very traditional establishments. Gluten-free pasta is increasingly available, but cross-contamination can be a concern in busy kitchens.
Local etiquette
- •Coffee is usually drunk standing at the bar for a lower price; sitting at a table incurs a service charge.
- •Dinner is typically eaten late, from 8 PM onwards, with many restaurants not opening their kitchens before 7:30 PM.
- •While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases, market stalls, or very traditional, cash-only trattorias.
- •Tipping is not obligatory; a service charge may be included, or rounding up the bill is appreciated for good service.
- •When visiting churches, ensure shoulders and knees are covered; this applies to both men and women.