From Cacio e Pepe to Carbonara: Top 15 Must-Try Roman Foods And Where To Eat Them!
If you're visiting Rome, you must try the city's traditional dishes and delicious cuisine. In this article, we've compiled a list of 15 top must-try Roman foods that you won't want to miss. From classic pasta dishes like Cacio e pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana to traditional appetizers like Fiori di zucca and Carciofi alla romana, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
- Cacio e pepe: Cacio e pepe is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with spaghetti or tonnarelli (a thicker spaghetti-like pasta) and a sauce of pecorino romano cheese and black pepper. The cheese and pepper are combined with a bit of pasta water to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Try this at Roscioli (Salumeria Roscioli) or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29.
- Carbonara: Carbonara is another classic Roman pasta dish, made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork jowl), eggs, pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper. The guanciale is cooked until crispy, and then the eggs and cheese are added to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta cooks the sauce as it is mixed together, creating a rich and delicious dish. Try it at Flavio al Velavevodetto
- Amatriciana: Amatriciana is a pasta dish named after the town of Amatrice in Lazio, Italy. It is made with bucatini (a thick, hollow spaghetti-like pasta), tomato sauce, guanciale (cured pork jowl), pecorino romano cheese, and red pepper flakes. The guanciale is cooked until crispy, and then the tomato sauce and red pepper flakes are added to create a spicy and flavorful sauce. Try this at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 or L'Arcangelo
- Gricia: Gricia is a simple pasta dish made with spaghetti, guanciale (cured pork jowl), pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper. It is similar to carbonara, but without the eggs. The guanciale is cooked until crispy, and then the cheese and black pepper are added to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Try this at Armando al Pantheon or Roscioli (Salumeria Roscioli)
- Supplì: Supplì is a very popular Roman street food made of fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The rice is cooked with tomato sauce and then mixed with egg, cheese, and breadcrumbs before being formed into balls, filled with a cube of mozzarella, and fried until crispy. These can be found in pizzerias and street food shops throughout the city, making them a convenient and satisfying option for a quick bite any time of day. Try it at Supplizio or Trapizzino
- Roman-style pizza: Roman-style pizza is a thin-crust pizza that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The toppings can vary, but traditional Roman pizzas are usually topped with fresh ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Try it at Pizzeria La Montecarlo
- Saltimbocca alla Romana: Saltimbocca alla Romana is a dish made with thin slices of veal, prosciutto, and sage, cooked in white wine and butter. The name "saltimbocca" means "jump in the mouth," and this dish certainly lives up to its name. Try it at Armando al Pantheon or Checchino dal 1887
- Fiori di zucca: Fiori di zucca are fried zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovy. They are a popular appetizer in Rome and are usually served during the summer months when zucchini flowers are in season. Try it at Emma
- Pizza al taglio: Pizza al taglio is a rectangular-shaped pizza that is sold by weight and cut into squares. It is often topped with a variety of fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and vegetables. Try it at Pizzarium or Antico Forno Roscioli
- Carciofi alla romana: Carciofi alla romana are artichokes cooked with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. The artichokes are trimmed and cleaned, then cooked in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, parsley, and mint until they are tender and delicious. Try this at Nonna Betta or Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
- Trippa alla romana: Tripe, or the lining of a cow's stomach, is a common ingredient in Roman cuisine. Trippa alla romana is a stew made with tripe, tomatoes, onions, celery, and pecorino romano cheese. The tripe is cooked until it is tender and flavorful. This it at Checchino dal 1887 or Osteria degli Amici
- Abbacchio alla scottadito: Abbacchio alla scottadito is a traditional Roman dish that features grilled or fried lamb chops. The chops are typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, and are cooked until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Try it at Checchino dal 1887 or La Pergola (for a high-end experience).
- Puntarelle: Puntarelle is a type of chicory that is often served as a salad in Rome. The leaves are bitter, but they are balanced by a dressing made with garlic, anchovy, lemon juice, and olive oil. The dressing is often made by pounding the garlic and anchovy in a mortar and pestle. Have it at Trattoria Monti or Pipero al Rex
- Baccalà alla romana: Baccalà alla romana is a dish made with salted cod that is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil. The cod is soaked in water for several days to remove the salt before it is cooked. Try this at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 or Flavio al Velavevodetto
- Crostata di ricotta: Crostata di ricotta is a sweet pastry made with a filling of ricotta cheese and sugar. The crust is typically made with a shortcrust pastry dough, and the filling is flavored with lemon or orange zest and vanilla. Try this at Pasticceria Regoli or Pasticceria Andreotti.
Want to Explore More About Rome? Try these stories!
The Magic of Rome: A City Like No Other
Roman Holiday! 3 Days in Rome: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Find Affordable Luxury at These 11 Mid-Range Hotels in Rome (With Free Wifi and Breakfast!)
Bask in Opulence: Rome's Top 10 Luxury Hotels
16 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Colosseum That Will Leave You Speechless
Uncovering the Secrets of Rome's Pantheon: 13 Fascinating Facts You Need to Know!
The Ultimate Guide to Rome's Top 10 Coffee Cafes for Coffee Enthusiasts
From Cacio e Pepe to Carbonara: Top 16 Must-Try Roman Foods And Where To Eat Them!
Rome's Four Must-Try Pasta Dishes: Which One Will Be Your Favorite?
A Toast to Rome's Top Wine Bars in Every Neighborhood!