{"id":1491,"date":"2011-09-16T12:01:07","date_gmt":"2011-09-16T10:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=1491"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:15:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T13:15:24","slug":"food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy","title":{"rendered":"What to Eat in Rome: 25 Delicious Traditional Roman Dishes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Curious about <strong>what to eat in Rome?<\/strong> In the Italian capital, you won&#8217;t want for delicious food. But<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<strong>what <em>is traditional Roman food<\/em>?<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Here is some advice on how to find the best places and foods of <strong>Rome and the Lazio region<\/strong> that you just <em>have <\/em>to order &#8220;when in Rome&#8221;!<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_21909\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21909\" class=\"wp-image-21909 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0449.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people cheering glasses of white wine at a restaurant in Italy.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0449.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0449-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21909\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">These are the Roman dishes you have to try while in Rome.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#What_To_Eat_in_Rome\" >What To Eat in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Your_Mini_Glossary\" >Your Mini Glossary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Must-Try_%E2%80%9CAntipasto%E2%80%9D\" >Must-Try &#8220;Antipasto&#8221;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Bruschetta\" >Bruschetta<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pecorino_romano\" >Pecorino romano<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Porchetta\" >Porchetta<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Carciofi\" >Carciofi\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Fiori_di_Zucca\" >Fiori di Zucca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Fave_al_guanciale\" >Fave al guanciale<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Puntarelle\" >Puntarelle<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Popular_Primo_%E2%80%93_Roman_Pasta_Dishes\" >Popular Primo &#8211; Roman Pasta Dishes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pasta_alla_gricia\" >Pasta alla gricia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pasta_allamatriciana\" >Pasta all&#8217;amatriciana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Bucatini\" >Bucatini<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pasta_e_Ceci\" >Pasta e Ceci<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Gnocchi_alla_romana\" >Gnocchi alla romana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pasta_arrabbiata\" >Pasta arrabbiata<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Pasta_alla_carbonara\" >Pasta alla carbonara<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Cacio_e_Pepe\" >Cacio e Pepe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Rigatoni_con_pajata\" >Rigatoni con pajata<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Popular_Secondo_%E2%80%93_Main_dishes_in_Rome\" >Popular Secondo &#8211; Main dishes in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Roman_Pizza\" >Roman Pizza<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Baccala\" >Baccal\u00e0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Saltimbocca_alla_romana\" >Saltimbocca alla romana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Coda_alla_vaccinara\" >Coda alla vaccinara<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Involtini_alla_romana\" >Involtini alla romana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Trippa\" >Trippa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#What_to_eat_in_Rome_for_desserts\" >What to eat in Rome for desserts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Crostata_di_ricotta\" >Crostata di ricotta<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Maritozzo\" >Maritozzo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Gelato\" >Gelato<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_What_to_Eat_in_Rome\" >FAQs &#8211; What to Eat in Rome<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#How_do_we_find_good_restaurants_and_avoid_tourist_traps\" >How do we find good restaurants and avoid tourist traps?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#Which_restaurantsareas_are_recommended_to_try_these_traditional_dishes\" >Which restaurants\/areas are recommended to try these traditional dishes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/food-of-lazio-and-rome-italy\/#What_Italian_phrases_should_I_learn_to_order_in_a_restaurant\" >What Italian phrases should I learn to order in a restaurant?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_To_Eat_in_Rome\"><\/span>What To Eat in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1trvm4n\" data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"908\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Mini_Glossary\"><\/span>Your Mini Glossary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"994\">First things first &#8211; obviously, you don\u00b4t have to be able to speak fluent Italian to enjoy the delicious cuisine. However, understanding a few key terms will help you navigate any Roman menu with confidence! Here are some pointers to help get you started&#8230;<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1404\">\n<li data-section-id=\"10ukav\" data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1036\"><strong data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1011\">Antipasto<\/strong> \u2013 Starter or appetiser<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10w7jrl\" data-start=\"1037\" data-end=\"1096\"><strong data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1048\">Primo<\/strong> \u2013 First course (usually pasta, rice, or soup)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1i9rsrr\" data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1141\"><strong data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1110\">Secondo<\/strong> \u2013 Main course (meat or fish)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"yjxww6\" data-start=\"1142\" data-end=\"1196\"><strong data-start=\"1144\" data-end=\"1156\">Contorno<\/strong> \u2013 Side dish (vegetables, salad, etc.)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"yjxww6\" data-start=\"1142\" data-end=\"1196\"><strong>Fritti &#8211;<\/strong> Fried dishes<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1gsf08\" data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1220\"><strong data-start=\"1199\" data-end=\"1208\">Dolce<\/strong> \u2013 Dessert<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1g8u2cv\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1292\"><strong data-start=\"1223\" data-end=\"1234\">Coperto<\/strong> \u2013 Cover charge (small fee per person for bread\/service)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1g8u2cv\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1292\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Fatto a casa<\/strong><em> &#8211; <\/em>made in-house<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1553\"><em>Insider Tip:<\/em> Italians don\u2019t usually order everything at once, you can choose just a primo, or a secondo with a contorno, depending on how hungry you are. Ordering this way means that you can suss out how big the portions are first. And of course, you can always order extra dishes later if you are still peckish, or want to try more flavours!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Must-Try_%E2%80%9CAntipasto%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Must-Try &#8220;Antipasto&#8221;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bruschetta\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Bruschetta<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Perhaps it was first invented in Tuscany, perhaps in Rome. Either way, <em>bruschetta <\/em>today is a staple on the menu of most Roman restaurants. A very simple dish, it&#8217;s said that it came about when 15th-century olive oil makers would toast their bread over a fire that they used to keep warm in the winter, then would taste-test their own olive oil on it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Today, the recipe is pretty much the same: <strong>A good bread, rubbed with a bit of garlic\u00a0and topped with olive oil<\/strong>. One of the most popular varieties, of course, is <strong><em>bruschetta al pomodoro <\/em>(with tomatoes)<\/strong>. Just make sure you pronounce it correctly: it&#8217;s &#8220;broo-SKETT-ah,&#8221; NOT &#8220;broo-shet-ah.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_21893\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21893\" class=\"wp-image-21893 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1835.jpg\" alt=\"A person holding a eaten piece of bruschetta.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1835.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1835-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21893\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Bruschetta<\/em> is perfect until the last bite.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pecorino_romano\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Pec<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>orino<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> romano<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lazio&#8217;s answer to <em>parmigiano-reggiano, <\/em><em>pecorino <\/em>is a <strong>cheese made from sheep&#8217;s milk<\/strong> (the name comes from <em>pecora, <\/em>meaning &#8220;sheep&#8221;).\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Hard, salty, and delicious,<\/strong> D.O.P.-protected <em>pecorino <\/em>is the staple of many Roman pasta dishes, and what you&#8217;ll often be offered instead of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/parmigiano-reggiano-cheese\">parmigiano-reggiano.<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_21829\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21829\" class=\"wp-image-21829 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0088.jpg\" alt=\"A shop owner slicing Italian cheese on a wooden board.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0088.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0088-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21829\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Pecorino romano<\/em> is an important ingredient in Roman pasta dishes.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Porchetta\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Porchetta<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Not just a food of Umbria and Tuscany, <em>porchetta <\/em>is also served in Rome; it&#8217;s the<strong> pork carved from a stuffed, herbed young pig<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> It&#8217;s served either in a <em>panino (sandwich) <\/em>at lunchtime or as an <em>antipasto (starter) <\/em>option at dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1514\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1514\" class=\"wp-image-1514 size-full\" title=\"Porchetta in Rome\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0575_024-scaled-e1731945778171.jpg\" alt=\"A person choosing what to eat in Rome deciding on porchetta.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1514\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Porchetta<\/em>, served as an antipasto in Rome is a must.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carciofi\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Car<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">ciofi<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Carciofi, is Italian for artichoke, which are very popular in Italy, and one of the top suggestions of what to eat in<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> Rome!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22250 size-full\" title=\"Roman artichokes\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_LIke-a-Local-Food-Tour_0028.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding a tray of fried artichokes in Rome. \" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_LIke-a-Local-Food-Tour_0028.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_LIke-a-Local-Food-Tour_0028-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Fried artichokes? Yes, please!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There are two classic ways to cook them:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Carciofi alla giudia, <\/em>&#8220;Jewish artichokes,<\/strong>&#8221; is a recipe from Rome&#8217;s ancient Jewish community; it involves frying artichokes to a delicious crisp.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Carciofi alla romana, <\/strong><\/span><\/em><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>&#8220;Roman Artichokes&#8221;<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">are slow-cooked so they&#8217;re buttery and tender.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you don&#8217;t like artichokes, this is a traditional Roman food you&#8217;ll want to try. We promise they&#8217;re <em>not\u00a0<\/em>like the artichokes back home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><center><\/center><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YrugwAKGUFc?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fiori_di_Zucca\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fiori di Zucca<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These are &#8220;<strong>zucchini flowers<\/strong>,&#8221; and they show up in Roman cuisine in all different ways; some pastas will even incorporate them.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The most popular (and traditional) way, though, is on the fritti menu as a fried antipasto or a side. That&#8217;s when they&#8217;ll be <strong>stuffed with mozzarella cheese,<\/strong> usually an anchovy or two, and deep-fried.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1493\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1493\" class=\"wp-image-1493 size-full\" title=\"Fiori di zucca in Rome\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0026-scaled-e1731946830888.jpg\" alt=\"Fiori di zucca in Rome\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1493\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One way to try fiori di zucca? On a pizza.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fave_al_guanciale\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fave al guanciale<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">You&#8217;ll see <strong><em>fave, <\/em>or fava (broad) beans<\/strong>, often on Roman menus.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Only order them when they&#8217;re in season, in the spring. In this popular <em>contorno <\/em>(side dish), they&#8217;re <strong>served with <em>guanciale, <\/em>or pork jowl.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puntarelle\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Puntarelle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These crunchy<strong> green chicory shoots<\/strong> are served as a salad, dressed with olive oil, vinegar, anchovies and garlic. This is another typical Roman <em>contorno <\/em>or <em>antipasto <\/em>that should be served (and eaten) only when it&#8217;s in season: from November through February.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Primo_%E2%80%93_Roman_Pasta_Dishes\"><\/span>Popular Primo &#8211; Roman Pasta Dishes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">There&#8217;s nothing like fresh pasta, and obviously this is top of the list of what to eat in Rome. Two of the city\u2019s most iconic pasta dishes, <em>amatriciana and<\/em>\u00a0<em>alla gricia, are <\/em>both from <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rome<\/span><\/span> and closely connected in flavour and history. Both are deeply traditional and showcase the simplicity of Roman cuisine, where just a few high-quality ingredients are used to create bold, unforgettable flavours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pasta_alla_gricia\"><\/span>Pasta alla gricia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"189\">Pasta alla gricia<\/em> is considered the original version, made simply with <strong>guanciale (pork jowl), pecorino cheese, black pepper, and pasta<\/strong>, without any tomato.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1496\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1496\" class=\"wp-image-1496 size-full\" title=\"Pasta alla gricia, a great food in Rome\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0553_002-scaled-e1729242353695.jpg\" alt=\"One of the most classic Roman pasta dishes\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1496\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Pasta alla gricia<\/em>\u2014delicious!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pasta_allamatriciana\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pasta all&#8217;amatriciana<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"328\">Amatriciana<\/em> builds on the recipe above by adding <strong>tomato sauce<\/strong>, creating a richer and slightly tangier dish.\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> It&#8217;s named after Amatrice, the Lazio town that&#8217;s said to have come up with the dish. And while the sauce might have a bit of garlic, most frown on there being any onions.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8160\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8160\" class=\"wp-image-8160\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bucatini_amatriciana_rossa-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"798\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8160\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Bucatini al&#8217; Amatriciana<\/em> &#8211; does it have <em>guanciale<\/em> or salt beef? Hard to tell without taking a bite.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bucatini\"><\/span>Bucatini<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Meaning &#8220;little holes,&#8221; this is a<strong> long pasta, slightly thicker than spaghetti.<\/strong> And yes, it&#8217;s got a (tiny) hole in the center. You can find dozens of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/italian-pasta-shapes\">varieties of pasta around Italy<\/a>, but <em>bucatini <\/em>is most closely associated with Rome.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Most <em>trattorie <\/em>worth their salt will make this themselves, in-house (&#8220;<em>fatto a casa&#8221;<\/em>), but always ask to be sure.<\/span><em>Bucatini<\/em> pasta is used for a variety of dishes.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pasta_e_Ceci\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pasta e Ceci<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Pasta with chickpeas.<\/strong> A very old, simple, and delicious recipe, that is also nutritious. Legumes are often known as the meat of the poor, and this pasta was no different. <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Served by <em>nonne (<\/em>grandmothers)<b><i>, <\/i><\/b>throughout Italy to give a healthy dose of both carbohydrates and protein in one simple, inexpensive dish.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gnocchi_alla_romana\"><\/span>Gnocchi alla romana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Usually served on Thursdays, these <strong>soft, tasty dumplings<\/strong> are made of semolina and served in sauce.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22354\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22354\" class=\"wp-image-22354 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/flickr-Gnocchi-alla-Sorrentina.jpg\" alt=\"A beautiful plate of gnocchi alla Sorrentina, a popular Italian dish made with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/flickr-Gnocchi-alla-Sorrentina.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/flickr-Gnocchi-alla-Sorrentina-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22354\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A beautiful plate of gnocchi, a popular Italian dish!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pasta_arrabbiata\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pasta arrabbiata<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Literally &#8220;angry&#8221; pasta, this is one for the spice-lovers.<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s a <strong>pasta with a sauce of tomatoes, chopped garlic and a lot of <em>peperoncino <\/em>(red chili peppers)<\/strong>&#8230; hence the &#8220;angry&#8221;.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pasta_alla_carbonara\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pasta alla carbonara<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The second of Rome&#8217;s most popular pastas, this is not as it&#8217;s made back home: Although the sauce is creamy, there&#8217;s no cream in it at all. Instead, the proper Roman <em>carbonara\u00a0<\/em>is made of <strong>diced\u00a0<em>guanciale,\u00a0<\/em>eggs, and either parmesan or\u00a0<\/strong><em><strong>pecorino<\/strong>&#8230;\u00a0<\/em>and that&#8217;s it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">For more insider info on carbonara, check out where to find the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/best-carbonara-in-rome\">best carbonara in Rome! <\/a>And don\u00b4t miss our fun video below to find out how the Romans make carbonara:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HD42KGVWB9E?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cacio_e_Pepe\"><\/span>Cacio e Pepe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">One of the &#8220;holy&#8221; Roman pastas, this is a <strong>pasta served with grated\u00a0<em>pecorino\u00a0<\/em>cheese, black pepper, and is mixed with some of it&#8217;s own boiling water<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s simple, but surprisingly delicious. Think of it as a spicy macaroni and cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rigatoni_con_pajata\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rigatoni con pajata<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A pasta with <em>pajata. <\/em>What&#8217;s <em>pajata, <\/em>you say? Well, it&#8217;s the<strong> intestine of an unweaned<\/strong> (read: milk-fed) <strong>lamb or calf.<\/strong> Those intestines are cleaned and skinned, of course, but that partially-digested milk, called &#8220;chyme,&#8221; is left inside.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">When it&#8217;s cooked, it becomes thick and creamy. This, by the way, is one of Rome&#8217;s many <em>cucina povera <\/em>dishes, food created from offal by people who couldn&#8217;t afford anything else.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s usually <strong>served in small tubes with a red sauce<\/strong> in pasta. And while all of that might sound disgusting, believe us &#8211; it&#8217;s delicious.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-21891 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_2164.jpg\" alt=\"A waiter holding plates of pasta in red sauce.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_2164.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_2164-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>You can&#8217;t go wrong with traditional Roman food.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Secondo_%E2%80%93_Main_dishes_in_Rome\"><\/span>Popular Secondo &#8211; Main dishes in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Roman_Pizza\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Roman Pizza<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Of course, you can get pizza Italy-wide, but <a href=\"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/best-pizza-rome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Roman pizza<\/a> is among the best and a typical Roman dish you have to try.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Don&#8217;t expect thick, fluffy pizza here; instead, <strong>Roman pizza is paper thin, crisp,<\/strong> and <em>always <\/em><strong>baked in a wood oven. <em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22249\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22249\" class=\"wp-image-22249 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_Pizza-Class10067.jpg\" alt=\"A person taking a slice from their pizza.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_Pizza-Class10067.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Devour_Rome_Pizza-Class10067-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22249\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Every pizza in Rome is a personal pizza.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baccala\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Baccal\u00e0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>A codfish<\/strong>, you see this prepared many ways in Rome. <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you see it on the\u00a0<em>fritti\u00a0<\/em>menu, then the <strong>fish is served up fried. <\/strong>You also find it as a popular <em>antipasto, <\/em>or a\u00a0<em>contorno\u00a0<\/em>with some pizza.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1498\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1498\" class=\"wp-image-1498 size-full\" title=\"Roman fritti\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0001-scaled-e1731946985203.jpg\" alt=\"Fried foods of Rome, including baccala and fiori di zucca\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1498\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some of Rome&#8217;s best<em> fritti<\/em>, including <em>baccala<\/em> (left) and<em> fiori di zucca<\/em> (right).<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saltimbocca_alla_romana\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Saltimbocca alla romana<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Veal wrapped in <em>prosciutto crudo <\/em><\/strong>and sage, then rapidly fried.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">So tender and flavorful, the name literally means &#8220;jump-in-mouth&#8221; in the Roman dialect.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1495\" style=\"width: 937px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1495\" class=\"wp-image-1495 size-full\" title=\"Saltimbocca, a Roman food specialty\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0573.jpg\" alt=\"One of the best foods of Rome, Italy\" width=\"927\" height=\"618\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0573.jpg 927w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/DSC_0573-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 927px) 100vw, 927px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1495\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Saltimbocca&#8230; doesn&#8217;t it look like it wants to &#8220;jump in your mouth&#8221;?<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coda_alla_vaccinara\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Coda alla vaccinara<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Oxtail,<\/strong> slow-cooked until it falls off the bone and usually served in a<strong> hearty tomato stew.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Involtini_alla_romana\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Involtini alla romana<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Another typical Roman dish you don&#8217;t want to miss is <strong>rolls of beef<\/strong> which are stuffed with carrots and celery and served in a tomato sauce. <strong><em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trippa\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Trippa<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tripe: Yes, that&#8217;s<strong> stomach lining<\/strong>, often served simmered and finished with a tomato sauce. The texture is a bit like pasta, and if nobody tells you what you&#8217;re eating, you might not even know.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1492\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1492\" class=\"wp-image-1492 size-full\" title=\"Tripe, one of the classic foods of Rome\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Trippa-Beef-Tripe.jpg\" alt=\"Beef tripe on a ceramic plate\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Trippa-Beef-Tripe.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Trippa-Beef-Tripe-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1492\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Trippa<\/em>\u2014also known as tripe. A Roman specialty.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_eat_in_Rome_for_desserts\"><\/span>What to eat in Rome for desserts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Crostata_di_ricotta\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Crostata di ricotta<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A classic Roman dessert, this is a <strong>cheesecake made with ricotta.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> It&#8217;s just sweet enough, and often finished with <strong>chocolate or a fruit<\/strong> of the season; we particularly love it when fresh cherries are available.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"14xz0f9\" data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"70\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maritozzo\"><\/span>Maritozzo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"72\" data-end=\"558\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Another must-try dessert in <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rome. T<\/span><\/span>he maritozzo is <strong>a soft, slightly sweet brioche-style bun filled generously with whipped cream<\/strong>. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, it has become a popular treat at any time of day. The name comes from the word <em data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"363\">\u201cmarito\u201d<\/em> (husband), as it was once a sweet gift given by suitors to their future brides. Light, indulgent, and unmistakably Roman, it\u2019s the perfect way to end, or start, your food journey through the city.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gelato\"><\/span>Gelato<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Of course, no meal in Rome is truly complete without gelato. Unlike standard <strong>ice cream,<\/strong> authentic Italian gelato is made fresh daily, with natural ingredients and less air, giving it a richer flavour and smoother texture. Whether you opt for classic flavours like pistachio and stracciatella or something more adventurous, enjoying a scoop after dinner is one of the simplest (and most delicious) pleasures!<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"682\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18924\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5024196007_481794e3be_b.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate gelato\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5024196007_481794e3be_b.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/5024196007_481794e3be_b-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/>\n<p>Insider tip: Keep an eye out for gelaterias that use seasonal ingredients and avoid overly bright, artificial colours, those are usually signs of lower quality.\u00a0 Check out where to find the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/food-and-wine\/best-gelato-in-italy-florence-rome-milan\">best gelato in Italy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_What_to_Eat_in_Rome\"><\/span>FAQs &#8211; What to Eat in Rome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"ei9xll\" data-start=\"90\" data-end=\"129\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_we_find_good_restaurants_and_avoid_tourist_traps\"><\/span>How do we find good restaurants and avoid tourist traps?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unfortunately, because Rome has so many visitors, many eateries now focus on catering to tourists. These places serve up &#8220;Italian&#8221; food that isn&#8217;t traditional, seasonal or fresh. Here\u2019s a useful checklist on how <\/span>to <span style=\"color: #000000;\">spot (and avoid) tourist traps, and how to \u00a0find authentic local restaurants offering traditional dishes!<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"131\" data-end=\"270\">AVOID:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"272\" data-end=\"589\">\n<li data-section-id=\"177115h\" data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"368\">\u274c Staff standing outside trying to lure you in<\/li>\n<li>\u274c Menus with lots of photos of the dishes<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"177115h\" data-start=\"318\" data-end=\"368\">\u274c \u201cTourist menus\u201d with fixed low prices and generic options<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"7fr9m5\" data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"589\">\u274c Restaurants located right next to major landmarks with inflated prices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"609\">Instead, LOOK FOR:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"751\">\n<li>\u2705 Lots of Italian locals dining there<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10l3lyg\" data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"657\">\u2705 Shorter menus written in Italian, not in numerous languages<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10l3lyg\" data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"657\">\u2705 Seasonal menus or special dishes (often handwritten)<\/li>\n<li>\u2705 Independent places that are not on the &#8220;main strip&#8221;, walking just a few streets away from main attractions, can make a huge difference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"858\">When in doubt, don\u2019t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Locals, hotel staff, and even shop owners are often the best source of honest advice on where to eat, and they\u2019ll usually point you toward places they actually go themselves. In addition, checking recent online reviews can be helpful, especially to confirm consistency and quality, but it\u2019s best to look for places with a strong local following rather than just high tourist ratings.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"858\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_restaurantsareas_are_recommended_to_try_these_traditional_dishes\"><\/span>Which restaurants\/areas are recommended to try these traditional dishes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here\u2019s a curated list of authentic, locally recommended Roman restaurants where you can try traditional dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia, without falling into tourist traps.\u00a0These are places widely known for real Roman cooking and strong local followings in Rome:<\/p>\n<p>1. Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere) &#8211; A tiny, no-frills trattoria famous for some of the best traditional Roman pasta in the city. Expect dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and fried artichokes, always packed with locals, so arrive early.<\/p>\n<p>2. Trattoria Da Teo (Trastevere) &#8211;\u00a0A classic neighbourhood spot serving seasonal Roman dishes in a relaxed setting. Known for excellent pasta and fresh antipasti, with a menu that changes based on local produce.<\/p>\n<p>3. Felice a Testaccio (Testaccio) &#8211; One of Rome\u2019s most iconic trattorias. Famous for its cacio e pepe (mixed tableside in a cheese wheel), it combines tradition with a slightly more polished dining experience.<\/p>\n<p>4. Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio) &#8211;\u00a0Built into the old Monte Testaccio, this is a true Roman favourite. Expect generous portions of all the classic pasta dishes, especially amatriciana and gricia.<\/p>\n<p>5. Da Bucatino (Testaccio) &#8211;\u00a0A traditional, slightly old-school restaurant loved by locals for hearty Roman dishes like bucatini all\u2019amatriciana and oxtail stew.<\/p>\n<p>6. Armando al Pantheon (Centro Storico) &#8211;\u00a0Close to major landmarks but still highly respected by locals for authentic Roman cuisine and consistent quality. Booking is essential.<\/p>\n<p>7. Osteria Bonelli (Prenestino area) &#8211;\u00a0A lesser-known neighbourhood gem where Romans go for honest, affordable food and classic dishes without tourist influence.<\/p>\n<p>8. Cesare al Casaletto (Outskirts of Trastevere area) &#8211;\u00a0A favourite among food lovers for exceptional pasta and fritti. Many consider it one of the best modern Roman trattorias.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"858\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Italian_phrases_should_I_learn_to_order_in_a_restaurant\"><\/span>What Italian phrases should I learn to order in a restaurant?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"858\">Italians appreciate politeness, and even using a few basic Italian phrases can go a long way in making your dining experience more enjoyable.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"996\" data-end=\"1404\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1g8u2cv\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1292\"><strong data-start=\"646\" data-end=\"659\">\u201cVorrei\u2026\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cI would like\u2026\u201d (e.g. <em data-start=\"684\" data-end=\"706\">Vorrei una carbonara<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"842\">\u201cPosso avere\u2026?\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cCan I have\u2026?\u201d<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1g8u2cv\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1292\"><strong data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"728\">\u201cPer favore\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Please<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"odktfn\" data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"768\"><strong data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"754\">\u201cGrazie\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 Thank you<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"y45l1x\" data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"820\"><strong data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"797\">\u201cIl conto, per favore\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThe bill, please\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"408\">\u201cBuonissimo!\u201d<\/strong> = \u201cDelicious!\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22252 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Walks.Devour_Rome_Pasta-Class_1917.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Walks.Devour_Rome_Pasta-Class_1917.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Walks.Devour_Rome_Pasta-Class_1917-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<p data-section-id=\"7tdht9\" data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"128\"><strong>Ready to Cook Like a Real Roman?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"130\" data-end=\"283\">After discovering 25 of the most iconic dishes in <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Rome<\/span><\/span>, why not go one step further and learn how to make them yourself?\u00a0Join our hands-on <span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-cooking-class\/\">Rome Cooking Class<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>and step into the kitchen with a local expert chef who will guide you through the secrets of authentic Roman cuisine.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"285\" data-end=\"648\">You\u2019ll learn how to prepare fresh homemade pasta like <strong data-start=\"494\" data-end=\"520\">fettuccine and ravioli<\/strong>, and master classic sauces such as carbonara and cacio e pepe, all using traditional techniques passed down through generations.\u00a0This is more than just a cooking lesson, it\u2019s a chance to experience Roman food culture from the inside out, using fresh, local ingredients and learning the skills you can take home with you.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"842\" data-end=\"941\"><strong data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"941\">Book your Rome Cooking Class today and bring the flavours of Italy back to your own kitchen.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Curious about what to eat in Rome? In the Italian capital, you won&#8217;t want for delicious food. But\u00a0what is traditional Roman food? Here is some advice on how to find the best places and foods of Rome and the Lazio region that you just have to order &#8220;when in Rome&#8221;! What To Eat in Rome [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22251,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[62,18],"ppma_author":[155],"class_list":["post-1491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-and-wine","tag-food","tag-rome"],"authors":[{"term_id":155,"user_id":3,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly","display_name":"Walks of Italy","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f4cd4dd0c5ab4b4bae57f3500298e23?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog","last_name":"of Italy","first_name":"Walks","job_title":"","description":"Walks began life as the passion project of two guys with one simple mission: To share their love for, and knowledge of, the city of Rome. Since then, Walks has grown into a team of over 100 ground staff and at any time up to 600 guides, operating across 13 of the world\u2019s most exciting cities (and counting!)\r\n\r\nToday we provide some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the industry through Italy-based Walks of Italy and around the world at Walks, where we offer special access to some of the world\u2019s most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1491"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1491"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25176,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1491\/revisions\/25176"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1491"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=1491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}