Traditional Roman Foods You Must Try While Visiting Rome

Pasta alla Carbonara 

Carbonara is probably one of the most well known Italian dish throughout the world, but Rome is the mecca of Carbonara. It is a very simple dish, yet quite delicious and comforting! Fatty guanciale (cured pork jowl) is fried until it renders its fat; while in a separate bowl, egg yolks are beat together and pecorino cheese, together with ground black pepper are added to create the perfect blend, that will cover the cooked pasta with a dash of pasta water. Mixed all together, off heat, and it will emulsify into a heavenly creamy sauce

In Rome, you will see Carbonara served with Spaghetti, Tonnarelli or Rigatoni pasta, and served al dente. 

Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe is one of Lazio's oldest dishes, a very simple combination of pasta, usually thick and fresh egg tonnarelli pasta, aged pecorino sheep cheese and lots of ground black pepper.

According to tradition, shepherds carried these non-perishable ingredients with them on their long journeys in the deep countryside of Lazio with their flocks – and so sheep’s cheese was just about the only ingredient they could always have on hand, and that's how the Roman classic was born.

Amatriciana

Another traditional dish that dates back to the ancient shepherds, who used to make this in the town of Amatrice, with their staple ingredients of guanciale, pecorino cheese, and dry pasta. Tomato was added to make the dish what we know today. 

Pasta Alla Gricia

Alla Gricia is a very similar pasta dish made with pasta, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and black pepper.

Supplì

Supplì are fried rice croquettes served at many takeaway bars and pizzerias in Rome. It is very similar to the well-known Arancini. The classic version features bits of ground meat cooked with tomato sauce and rice, then set aside to cool, formed into egg-shaped parcels around a piece of mozzarella, breaded, and deep-fried. The classic ragù recipe dates back to at least the early 20th century but today there are many cooks who have taken creative twists, experimenting with new flavors like Pecorino and black pepper or carbonara even. 

Carciofi alla Romana and Carciofi alla Giudia

Rome in the Spring is great because artichokes are in season! Artichokes are done in two styles here, Carciofi alla Romana, which in this way the artichokes are split open and filled with mint, garlic and parsley before being gently steamed in a concoction of olive oil, white wine and water. The artichokes are left tender and full of delicious flavor.

The second style is carciofi alla giudea – Jewish style artichokes are historically tied with Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto. After being trimmed, the artichoke is flattened so that its leaves open outwards like a flower and then deep fried whole. They are crispy and delicious! You can find artichokes sold in markets and served in restaurants!

Puntarelle Alla Romana

This classic Roman dish is a bitter salad tossed with anchovy, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar dressing.

Pizza Al Taglio

Pizza al taglio or “pizza by the slice,” is nothing like the big, eat-with-a-fork Neapolitan style pizza, rather it's a street food in Rome that merits it's own category. It is baked in large trays, sliced into squares, and served on paper ready to be eaten.

Saltimbocca

A traditional "Secondo", or main course, you will find in Rome is Saltimbocca, which roughly translates to "jumps in your mouth" which just tells you how good it is. These tender veal slices are wrapped in prosciutto, pounded, and stuffed with fresh sage. It is then sautéed in a white wine sauce. 

Trapizzini

Another popular street food in Rome, are the Trapizzini, which if you imagine a fluffy wedge of pizza dough, sliced down the middle to create a triangular pocket, then stuffed with meatballs, or other variants from artichokes to eggplant parmesan. 

Coda Alla Vaccinara

Another Secondo, or second course dish, is the traditional Roman stew, made from the tail of the ox. It originated historically as a poor-man's dish, using the leftovers after the wealthy had their meal. Today, you’ll still find oxtail stew braised and simmered with delicious prosciutto ham, wine, tomato, and veggies.

Check out this guide for the best places to eat in Rome!

Danielle Cohen

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Where to Eat Like a Local in Rome

Rome is a great place for history, art, but especially for food! After visiting so many incredible sites and walking so much, you will surely gather up a big appetite, and you are in the perfect place for that! Home to the carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia pasta, Roman artichokes, and supplì ‑ you are in good hands if you want to eat. 😋 This guide includes 16 restaurants, 1 gelateria, 1 cafe, and one speakeasy bar (and always updating). These are all delicious and local spots to try in Rome, avoiding the touristy places. I recommend making reservations at these following places ahead of time!

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Danielle Cohen

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Instagram Worthy Cafes in Rome

Check out this guide for the most fun and unique, "Instagramable" and photographable cafes in Rome, Italy. This guide includes 7 incredibly unique cafes that make for a fun place to stop, have a drink/coffee and enjoy Rome's cool cafe scene.

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Danielle Cohen

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Rooftop Bars in Rome

This is a list of the best rooftop bars in Rome, Italy. If you're looking for a place to relax, have a drink, and enjoy some of the best views overlooking Rome, then check out this guide! This guide includes 16 rooftop bars + 1 speakeasy that will give you plenty of options for Rome's best views

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Danielle Cohen

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Ultimate Guide to Rome

I have put all my Rome guides into one, so if you're traveling to Rome, this is the guide you need. This includes WHAT traditional Roman dishes you should try, WHERE to try them, beautiful rooftop bars with extraordinary views, funky-instagrammable cafes/bars, and for those who maybe it's not the first time visiting Rome - Rome off the beaten path, including other activities, churches, exhibits to see besides the Colosseum/Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Vatican.

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Traveling elsewhere in Italy? Check out my FREE Complete Italy Guide.

For more information on travels to Florence, Rome, Bologna, Puglia and more!

Danielle Cohen

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Complete Italy Guide

Learn everything you need to know about any and all future/ upcoming trips to Italy. From what and where to eat, where to visit, the best beach spots, rooftop bars, best views, and MORE, this guide has you covered. This guide features things to do, see, and eat in Florence, Rome, Bologna, Padova, Venice, Cinque Terre, Puglia and Naples. Find more of my local spots and about life in Italy with my Golden Retriever on my instagram and TikTok 📸 @awakened.by.adventure

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