15 Foods You Must Try on Your Next Visit to Rome

posted on : November 1, 2020 posted by : admin

As an ancient city, the food history of Rome is long and varied. What you find now is a mix of cuisines from across the globe and dishes representing every nook and cranny of Italy. Overall the cuisine that truly defines the eternal city is humble everyday food. As Mina Holland describes it in her book The World on a Plate, “the flavors are gutsy – clean, concise, and bold – and there’s an earthiness to the cooking here that belies Rome’s status as a capital city.”

The delicious food to eat is nearly endless, but there are a few things that you MUST try when in Rome.

Artichokes

There are artichokes and then there are Roman artichokes. You can find them on menus across the city, but if you really want to experience them head to the Jewish Quarter. Try a carciofi alla guidea, fried artichoke’s crispy outside leaves with a little salt and a great glass of wine.

Saltimbocca alla Romana

This is one of the classic dishes of Rome. It has become more widely available outside of Italy, but there is something about eating it here that makes it that much better. A pan-fried veal cutlet, wrapped in prosciutto, flavored with fresh sage, and then sauteed in white wine. It seems so simple, but it must be well done to truly shine.

Gelato

If you are anything like us, you will be tempted to eat gelato at EVERY meal while in Rome. This creamy frozen dessert is well known now, but still best eaten at the source. Classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and hazelnut are only the beginning. Artisan gelato shops still claim a big part of the market and create delicious options rich in flavor. Ask the locals for their favorite gelato spots and grab a scoop or two.

Porchetta

This may seem like a humble meat dish, but it considered so important to Italian culture that the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policy have named it a prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale. The pork roast is stuffed with liver, fennel, and herbs before being roasted until juicy and tender. You will find it being served in restaurants, but it is great on a sandwich for a quick lunch when wandering the city.

Cacio e Pepe

If anything summed up the simplicity of classic Italian dishes it would be Cacio e Pepe. Literally cheese and pepper, there is no room for anything but the best ingredients. Pecorino romano is essential to this dish. I love Parmesan as much as the next cheese lover, but don’t substitute it in this dish. You can enjoy this dish at trattorias and fine dining spots throughout the city.

Bucatini Amatriciana

This pasta dish is all about the sauce – rich, slightly sweet with a little spicy kick. In America, you will find often find this sauce made with uncured bacon, but the real thing is made guanciale (cured pork cheek). The bucatini is perfect for carrying this sauce in its hollow center.

Calascioni

As much as slow food is the center of Italian cuisine, they have their fair share of street food and quick options. Calascioni are perfect for a quick bite as you wander the city. These handheld cheese pies are especially popular at Easter, but you can find them the rest of the year too.

Fiori di zucca farciti e fritti

Fried zucchini blossoms have had a bit of an international moment in recent years, but they have been popular in Italy for generations. These delicate flowers are often found on antipasti menus and can be enjoyed stuffed with cheeses, meats, or fish.

Provatura fritta

Once you’ve tried provature fritta there will be no going back to regular mozzarella sticks.

Bigne di San Guissepe

Bigne

These cream puffs are called zeppole in some areas, but whatever you call them they are a delicious breakfast or treat. Made with choux pastry they are light and beautiful. Filled with pastry cream they are often part of Father’s Day and Saint Joseph’s Day celebrations in March.

Suppli

Suppli are the quintessential Italian street food. Similar to arancini, rice is simmered with a tomato sauce and stuffed with mozzarella before being fried. You will also find these little rice balls on menus across the city, but to truly enjoy them I recommend getting a little paper cone of them and snacking as you walk.

Pizza al taglio

If you are looking for an afternoon or late night snack it doesn’t get any better than pizza al taglio. Pizza by the slice is available at little shops throughout the city and perfect for holding you over until that late dinner. I love trying new options that I might not be brave enough to order a whole pie of.

Maritozzi

This sweet breakfast option is now available in a variety of flavors, but I recommend sticking with the classic. A yeasted sweet roll is filled with whipping cream for the most basic version. Enjoy it with a cup of espresso to really get your day started.

Espresso

Even if you aren’t a coffee lover, is it really a trip to Rome without trying an espresso? Traditionally served with sugar on the side feel free to sweeten it as you like. But be sure to enjoy it at the counter like a real local (and avoid the table fee).

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Spaghetti alla carbonara

Carbonara is a more recent addition to Roman cuisine, but if you have tried a version at home you need to give the real thing a try too. The fresh pecorino and the guanciale or pancetta give it a flavor that is hard to replicate at home.

Narrowing this list to fifteen was so hard. Rome is filled with delicious foods that are best tried at the source. Let us know what flavors bring the Eternal City to life for you!