The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Rome

If you’re a foodie, Rome isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. From rich, velvety pasta to crispy Roman-style pizza and the dreamiest gelato, this city will have your taste buds singing “That’s amore!”

We’ve been to Rome three times. We are BIG FOODIES and every place on this list is somewhere we’ve personally visited, tried, and loved. These are not just random recommendations—this is our handpicked lineup of must-try spots!

One of the best ways to dive into Rome’s culinary scene? A food tour! Whether private or with a group, it’s the perfect way to get a lay of the land, taste a variety of dishes, and score insider recommendations from a local.

Travsessed Tip: When on a food tour, ask your guide where they take their friends to eat. That’s where the real magic happens!

Explore a vibrant street scene in Rome with a scooter navigating the bustling urban landscape.

Our Food Tour Recommendation:

We booked a tour in Trastevere with Eating Europe, but we also love With Locals for private, customizable tours where you pick your guide based on interests and vibes—or check out a foodie adventure on Airbnb Experiences!

Trastevere – The Ultimate Foodie Neighborhood

Trastevere is our favorite neighborhood to stay and eat in Rome. It’s packed with cobblestone streets, lively piazzas, and incredible restaurants. If you’re a foodie, this is where you want to be!

Must-Try Restaurants in Trastevere

La Norcineria di Lacozzilli – Best Porchetta Sandwich

Casa Mia – Amazing Amatriciana Pasta

Augusto – Local spot for a traditional Roman meal

Dar Poeta – Pizza & house wine that won’t break the bank

Mimi and Coco – Best happy hour spot! Sit outside, eat homemade focaccia, people-watch, and sip the best espresso martinis we’ve ever had… and we’ve had a lot!

The Desserts of Checco Er Carettiere – Best Gelato

Da Francesco – Try all 4 Classic Roman Pastas in one place

Rimessa Riscoli – Pizza Bianco with Mortadella (a must!)

Dilla – Get the Meatballs & anything with truffle (you won’t regret it)

The 4 Classic Roman Pastas (And Where to Eat Them!)

Rome is famous for four iconic pasta dishes. These are simple yet rich in flavor, and each one is a must-try!

🍝 Amatriciana – Tomato sauce, Guanciale, and Pecorino Romano
🍝 Cacio e Pepe – Just Pecorino Romano and black pepper, but pure magic
🍝 Carbonara – Egg, Pecorino Romano, and Guanciale (no cream, ever!)
🍝 Pasta alla Gricia – The OG Carbonara, but without egg

Where to find the best versions of each:

Cacio e Pepe → Felice a Testaccio
Amatriciana → Casa Mia & Da Francesco
Carbonara → Armando al Pantheon
Alla Gricia → Da Francesco

Where to Find the Best Pizza in Rome

Pizza in Rome hits different—crispy, light, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you love the thin and crispy Roman-style or the fluffy, cloud-like Neapolitan, we’ve got you covered.

Top Pizza Spots in Rome

🍕 Dar Poeta – Affordable, delicious pizza + cheap liters of house wine
🍕 Casa Manco – Our favorite because of its special crust
🍕 Pizzeria da Baffetto – Bobby Flay’s favorite pizza spot
🍕 Il Corallo – A local food tour guide’s top pick

The Best Gelato in Rome

Gelato in Rome is serious business. But not all gelato is created equal! To find the real stuff, avoid places with bright, fluffy mountains of gelato (that’s fake, full of artificial fluff). Look for spots where the gelato is stored in metal tins with lids—this means it’s the good, creamy, traditional kind.

Our Favorite Gelato Spot

Frigidarium – Next to Pizzeria da Baffetto (perfect post-pizza treat!)
The Desserts of Checco Er Carettiere – Tiny hole-in-the-wall, easy to miss but unforgettable
Otaleg – Hidden gem in Trastevere

Rimessa Roscioli Wine & Food Tasting Dinner

One of our absolute favorite foodie experiences in Rome was the wine and food tasting dinner at Rimessa Roscioli—hosted by a team of local sommeliers who really know their stuff! The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and we learned so much while having an absolute blast.

It’s the perfect mix of education, amazing flavors, and pure fun—plus, we got to meet some awesome fellow travelers. There’s just something magical about sharing great food, sipping incredible wine, and soaking up all the knowledge in a lively, cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend this for any foodie who wants to eat, drink, and learn—all at the same time! 🍷✨

Authentic Italian pizza preparation with fresh tomato sauce on dough in a Brazilian kitchen.

Fun Foodie Facts & Pro Tips for Eating in Rome

🇮🇹 Tipping isn’t required in Italy, but leaving a euro or two for great service is appreciated.

🍝 Italians never eat bread with pasta—it’s meant to be eaten on its own or used to soak up extra sauce at the end (scarpetta).

🍕 Pizza in Rome is different from Naples—Roman-style is thin and crispy, while Neapolitan is soft and airy. Try both!

🍦 Real gelato melts quickly! If it holds its shape for too long, it’s loaded with fake ingredients.

🍷 House wine is cheap and delicious! Don’t overthink it—just order the vino della casa.

⏰ Late dinner is the norm! Most Romans eat dinner after 8 PM, so don’t be surprised if restaurants are empty at 6 PM.

How to Get Around Rome

Rome is an incredible city to explore, and while walking is the best way to soak in its charm, there are plenty of transportation options to get you where you need to go! Here’s the breakdown:

Walking – The Best Way to Explore!

Rome is super walkable, and honestly, strolling through its cobblestone streets is half the fun. You’ll stumble upon hidden piazzas, cute cafés, and ancient ruins around every corner.

✅ Great for exploring neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and the Historic Center.
✅ Wear comfy shoes – those cobblestone streets are no joke!
✅ Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like the Colosseum & Trevi Fountain.

Metro – Fast, But Limited

Rome’s Metro system is cheap and easy to use, but it has only three lines (A, B, and C), so it doesn’t reach every major attraction.

✅ Best for getting to the Vatican, Colosseum, and Termini Station.
✅ Tickets cost €1.50 for a single ride or €7 for a 24-hour pass.
✅ Trains run from 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM (until 1:30 AM on Fridays & Saturdays).

Buses & Trams – Good for Filling in the Gaps

Rome’s buses and trams can be helpful, but traffic can be brutal, so they’re not always the fastest option.

✅ Trams are better than buses—less traffic and more predictable!
✅ You must buy your ticket before boarding (at a kiosk or tabaccheria).
✅ Validate your ticket once on board, or you might get fined.

Taxis – Convenient, But Expensive

Taxis in Rome aren’t cheap, and you can’t hail them on the street like in other cities. You’ll need to:

Find a taxi stand (near major squares & train stations).
Use a taxi app like FreeNow (Uber only offers Black, which is $$$).
Pay with cash – many taxis don’t take cards.
Beware of scams! Always take official white taxis with a meter.

E-Scooters & Bikes – Fun for Short Distances

Rome has rental e-scooters and bikes (Bird, Lime, and Dott) that are great for zipping around neighborhoods like Trastevere or along the Tiber River.

✅ Use the apps to unlock & pay per minute.
✅ Be careful on cobblestone streets—things get bumpy!