Join us on our Rome Food Tour through Italy’s delicious capital — where we spent five flavorful days discovering authentic pasta dishes, iconic street foods, and local favorites, guided by tips from Roman friends and family.
Back in June 2022, we traveled to Italy for my niece’s wedding. The celebration took place in Puglia, but we couldn’t resist the chance to explore more of this beautiful country. So, we planned a 3-week Italian adventure — starting with five unforgettable days in Rome.
And when in Rome, well… you eat!
Of course, we had a list of landmarks to visit, but food quickly became the center of our journey. From cacio e pepe to fried artichokes and creamy gelato, we dove into the culinary culture with full forks and open hearts.
To plan our Rome Food itinerary, we combined:
- Personal research through blogs, Italy food vlogs, and local guides.
- And best of all, insider tips from Nico (my niece’s fiancé back in 2022, now husband), who sent us recommendations from his uncles and close friends living in Rome.
That local knowledge made all the difference!
So, this blog is our way of sharing our Rome food experiences — everything we loved, everything we learned, and a few places we think you shouldn’t miss!
Whether you’re planning a trip now or dreaming of your next vacation, we hope our food tips and Rome restaurant suggestions help you enjoy the same delicious and unforgettable experience we had.
Also, make sure to watch our Rome Food Tour vlog on YouTube to see all the delicious dishes we tried — and don’t forget to take notes for your next trip!
🌟 Extra Tip! Stay connected with Holafly eSIM in Italy and get the latest Google reviews before you choose where to eat!
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What Food Is Rome Known For? A Taste of History Before the First Bite
Before we dive into our personal Rome food tour, let’s take a step back and answer one of the most common questions we saw during our trip research:
What food is Rome famous for — and where did it all begin?
Rome’s culinary history goes back to the days of the Roman Empire. Ancient Romans favoured practical, seasonal ingredients and cooked using methods like boiling, roasting, and fermenting. Their meals were often centered around barley porridge, lentils, vegetables, olives, cheese, and cured meats.
One of their most unique staples was garum — a fermented fish sauce that added a salty, umami-rich punch to many dishes. Think of it as an ancient cousin to anchovy paste or Asian fish sauce.
From Ancient Roots to Modern Tables
Fast forward to today, and while modern Romans may not be pouring garum on everything, the essence of their cuisine is still rooted in simplicity, quality, and bold flavor combinations.
Modern Roman cuisine continues to reflect traditions passed down over centuries, and it’s all about celebrating flavour with minimal ingredients.
Modern Roman Cuisine Highlights:
Here’s what Rome food is best known for today:
The Four Famous Roman Pastas:
- Cacio e pepe: Pecorino Romano cheese + black pepper (Serge loved it!)
- Carbonara: Egg, Pecorino, black pepper, and guanciale — I (Eli) actually tried Carbonara in a couple of places and loved it! The best one was in Trastevere — keep reading for more tips!
- Amatriciana: Tomato, Pecorino, and guanciale
- Gricia: Carbonara without the egg
Our Top Picks for Must-Try Roman Specialties:
- Pizza al taglio (by the slice), found at casual eateries – Keep reading for more tips of best places we tried Pizza al taglio!
- Fried artichokes (Carciofi alla Giudia), from the Jewish Quarter – Delicious!
- Fried zucchini flowers, often stuffed with cheese and anchovy — one of the best dishes we had in Rome, and totally unique!
- Tiramisu, gelato, and maritozzi (sweet cream-filled buns) – I can’t wait to share my tips for enjoying them, so keep reading!
Local Favorites: Roman Dishes Recommended by Our Italian Friends
Before our trip, we asked Nico’s family and friends who live in Rome and Italy for tips on what to eat—and they didn’t disappoint!
Here are a few extra Roman specialties they suggested trying:
- Coda alla vaccinara – A slow-cooked oxtail stew, rich and hearty
- Trippa alla Romana – Roman-style tripe cooked with tomato and pecorino
- Puntarelle – Chicory shoots served cold with anchovy-garlic dressing
- And of course… another carbonara and amatriciana — just for good measure! 😋
These local dishes might not always make the tourist lists, but they’re part of what makes Roman cuisine so unique and comforting. If you’re up for a real culinary adventure, be sure to look for them on traditional menus!
Whether you’re sitting down at a cozy trattoria or picking up a snack from a local market, one thing is clear — Rome’s food culture is a delicious mix of history and everyday tradition.
Coming up: Our 5-day food journey in Rome, with local restaurant recommendations and tips to help you eat like a Roman!
Sources for Historical Context:
- Garum and Ancient Roman Cuisine:
- Ancient Rome – National Geographic
- Ancient Roman Cuisine – Wikipedia (used only for reference)
- Modern Roman Dishes:
- Our personal experience + culinary notes confirmed with La Cucina Italiana
PS: Curious about our full 3-week Italy trip? From Rome to Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and finally Puglia for the big wedding — check out our Italy Vlogs to get inspired and start planning your own Italian dream getaway!
Best Rome Food Tours to Book (If You Want to Skip the Planning)
It’s tough to say exactly how many restaurants Rome has — some estimates suggest thousands — which can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to decide where to eat.
In the next section, we’ll share the places we personally tried during our 5-day trip — a mix of our own research, spontaneous finds, and great recommendations from Nico’s family and friends who live in Rome.
But if you’d rather skip the planning and let a local expert guide your taste buds, Rome food tours are a fantastic option. Whether you’re into quick walking tours, curious about the flavours of the Jewish Quarter, or dreaming of a pasta-and-wine pairing under the stars, there’s something for every foodie and budget.
👉 Keep reading for our restaurant picks, or explore some of the top-rated local food tours in Rome we’ve researched for you below!
Why Join a Rome Food Tour?
- ✅ Get insider access to hidden gems and family-run restaurants
- ✅ Skip the guesswork with pre-selected tastings
- ✅ Learn about the history and culture behind each dish
- ✅ Great for first-timers or short stays (especially if you have just 1-2 days in Rome)
Our Top Picks: Rome Food Tours You Can Book Now
Here are some highly rated food tours we personally recommend or would book ourselves:
🧀 1. Most Popular & Budget-Friendly
Rome: Trastevere Street Food Walking Tour with Local Expert
⭐ 4.8 | 1,600+ reviews | From C$58 per person (Reviews & Prices August 2025)
A fun, casual walking tour in the heart of Trastevere — As per Get your Guide description – Explore the charming neighborhood of Trastevere on a guided 2.5h Street Food Tour. Try some delicacies of the area, and admire its historic landmarks including the Santa Maria Church & Ponte Sisto.
Discover a different side of Roman cuisine in the Jewish Quarter.
🍷 2. Best for Wine Lovers
Rome: Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Wine Tasting
⭐ 4.9 | 1,987+ reviews | Up to 4 hours | From C$176 per person (Reviews & Prices August 2025)
If you’re the type who wants to try everything, this food tour is for you. Enjoy unlimited tastings of Roman specialties paired with premium Barolo wine. It’s an indulgent experience perfect for travellers who love good food, great wine, and generous portions.
🌇 3. Best Evening Experience in Rome
Rome: Twilight Trastevere Food Tour with Wine Tasting
⭐ 4.9 | 530+ reviews | 4 hours | From C$176 per person (Reviews & Prices August 2025)
Looking for a relaxed food experience in the evening? This highly rated tour includes a full dinner across 6 local stops, with 10 tastings, wine pairings, and a visit to a wine cellar that’s older than the Colosseum. You’ll sample Roman favorites like porchetta, handmade pasta, gourmet gelato, and local cookies — all guided by a passionate local foodie.
🕰️ A quick note on “twilight”: While the tour doesn’t guarantee a sunset view, it begins in the late afternoon and flows into the evening. Many reviewers describe it as atmospheric and cozy — ideal for couples or small groups who want to combine delicious food with a charming nighttime stroll through Trastevere.
No matter which tour you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable taste of Rome — just follow your appetite and let the city do the rest!
🌟 Extra Tip! Stay connected with Holafly eSIM in Italy and get the latest Google reviews before you choose where to eat!
And if you prefer to explore on your own, keep reading — we’re sharing exactly where we ate in Rome, what we loved, and which dishes are still worth trying today, all based on our personal 2022 food journey with local tips!
Where We Ate in Rome – Our 5-Day Food Itinerary with Local Tips
From cozy trattorias to casual pizza spots, we explored a delicious variety of Roman cuisine during our 5-day adventure.
Some restaurants were on our must-visit list, others we stumbled upon by chance, and a few gems came highly recommended by Nico’s family and friends who live in Rome — each adding a special flavor to our trip!
We’re excited to share our favorite dishes, local tips, and a few unexpected surprises that made our Roman food tour unforgettable.
But before you continue, make sure to grab our FREE Digital Italy Travel Planner — which includes a Travel Food Review PDF page — and start planning your dream Italian getaway!
Day 1 – Pizza, Pub Vibes & Traditional Pasta
📍 Lunch – Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti (4.7 Google Reviews – 2025)
We kicked off our food journey with a slice of authentic pizza al forno from this no-fuss pizza counter in Monti. It was delicious, fresh, and the perfect start to fuel our Roman adventures.
📍 Afternoon – The Surge – Rome Irish Pub (4.6 Google Reviews – 2025)
Just around the corner, we relaxed at this cozy Irish pub with some cold drinks. It’s a fun break between sightseeing stops if you’re exploring Monti or the Colosseum area.
📍 Dinner – Trattoria della Stampa dal 1956 (4.7 Google Reviews – 2025)
A spontaneous dinner pick that turned out to be a total win! Trattoria della Stampa was cozy and inviting, tucked away on a quiet street — the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. We enjoyed traditional pasta and their delicious homemade tiramisu — rich, creamy, and the perfect way to end our first day in Rome.
🌟 Extra Tip! Stay connected with Holafly eSIM in Italy and get the latest Google reviews before you choose where to eat!
Day 2 – Pizza Round 2, Tiramisu & Trastevere Sweets
📍 Breakfast – Riccardo Taliani Banqueting (4.6 Google Reviews – 2025)
We were staying just across the street from Riccardo Taliani Banqueting, and what first caught our attention was the number of locals in ties grabbing a quick bite or sipping an espresso before work. So, we did the same! Nearly every morning in Rome, we stopped by for a quick pastry and espresso to start the day — just like the locals.
📍 Lunch – Bona Pizza (4.3 Google Reviews – 2025)
Another quick and tasty pizza al taglio – pizza al forno experience — light, crispy, and ideal for a mid-day bite on the go.
📍 Dessert – Two Sizes (Best Tiramisu in Rome!) (4.7 Google – More than 13k Reviews – 2025)
Please, don’t miss this spot! Two Sizes is known for having the best tiramisu in Rome — and after trying quite a few during our trip, we totally agree! Their classic tiramisu was perfection (and the pistachio version was a delicious bonus). Both are served in convenient to-go cups and definitely made our list of Rome’s top desserts.
📍 Fresh Fruits & Snacks – Campo de’ Fiori Market
We made a quick pit stop at Campo de’ Fiori for some fresh fruit — the perfect refreshment under the Roman sun! This charming local market is also a great place to discover regional flavours and pick up a few souvenirs right in the heart of Rome.
📍 Gelato – Afternoon Treat – Gelateria ReGusto Trastevere (4.7 Google Reviews – 2025)
If you’re in Trastevere, this hidden gem is a must for creamy gelato. Their pistachio and chocolate combo was divine.
📍 Dinner – (Oops, memory failed us!)
Honestly, we can’t remember the name of the restaurant we had dinner at that night. It was one of the many places around the Spanish Steps — decent, but it felt more touristy than special. Just another reason for us to return to Rome and try a better local spot next time!
Day 3 – Jewish Roman Delights & Nico’s Recommendation
📍 Lunch – Gli Specialisti (4.6 Google Reviews – 2025)
Recommended for their Roman classics, this was one of the tastiest lunches we had. We devoured:
- Carciofo alla Giudia (fried artichoke, Jewish style)
- Fiori di zucca ripieni (fried zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and anchovy)
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara – probably the best of the trip!
- Tagliatelle al pomodoro – fresh, simple, and delicious
📍 Dinner – Hostaria Romana (Nico’s friend Local Pick) (4.5 Google Reviews – 2025)
Thanks to an insider tip from Nico’s friend, we ended up at this traditional Roman gem. We sampled a bit of everything — starting with a delicious cheese platter, followed by grilled fish, and finishing with a creamy dessert (we forgot the name, but we’re pretty sure it was panna cotta — and yes, it was unforgettable!).
👉 Tip: This place fills up fast! Be sure to make a reservation or arrive early. Also, just a heads-up — this was the most expensive meal we had in Rome. While it was delicious and memorable, there are plenty of other amazing (and more budget-friendly) options around the city, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your spending.
Day 4 – Vatican Views & Castle Cafés
📍 Lunch – Caffè delle Comari (4.8 Google Reviews – 2025)
After visiting the Vatican, we found this charming café just steps from the Vatican Museums. We stopped for a delicious pasta lunch, but they also serve tasty panini and excellent coffee — perfect for a quick and satisfying break after exploring one of Rome’s most iconic sites.
📍 Drinks with a View – Caffetteria Ristorante Le Terrazze (3.9 Google Reviews – 2025)
The Caffetteria Ristorante Le Terrazze don’t have really great reviews, however since we were visiting Sant’Angelo Castle we stoped for a drink in their terrace that offers gorgeous views from the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Day 5 – A Sweet Roman Finale
📍 Breakfast – Civico58 A-B (4.0 Google Reviews – 2025)
We finally tried Maritozzo con la panna (a sweet cream bun) — and wow! Definitely one of Rome’s most Instagrammable (and tasty) breakfasts.
📍 Visit – Salumeria Volpetti (Testaccio) (4.5 Google Reviews – 2025)
Even though we didn’t eat here, it’s worth passing by to buy authentic Italian meats, cheeses, and pantry goodies to bring home.
📍 A Sweet Stop at Pasticceria Barberini (4.5 Google Reviews – 2025)
We didn’t have time for a full lunch, but as we passed by Pasticceria Barberini, we couldn’t resist popping in for a quick treat. This place is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth — offering a wide selection of traditional Roman desserts, pastries, and even gelato. If you’re craving sweets in Rome, this spot is definitely worth a visit!
📍 Dinner – La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (4.4 Google Reviews – 2025)
For our final dinner, we chose a local favorite near the Roman Forum. With cozy vibes and generous portions of homemade pasta, this was the perfect end to our Roman food tour.
🍝 Rome Restaurant Suggestions You Can’t Miss!
As we mentioned earlier, our friend Nico’s family and friends — born and raised in Rome — shared some of their favorite local restaurant picks with us.
While we didn’t have the chance to try them all (this time!), they’re now saved on our foodie list for our next trip. We’re passing them along so you can add them to your own Rome adventure — and if you go, we’d love to hear what you think!
Here are the local recommendations:
📍 Settimio all’Arancio (4.2 ⭐ Google Reviews – 2025)
A classic Roman spot loved by locals for fresh flavors and authentic dishes.
📍 Fiaschetteria Marini (4.5 ⭐ Google Reviews – 2025)
A cozy trattoria with a warm, inviting atmosphere, serving generous portions of traditional Roman recipes. This spot is right at the top of our list for our next visit to Rome!
📍 Hostaria Romana (4.5 ⭐ Google Reviews – 2025)
This was the only one from the list we managed to try during our 2022 visit, and it came highly recommended. In 2025, it still holds an impressive 4.5 rating from over 4,000 reviews. Known for its hearty pasta dishes and old-school charm, we really enjoyed our meal here. While it was on the pricier side (“$$$” for our budget at the time), we still recommend it for a special night out in Rome.
📍 Felice a Testaccio (4.3 ⭐ Google Reviews – 2025)
Famous for its cacio e pepe and deep roots in Roman culinary tradition.
✏️ Tip: Bookmark these for your Rome itinerary — sometimes the best meals are the ones the locals tell you about!
Looking for Where to Stay in Rome?
If you’re still wondering where to stay in Rome, we’ve got you covered! We carefully handpicked hotels and neighborhoods we’ve personally explored — including our own hotel, which we absolutely loved and would book again in a heartbeat.
From charming local areas to central spots close to all the action, our guide makes it easy to choose the perfect base for your Roman adventure.
👉 Check out our full blog here: Best Places to Stay in Rome
Final Thoughts – Your Rome Food Adventure Starts Here!
We hope this food itinerary gives you delicious ideas for your own Roman holiday! Whether you follow our exact path or discover your own favorite trattoria, Rome is the kind of city that rewards those who explore with curiosity — and a hearty appetite.
📽️ Don’t forget to check out our YouTube Food Vlog from Rome for real visuals, candid tips, and mouthwatering moments!
🌟 Extra Tip! Stay connected with Holafly eSIM in Italy and get the latest Google reviews before you choose where to eat!
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