Welcome to Rome, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, famous for its ancient history, stunning architecture, and of course, its delicious cuisine.
If you’re a foodie looking to indulge in some authentic Italian dishes, then you’re in the right place.
Rome is home to a variety of traditional dishes, each with its unique flavors and ingredients.
In this list, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular dishes that you simply can’t miss when visiting the Eternal City. From antipasti to pasta, from meat to dessert, get ready to discover the amazing culinary delights that Rome has to offer.
So, don’t hesitate to search, order, and try these fantastic Roman dishes!
APPETIZERS & FRIED
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Supplì
rice croquette with ragù or tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese inside, breaded and fried.
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Fiori di Zucca
cchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, breaded and fried.
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Carciofi alla Romana:
artichokes cleaned and cut into wedges, cooked with garlic, mint, and oil.
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Carciofi alla Giudia:
whole artichokes cleaned and cut in half, fried in olive oil.
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Bruschetta:
derived from “pane bruscato,” meaning toasted bread, and consists of a slice of bread grilled and then seasoned with extra virgin olive oil andrubbed with garlic, or filled with various ingredients such as diced tomatoes, lard, etc.
PASTA
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Carbonara
asta seasoned with an emulsion of eggs, guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
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Cacio e Pepe
pasta seasoned with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, emulsified with pasta cooking water.
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Amatriciana
pasta seasoned with tomato sauce, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
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Gricia
pasta seasoned with guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
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Pajata
pasta seasoned with the intestines of a calf.
MEAT
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Saltimbocca alla Romana
veal slices stuffed with prosciutto and sage, sautéed in a pan with butter and white wine.
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Abbacchio alla Scottadito
lamb chops grilled with rosemary and garlic.
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Pollo alla Romana
hicken cooked with roasted peppers and potatoes, flavored with garlic and rosemary.
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DESSERTS
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Maritozzo
small loaf made with flour, eggs, honey, butter and salt, which, cut in half, is traditionally filled with abundant whipped cream.
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Tiramisù
spoon dessert composed of a layer of savoiardi biscuits soaked in coffee, a cream made of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, and dusted with bitter cocoa powder.
SPECIALTIES OF INNARDS
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Trippa alla Romana
veal tripe cooked in a tomato sauce, flavored with mint and Pecorino Romano cheese.
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Coratella
dish prepared with the heart, liver, and lungs of lamb or veal, cooked with garlic, mint, and oil.
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Coda alla Vaccinara
beef tail cooked slowly with tomato, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, dark chocolate, and red wine.
PIZZA
When it comes to pizza, Rome is no stranger to the game. In fact, the city has a wide range of pizza styles to choose from, each with its unique flavors and textures.
Here are some of the most popular pizza types you can find in Rome:
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Pizza Romana
This style is characterized by a thin and crispy crust that’s hand-stretched or rolled out with a rolling pin. The toppings are typically simple and light, often featuring fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs.
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Pizza Napoletana
Originating from Naples, this style features a soft and chewy crust that’s thicker than the Roman version. The toppings are usually more robust and hearty, with a generous amount of tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, and other savory ingredients.
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Pizza Contemporanea
This is a newer style that’s becoming more popular in Rome. The dough is made with a long fermentation process, resulting in a highly digestible and flavorful crust. The pizza has a pronounced crust or “cornicione,” which is often topped with gourmet ingredients like truffles, prosciutto, or burrata cheese.
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Pizza alla Pala
This pizza style is typical street food that’s sold by weight in many pizzerias and delis in Rome. The dough is baked on a large wooden paddle or “pala,” resulting in a light and crispy crust. Toppings can range from simple to complex, but the pizza is usually served by the slice.
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Pizza Bianca
This is a type of pizza that’s actually a type of focaccia bread, which is baked with olive oil, salt, and rosemary. It’s often sold by weight in pizzerias and delis, and it can be eaten plain or topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. In Rome, the classic topping is mortadella, a type of Italian cured meat similar to bologna.
Wishing you an amazing culinary experience in Rome!
