Exploring Rome’s Culinary Scene: Discover Iconic Dishes and Top Restaurants
During my travels to Rome, I had the pleasure of experiencing the city’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. From traditional Roman dishes to contemporary takes on old favorites, the food scene in Rome is as vibrant as it is flavorful. Below are some of my top restaurant picks, along with a closer look at the classic dishes that define the city’s culinary heritage.
Roma Sparita
Located in the heart of Trastevere, Roma Sparita is a family-owned gem, famous for its authentic cacio e pepe, served in a Parmesan bowl. This dish, one of the city’s iconic pastas, is a must-try for any food lover visiting Rome.
Via Luigi Santini, 3, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 580 0924
Website: Roma Sparita
Roscioli
A true Roman institution, Roscioli is a salumeria and bar offering an impressive selection of Italian wines and deli items. Known for its high-quality cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Roman dishes, this is the perfect spot for a casual yet refined culinary experience.
Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 687 5287
Website: Roscioli
Trattoria Morgana
For traditional Roman fare, Trattoria Morgana offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of classic Roman dishes. It’s a place to experience the flavors of the region, made with local ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 687 8367
Osteria dal 1931
A popular spot among locals, Osteria dal 1931 serves up hearty Roman dishes that capture the essence of the city’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or a meat dish, you’ll find something satisfying here.
Via della Lungaretta, 1, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 581 2896
Trattoria Morgana
For traditional Roman fare, Trattoria Morgana offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of classic Roman dishes. It’s a place to experience the flavors of the region, made with local ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 687 8367
Osteria dal 1931
A popular spot among locals, Osteria dal 1931 serves up hearty Roman dishes that capture the essence of the city’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or a meat dish, you’ll find something satisfying here.
Via della Lungaretta, 1, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 581 2896
Pizzarium
Located in the Prati district, Pizzarium is a must-visit for pizza lovers. Known for its unique and innovative pizzas, it is famous for the creations of Gabriele Bonci, one of Rome’s most celebrated pizza chefs.
Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 3974 5416
Website: Pizzarium
Il Timoniere
For an authentic Roman dining experience, Il Timoniere, located near the Pantheon, offers traditional Roman dishes prepared with local ingredients, serving both locals and tourists alike.
Via del Pellegrino, 48, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 6880 3950
A Casa di Rita
A hidden gem in Centocelle, A Casa di Rita offers a home-style meal with a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. This is the perfect spot for a relaxed, authentic Roman meal.
Via delle Acacie, 19, 00176 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 700 3819
The Four Pastas of Rome: A Guide to the City’s Iconic Dishes
Rome is famous for its four classic pasta dishes: cacio e pepe, carbonara, alla gricia, and amatriciana. These dishes embody the simplicity, local ingredients, and centuries-old traditions of Roman cuisine. Here’s a closer look at each beloved dish and the best places to try them in the Eternal City:
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e pepe is a dish that celebrates simplicity and skill. Made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, it’s one of the oldest pasta recipes in Rome. Bistro64 serves an outstanding version of this dish, known for its perfect balance of flavors.
Bistro64
Via delle Coppelle, 64, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 686 7970
Website: Bistro64
Carbonara
One of Rome’s most iconic dishes, carbonara is made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. Roscioli is renowned for its exceptional carbonara, offering a true taste of Roman culinary excellence.
Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 687 5287
Website: Roscioli
Rigatoni all’Amatriciana
Rigatoni all’amatriciana is a hearty dish featuring guanciale, tomato sauce, and Pecorino Romano cheese. For an authentic experience, try this classic at Trattoria Morgana, where the rich flavors of the dish shine through.
Trattoria Morgana
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 687 8367
Website: Trattoria Morgana
Exploring Roman Jewish Cuisine
One of the highlights of Roman cuisine is its Jewish influences, especially the iconic carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes). The Jewish Ghetto in Rome is home to many restaurants serving these traditional dishes, which have been perfected over centuries. Here are two excellent restaurants to try:
Sora Lella
A hallmark of Roman Jewish cuisine, carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) is a must-try dish when exploring the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Sora Lella offers the best rendition of this crispy, golden delicacy. The restaurant maintains a rich tradition of Roman Jewish flavors, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s culinary history.
Isola Tiberina, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 581 3470
Website: Sora Lella
Nonna Betta
Another excellent choice in the Jewish Ghetto, Nonna Betta serves up authentic Jewish-Roman dishes, including carciofi alla giudia. Known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere and classic recipes, it’s a perfect spot to savor the flavors of this unique culinary tradition.
Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16, 00186 Roma, Italy
Phone: +39 06 6880 6030
Website: Nonna Betta
These two restaurants offer a true taste of Roman Jewish cuisine, with carciofi alla giudia being a standout dish that should not be missed.
Rome’s culinary scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich history and diverse influences. From its famous four pastas to its Jewish culinary heritage, the city offers an endless array of flavors. Whether you’re dining at an iconic institution like Roscioli or enjoying a more casual meal at Pizzarium, each meal is a chance to connect with the essence of Roman culture.
Local Cheeses and Sausages in Rome
To truly experience Rome, sampling the local cheeses and sausages is a must. Roman cuisine makes extensive use of pork, and you’ll find unique pork sausages and sheep’s milk cheeses in many local markets and trattorias. Here are a few noteworthy ones to try:
Pecorino Romano
A classic Roman cheese, Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty sheep’s milk cheese that’s perfect for grating over pastas like cacio e pepe or enjoyed with a glass of wine.
Caciocavallo
A traditional Italian cheese with roots in southern Italy, Caciocavallo is made from cow’s milk and has a smooth texture and a distinct, sharp flavor. It’s often served with cured meats in a delicious antipasto platter.
Guanciale
Guanciale is an unsmoked Italian bacon made from pork cheek or jowl. It’s a key ingredient in traditional Roman pasta dishes like carbonara and amatriciana. Its rich flavor adds a distinctive taste to Roman cooking.
Salsiccia di Maiale
Roman sausages like Salsiccia di Maiale (pork sausage) are a staple in Roman cuisine. Typically seasoned with fennel, pepper, and other spices, they can be grilled, used in sauces, or enjoyed on their own.
Porchetta
This delicious roasted pork, often served at Roman markets, is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and fennel seeds before being slow-roasted to perfection. It’s typically served in sandwiches, a perfect street food for tourists.
To enjoy these local delights, many Roman markets, such as Mercato di Testaccio and Campo de’ Fiori, offer a wide variety of these artisanal products. These cheeses and sausages are often featured in Roman trattorias, where they can be paired with local wines for a true taste of the Eternal City.