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Rome is associated with ancient ruins and majestic monuments, but the Eternal City is much more than that. Yes, it is true that Julius Caesar himself has walked these streets and that you can step into the arena of the Colosseum where centuries ago many gladiators have fought to the death; however, in adittion, Rome is a true gastronomic jewel.

Rome has an impressive culinary culture. That is why we want to recommend you to tour the city through its delicious food. Have you heard about food tours? Well, they are the latest trend in tourism, and the most fun and fascinating way to get to know a city nowadays. Are you ready to embark on a food tour in Rome? Let's go!

 

Overview

Touring Rome can be overwhelming, as there is so much to discover that you may not know where to start; there's practically a monument around every corner. When it comes to food, the same is true; the city is full of trattorias, osterias and markets, so it can be difficult to map out an itinerary.

To get the most out of your culinary tour, we recommend you sign up for a food tour with professional guides who will take you to the best restaurants in town, even those that are not so popular but serve wonderful dishes that have been perfected over the centuries.

Anyway, in this article we will give you all the tips and information you need to know to taste the best gastronomic places in the city and learn about its history.

What is Roman cuisine all about?

Before we dive into the places, we want to recommend, it is important to understand the essence of Roman cuisine. What makes the gastronomy of Rome special is its focus on simple but fresh ingredients; you could say it is a cuisine that loves simple but well done.

The Romans are known for being masters in the art of making good pizza, which is thin and crispy; and they also have unparalleled expertise in gelato, which is the perfect finishing touch to any meal.

 

Places you can´t miss while food touring in Rome

There are many places in Rome that are recommended for a food tour. These tours will not only allow you to taste the delicious food of the city, but will also immerse you in its local culture. These are the places we would like to recommend

 

Trastevere: flavors of the bohemian district

Trastevere, known as the bohemian quarter, is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome due to its vibrant atmosphere and its starry streets. There you can taste the typical traditional dishes of the city, in small family-run osterias; for example, bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil, or an attentive pasta alla gricia.

Moreover, the atmosphere of these small locals is very welcoming, and the people who serve them are usually very friendly and always willing to chat with visitors about their traditions and recipes. Trastevere is also known for offering the best “suppli”, rice croquettes stuffed with cheese that are a delicacy.

Tip: Remember to always leave a little room for dessert, because when you finish eating you can stop by one of the many artisan gelaterias where you can taste the best gelato in town.

 

Testaccio: the culinary heart of Rome

If you are a true food lover, you can't miss Testaccio, a neighborhood that is known as the true culinary heart of Rome. There you will find the Testaccio Market, one of the most famous markets in the city, where you can buy fresh and seasonal products.

In this neighborhood you can taste delicious local cheeses and Italian cured meats, such as the incomparable prosciutto and mortadella. You can also try the famous pizza al taglio, which is sold by weight and is perfect for a quick snack. In addition, in this neighborhood they serve the best porchetta, roast pork with herbs, a gastronomic jewel of the region that you cannot miss.

 

Campo de' Fiori: The Most Famous Market

Another mandatory stop on any food tour Rome is the Campo de' Fiori Market, one of the oldest in Rome. It is a market full of color and life, filled with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and spices.

Along the way you can sample fresh produce and savor delicacies such as pecorino cheeses or the famous baccalà (salted cod), as well as freshly baked bread and cured meats. As you walk around, you can also learn about the history of the market and daily life in Rome.

 

Must-try dishes in Rome

We have already mentioned some of the places that must be included in a food tour around Rome. Now we want to tell you which are the dishes you can't miss.

 

Cacio e Pepe

This is one of the simplest but most exquisite dishes in the city. You may say it is the definition of Roman cuisine, and it has only three ingredients: pecorino cheese, black pepper and pasta. A simple but tasty dish.

 

Carbonara

Many believe that Roman carbonara has cream in it, but this is not correct. This classic dish is made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), egg yolk, pecorino cheese and black pepper. It is an explosion of flavor.

 

Saltimbocca alla Romana

One of the city's specialties. It consists of thin veal fillets covered with prosciutto and sage, all cooked in a white wine sauce. The name, which means “jumps to the mouth”, is perfect to describe how irresistible this dish is.

 

Pizza Romana

 
Photo by SHVETS production

While Naples is the city in Italy most famous for its pizza, Rome has its own version: a thin, crispy dough, often topped with simple ingredients like tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and a touch of olive oil.

 

Tip: You may be offered to eat this pizza “al volo” (on the fly), which means folded in half; as it is a local tradition.

 

Gelato: The Sweet Ending

A food tour of Rome would not be complete without a stop to try authentic Italian gelato, which unlike regular ice cream, gelato has a softer, creamier texture. These treats are prepared with natural ingredients and less fat, and come in a variety of flavors, although the most traditional are pistachio, stracciatella (grated chocolate), and limone (lemon). But, if you are one of those who love to try more extravagant things, don't worry, because you can find more modern combinations such as lavender and honey or figs with walnuts.

If you really want to try a good gelato, you should look for artisan gelaterias, where gelato is made fresh every day and seasonal fruits are used for the flavors.

 

Tips to make the most of your food tour

●      Go hungry: As you can imagine, on a food tour you will spend a lot of time eating, so it is advisable to arrive with room in your stomach.

●      Ask the guides: The guides are usually locals who are passionate about food. Don't hesitate to ask them for recommendations of restaurants or dishes outside the tour.

●      Enjoy at your own pace: Although the tours have a schedule, take your time to savor every bite and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

Final Thoughts

Rome is a city that feeds both body and soul. Taking a food tour will not only give you a deeper insight into the local culture, but also allow you to savor the true spirit of Rome.