For food lovers, Rome is a dream come true. With over 13,000 restaurants and an abundance of menu items, the Italian capital is a paradise for foodies. While pasta and pizza are certainly part of the traditional Roman culinary story, there is much more to explore. Evidence of Rome’s rich history can be found in the food of the city, with imports from the ancient Greeks combined with original Roman culture. Today, Rome is a melting pot of international cuisines, with both hearty peasant fare and high cuisine available. Furthermore, the food of Rome is heavily influenced by its ancient Jewish heritage. Those looking to experience the culinary adventures that Rome has to offer should look no further than these popular and traditional foods.
Pizza alla Romana
Pizza is undoubtedly the single most iconic dish of Italian cuisine and nowhere is it more popular than in Rome. As a visitor to the Eternal City, it would be a sin to not indulge in the myriad of pizza options. However, the pizza here is not the same as its Neapolitan counterpart; it is a unique Roman creation known as pizza Romana, or scrocchiarella. This type of pizza is characterized by its thinner and crunchier crust, which is cooked at a lower temperature for less time than the traditional Neapolitan pizza. It is also served in two distinct forms: al taglio (by the slice) and tonda (round). Each slice of pizza Romana can be topped with fresh ingredients and melted cheese, making it one of the most enjoyable and rewarding culinary experiences in all of Rome.
Carciofi alla Romana (Artichokes)
Carciofi alla Romana (Artichokes) is a mouthwatering Italian dish that can be found on restaurant menus in Italy during the springtime. To prepare this dish, the stems and outer leaves of the artichoke must be trimmed. Any furry choke inside should be carefully scooped out to ensure a flavorful finished product. Once this is complete, a mixture of garlic, parsley, and mint is stuffed inside the artichoke and it is then braised in a pan with the stems pointing upwards in an olive oil and white wine mixture. This dish is served warm, often with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and is sure to tantalize the taste buds.
Spaghetti alla carbonara
Spaghetti alla carbonara is a classic Italian dish, renowned for its simplicity and deliciousness. Made with just a few ingredients – silky creamy egg, pecorino romano cheese, crispy pancetta or bacon, al dente pasta, freshly ground pepper and a sprinkle of cheese – it’s all you need to satisfy your pasta cravings. This dish is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting Rome where it is present on the menus of practically all restaurants and cherished by locals and tourists alike.
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe
For many Italian food connoisseurs, there is no other dish that better exemplifies the “less is more” philosophy than the Roman classic, cacio e pepe. This simple dish, consisting of pasta, pecorino cheese and black pepper, can be found in practically any Roman eatery.
Bucatini All’Amatriciana
Bucatini All’Amatriciana is an iconic Roman dish that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. This dish consists of bucatini pasta, guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, white wine, San Marzano tomatoes, black pepper, and chili. It’s a delicious meal that has a long and debated history, with many questioning if the original version included tomatoes or not. Nevertheless, the version popular in Rome today is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of the city’s food. This is a meal that should not be missed, as it is one of the most renowned pasta dishes in Rome. Enjoy this classic dish for a truly unforgettable Italian culinary experience.
Saltimbocca alla Romana (Veal With Ham & Sage)
The Saltimbocca dish is a 19th century invention that is popular in Rome. It consists of a calf veal filet with prosciutto crudo attached to it with a toothpick, sautéed in butter with white wine and lightly salted with salvia for additional flavor. The dish has seen little change since its inception and is a classic favorite amongst visitors to Italy.
The name “Saltimbocca” literally translates to “jumps in your mouth,” which accurately describes its delicious flavor. Though the photo may not seem appetizing, it is one of those dishes that must be tried in order to fully appreciate it. For those looking to try a Saltimbocca, Salitmbocca Ristorante in the historical center of Rome is an excellent choice with excellent reviews.
The Italian way of dining is to order an antipasto, primi, secondo, and so on. Saltimbocca is a light secondo that can be enjoyed alone or shared – a perfectly normal and expected practice in Italy. This flavorful dish is a great option for those looking to experience the traditional Italian cuisine.
Supplì (Deep Fried Rice Croquettes)
Supplì are a classic Italian snack that have been around since the early 1900s. Traditionally, they consist of ground beef, sausage, or chicken gizzards cooked with tomato sauce and rice until the mixture is thick and creamy. After the rice is cooled, it is rolled into egg-shaped parcels, stuffed with mozzarella, and then deep-fried. When broken apart, the supplì will reveal the melted mozzarella center. Recently, however, some cooks have begun experimenting with different flavors and condiments, such as Pecorino and black pepper or radicchio and gorgonzola. No matter the variation, supplì are always a delicious treat that can be found at many takeaway joints and pizzerias in Rome.
Porchetta
Porchetta is a delightful Italian delicacy that consists of a deboned, slow-roasted pig. It is usually prepared with the belly and loin cuts, and seasoned with a combination of salt, pepper and herbs. The end result is a tender, succulent and flavourful dish that has captured the hearts of many. Although porchetta is quite popular and can be easily found at delis and takeaway joints, it is still difficult to find an exceptional version. This is due to the complexity of preparing porchetta, which requires a great deal of skill, time and patience to ensure that the end product is of the highest quality possible.
From the classic pastas and pizzas to the more unique dishes, Rome’s culinary offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just a novice, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in Rome.
