Italian cuisine is one of the best-known in the world. There is no corner, no matter which country it is, that does not have a restaurant with these roots. But being in the capital of pasta, what can’t you miss to taste the most traditional dishes?
Rome is known as the Eternal City, and walking its streets makes you feel that time stopped centuries ago. This is what makes it one of the most chosen European destinations by millions of visitors who, year after year, visit the fascinating and captivating treasures it hides.
The Italian capital is a unique experience for many reasons. Its history and heritage overflow behind every corner, as in its Catacombs, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. So do its art and architecture, reflected in the Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel, or its countless museums.
Fashion and shopping are also famous in this destination. Rome is home to the houses of some of the world’s most renowned designers. Add to this its nightlife, culture and tradition, and scenic beauty, and this city is a lively and tempting corner of the world to visit.
However, there is another point that makes this city shine and that many recognize and want to experience: the food. The gastronomy is one of the richest and most varied in Italy. Its history and intense flavors are a must on any trip to this city. For this reason, we recommend that you take a food tour throughout Rome and try these ten dishes.
Table of Contents
Exploring Rome’s Most Memorable Culinary Creations
1. Cacio E Pepe
The translation of this dish is simply cheese and pepper. It is a simple delicacy made with spaghetti, tonnarelli, and pecorino romano cheese with black pepper.
Being a dish with very few ingredients, the key is quality. The ingredients must be of the highest quality. The secret is that to the cheese, they add a little water from the pasta, making it become a creamy sauce without the need to add cream.
2. Carbonara
This is perhaps one of the most worldwide-known dishes of Italian gastronomy. Any Italian restaurant menu has this dish in its first row, no matter what level it is.
Authentic Roman carbonara is prepared with guanciale, cured pork jowl, egg yolk, pecorino romano cheese, and black pepper. Like the previous dish, the original recipe does not have cream.
While you may have already tasted it, we assure you that nothing you tasted before will be like the one you will taste in its place of origin.
3. Amatriciana
Although this pasta does not originate from this area but from Amatrice, it was very popular among the Romans. Its sauce is made with guanciale, tomato, and pecorino cheese. It is usually prepared with bucatini, thick spaghetti with a hole inside.
The touch is given by cooking the guanciale, to which a small piece of chili pepper is added when it is put in the pan. This gives it an incredible aroma, and the fat is released. Then add a little wine.
4. Saltimbocca Alla Romana
The first option is without pasta on the list, something that makes it less known to tourists. This is one of the most appreciated dishes of Roman cuisine.
It is a very thin veal fillet covered with a slice of Parma ham and a sage leaf. It is all cooked in white wine, or better, a little sweet Marsala and butter.
It is a simply spectacular dish that makes your mouth water. And that is reflected in its name, which means “jumps in the mouth.” You anticipate how delicious it is, don’t you?
5. Carciofi Alla Romana
Artichokes alla Romana is a typical spring dish. These flowers are cooked with garlic, mint, parsley, and olive oil until tender. In some cases, they can also be stuffed with breadcrumbs.
It is a dish usually served in April when artichokes are at their best. If you travel at this time of year, do yourself a favor and try it.
6. Supplì
Another little-known classic is these ragu and mozzarella rice croquettes. With a crispy breading, they have a consistency that contrasts the creaminess and softness of the interior with the crunchiness of the coating.
They are classic street food worth trying on your Rome food tour. They will become faithful companions for your entire trip.
7. Grecia
This dish is said to be the ancestor of carbonara and amatriciana. The ingredients are the same, except for the egg or tomato. Once again, the secret is to make the sauce creamy with cheese and a little water.
Its origin comes from the poor houses of the shepherds of the north, who cooked with what they could and had within reach. Today, it is one of the most famous dishes in the country.
8. Coda Alla Vaccinara
One of the heartiest options on the list is an oxtail stew, cooked very slowly with tomatoes, white wine, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs. The result is meat that literally melts in your mouth.
It can be eaten alone or with pasta. It’s another delicacy that proves you don’t need super-refined ingredients to create epic flavors.
9. Trippa Alla Romana
A Roman-style tripe dish cooked in tomato sauce, mint, and pecorino cheese, it is a reference to its modern cuisine. It is quite hearty and usually eaten on weekends.
10. Maritozzi
Finally, we have this classic dessert of the area: a sweet bun filled with whipped cream. It’s a pleasure to accompany a good coffee at a snack or breakfast. Do yourself another favor and try one of these.
