Commonly known as the Eternal City, Rome draws millions of visitors each year with its unmatched mix of history, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re travelling to Italy with family, friends, or setting off solo, the Italian capital isn’t just one of the country’s top destinations — it’s one of the most popular cities in the world.
Home to an impressive four UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the historic centre, the Vatican City, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, and the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Herculaneum, the city offers a palpable sense of the past amidst its vibrant urban life.
However, this historical metropolis has far more to offer than mere tales through time. Beyond its historic allure, Rome captivates with its lively streets, cutting-edge fashion, and rich tapestry of artistic and architectural masterpieces, making it a perennial favourite for travellers seeking the quintessence of Italian culture. History and culture aside, many travellers come in search of Rome’s world-renowned cuisine. From classic Italian pasta and pizza, to homemade gelato and traditional tiramisù, Rome is a mecca for keen culinary travellers.
While the city houses several highly acclaimed restaurants – with 20 Michelin starred restaurants under its belt (including one 3 Michelin star venue, La Pergola) – the local street food scene tends to steal the limelight. A real tapestry of tastes, Rome’s street food scene is praised not only for its flavour and diversity, but for the historical significance of each dish.
As with any memorable travel adventure, the journey to Rome is all part of the experience. With the convenience of online tickets, you can search for flights to Rome from almost any destination with ease. Simply book a transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel, and you’ll be ready to explore the city in no time at all.
Here are some of the best traditional Roman street foods to try during your visit, including some recommendations on where to find them.
6 must-try street foods in Rome
Supplì: a cheesy Italian delight
A quintessential Roman snack, supplì epitomises the city’s street food culture. These crispy breadcrumbed rice balls are a marvel of texture and taste, with a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, gooey centre filled with creamy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. Supplì are similar to the more widely known Sicilian arancini; the only difference being that supplì are made using arborio rice and mozzarella, while arancini usually contain beef and peas too.
For some of the finest supplì in the Eternal City, head to Supplizio (Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143). Here, you’ll find expertly crafted supplì with the perfect balance of crunch, and creaminess. Additionally, I Supplì (Via di San Francesco a Ripa, 137) is another renowned spot where you can indulge in this classic Roman fare.
Pizza al taglio: Rome’s signature slice
You can’t visit Rome without indulging in pizza al taglio. The city’s renowned version of pizza, this is a staple of Roman street food culture. Traditionally sold by weight, this rectangular-shaped pizza is distinctively cut into squares, offering the opportunity to taste a range of different toppings.
For the best pizza al taglio, make a beeline for Pizzarium (Via della Meloria, 43). Esteemed pizzaiolo, Gabriele Bonci demonstrates his culinary prowess with an ever-changing assortment of toppings adorning a perfectly crispy crust. Another restaurant with an excellent reputation for its pizza is Forno Campo de’ Fiori (Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 22), where locals rave about the crust, and the range of quality of pizza toppings. Last but by no means least, Antico Forno Roscioli (Via dei Chiavari, 34) offers a historic setting in which to enjoy this classic Roman street food, with recipes perfected over generations.
Trapizzino: a modern Roman classic
Despite being a somewhat new street food creation, trapizzino has shot to citywide success. Formed using soft pizza dough, these triangular pockets are generously filled with different Roman stews, fusing contemporary Roman street food with classic tastes. Each trapizzino is a testament to the creativity of Roman cuisine, with fillings ranging from succulent oxtail stew to chicken cacciatore.
For those eager to savour the finest Trapizzino in Rome, a visit to the original Trapizzino (Via Giovanni Branca, 88) is a must. Here, you’ll be greeted with an array of tempting fillings, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of flavours. Additionally, Trapizzino Testaccio (Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44) and Trapizzino Ponte Milvio (Via Flaminia, 728) are two other popular spots where you can indulge in this culinary creation, each offering a unique selection of fillings that capture the essence of Roman cuisine.
Panino con porchetta: a porcine delicacy
To experience the flavour of the Roman countryside without leaving the city, treat yourself to a panino con porchetta. A celebration of simplicity and tradition, this rustic sandwiches sees thick slices of succulent roast pork infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, and encased in a crusty roll.
Er Buchetto (Via del Viminale, 2F) is a quaint, unpretentious eatery renowned for crafting the perfect panino con porchetta. Each sandwich is prepared with care, with the porchetta seasoned to perfection and roasted to maximise juiciness and flavour. Similarly Er Buchetto, Porchetta Rossini (Via della Bufalotta, 397) and Pane e Salame (Via di Santa Maria in Via, 19) are both known to serve a decent take on this classic Roman street food.
Maritozzi con la panna: a sweet treat
After filling up on savoury street food, it’s time to try something sweet. While you’ll find a range of sweet street food snacks to sample in Rome, maritozzi con la panna are highly recommended by locals. These soft buns are split open and generously filled with whipped cream, creating an irresistible contrast between airy lightness and creamy indulgence. Once a staple of Roman breakfasts, this traditional local pastry has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, and is now cherished as a beloved dessert.
For the best maritozzi in Rome, make your way to Il Maritozzaro (Via Ettore Rolli, 50), a renowned establishment where these heavenly buns are prepared with the utmost care, ensuring the perfect ratio of bun to cream. Additionally, Pasticceria Regoli (Via dello Statuto, 60) and Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria (Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16) also sell this classic Roman sweet treat, with each venue putting its own unique twist on the classic recipe.
Gelato: the quintessential Italian ice cream
No trip to Rome is complete until you’ve eaten your body weight in gelato – an iconic Italian ice cream that’s become synonymous with the city’s culinary offering. This frozen delicacy is celebrated for its smooth texture and intense flavours, ranging from timeless classics like rich chocolate and creamy vanilla, to more innovative combinations.
For an authentic gelato experience that embodies the true essence of Italian craftsmanship, Gelateria del Teatro (Via dei Coronari, 65) is a must-visit destination. Here, each scoop is crafted with care using only natural ingredients, ensuring a pure and authentic flavour that captures the heart of Italy’s gelato tradition. In addition to Gelateria del Teatro, Fatamorgana (Via Roma Libera, 11) and Otaleg! (Via di San Cosimato, 14A) are two other renowned spots in Rome where you can indulge in this beloved Italian treat. Both establishments are known for their commitment to quality and innovation, offering an array of unique and mouthwatering flavours that are bound to satisfy any gelato enthusiast.
Rome’s street food scene is testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage, inviting tourists to sample the city’s culture through its cuisine. From the crunchy exterior of supplì to the creamy indulgence of gelato, each bite takes you on a journey through Rome’s gastronomic history. So, grab a map, wander the streets, and let your taste buds guide you through the Eternal City. Buon appetito!
What’s your favourite Roman street food? Let me know in the comments, and I may even add it to my list!
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