Italy is renowned across the world for its truly delicious food and the saying ‘when in Rome’ is certainly true when it comes the food on offer.
From pizza to pasta to fresh seafood, a trip to any one of the country’s fine cities is a real treat for the tastebuds. Enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples or cacciucco in rural Tuscany; Italy is such a gastronomic adventure. The capital Rome is also home to some absolutely exquisite dishes that will be the perfect treat after a day of sightseeing.
Millions of visitors flock to Rome every year to see iconic sights such as the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica and the Trevi Fountain. While they are taking in the Italian experience, it would be rude not to sample some of the delicious delicacies that the city has to offer. Here are our top five foods you must try during your stay in Rome.
Pizza bianca
The quintessential street food of Rome is one of the simplest around. Pizza Bianca, translated as ‘white pizza’ is pretty much a plain pizza with a light sprinkling of sea salt but it sure does hit the spot.
Made fresh in the many wonderful bakeries across the city, the Pizza Bianca is akin to the focaccia bread we are used to in the UK but you can’t beat the real thing. While Romans are not renowned for their penchant to eat while on the go, they make the exception for the Pizza Bianca. It is a perfect midday snack.
Where to eat: Chow down on some Pizza Bianca at Roscioli Bakery at Via dei Giubbonari, 21.
Cacio e Pepe
We can’t go any further without speaking about the pasta on offer in Rome. Italy is known around the world for its pasta and the variations in the capital city really are to die for. While there are many different types available in Rome, one that stands above the rest is Cacio e Pepe.
Like Pizza Bianca, Cacio e Pepe is a hugely simple dish but one that has become a staple for Roman eating for generations. Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh black pepper are combined with the cooking water of the spaghetti to create a creamy sauce. Topped with a touch more cheese and pepper, it is as easy as that. Yum!
A great meal for enjoying al fresco in the Rome sunshine.
Where to eat: Find the best Cacio e Pepe at its namesake restaurant Cacio e Pepe on Via Giuseppe Avezzana, 11.
Fritti
You wouldn’t necessarily associate Italy with deep-fried cuisine but in Rome, they simply can’t get enough. Unlike the greasy options dished up back home, these fried treats are an absolute delight and surprisingly light on the palate.
While there are a wide range of deep fried morsels to devour, a real staple for visiting Rome is baccala. Translated as salt cod, the fish has a real distinctive flavour and will bring to life images of Italy’s fishing communities while also providing the crunch from a light batter. It can be enjoyed as a lunchtime snack or expanded into a much larger evening meal.
Where to eat: Try Da Enzo in the Trastevere for the best fritti.
Carciofi alla romana
A little-known fact about Rome is that it absolutely loves its artichokes. It has been developing its own style of the vegetables for generations and no trip to the capital is complete without sampling the Carciofi alla romana.
Originating from the Lazio region of the city, this typical Roman cuisine represents one of the most famous styles of serving artichokes in the world. The artichokes are cut into pieces and placed in lemon juice before being stuffed with a mixture of parsley, mentuccia, garlic, salt and pepper. They are then cooked in a deep pan and served with oil and more seasoning.
These beautifully fresh vegetables, along with the Jewish style Carciofi alla giuda, are a real experience for the tastebuds and give you a proper slice of Roman cuisine.
Where to eat: Head to Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia for the best Carciofi alla romana.
Pizza Roman style
Unlike its near neighbour Naples, around a two-hour drive away, Rome is not renowned for its pizza but the Roman style is a hugely underrated version of one of the world’s favourite foods. Locals will long argue that their version of the pizza is better than their Neapolitan counterparts, but there is no need for disputes when it tastes this good.
Roman pizza is much different to the Naples version and is very, very thin. It does not have a lip on the crust and it is cooked to have a nice “char” on the base, something which is done to the pasta in Rome. To get a truly authentic slice of Roman pizza then opt for the pizzas with toppings such as anchovies and capers.
The pizzas are much different to what you would find back in the UK but the lighter crust and fresh, rich toppings make it an eating experience that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Where to eat: Try out Ai Marmi in the Trastevere for a nice slice of Roman pizza.
Hungry? Rome is only around two hours away and if you’re like us, you’ll be excited to try these delicious authentic culinary delights!
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