There are so many incredible places in Rome, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite food spots that go beyond the usual tourist trail. This city has a way of surprising you, even after you think you’ve seen it all. For instance, I recently took my family to the Fontana di Trevi and, amidst the crowds, we found a wonderful bakery that truly brightened our day.
Taste Rome’s Culinary Delights
Beyond the Pizzerias
While Rome is famous for its traditional pizza, there are other Roman specialties that are just as delicious and worth seeking out. You can find some truly amazing dishes that reflect the city’s history and culture. It’s always a good idea to explore a bit further than the most popular spots to uncover these culinary treasures.
Exceptional Carbonara
Carbonara is a dish that many people adore, and in Rome, it’s an art form. While many trattorias serve it, for a truly special experience, consider Pipero Roma. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant where they serve a version of carbonara that is truly unforgettable. It’s a bit of a splurge, as part of a lunch deal, but for a special occasion, it’s worth every penny.
The chef uses pork cheek, frying it in a way that makes it crispy on the outside but still tender inside. It’s a method that ensures the dish is not greasy at all. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in preparation. Even my daughter, Lily, who can be a picky eater, found it surprisingly delightful.
Sweet Treats in the Ghetto
Rome’s Jewish Ghetto has seen many changes, with new restaurants appearing frequently. However, nestled among them is Pasticceria Boccione, a small bakery that has been run by the same family for five generations. It feels like stepping back in time when you visit.
I love picking up a slice of their warm ricotta and wild cherry cake. They also make these wonderful, slightly burnt scones loaded with candied fruit, nuts, and raisins. The building itself is fascinating, with ancient Roman temple stones built right into the facade. We stopped here for a treat after a morning exploring, and it was the perfect sweet ending.
Exploring Offal Dishes
For those with a more adventurous palate, Rome offers a unique tradition of offal dishes. This practice stems from historical reasons, with the Vatican historically taking the best meat cuts. This led locals to become creative with the less common parts.
La Campana, a restaurant with a history of almost 500 years, is a fantastic place to try this. It’s a charming spot with white tablecloths and handwritten menus. I highly recommend their “animelle,” which are lamb sweetbreads. They are seared to perfection, creamy on the inside with a nice char on the outside. They arrive simply dressed with oil, salt, and pepper, served on a bed of rocket. It’s a dish that truly showcases Roman ingenuity.
Pizza Bianca Perfection
When you’re on the go in Rome, “pizza al taglio,” or pizza by the slice, is a popular choice. For breakfast or a light snack, pizza bianca is a must-try. It’s essentially just fresh pizza dough, lightly seasoned with salt and olive oil.
While there are many places to get it, I have a favorite near the Trevi Fountain: L’Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi. Despite being in a very busy tourist area, they offer excellent, well-priced slices. You can get it plain, topped with rosemary or sesame seeds, or even stuffed with mortadella and pistachios. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying bite.
A Classic Roman Breakfast
For a truly authentic Roman breakfast, you have to try a maritozzo. This is a sweet brioche bun, sliced open and generously filled with whipped cream. Legend has it they were once given to pilgrims or used by young men to woo brides, hiding a ring in the cream.
The go-to spot for this classic treat is Pasticceria Regoli. It’s a small bakery that also has a café, perfect for enjoying your maritozzo with a coffee. They’ve been a neighborhood favorite in the Esquilino district since 1916. It’s conveniently located between Santa Maria Maggiore basilica and Colle Oppio Park, offering a great spot to refuel.
Discovering Local Markets
If you enjoy experiencing the local food scene, visiting a market is a must. While Testaccio market has its own charm with its historical significance, for a grander, more traditional experience, I recommend Mercato Trionfale near the Vatican. It’s reportedly one of the biggest markets in Italy.
Here you’ll find 280 stalls overflowing with fresh seasonal produce, creamy mozzarella, fresh pasta, and excellent olive oil. The butchers and fishmongers are a lively presence, calling out their prices. It’s a great place to pick up ingredients for a picnic. You can also find food stands tucked away at the back, offering delicious regional snacks like arrosticini meat skewers and porchetta.
Where can I find the best carbonara?
For a more refined experience of this Roman classic, Pipero Roma offers a standout version. It’s a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the city center.
They serve it as part of a lunch deal, and the preparation ensures it’s light and incredibly flavorful.
What is a maritozzo?
A maritozzo is a traditional Roman sweet bun. It’s a brioche bread filled with whipped cream.
Pasticceria Regoli is renowned for serving an excellent version of this delightful pastry.
Is offal common in Roman cuisine?
Yes, offal is a significant part of Roman culinary tradition. It became popular historically due to the way meat was distributed.
La Campana, a historic restaurant, is a great place to try dishes like lamb sweetbreads.
What is pizza bianca?
Pizza bianca is a simple, yet delicious, Roman-style pizza. It’s made from fresh pizza dough baked with minimal seasoning.
L’Antico Forno Di Fontana Di Trevi is a great spot for perfectly seasoned slices, often customized at the counter.
Exploring Rome through its food is an adventure in itself. I hope these lesser-known spots help you discover even more of this incredible city’s culinary heart during your visit in 2026.