When in Rome, do as the Romans do – and try some of these delicious meals.
Rome has some of the most delectable Italian meals that you must try while you’re exploring the boot of Europe. It’s no surprise that many people travelling to Italy look forward to trying its authentic cuisine. After all, the country is known for many things, but one thing we can all agree on is that its food is worth travelling for. And there’s no better place to eat your way through the menu than Rome!
Whether it’s the middle of the day and you’re tired from all the sightseeing, you want a delicious dinner to pair with a glass of wine, or simply crave something sugary, we’ve got you covered! Try the below delicacies and make your stay even sweeter.
Tonnarelli cacio e pepe
This is one of the oldest pasta dishes in the region, a simple yet amazing meal to try while you’re in Rome. Its origins are said to date back to ancient times when Roman shepherds had to make do with easily transportable ingredients. And so, cacio e pepe was born. It’s a recipe based on skill and simplicity, which means you want to go to a real authentic place to try it. Cacio e pepe only requires three ingredients – pasta, pecorino, and pepper – so if you see anything else, like cream or butter on the menu, we’d advise choosing a different spot. It’s so simple, yet you’ll be thinking about it days after your first try.
Find our favourite cacio e pepe at Ristorante Fuocolento!
Coda alla vaccinara
Coda alla vaccinara is an oxtail stew, which might not sound enticing at first, but trust us: it’s a meal that will melt right in your mouth. This iconic Roman staple is slow-cooked in tomatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and wine for four to five hours, resulting in a true flavour explosion. The recipe originally comes from the heart of Rome and it was considered a dish of simple cooking techniques and humble, seasonal ingredients. However, these are exactly what make it so delicious. Often served with polenta, you won’t need dessert after this rich and hearty dish.
Find our favourite code alla vaccinara at Checchino dal 1887!
Carbonara
Another phenomenal dish of simplicity – have you noticed a theme here? People often associate carbonara with Rome, but as with so many other Italian dishes, its origins have been cause for debate. Either way, Roman carbonara will be enough to make you want to travel back to Italy. This beloved dish is made with raw beaten eggs and crispy bits of guanciale (pork cheek), finished with a shower of grated Pecorino cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Once again, the classic recipe contains no butter, cream, or garlic, and what’s better than the classics? You’ll be in pasta heaven, that’s for sure!
Find our favourite carbonara at Maritozzo Rosso Kitchen Lab!
How to find the best restaurants in Rome
Finding great places to eat can be hard when you’re in a city you’ve never been to before. Looking up five-star restaurants near you can be a good place to start, but as with anything, taking recommendations from locals will likely result in the best meals. Some overall great places we recommend based on our own experiences and where you won’t be disappointed are Felice a Testaccio, Osteria Fernanda, and Roscioli.
It’s also a great idea to ask the host of your accommodation for any local recommendations. This way you will likely avoid any tourist traps.
All in all, it will be hard to not find a delicious place to eat while you’re in Rome, so fear not!
Are there any snacks I should try?
Are you only after a little something to keep you going between activities? Rome has its fair share of delicious snacks which are perfect to have both while you’re exploring or wanting a bit of rest. Some snacks we recommend trying are suppli, which is a typical Roman rice croquette, sfogliatelle, which is a shell-shaped pastry most often filled with a rich mix of semolina and ricotta, calzone, which is an oven-baked turnover, and gelato (of course!).
Cooking classes
Another authentic way of eating your way through Rome is to get involved in some cooking classes! You can find them online or your accommodation host may even offer them. Cooking classes are an incredible way to learn how the locals make these meals, and the lessons and tricks you learn are yours forever. Who knows, you might become known for your delicious Italian meals back home!
We hope that you manage to try all these delicious meals during your time in Rome, and no doubt you’ll be itching to come back for another helping.