As people say, when in Rome, eat as the Romans do! And what better way to experience the city's cuisine than by taking a food tour?
Roman food tours are becoming increasingly popular as they allow tourists to indulge in authentic Italian dishes while getting a chance to explore the city. When you book your Roman food tour, you'll be spending a few hours exploring different neighborhoods and trying out various dishes. An excellent choice for booking a food tour is The Roman Food Tour. They have tours designed for each of the areas we review in this article: Prati, Trionfale, and Trastevere.
One of the best things about a food tour is that it offers an opportunity to get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that you might have missed otherwise. As you start your journey, your guide will introduce you to all kinds of local delicacies that capture the essence of traditional Roman cuisine.
The options are endless - from pasta dishes like carbonara and cacio e pepe to pizza al taglio and supplì (fried rice balls stuffed with ragù sauce). Each dish is unique in its own way and has a story behind it.
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Learning about each dish's history can make the meal even more enjoyable.
Your guide will also share their knowledge about local ingredients used in each dish and suggest which wine or beer pairs well with each one. It’s important to note that Italian cuisine varies by region, so each area has its own unique spin on classic dishes.
When it comes to food, Rome is a city that has something for everyone. From Pasta alla Carbonara to Pizza al Taglio, the culinary offerings in the Italian capital are endless. One of the best ways to explore and discover Rome's culinary secrets is by taking a food tour - and one neighborhood that should be on your list is Prati.
Located on the right bank of Tiber river, Prati is a residential district known for its wide streets and elegant buildings built in early 1900s. But don't let the neighborhood's fancy appearance fool you into thinking it's all about high-end restaurants.
Prati offers a wide range of affordable eateries where you can indulge in some delicious Roman cuisine. One must-try dish when visiting Prati is Cacio e Pepe.
This simple yet flavorful pasta dish consists of spaghetti, Pecorino cheese, black pepper, and olive oil. You can find it at many local trattorias and restaurants around the district - each with their own unique twist on the classic recipe.
Another popular dish in Prati is Carciofi alla Romana - Roman-style artichokes. These are seasoned with garlic and mint before being slowly cooked until tender and served as an appetizer or side dish alongside your main course.
If you're looking for something sweet after your meal, head to Pasticceria Andreotti on Via Cola di Rienzo for some delicious pastries. They offer everything from croissants filled with Nutella to traditional Italian pastries like cannoli and sfogliatelle.
If you're in need of a drink (and let's face it, who isn't?), make sure to visit one of the many wine bars in Prati. Vineria il Chianti on Via Germanico offers an extensive wine list featuring both local and international wines paired perfectly with some light bites or cheeses.
Overall, visiting Prati as part of your food tour is a must. You'll experience the best of Roman cuisine without breaking the bank, and you'll get to explore a charming neighborhood in the process.
Trionfale is a neighborhood in Rome that is well-known for its markets and delicious cuisine. If you're a foodie, Trionfale should be at the top of your list when visiting Rome.
Here are some of the highlights of Trionfale cuisine that you won't want to miss. First up, there's Mercato Trionfale, which is one of Rome's largest food markets.
Located just a few blocks from the Vatican, this market has over 250 vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, cheese, wine, and more. You can easily spend hours wandering through the stalls here, trying different foods and chatting with locals.
One must-try dish in Trionfale is porchetta. Porchetta is a traditional Italian pork roast that's seasoned with garlic, fennel seeds and other herbs before being roasted over a wood fire.
In Trionfale's street food stalls you'll find freshly baked bread filled with sliced porchetta topped with crackling skin – it’s heaven on earth! If meat isn't your thing, there are plenty of vegetarian options available in Trionfale too.
Artichokes are a specialty in this neighborhood - they come stuffed or fried together with other seasonal vegetables as well as delicious cheeses like mozzarella di bufala or creamy burrata. For cheese lovers out there: make sure not to miss out on tasting some cacio e pepe cheese!
It’s Pecorino Romano cheese combined with black pepper - simple but oh so tasty! You'll find it grated onto pasta dishes or served as an appetizer alongside cured meats.
Dessert time! The most famous dessert in Italy comes from Naples but Romans have their own version called Maritozzo (it’s like sweet bread).
In Trionfale bakeries they fill them up either with cream chantilly or Nutella spread – it’s a perfect sweet bite to end your culinary journey in Trionfale. Trionfale is a foodie paradise, offering something for every taste bud.
From the vast Mercato Trionfale to the street food stalls serving up porchetta and artichokes, there's no shortage of delicious options here. And don't forget about the cheese and desserts - they're just as mouth-watering as everything else!
Trastevere is a beautiful and charming neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is full of narrow, cobbled streets, and has a lively nightlife scene. But more importantly for foodies, it offers some of Rome's most traditional and authentic dishes. Here are three must-try dishes from Trastevere
Carbonara Carbonara is one of Rome's most famous pasta dishes, and for good reason.
The creamy sauce made with egg yolks, pecorino cheese, pancetta or guanciale (pork cheek) and black pepper creates a unique flavour that perfectly accompanies spaghetti pasta cooked al dente. The carbonara in Trastevere is some of the best in all of Rome, so make sure you don't miss out!
Saltimbocca alla Romana Saltimbocca alla Romana is a meat dish that originated in Trastevere during ancient times when it was known as "Saltimbocca alla Giudea" (Jewish-style saltimbocca).
It consists of slices of veal topped with prosciutto ham and sage leaves that are then cooked with white wine, olive oil and butter to create an intense flavour that will leave you wanting more. 3. Fiori di Zucca Fritti
Fiori di Zucca Fritti (fried zucchini flowers) are another classic Roman dish found in Trastevere restaurants during summer months when they're in season. They consist of delicate zucchini blossoms stuffed with mozzarella cheese or ricotta cheese mixed with anchovies paste before being dipped in batter and fried until crispy golden brown.
Apart from these delicious dishes there are also many local restaurants where you can try great Roman cuisine such as pasta all’arrabbiata or amatriciana which should not be missed! When visiting Trastevere for a food tour, make sure to visit the Bottega del Buon Café, a small café near the Santa Maria in Trastevere church.
It's famous for its freshly baked pastries and cakes, but what makes it truly special is its selection of artisanal Italian spirits and liqueurs. If you're a foodie looking for traditional Roman dishes and authentic cuisine, then Trastevere is definitely the neighborhood you need to visit!
Its delicious carbonara pasta, saltimbocca meat dish, fried zucchini blossoms and many other local specialties are all must-tries. And don't forget to stop by Bottega del Buon Café to end your food tour with an excellent coffee or a unique artisanal spirit.
Taking a Roman food tour is a fantastic way to experience the culture and cuisine of Italy's capital city. Whether you're interested in exploring traditional dishes or modern fusion cuisine, there are tours available to suit all tastes, budgets, and schedules.
By booking with a reputable company or guide, you can rest assured that you'll be able to sample the best of what Rome has to offer. Of course, it's important to remember that no two food tours are alike. Check out The Roman Food Tour for an excellent experience in Roman cuisine.
Some may focus on street food vendors and hole-in-the-wall eateries, while others may take you on a more upscale culinary adventure. Before booking your tour, take the time to research different options and read reviews from other travelers who have gone before you.
And don't forget about the other benefits of taking a Roman food tour! In addition to sampling delicious food and drink, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about local history and culture from knowledgeable guides.
You may even get insider tips on where else to eat during your stay in Rome! As with any travel experience, it's important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and sample dishes that might seem unfamiliar at first glance - who knows, they might just become your new favorite! And most importantly - enjoy yourself!
