Dreaming of a trip that’s both cultural and gourmet? Set off for Rome and discover its street food with our favorite dishes to try.
Italy is so popular with travelers thanks to its culture, superb landscapes, history and gastronomy! A visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete without exploring its street food. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the typical flavors of street food in Rome. In this article, you’ll find the city’s most popular dishes and where to find them, as well as tips for an authentic street food experience. Food lovers, take note for your next trip to the Eternal City!
Pizza by the slice
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If you’re looking for a quick, typical and delicious snack in Rome, then don’t miss the local tradition of pizza by the slice. This is a slice of oven-baked pizza offered in a variety of flavors. These range from the classic margarita to more daring options, such as charcuterie or grilled vegetables.
You’ll find these succulent slices of pizza at numerous street stands in the city’s tourist districts, such as Trastevere, Campo De’ Fiori and around Piazza Navona. Let yourself be tempted by this typically Roman street food experience!
Pizza bianca with mortazza
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Looking for a unique culinary experience in Rome? We’ve got just what you’re looking for: the famous pizza bianca with mortazza. The city is famous for this specialty made with mortadella, mozzarella and chopped pistachios. That’s why you can’t leave Rome without trying it. To do so, head to Forno Feliziani (Via Candia, 61), a small family-run store.
This is where you can enjoy the best pizza bianca and mortazza in Rome. There’s no doubt that you’ll appreciate its melt-in-your-mouth texture! So what are you waiting for to discover this Roman street food specialty?
Le Supplì
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Looking for an authentic Rome street-food experience? You’ve got to try the famous supplì. Comprising a fried rice dumpling filled with melting mozzarella and tomato sauce, this dish is a treat for the taste buds. Inspired by the Sicilianarancini, it’s also easy to eat on foot. You’ll find it in the city’s grocery stores and bars.
If you’re looking for the best supplì in Rome, head to Supplì Roma in the Testaccio district. Don’t miss the chance to try this Roman street-food staple.
La Grattachecca
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If you’re in Rome in summer, be sure to try Grattachecca, the city’s typical refreshing drink. This beverage is made with crushed ice and fruit syrup. You’ll find it in many places, but one of the best is at La Grattachecca di San Cesareo. This little stall opposite the Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori Le Mura offers an authentic street food experience.
Indulge in the classic flavors of mint and cherry, or try more original tastes such as coconut or passion fruit. This refreshing drink is a real treat on hot days. Come and discover Rome’s summer street food scene, and succumb to the Grattachecca!
La Ciriola
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Would you like to discover the emblematic tastes of Rome? Then don’t miss the ciriola, the city’s famous signature sandwich! Comprising a loaf of bread that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with Italian cured meats and cheeses, this local specialty is a real treat for the taste buds.
Prosciutteria (Via della Panetteria, 34) is the most popular place to taste it, but you can also find it in many other outlets throughout the city. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Rome by sampling a ciriola on your next visit!
Fried cod fillet
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If you’re in Rome and looking for an authentic street food experience, don’t miss the fried cod fillet, or Filetti di Baccalà in Italian. This delicious dish consists of pieces of cod coated in a perfectly spiced batter. The batter is then fried to create a texture that’s crispy on the outside but tender on the inside.
To try this typical Roman street food dish, you can head to the historic districts of Trastevere or Testaccio. In fact, there are several street vendors selling it here. Fish lovers, don’t miss this culinary experience on your next trip to Rome!
Maritozzo with cream
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Let’s move on to a sweet touch! Discover maritozzo with cream, a typical Roman sweet of which the Romans are proud. This little brioche filled with whipped cream is a real treat for the taste buds and can be enjoyed all year round. However, it is during the winter months that maritozzo is particularly appreciated. Indeed, it has the ability to warm the belly and the heart!
And if you’re looking for the perfect place to try this specialty on your next trip to Rome, don’t miss Pasticceria Regoli, a pastry shop located in the Campo De’ Fiori district. You’ll be delighted to try this delicious specialty.
The Trapizzino
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To round off our selection of street food in Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to try the Trapizzino, a must-try sandwich in Rome. Created in 2008 by Stefano Callegari, it has quickly become a gastronomic symbol of the Eternal City. This sandwich is a perfect blend of soft, chewy pita bread, filled with meat, vegetables or tomato sauce.
For an authentic culinary experience, we recommend Da Enzo al 29, a traditional restaurant in the popular Trastevere district. Here you can enjoy a delicious hot Trapizzino accompanied by a glass of local wine.
As you explore Rome’s street food scene, your taste buds will be delighted by unforgettable flavors. Street food is an authentic way of getting to know the city, its dishes and its people. So, what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to Rome and discover these culinary delights! What would you like to try first?