Rome Food

If Italy is the king of fine food, then Rome is its crown jewel. The sheer number of trattorias,cafes, alimentari (local grocery stores), osterie, tavole calde (cafeterias), pizzerias, and gelaterie is enough reason to be overwhelmed without even picking up your fork. With so many options, it's tempting to simply settle for the most convenient—but don't. Always head away from the blocks immediately surrounding major sights: food here is overpriced and usually not well made. Avoid “tourist menus” with bright photos illustrating the plates and English translations. Restaurants with nonstop hours (no midday closing) are often those that cater to tourists rather than locals. When there seems to be no high-quality, cheap meal around, look for panifici (bakeries) or supermarkets where you can always pick up fresh breads or pastries to tide you over. Be aware that sitting at a table (instead of at the banca—bar) will knock up the bill as much as €2. Bread and water doesn't come with your meal either, but to make up for the extra €5 euro you'll be shelling out, a tip is not usually expected of customers.

Roman menus usually contain primi ranging from classics—spaghetti alla carbonara anyone?—to more Roman specialties. Local favorites, particularly during the summer when the ingredients are in season, include carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried eggplant) and fiori di zucca (stuffed, fried zucchini flowers). Though a Roman might find it hard to believe you could ever tire of the city's cuisine, cravings for ethnic food can be satisfied by one of Rome's African or Middle Eastern eateries. You might also try sampling the fare at establishments that focus on vegetarian food. Despite Rome's size and variety, however, certain cuisines remain woefully underrepresented—the few Chinese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants in the city tend to be overpriced and may differ markedly from what you'd find in the rest of the Western (or for that matter, the Eastern) world.

Ancient City

It's a shame that eating's necessary. Well, not really, but since everyone has to do it—and nearly everyone in Rome comes to the Ancient City—restaurants in this region are often overcrowded and overpriced ...more

Centro Storico

Catering to hungry tourists, restaurants in the Centro Storico tends to be overpriced. Your best bet for a quick meal is to head to a panificio, pasticerria, or pizzeria and eat your grub in a nearby piazza ...more

Piazza Di Spagna

Between Prada, the Spanish Steps, and the teems of tourists frequenting both, it might be hard to find a tasty and economical bite midday. For lunch, try heading to panifici (bakeries) or pizzerias and ...more

Campo Dei Fiori

The area near the Campo has some exquisite, inexpensive options for sit-down meals. Rejoice! Ristorante Grappolo d’Oro Zampanò, P. della Cancelleria 83 (☎ 06 68 97 080), between C. V ...more

Jewish Ghetto

Though the Jewish Ghetto is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Rome, it is rich in fine cuisine and character. Most restaurants are on V. del Portico d'Ottavia, and while not exactly cheap, they are a ...more

Vatican City

The longest line in Rome eventually becomes a hungry crowd. The selection of neighborhood trattorias and small stores that lines the quieter streets outside the Vatican walls won't disappoint, but the ...more

Trastevere

There are plenty of dining options in Trastevere, whether you want a luxurious sit-down meal, a bite on the go, or something in between. While the piazze are full of great choices, explore smaller side ...more

Villa Borghese, Parioli, And Flaminio

Food in this area is best eaten away from the dinner table. In other words, because it is primarily a residential area surrounded by park, eating out tends to be pricey. Your best bet is to pack a picnic ...more

Termini And San Lorenzo

Termini and its surrounding region are dominated by restaurants representing both extremes of the price range: cheap eats and over-priced tourist menus catering to hungry travelers. Avoid restaurants immediately ...more

Aventine And Testaccio

P. Testaccio is just past V. Luca della Robbia. In the piazza, you will find Testaccio Market, a small market set up in metal huts. Numerous vendors offer fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, pasta, candy ...more

Eur And Marconi

Mr. Kebab, V. Oderisi da Gubbio 231 (☎ 33 87 68 52 14). Steaming-hot storefront serves one of the best kebabs (€3.50-5) in town, over rice or in a sandwich. The falafel wrap (€3) is stellar ...more

Testaccio and Ostiense

Testaccio is known among Roman residents as one of the best spots for high-quality, well-priced food. Its location farther from the sights means it evades the tourist crowds of the city center. Whether ...more