What to eat in Rome? Beyond pizza and pasta

Saltimbocca alla Romana is one of the great classics of local cuisine. It is made with veal cutlets, cured ham, and sage, cooked with white wine. The result is a flavorful, tender dish that truly represents Roman tradition.

It is a great choice for travelers who want to try a typical recipe beyond the most international dishes. Within the gastronomy in Rome, it remains a staple in many traditional trattorias.

Trippa alla Romana is a traditional recipe made with tripe, tomato, mint, and pecorino cheese. It is closely linked to the city’s popular cuisine and long-standing homemade recipes. Although not every traveler dares to try it, it is part of the true local culinary identity.

If you want to discover what the typical food in Rome is, this dish shows the most authentic and least touristy side of Roman cooking.

Supplì is one of Rome’s most famous street foods. It is a fried rice ball made with tomato rice and filled with mozzarella, crispy on the outside and soft inside. It is perfect as a quick bite between sightseeing stops or as an appetizer before lunch or dinner.

Many people compare it to arancini, but in Rome, supplì has its own identity. Among the 7 typical dishes of Rome, it is one of the easiest to find and enjoy.

Porchetta is slow-roasted pork seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It is usually served sliced, often inside a sandwich, and stands out for its rich flavor and juicy texture. Although it is typical of the Lazio region in general, it is also very popular in Rome.

It is a hearty option, ideal for those who want to taste something traditional and full of character. In traditional Roman food, it holds a very special place.

Maritozzo con panna is one of the city’s most iconic desserts. It is a soft sweet bun filled with whipped cream, very popular for breakfast or an afternoon treat. It is simple, yet it becomes a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.

If you want to complete your food route around the city, this dessert is a very Roman choice. It also shows that the gastronomy of Rome is not only about savory dishes.

Arancini are not originally from Rome, but from Sicily, although that does not mean you cannot enjoy them during your trip. In many places around Rome, you will find this Italian specialty made of stuffed and fried rice, quite similar in concept to supplì. They are a great option for travelers who want to broaden their food experience and taste flavors from other regions of Italy.

Even if they are not part of the purest Roman tradition, they are now also present in the city’s culinary scene.

Cannoli also come from Sicily, but they have become a famous dessert all over Italy and can easily be found in Rome. Their crispy shell filled with creamy ricotta-based filling makes them very popular among travelers and lovers of Italian pastries. They are not a typically Roman dessert like maritozzo, but they are still a delicious choice to round out your gastronomic journey.

If you want to discover different Italian flavors in one trip, they are well worth trying.