There’s more to Italy than the world-famous Italian cuisines, and the exquisite Roman food delicacies prove that well. Every region offers a unique variation on the platter, and none of it is less than a mouthwatering culinary delight. From the caesar salad to fried cod, the ‘eternal city’ knows how to stimulate your taste buds, which makes taking a food tour in Rome an absolute must-do on your next trip.
10 Exotic Roman Dishes That Would Leave You Craving For More
But, to begin with, here are the 10 unique yet typical Roman food options that you can try for treating the explorer in you.
1. Carciofi alla Romana (Artichokes)
Carciofi, which are actually artichokes is one of the best Roman foods to have in the eternal city, especially when it’s been made the Roman way. It is usually a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, mint, and parsley filled into the artichokes and served after cooking with olive oil and water. However, you might also come across a Jewish-style carciofi, which is deep fried till perfection.
Best place to eat: Nonna Betta
2. Carbonara (Roman-Style Pasta Dish)
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Visiting Rome and not coming across the popular carbonara is just next to impossible. Quite synonymous with the European city, it is one of a delicious ancient Roman dishes cooked along with raw egg yolk, black pepper, guanciale, and grated pecorino. If you’re a pasta lover, this cuisine is definitely a must-have, and can be enjoyed either in the form of spaghetti or rigatoni.
Best place to eat: La Carbonara
3. Pizza al Taglio (Pizza By The Slice)
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Pizza has been yet another highly popular dish on the conventional Roman food list, and a variety can be observed throughout the city. However, if you’re interested in savoring the authentic Roman-style, then a pizza by the slice with a simple combination of toppings like tomato sauce with parsley or focaccia with rosemary is the decision to make. Rest assured, because these ultra-thin crusts of pizzas are completely distinct from anything you’ve ever tasted before.
Finest spot to dine: Pizzarium
4. Supplí (Fried Rice Croquettes)
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If there’s one thing apart from pasta or pizza that Rome is widely renowned for, it is the fritti and one of the top favorites is suppli. Deep-fried rice balls mixed with ragù and mozzarella, these are best enjoyed as appetizers at any time of the day. And needless to say, suppli is a classic culinary option for anyone looking to explore something distinctive.
Finest spot to dine: Supplì
5. Filetti di Baccalá (Fried Cod Fish)
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Another beloved fritti among the locals is Baccalá, which is a salted cod fried in an egg batter. This dish is unquestionably the perfect delicacy to indulge in during your Rome culinary adventures and can be easily found all over the city. However, for an absolutely genuine taste, Dar Filettaro near Campo de Fiori is the ideal place to visit with your loved ones.
Finest spot to dine: Dar Filettaro A Santa Barbara
6. Cacio e Pepe (Pasta With Cheese & Pepper)
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They claim “When in Rome, mimic the actions of the natives”. But, we can wager that if you truly start to devour meals like the locals, pasta is one Roman cuisine that you’re surely going to become infatuated with. As uncomplicated and delectable as it could possibly become, the cacio e pepe is a timeless dish to indulge your taste buds in. Crafted with pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and leftover pasta water, it possesses a zesty yet cheesy sauce that feels like paradise.
Top eatery: Da Felice
7. Tripe alla Romana (Roman-Style Tripe)
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While certain traditional Roman dishes are a spectacle to behold and inhale, others are not. Among such cuisines, lies the renowned tripe whose texture and aroma might leave you perplexed. However, take our assurance and do not evaluate it solely based on its appearance. The piquant tomato sauce, its tenderness, and the distinct medley leave an unforgettable flavor in the mouth.
Top eatery: Checchino Dal 1887
8. Saltimbocca alla Romana (Veal With Ham & Sage)
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An impeccable fusion of the Roman cuisine and beverages, Saltimbocca is a dish prepared with veal, which is adorned or topped with ham and sage. Absolutely delectable, these tender slices of veal also consist of prosciutto crudo and fresh sage, which are soaked in the white wine. Being an entirely new gastronomic delight, you may feel slightly apprehensive to give it a try, but trust us, it’s worth taking a chance on.
Finest place to dine: La Ciambella
9. Oxtail Stew (Coda alla Vaccinara)
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The city of Rome is renowned for its quinto quarto style of cooking, which pertains to the fifth quarter of the animal and includes ingredients like extremities, intellect, core, and more. Oxtail stew, also known as coda alla vaccinara, is one such famed quinto quarto recipe, which is prepared by simmering oxtail and features celery, onions, garlic, and several other fragrant herbs. Quite a daring gastronomy, we suggest you give it a try at your own peril.
Finest place to dine: Osteria Bonelli
10. Sweet Bread Roll (Maritozzo)
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A lavish Roman nourishment for children and even for grown-ups, maritozzo is an impeccable choice for breakfast. Consisting of a pastry and a cappuccino, this sweet bread roll is often baked in various ways in each region. However, the most popular one that you should try is the one filled with the whipped cream. Needless to say, a nibble or the whole thing would bring joy to your heart and energize you for the rest of the day.
Finest place to dine: Il Maritozzaro
If besides the Colosseum, there’s anything that should make you anticipate your Europe trip, it is the exotic Roman cuisines. Delectable and delectably soft, these are so difficult to resist that you would surely want to extend your vacation in Europe!
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Commonly Asked Questions About Roman Cuisine
How does the Roman pizza differ from other pizzas?
Contrary to most pizzas, the Roman specialty is cooked with a unique dough recipe, which renders it so thin that the crust is nearly invisible. The toppings are rather uncomplicated as the locals prefer and mostly consist of a combination of two ingredients.
Which are the most renowned Roman beverages to indulge in Europe?
Vino Rosso, Prosecco, Bellini, and Grappa are a few renowned beverages in Rome that you can sample during your vacation in Europe.
What is the optimum time to visit Rome for a culinary expedition?
While the allure of Rome can be experienced throughout the year, the finest time to relish a culinary expedition and make the most of your Euros are the months from April to June and September to October. There is barely any tourist crowd during this time and the temperature is moderate as well.
What was the most prevalent cuisine in ancient Rome?
Wheat was the most prevalent cuisine in ancient Rome.
What are the dietary restrictions of Roman Catholics?
One of the dietary restrictions of Roman Catholics is that they are forbidden to consume red meat on Fridays.
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