Rome and the Food

In Italy mostly everywhere you can find food tours where you can try typical cuisine and taste all the different varieties of wine, liquor, cheese and so on. The Country boasts a rich and diverse culinary tradition, with each region offering its unique specialities and the list of food dishes is very long, beyond the classic dishes like pasta, risotto and seafood, Italian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation techniques. 

Whether you are exploring a bustling trattoria (a usually small, informal Italian restaurant) or a family-run osteria (a typically simple or inexpensive restaurant), you will find a delicious meal that reflects the heart and soul of Italy.

Rarely, tourists can have the chance to travel all over the Country as you will probably need at least one year, fortunately, if you choose to visit Rome, you can find a fantastic food tour or a guided tour with the possibility to mix culture, history and food, enjoying in this way, an incredible experience that you will never forget.

Are there guided tours that combine history and cuisine?

In Rome, there is a plethora of tours that offer different solutions like providing only guided tours around the city centre or the iconic monuments, others just food experiences where you immerse yourself in Roman cuisine with a sampling of local specialities like pizza, pasta, gelato and wine. If you prefer, you can just sign up for a cooking class or visit a historical restaurant.

There are restaurants in the Eternal City that have been around for centuries, these places often have interesting stories to tell about their history and the people who have dined there.

Although there are many options, if you want to find an excursion that mixes history and cuisine, you need deeper research; firstly, it is important to consider how much time you have, secondly, if you travel alone or in a group (family of friends), and then the age and needs of the components of your group.

A solution which can sort out all these logistic problems could be booking a tour with a golf cart.

This small motorised vehicle lets you visit Rome’s main landmarks in four hours and taste Ricotta, a fresh cheese from whey.

Fried Zucchini Flowers are actual courgette flowers, usually fried and served as a starter in Italy, offering a unique culinary experience.No matter how you combine history and cuisine in Rome, no doubt you will have a delicious and educational experience.

Can I find local guides for food and wine tours in Rome?

A typical food and wine tour in Rome would involve a guided exploration of the city’s culinary scene, with stops at various locations to sample local delicacies and learn about the history and culture of Roman and Italian cuisine. 

You can try the traditional dishes of the region like Porchetta (roasted pork)  or cheese like Buffalo Mozzarella, a dairy product traditionally manufactured in Campania (South Italy), especially in the provinces of Caserta and Salerno, made from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo.

With a golf cart tour and your private cicerone, you can move quickly around Rome, a city with a pretty big historical centre, understand the cuisine’s history of this Mediterranean Country, from ancient times to the present day, you can also discover the cultural significance and story behind every dishes, including family recipes and local customs as well as a wine testing.

Alongside tasting food in fact, you could have a wine experience of different Italian regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont (a region in the North West of Italy) and Sicily and discover the art of pairing wine with food, it means to be able to select foods and wines with similar flavour profiles that enhance and highlight each other’s unique characteristics.

It is always important to book these guided tours in advance and come hungry as food tours involve multiple tastings.

Where can I find food tours that explore traditional Roman cuisine?

As we have already written there are many options to experience the best of Italian and Roman cuisine, but as we pointed out on our website, there are different kinds of tours and you can personalise your experience based on individual interests and desires.

If you want an experience that focuses only on Roman cuisine, it is important to know them and ask your guide to help you find the dishes closer to your taste.
Some typical Roman plates are Pecorino Romano, one of the most ancient types of cheese and the most famous outside of Italy made from 100% sheep’s milk.

Supplì, a unique local food in Rome, a deep-fried rice balls, often filled with a creamy mixture of rice, meat sauce called ragu’ and mozzarella cheese. 

They are popular street food and beloved Roman snacks. Supplì are often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal and they are eaten hot.
There is also Saltimbocca alla Romana, thin slices of veal pounded flat, topped with ham and sage, and then sautéed in butter and Trippa alla Romana, a hearty stew made with cow stomach, tomato sauce and various spices.

These are just the most famous Roman dishes, anyhow if you prefer vegetarian or vegan options always ask in advance to your guide.

Can I take a guided tour of Rome’s iconic piazzas?

Pasta and Pizza are the most iconic Italian dishes, everyone knows them, but what is a pizza?
Pizza typically consists of a flat base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomato, cheese, and other ingredients baked at high temperature, usually in a wood-fired oven. 

The dish originated in Naples, a city in the Campania region of southern Italy, about one hour by train from Rome. The Roman pizza is very similar to the one from Naples, the main difference is that the first is thin-crust, while the second is think-crust and its base is softer than the Roman one.

A very famous pizza is Pizza Margherita. It is said that Queen Margherita of Savoy, during a visit to Naples, expressed a desire to try the local pizza. A pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito created a pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil whose colours resemble the Italian flag. The queen was reportedly delighted and the pizza was named in her honor.

There are many pizza tours in Rome and these take you to various pizzerias around the city in which you can sample different pizza styles, from the classic Roman to more modern interpretations, learning about the history of this food, the different ingredients used and the technique involved in making it.

With a golf car tour around the city centre, for instance, you could try the Roman white pizza or Pizza Bianca. This pizza does not have a specific topping, instead is a plain and unadorned pizza dough, often brushed with olive oil and sometimes sprinkled with salt. 

It is a simple and satisfying treat and is often enjoyed as a snack. The typical Roman white pizza is light, airy and crispy on the outside, with a soft, chewy interior.
The Roman white pizza is a classic and beloved dish worth trying.

What are the best local markets to visit in Rome?

Rome is home to a variety of vibrant markets, each offering a unique shopping experience.
Probably one of the most popular is Mercato di Testaccio in the Testaccio district. This historic market housed in a former slaughterhouse, is a foodie’s paradise where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, cured meats and delicious street food.

Another well-known place close to Vatican City is Mercato Trionfale one of the largest market in Rome, that offer a wide range of fresh produce, meat, fish and prepared foods. It is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of the local market.

There are notable markets not strictly connected to food like Mercato di Campo de Fiori, a historic square home to a daily market selling fresh produce, flowers (in Italian “fiori”)  and souvenirs. 

This square, a very touristy area during the night, is a place full of history, for example, the philosopher Giordano Bruno, known for his theories about the universe, was executed there in 1600.

If markets are your passion do not forget the flea market Porta Portese. This sprawling market, held every Sunday, is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothing and rare souvenirs. It is a great place to haggle and find hidden gems.

No matter what you are looking for, just make sure to visit one of the markets of Rome!