Curator’s statement
Rome’s finest dining isn’t always found behind closed doors. The city’s true culinary spirit lives on its bustling streets, where a rich tradition of quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying food reigns supreme. Forget fancy reservations. To truly eat like a Roman, you need to hit the pavement. Here’s a guide to the must-try street foods and where to find the very best of them.
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Pizza al taglio (Pizza by the slice)
Roman pizza is a different beast: thick, airy, and baked in large rectangular trays. Sold by weight, its crunchy crust is a perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from classic margherita to seasonal delights.
Where to try it: Spizzica Roma is a small, unpretentious pizzeria in Rome known for its excellent Roman pan pizza, which is highly praised for its fresh ingredients, flavorful toppings, and perfectly crisp yet airy dough.
Supplì
A Roman favorite, this is a deep-fried ball of risotto stuffed with mozzarella cheese. The magic happens when you break it open, revealing the gooey, stretchy cheese. You can also find suppli stuffed with many other ingredients.
Where to try it: Supplì Roma in Trastevere is famous for its classic, gooey version, considered one of the best in the city.
Porchetta panino
This is the king of Roman sandwiches. A whole pig, deboned and stuffed with herbs, is slow-roasted until the skin is impossibly crispy and the meat is tender and flavorful. Sliced thick and served in a simple, crusty roll, it's a perfect expression of Italian slow cooking.
Where to try it: Panino Divino is a small, acclaimed sandwich shop near the Vatican known for its high-quality ingredients, delicious gourmet paninis, and extensive selection of wines.
Gelato
More than just ice cream, authentic gelato is denser, smoother, and richer in flavor. Avoid the bright, artificially colored mounds. Look for subtle, natural colors that reflect the real ingredients.
Where to try it: For unique and innovative flavors like basil or black rice, visit Fatamorgana. Gelateria del Teatro is also a top choice, known for its creative use of fresh herbs.
Need to know
Don’t ask for pepperoni: In Italian, “peperoni” (with one “p”) refers to bell peppers, not the spicy salami meat found on American-style pepperoni pizzas. If you want a pizza with that topping, ask for salame piccante.
Embrace the markets: For an authentic food experience, visit a local market like Mercato Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiori. You’ll find fresh produce, local cheeses, and excellent vendors for street food like pizza al taglio and porchetta.
Learn a few phrases: A little effort goes a long way. Use simple phrases like “Posso avere...” (May I have...), “Vorrei...” (I would like...), and “Grazie” (Thank you) to enhance your experience.
Look for the lines: To find the best street food, follow the long lines of locals—they’re waiting for a reason.
For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Rome page.
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Elise Wong
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