Must-Eat Food in Rome and Dining Culture

If you’re heading to Rome, get ready to eat really well! From twirling creamy cacio e pepe to biting into crispy supplì to drooling over fluffy tiramisu, the food scene here is unreal and maybe the best in the world. But there’s more to it than just the food — knowing where to eat, what to wear to dinner, and how tipping works can make all the difference. I’ve got you covered with all the must-try dishes, the best neighborhoods for dining, and some insider tips to help you experience the best of Roman cuisine. Let’s dig in!

What is Typical Roman Cuisine?

Cuisine in Italy is different regionally, catering to the local availability of food and climate in the area. Rome is in central Italy where the cuisine is centered on pastas and meats. Travel north and you’ll find more hearty dishes like risotto and soup to battle the winter weather. Head down south and you’ll notice more seafood, tomatoes, and spicy chili peppers. Northern cuisine is richer and creamier, while southern dishes are lighter and spicier, making Italian food a true reflection of the country’s diverse culture and a wonderful place to travel for delicious food!

Check out our blog on the perfect day of eats in Rome with restaurant and order recommendations here: Rome Eats: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Eternal City!

While in Rome, make sure to try all the below dishes to truly experience the Roman cuisine and not miss out on anything the Italians have to offer!

Pastries

• Cornetto
• Maritozzo
• Crostata

Pasta

• Carbonara
• Cacio e Pepe
• Amatriciana
• Alla Gricia
• Arribiatta
• Pomodoro e Basilico
• Gnocchi on Thursdays

Desserts

• Gelato
• Tiramisu
• Millefoglie
• Panna Cotta

And More!

• Suppli
• Saltimbocca
• Pizza al Taglio
• Roman Artichokes
• Prosciutto & Stracciatella Panini

What Neighborhoods Should I Eat In?

Rome is a major city, divided into several walkable neighborhoods each offering endless options for an amazing meal.

My personal favorite is the Trastevere neighborhood. Trastevere is perfect for a romantic dinner out at a cozy trattoria where you can dine among the Romans and truly get a feel for Roman living. I think this ending the day in Trastevere with dinner because of the cozy nighttime ambiance and the casual bar scene around the area.

Testaccio is another neighborhood in Rome that I enjoy eating in. There are endless options in this area and while it may not be as romantic of a neighborhood as Trastevere, it tends to be a bit more affordable. I like walking around this area in the day when you can enjoy the natural light in the parks and seeping into the restaurants.

There are some gems in the centrally located Campo de’ Fiori neighborhood, too. Be careful because there are a lot of tourist-trap restaurants lining the popular squares, but there are also some hidden gems located in plain site where you’ll find the locals eating. At night, this area turns into a lively outdoor bar spot with locals and tourists alike socializing.

Nearby, the Historic Center also has great local spots to enjoy dinner after a long day of exploring the major attractions in Rome. There are some great restaurants here, offering you a place to eat a more formal dinner after walking around. There also a ton of outdoor dining spots here and you can stumble upon a great spot just by walking through the side streets!

Is Tipping in Rome Similar to the United States?

No! Tipping is conceptually different in Italy as a whole then how it is the United States. For a casual dinner you can consider rounding your bill up or leaving a few euros behind to show your appreciation. At an upscale restaurant you may leave behind a bit more, maybe 5-10% of your bill.

At nicer restaurants you may notice a “coperto” added to your bill, you can think of this as a “per-person required tip.” It’s usually in the €2 to €5 range per person and will be automatically added to your bill.

It’s important to note that people who work at restaurants in Italy are paid living wages, unlike in America where they depend on tips to pay the bills. That being said, if you appreciated the service, it’s always nice to leave a few coins as a thank-you. It’s also worth noting that service expectations are much lower in Italy than in the U.S. Italians love conversation, socializing, and LONG dinners, and restaurant staff often doesn’t interrupt much like they do in America. If you need something flag someone down and if you’d like to pay the bill ask for “il conto” so they know you’re ready!

How to Identify Tourist Trap Restaurants in Rome

There are a few rules you should generally follow when trying to pick a spot to eat in Rome, Italy! Here’s a short list of things to look out for that might signal a restaurant is a tourist trap:

• Located on a busy “piazza” or square
• If the restaurant has a menu with photos of the food outside the restaurant
• A person is standing outside asking you if you’re hungry/to eat at their restaurant

What Else Should I Know About Dining Culture in Rome?

There are few other things to keep in mind to make sure you enjoy your dining experience in Rome. An important one is that Rome is a heavy reservation city. It make sense since it’s one of the most visited places on the planet, but make sure to secure some reservations in advance of your trip to ensure you’ll get to eat at those restaurants you’ve been eyeing on social media or recommended to by a friend!

Another thing to consider is how you pack for trip and dress when going out to eat. Dining out is usually a more “elegant” event even if it’s just at a cozy neighborhood trattoria. Italians tend to dress nicer than the average American does when going out to eat, so if you want to blend in with the locals make sure to leave your t-shirt, nike shorts, and flip flops at home!

Something else that is very integral to Italian dining is the time and environment. Italians tend to eat dinner later in the day, usually around 8pm or later and dinners often last longer than 2 hours. Socializing and enjoying the meal takes time, so try to enjoy the process! And when the weather is nice Romans love outdoor eating where you can enjoy and aperol spritz with the wind cooling you off!

Oh, and don’t forget that Italians DO NOT eat cheese with seafood pasta! I learned that the hard way!