Where to eat in Rome

Italian cuisine is one of the best known and loved cuisines worldwide. A proof of this is that it is difficult to find someone who has not tasted pizza, ravioli or lasagne.

Besides the different types of pasta and pizza, Rome has many other characteristic dishes, like the bruschetta (toasted bread, oil, garlic and salt), panini (a traditional sandwich), different types of meats and fish flavoured with spices (such as the famous 'a la Romana' style fish), carpaccio, different cheeses (especially pecorino) and some meat products (bresaola, mortadella, prosciutto and saltimbocca).

Typical dishes

Although in all probability you will have no problem choosing from the dishes on a menu in Rome, it is always worth carrying a list of the common dishes and some ingredients to consult in case of any doubt.

Pizza al Taglio

Yummy! Italian Ice Cream!

Carpaccio: Fine strips of raw meat or fish sprinkled with olive oil and lemon.
Ensalada caprese: Mozzarella cheese with tomato.
Frutti di mare: Shellfish.
Bresaola: Cured veal.
Prosciutto: Cured Italian ham.
Risotto: Creamed rice.
Gnocchi: Potato based pasta.
Saltimbocca: Traditional dish made with veal (or pork), ham and sage.
Tiramisú: Dessert made with eggs, sugar, mascarpone, cake, coffee and cocoa powder.
Zabaione: Dessert made with egg yolk, sugar and sweet wine.
Panna cotta: Dessert made with milk and sugar that is often eaten with jam.
Babà: A type of biscuit with liquor.
Limoncello: A very common liquor obtained by soaking lemons in alcohol.
Sambuca: A very sweet liquor with an aniseed flavour.
Grappa: Grape based pomace brandy.
Campari: Reddish aperitif with a refreshing bitter flavour.

Ice creams in Rome

Roman farmhouse ice cream deserves a special mention in this section because just like in Venice, these are much better and also cheaper than in other countries. It is possible to find hundreds of farmhouse ice cream parlours all over the city that are open all year round.

Prices

Rome offers many different options depending on each person's budget. Ordered from more expensive to cheaper prices, the options are as follows:

Restaurants: All kinds of Italian foods are served besides meat and fish dishes.
Trattorias: They could be defined as small family restaurants. In these restaurants it is quite common to ask for a single dish accompanied by a drink.
Pizzerias: Cheap places that specialise in pizza. If the weather allows, a good option is to order the pizza to go and to eat in a lively square.
Pizzerias selling pizza by weight (Pizza al Taglio): Although they could also be defined as pizzerias, these restaurants offer different varieties of pizza and it is possible to buy the amount that you want. It is a good fast food option at lunchtime but, if you are looking for quality, pizzas made on the spot are usually the best choice. The pizzas that are sold by weight often have a thick crust.

In a large number of the Roman restaurants it is quite common to share a table with other people.

Opening times

The food is usually served from 1:00 and 3:00 pm and supper begins at 8:00 pm usually lasting until 11:00pm.

Locations

Although all parts of the city are full of restaurants and take aways, some of the most notable locations are the areas around the Trastevere, which are full of typical Italian restaurants, or perhaps some of the most animated squares of the city, like the Piazza Navona, the Campo dei Fiori, or the Pantheon.

All of these areas are full of terraces where you can enjoy typical Italian dishes in a very authentic environment.