Italy has always been a top contender for food lovers, but now it’s officially the world’s culinary capital. According to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Rome has snagged the title of the top food destination globally. With its promise of endless carbonara, cacio e pepe, wood-fired pizzas, and creamy gelato, it’s hardly a shocker. Rome’s food scene is the stuff of legend, and with the city buzzing in celebration for the Jubilee this year, it’s primed to attract millions of visitors looking to savor its flavors.
The Eternal City offers something for every kind of foodie. For pizza aficionados, Roscioli al Forno is the go-to spot for thick, seasonal pizza al taglio. Those craving the signature thin-crusted Roman pies should venture to Trastevere’s L’Elementare, where pizzas come straight from wood-fired ovens with just the right amount of char. Pair your pie with suppli al telefono, a fried rice ball oozing with tomato sauce and mozzarella, or stop by Trapizzino for their signature pizza pockets stuffed with classics like chicken cacciatore. Modern Roman street food doesn’t get more iconic than this.
When it comes to pasta, Rome sets the gold standard. Salumeria Roscioli combines the charm of an old-school deli with the magic of a restaurant, serving up one of the city’s finest carbonaras made with guanciale and pecorino romano. For a cacio e pepe that’s worth setting an alarm to book 30 days in advance, Armando al Pantheon delivers every time. Meanwhile, Da Cesare, just outside the historic center, offers fried gnocchi, bucatini all’amatriciana, and pizzas so good they’ve inspired a sister restaurant, Cesare al Pellegrino, with its own twist on Roman classics.
For those looking to splurge, Rome’s fine dining scene rivals that of any European capital. Imàgo, perched atop the Hassler Hotel, blends modern Italian cuisine with breathtaking city views. Then there’s La Pergola, Rome’s crown jewel of gastronomy with three Michelin stars, located in the luxurious Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria. These establishments prove that Rome isn’t just about rustic trattorias but also about pushing culinary boundaries.
Of course, no food tour of Rome would be complete without gelato. Gelato del Teatro is a must for inventive flavors like Sicilian almond and raspberry sage. Other heavyweights include Otaleg and Fatamorgana, which consistently impress with their creamy creations. Beyond the obvious hotspots, some hidden gems include the tranquil cafe at Chiostro del Bramante, perfect for a quiet cappuccino just steps from Piazza Navona. For a modern twist, the rooftop at Rinascente department store offers Aperol spritzes and a stunning view, while Il Giardino at Hotel Eden provides a serene lunch with views of the Villa Borghese gardens. Whether you’re after tradition or innovation, Rome’s food scene has it all, and then some.
