It’s not secret Italy is my favorite place in the world.
I could move to wine heaven.
When it comes to the combination of history and cuisine, there are few places in the world that provide the type of high quality dishes and sightseeing that Rome does. From Michelangelo’s ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and the Gladiator lore of the Colosseum, to the local eateries and the world-renowned restaurants, weekend breaks to Rome provide something for everyone. I first went when I was 15 and I think my jaw hit the floor and stayed there the whole trip!
If you’re looking for a tasty get away to Rome, here are some of the city’s best dishes.
1. Pizza Bianca
This favorite of the Roman streets translates literally to “White Pizza,” but for non-Italians the fluffy, light, and salty bread might be better described as a focaccia. Wherever you happen to see a queue of locals walking from a shop with this delicious street food, be sure to join in line.
2. Carbonara
Asking a local what dish most typifies the Italian capital, most Roman’s wouldn’t blink before responding Carbonara, and perhaps following it up with the fact that their family recipe is the best in the country. Forget the Carbonara you’ve tried at home, thick with artery clogging cream, the Roman version is worlds apart with a light, silky texture.
This simple but delicious pasta dish is composed of a base of eggs, cheese, bacon, and black pepper and is one you can safely order anywhere and be happy you did. It’s one my may favorite Italian meals!
3. Quinto Quarto
Just as so many of the world’s great dishes have, this classic Roman plate might be best classified as a “peasant” dish. Named for the “fifth quarter” of meat that would usually be given away as payment to slaughterhouse workers, this delicious mixture of tripe, tongue, and intestine, is served in a variety of ways: tripa alla Romana – tripe with rich tomato sauce and pecorino cheese; coda alla vaccinara – oxtail stewed in a tomato based sauce. Kind of reminds me of the snout-to-tail movement we’ve seen in the States.
4. Pizza Romana
The Roman style of pizza is what most will recognize as a thin-crust style, but it actually lacks the traditional circumference of crust that most pizza eaters are used to. It does; however, have a crispy bottom to it that adds a tasty crunch to every bite.
5. Carciofi
The artichoke is the premiere piece in Roman produce, and though you can find it prepared in many different ways the two most famous ones are Romany style and Jewish style. One is braised with parsley, breadcrumbs, garlic, and mint, and the other is opened so the petals bloom and then deep-fried to a golden and crispy perfection. Either dish is a must try when in Rome!
No matter what dishes you sink your teeth into in Rome, there is no doubt you will enjoy your meals and never forget your Italian holiday.
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My last trip to Italy really was the most marvelous yet, even after crashing the Vespa. I can’t wait to take Vegas!
Have you ever been to Italy?
What is your favorite Italian dish?
One of my dream locations! Ah Rome!
I love Rome, but now that I’m GF I don’t think I could love it as much. You seriously crashed a Vespa?
Oh yes. Completely sober.
My first out of the country experience was in Italy and I tottaly agree with you Laura, it’s nearly impossible to top the culture, history, food and wine. I’m pretty hooked on CARCIOFI… I mean come on… what’s not to love.
Great article, I’m actually planning my first trip to Italy this spring! You’re making me excited and hungry!! 🙂
I went to Italy 4 years ago and it was the best trip of my life! we went to Rome, Venice and Florence and the food was amazing, this post makes me want to go back soon bad!
Florence was my favorite big city! It feels like a postcard.
I think I have been to Italy once when I was younger, but I would love to go again! Sounds like such an amazing and romantic place, and the food… OMG THE FOOD <3.
I’ve never been to Italy, but oh how I want to go! All of those dishes sound divine, especially the Carciofi. YUM.
Italy is my favorite place as well. I have dreams of renting a villa one summer and just hanging out and cooking and eating!
That would be my dream life!
I went to Italy when I was 9, and I have to say at the time and probably still today my favorite would be the gelato. Like, all the gelato. Walk another mile and you get more gelato kids. Don’t get bored at the Vatican and we’ll get you another scoop. This was parenting according to my parents!
Today, I would also savor the fresh mozzarella and tomato so much more. There’s no comparison for the real deal.
That’s so funny. We did the same thing as adults. LOL!
I think one of the greatest things about Rome is the FIND. You know what I mean. You wander, and you FIND. And it blows you mind.
Totally! I did that in Florence – went on a “short” run that ended up being 10 miles.
I NEED to get to Italy to see the Mother Land!
Those artichokes looking freaking delicious.
Right?! I love how they’re everywhere in Italy. That and eggplant. Yum.
John and I went to Rome when we were backpacking through Europe. The food is so amazing! And the Gelato!
I’m going to have to chat you up next Spring because that’s when we’re going to Italy!!! I’m beyond excited and I’m going with my whole family – woot woot!!! Let the planing begin…and the eating – OMG!
Please do!!! I went to a lot of the smaller towns too and love, love, loved them.
Drooooool. You’re making me want Italian food… and wine… and espresso. Actually, I love Italy as well, especially just a cold-cut sandwich from a cafe. Such good bread, meat, and sometimes even a little cheese – it takes a sandwich to a whole new level.
I went to Italy last summer for a yoga retreat and that week turned me into such a food snob! I am always disappointed now with the olive oil at the store and whatever it is they’re trying to pass off as gelato! LOL
That sounds like an amazing experience! And you are SO right about olive oil. It ruined me – I can only buy the fancy stuff now.
I’m going to Rome in October and this post is perfect! Bookmarking it for later 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Awesome! Where else are you going? Let me know if you want any recs! It love Italy. 🙂
ITALIAN SEAFOOD AND WHOLE GRILLED ARTICHOKES – GET IN MY FACE HOLE right this very minute!!!!!
It’s only been six days since I left Rome, and I miss it already. Best food on the planet!
I wish I could just move to Italy.
I love the looks of that artichoke dish! It’s a very underutilized vegetable. I’ve been to Italy twice and they really know their food.
I’m 100% with you, Italy is one of my favorite places ever! I studied abroad there and would move there for a few years in a heartbeat. I think I ate gelato, mozzarella, and tomatoes every single day I was there! 🙂
hahah favourite dish (And If I ever get the pleasure of going to Italy for the real stuff –>Gelato, pistachio in particular 😀 Looks like a fun trip!
The gelato won’t disappoint you! It’s good here… but OMG in Florence it’s the BEST.