Foodie Travel Guide - Rome, Italy

🍝 Why Food Planning Matters When You Travel

I can only imagine you all know how much it takes to research, plan, and get packed up for any trip! But then there’s the added challenge of planning, finding, and eating at places that truly feel worth the effort it took to get there in the first place.

I think we all know it takes a lot of time and effort to find restaurants that are actually good —especially when you're hungry—amidst all the “noise” of hundreds of options out there.

So, for me, I try to do a lot of that work upfront. I research, research, and research again—all before I even pack my suitcases 😊

Yes, it takes a ton of time, but it really makes a world of difference when you sit down after a long day of sightseeing at a food spot that’s worth the cost, the taste, and the experience 😊 You feel satisfied!

And then you’ll talk about your food adventures for years to come (like… Do you remember that pasta we got at that little place in Rome, Italy? Wow, it was so good… I wish I could have some right now! Right?!). All because you took the effort to plan ahead and eat food that actually leaves you a satisfied and happy traveler.

😋 Because Nobody Wants to Travel Hangry

I know it might seem a little crazy, but… I probably spent a couple weeks of my life (around 40–50 hours) researching food spots leading up to our Rome, Italy trip. I scoured maps, read reviews, looked at menus, examined food photos—I did all this to find food that was unique, stood out from the competition, and offered the best options for everyone in my group.

Because who likes to travel with hangry, grumpy people?! And who wants to go hundreds of miles only to feel disappointed after a mediocre meal—especially when you know something better was out there?! Sounds horrible, right?!

So… do a bit of research.

✨ Save Time & Enjoy Eating Around Rome

This Rome, Italy food guide is meant to share all the hard work and research I put into exploring the Eternal City—searching high and low for the best food this restaurant-packed city has to offer.

I hope and promise this guide will save you time! I took care of weeks of research, tasted a wide range of restaurants, and finally created a simplified guide to Rome—eliminating the “just ok” spots and leaving you with the highlights you're sure to enjoy on your next trip to the Eternal City itself: Rome, Italy!

1. Best Italian Cuisine Restaurant (and our all-around favorite place we ate): Obicá

Price: $20–$30
Menu: View Menu
Website: https://www.obica.com
Location in Maps: Google Maps Link
Address: Via dei Prefetti, 26a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

This restaurant is nestled in a quiet part of the Ponte neighborhood in Rome, just north of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. And to be honest—like most of the best restaurants in Rome—if you walked by it, you'd probably miss it.

We stopped here on our first night after a long day of flying, visiting the Vatican Museums, and admiring St. Peter’s Basilica. The menu is impressive, and as a mozzarella bar, the cheese is absolutely drool-worthy!

Here’s what we ordered:

• Stracciatella Pugliese – A bowl full of the insides of burrata (heavenly!)

• Red Pepper Hummus – Made with crusco peppers from Senise IGP, balsamic vinegar, and crostini

• Quinoa Salad – Bell peppers, olives, avocado, carrot, pumpkin seeds, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

• Spaghettoni Cacio e Pepe – With crusco pepper from Senise IGP

• Fresh Tortelloni – Filled with mozzarella and lemon, topped with Pacchetelle cream

• Grilled & Baked Vegetables – Eggplant, peppers, zucchini, etc.

• Focaccia Oregano – Served with fresh basil

• Torta Tenerina – Dark chocolate cake served with mascarpone cream

With all this food, we shared everything between our group of seven—and it was just perfect! The pasta dishes were creamy, flavorful, and the noodles had a slight chew that showed off the handmade quality and care of the kitchen.

The veggies were also a hit with the whole family—vegetables are a big part of our cooking and eating—and these were cooked beautifully. They paired perfectly with the doughy focaccia oregano slices, the creamy and bright red pepper hummus, the best velvety stracciatella, and the buttery olive oil brought to the table during service.

My sister loved her quinoa salad! It was fresh, and the olive oil and vinegar dressing had just the right amount of tang, acidity, and flavor to pair with the salad.

And of course, dessert was a win for the chocolate lovers in the group. I didn’t try it myself, but everyone raved about the rich, gooey chocolate cake and how it paired with the creaminess of the mascarpone on the side.

The flavors in the cacio e pepe were subtle, with pops of spice from freshly ground peppercorn—absolutely heavenly! Between the saucy cacio e pepe and the melt-in-your-mouth lemon/mozzarella tortelloni, the pasta at Obicá was some of the best we had in Rome. I would highly recommend making a stop if you're nearby.

Overall, this place is amazing! Everyone in our group agreed—we’d love to come back and try more of their mozzarellas, pizzas, and loaded salad options one day.

2. Best Roman-Style Pizza: Emma

Price: $20–$30
Menu: View Menu (PDF)
Website: https://emmapizzeria.com
Location in Maps: Google Maps Link
Address: Via del Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Emma is a favorite among both locals and visitors—located just a bit south of the Pantheon.

I had read raving reviews about their Roman-style pizza and food that people just couldn’t stop talking about. So, of course, we had to give it a try for lunch after walking around the Colosseum and Roman Forum all morning... in 100°F (38°C) weather. 😅

Here’s what we ordered:

• Margherita Pizza – Tomato Pomilia, fresh mozzarella, and basil

• Bufala e Prosciutto Pizza – Aged Parma ham and fresh buffalo mozzarella

• Burrata and Sun-Dried Tomato – I asked for fresh date tomatoes instead of sun-dried, served on charred sourdough with creamy burrata and drizzled with flavorful olive oil

• Tomato and Basil Pasta – Fresh spaghetti with date tomatoes from Sicily and basil, cooked down into a simple sauce

• Cacio e Pepe – Pecorino Romano, Pecorino di Fossa, and roasted black pepper

• Ravioli with Ricotta and Herbs – Topped with saffron, fresh sage, and Parmigiano Reggiano

One thing I really loved about Emma is how they serve the pizzas first, before anything else. So if you're just there for pizza, you can eat super quick and be off for gelato before anyone else even gets their meal 😉 Haha.

But seriously—having the pizza first works perfectly, almost like a bread course for the table. It’s a great way to share a bite with the group before diving into all the pastas and other dishes.

Emma’s Roman-style thin crust is light and delicate, with the focus squarely on the high-quality Italian ingredients used on every pizza. My brother-in-law even said this was one of the best pizzas he’s ever eaten—and he grew up in Germany, pretty close to Italy—so that’s saying something, right?!

Emma’s pastas were also a highlight. The cacio e pepe was creamy and comforting; the ravioli had a soft, herby ricotta filling that made for a lovely bite; and the tomato and basil pasta was fresh with just the right amount of acidity, balanced nicely with olive oil and basil.

That being said, while the pastas were definitely good, it’s the pizzas that make Emma shine. They truly stand out from other Roman-style restaurants in the city.

We loved having a cool place to sit down, enjoy some air conditioning, sip on cold still water, and indulge in truly high-quality Roman food. We’d absolutely come back to Emma again—there are so many more pizzas on that giant menu that we still want to try!

3. Best Gelato: Flor Gelato Italiano

Price: $1–$10
Menu: View Menu
Location in Maps: Google Maps Link (one of several locations)
Address: Via Cavour, 337, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Flor Gelato Italiano is a cute little gelato shop located just south of the Colosseum. They make all of their gelato in-house, in small batches each day, using only real ingredients. That means no artificial colors or flavors—just the real stuff, and you can taste it in every bite! 🍨

Here’s what we tried:

• Stracciatella (chocolate chip)

• Fondente (dark chocolate)

• Nocciola (hazelnut)

• Frutti di Bosco (mixed berries)

• Crema della Nonna (custard cream with lemon)

• Vaniglia (vanilla)

• Pesca (peach)

The shop itself was clean, the service was kind and easy to work with, and all the flavors were clearly labeled in both Italian and English—making it super simple to read and order 😊

Everyone in our group ordered a small cup with two flavors, and we all shared bites to sample more of Flor’s rotating flavor menu. Overall, the Vaniglia (vanilla), Crema della Nonna (custard cream with lemon), and Pesca (peach) were the standouts!

But honestly, every flavor we tried was light, creamy, and delicious.

One of my favorite things about Flor is how light their gelato is—it’s not overly sweet, it’s not too rich or creamy where it leaves you feeling sick. Instead, it’s refreshing, smooth, and packed with just the right amount of flavor in every bite.

If you're sightseeing nearby and need a quick treat—Flor is the place to go. It won't disappoint 😊

I’d love to come back and try:

• Cocco (coconut)

• Variegato Amarena (black cherry)

• Fior di Latte (milk cream)

• Mascarpone e Fichi (cheese and figs)
  ...and more!

I love how many flavors they offer—and how they rotate based on what’s in season. Flor is the perfect gelato shop for satisfying everyone in your groups preferences - you need to try it!

4. Best Chain Food Location: Alice Pizza

Price: $1–$10
Website: https://www.alicepizza.it/en/
Locations: Various locations around Rome and throughout other Italian cities

Alice Pizza is a quick-service chain restaurant serving Roman-style rectangular pizza by the slice throughout Italy. The original Alice Pizza was founded in Rome in 1990, and while it’s grown significantly since then, the quality has stayed true to the very first shop.

What makes Alice Pizza great?

The best part about getting pizza from any Alice Pizza location is how you order:

• You choose from their ever-changing, endless topping options

• You tell them exactly how much you want

• They slice that amount and charge you by weight

To me, this feels perfectly fair—it means I get just the right amount I want. Not too little where I’m still hungry, and not too much where I waste the extra leftover food 😊

Plus, the prices are super reasonable, making Alice Pizza a great option for saving money while eating your way around Rome (or anywhere in Italy—because let’s be honest, food costs can add up quickly!) 😊

Here’s what we ordered:

• Potato & Cheese

• Tomato & Cheese

• Ham & Cheese

• Sea Salt & Olive Oil

The Alice Pizza we visited was a bit outside of Rome, heading south toward the coast. The restaurant itself was cute, had a wide range of pizza options, a great selection of ice-cold bottled drinks, and even a perfect little table where our group of seven could sit and enjoy lunch.

And the pizza? Delicious! 🍕

The dough is on the thinner side, full of impressive bubbles that give it that crispy bottom and edge—that artisan texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

I got the potato and cheese slice, and it was buttery, crispy, cheesy, nutty, and honestly kind of addicting. I also tried the sea salt and olive oil slice, which acted like a simple bread option—it had a perfect flakiness from the sea salt and a rich, buttery olive oil flavor that held its own on top of the lightly yeasted, crispy base.

I absolutely love Alice Pizza and would be excited to try more locations and flavor combinations across Italy. It’s the perfect place for a quick lunch when you’re traveling—so you can get in all those sightseeing stops and still have room for gelato later in the day! 🍕🍦🇮🇹

5. Best Pizza by the Slice: Spizzica Roma – Pizza al Taglio

Price: $1–$10
Menu: View Menu
Location on the Map: Google Maps Link
Address: Via in Lucina, 13, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Spizzica Roma is located just north of the Pantheon and east of the Tiber River (a river that has wild otters in it - so cute!). It’s tucked down one of those charming Roman alleys—a little gem you'd probably miss if you weren’t looking for it 😊

Despite its "hidden" aspect, the location is perfect for a quick bite of Roman-style rectangular pizza by the slice when you're sightseeing, shopping, or just wandering around the beautiful streets of central Rome.

Spizzica Roma was founded by two friends, Fabio and Luca, who brought 25 years of catering experience into opening their own pizza shop. Their pizza dough is their signature—it’s aged and proved for 72 hours, making it super light, airy, and the perfect base for their creative topping combos.

Here’s what we got:

• Guanciale, Cheese & Potato

• Porchetta & Mozzarella

• Margherita

• Stuffed Pizza with Porchetta

The pizza was yummy—with mild, balanced flavors that really let each ingredient shine through in every bite.

My favorite was definitely the Gorgonzola, Cheese & Potato slice. The tanginess of the blue cheese combined with the salty, crispy potatoes was so unique and flavorful. The dough was soft and easy to chew—light, yet filling.

If you're looking for a unique, hidden pizza-by-the-slice spot in Rome, I’d highly recommend Spizzica Roma. Here’s why:

• The service is fast and friendly

• Tons of pizza options to suit every preference

• Prices are budget-friendly

• Ingredients are high-quality and fresh

• And... the pizza is simply delicious!

Ordering is easy too:
Just walk in, choose your flavors, they heat it up in their quick warming oven, slice it in two, and you're good to go. Perfect for walking, snacking, and sightseeing.

We ended up getting quite a few slices, but shared everything among our group—so no leftovers! 😊 I definitely recommend sharing if you're in a group—it’s the best way to try more flavors.

Spizzica Roma is a must-visit if you’re exploring central Rome and want a fast, affordable, and satisfying pizza stop. I promise you - you'll be glad you didn’t miss this hidden gem! 🍕

6. Best Roman Cuisine Restaurant: La Panetteria

Price: $10–$20
Website: La Panetteria Website
Location on the Map: Google Maps Link
Address: Via della Panetteria, 13a/14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

La Panetteria is a cozy Italian restaurant located just above the Trevi Fountain. While this area is busy and packed with tourists, La Panetteria sometimes gets overlooked in favor of trendier spots nearby like Piccolo Buco, which tend to have a viral presence on social media - which looks good, but has extremely long wait times.

But honestly? La Panetteria deserves a spot on your list.

They offer both indoor and outdoor dining, depending on the season—which makes it extra enjoyable if you’re visiting during spring or fall when the weather is ideal for a charming, cozy meal outside.

Inside, the atmosphere is rustic and authentically Italian, with old-style brick walls that give it that classic Roman feel. The mismatched wooden chairs and cozy vibe make it feel relaxed yet rooted in the city’s culinary traditions.

The menu is broad enough to satisfy all kinds of eaters—offering pasta, pizza, meat dishes, and salads—making it a great place for groups with varied taste presences.

Here’s what we ordered:

• Roast Chicken with Potatoes

• Roasted Lamb Chop with Potatoes

• Gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce

• Ricotta Ravioli with Tomato Sauce

• Caprese Salad (Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil)

• Margherita Pizza

• Bucket of Fresh Watermelon Pieces

• Sautéed Spinach

The food was delicious overall. The Roman-thin crust pizza had the perfect soft chew, with stretchy mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, and that earthy basil flavor.

But the pasta was definitely the highlight.

• The Alfredo gnocchi were rich, creamy, and just melted in your mouth.

• The ricotta ravioli had that satisfying chewy pasta edge, perfectly complementing the soft, savory filling.

• And surprisingly, the side of sautéed spinach paired so well with the gnocchi—it was a flavor-packed combo we kept going back to!

My dad also loved the roast chicken, which fell-apart when you dug into the tender meat that was full of herby flavor. The potatoes the chicken was served with were generously salted and creamy— making a wonderful complete meal.

My brother-in-law had the lamb, and he said it was tender, flavorful, and still retained a bit of the lamb’s signature gaminess - in a good way.

The only dish that didn’t quite hit the mark was the Caprese Salad. The tomatoes seemed a bit prefab, and the mozzarella didn’t have much flavor, which was a bit of a letdown. But honestly, everything else made up for it.

Overall La Panetteria:

• Great food

• Excellent service

• WiFi available

• High chair provided (which was a win for my little nephew!)

• Perfect location near the Trevi Fountain

If you're in the area and want a solid, classic Roman meal in one of the touristy parts of town—La Panetteria is a great choice.

Bonus Tip - How to Save Money While Dining in Rome, Italy

1. Plan Ahead for Breakfast by Shopping at a Grocery Store the Night Before
One of our favorite travel hacks is buying breakfast staples like milk, cereal, paper bowls, and spoons to make a quick, simple breakfast for the family. This way, you can eat easily at your Airbnb or hotel without spending extra money or time each morning.

All you really need is a way to keep milk cold—something like a mini fridge works perfectly. Plus, having breakfast on hand lets you eat quickly, get everyone ready, and hit the road early to maximize sightseeing. I just love how it’s a big cost saver too - starting your day off right!

2. Opt for Sandwich Shops or Pizza by the Slice for Quick, Affordable Lunches
We tried to do this as much as possible because quick service spots are generally cheaper than sit-down restaurants. Sometimes, though, after a long morning in the hot summer heat, we wanted a nice place to sit-down, drink some cold water, and enjoy some AC for lunch - which works every once in awhile, but the cost definitely starts to add up.

If you can manage quick, casual meals during the day, you’ll save money—and then you can treat yourself to a nicer sit-down dinner in the evening. This strategy is especially helpful when traveling with a group, where restaurant bills can quickly add up with every meal that is ordered!

3. Share Meals When You Can
Most Italian dishes, especially in Rome, come in generous portions— it’s what you’re thinking - big plates of pasta or whole pizzas. Eating a full portion by yourself can be a lot, so sharing meals with your group makes the most sense.

Sharing not only saves money by cutting down on the number of plates you order, but it also helps reduce food waste at the end of each of your meals. Plus, it lets everyone try more dishes without feeling overly stuffed—maybe even leaving room for some delicious (and budget-friendly) gelato afterward!

Extra Bonus - Places I Still Want to Try in Rome — Highly Rated & Delicious-Looking

• Piccolo Buco

  A cozy sit-down spot famous for its Neapolitan-style pizza. Just a heads-up: the wait times can be long, so it’s best if your group is small and you have time to enjoy the experience of waiting in a queue. But if the pizza is as heavenly as it looks, it’ll must be worth it!

• L’antica Pizzeria Trivio
  This charming sit-down Italian pizza restaurant offers a nice menu of pizzas and pastas for everyone. Note: the kitchen doesn’t allow alterations, so the dishes come as designed by the chef.

• Gelateria Frigidarium
  Highly praised for its all-natural gelato made only with whole ingredients — no gums, dyes, or preservatives. Flavors like Yogurt & Berries, Coconut & Almond, and Orange Sorbet are on my must-try list - they all sound so yummy! Plus this place has so many options, even the pickiest eaters will find something to smile about.

• Antico Forno Roscioli
  A beloved family-run bakery since 1972, is housed in a building dating back to 1824! They are known for mouthwatering breads, lasagnas, pizzas, and baked goods, this social media favorite is a special gem for snacks or a quick lunch. Definitely on my radar!

• Le Levain
  A delightful bakery across the Tiber River, south of the Vatican. Their baked goodies look irresistible—perfect for a casual stop and treat.

• La Romana
  Claimed by many as the best gelato they’ve ever had. This charming gelato shop near the Tiber River boasts an impressive range of creamy flavors. It’s a bucket-list spot for me!

• Ginger Ristorante
  Offering a delicious brunch until noon, plus all round menu of bowls, pizzas, pastas, salads, and fruit bowls. With three locations around Rome, it’s easy to find one nearby wherever your exploring takes you.

• Bono Bottega Nostrana – San Pietro
  An awesome sandwich shop just south of Vatican City, boasting a 4.9/5 rating. Their sandwiches look absolutely delicious and make for a great, budget-friendly meal option.

• Seu Pizza Illuminati
  Ranked #3 in the Top 50 Pizza Restaurants in Italy! Their pizza looks incredible, and after watching videos of their pizza-making process, I’m wanting to visit and taste it for myself one day.