Welcome to Rome—the undisputed foodie capital of Italy, and it time to try Italian Street Foods. If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City, you’ll want to taste your way through its incredible street food scene. From crispy rice balls to decadent gelato and iconic Roman pasta, this guide covers the 10 must-try street foods that will make your Roman adventure unforgettable.
Whether you’re a food lover, traveler, or digital nomad exploring Italy on a budget, here’s your go-to list for the most delicious bites Rome has to offer.
1. Antipasti at Testaccio Market
📍 Where to try it: Street Food Central, Testaccio Market
Start your culinary adventure at the historic Testaccio Market, home to more than 20 authentic Italian food stalls. Grab small plates of burrata (a creamy, indulgent cheese similar to mozzarella) and prosciutto di Parma (a dry-cured ham known for its delicate flavor and buttery texture).
Cultural Tip: Italians treat antipasti as a warm-up course—served before a larger meal. Try pairing burrata with cured ham for a salty, creamy contrast.
2. Stewed Beef Sandwich from Mordi e Vai
📍 Where to try it: Mordi e Vai, Testaccio Market
This sandwich shop is famous for its rustic Roman-style sandwiches. One standout? Stewed beef in a spicy, tomato-based sauce, stuffed into chewy, crunchy Italian bread.
The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, and the bread is satisfyingly crusty—making this a full meal in itself.
3. Fiori di Zucca (Fried Zucchini Flowers)
📍 Where to try it: Found in many street food stalls and trattorias
A Roman delicacy! These zucchini blossoms are stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, then deep-fried until golden. They’re light, salty, gooey, and perfect as a snack.
While many call this a “must-try,” taste can be subjective. We recommend trying it fresh out of the fryer for the best experience.
4. Pizza al Taglio (By the Slice)
📍 Where to try it: Available throughout Rome
No trip to Rome is complete without a bite of pizza al taglio—rectangular pizza baked in large trays and sold by weight. Flavors range from simple margherita to elaborate toppings like grilled peppers, mozzarella, anchovies, and artisan cheeses.
Try it first at any local bakery—but save room for the best pizza in Rome (listed below).
5. Supplì (Crispy Rice Balls)
📍 Where to try it: Found in pizzerias and street stalls
Rome’s answer to Sicily’s arancini, supplì are deep-fried balls of rice, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. The crunch outside and gooey cheese pull inside are unforgettable.
Supplì are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack—and they’re cheap, often under €2.
6. Cacio e Pepe (Cheese & Pepper Pasta)
📍 Where to try it: Any Roman trattoria
A simple yet iconic Roman dish, cacio e pepe combines just three ingredients: pasta, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. It’s creamy, sharp, and peppery—with no butter or cream involved.
Best enjoyed fresh, this dish is a staple in Rome and a must-try for pasta lovers.
7. Carbonara (Egg, Cheese & Bacon Pasta)
📍 Where to try it: Local trattorias and pasta houses
Forget what you know about carbonara—no cream, mushrooms, or peas here. The real Roman carbonara uses egg yolk, pecorino cheese, and guanciale (cured pork cheek).
It’s rich, indulgent, and often served with rigatoni or spaghetti.
8. Gelato at Gelateria La Romana
📍 Where to try it: Gelateria La Romana (multiple locations)
The best gelato in Rome? Many locals and visitors agree: it’s at La Romana. Try flavors like stracciatella, fragola (strawberry), or their creamy biscotta della nonna (“grandma’s cookies”).
Gelato here is smoother and warmer than traditional ice cream—it contains less fat and is churned slower.
9. Maritozzo (Cream-Filled Roman Pastry)
📍 Where to try it: Traditional bakeries in Rome
This cloud-like Roman pastry is filled with sweet whipped cream and dates back to ancient times. Historically, men gave maritozzi to their sweethearts as a proposal gesture—hence the name (marito = husband).
Paired with a cappuccino, it’s the ideal Roman breakfast.
10. Trapizzino (Pocket Pizza Sandwich)
📍 Where to try it: Trapizzino locations around Rome
Invented in Rome, the trapizzino is a modern street food twist—a pizza-dough pocket stuffed with stews, meatballs, chicken cacciatore, or eggplant parmigiana.
It’s Italy’s answer to a taco—and just as satisfying.
📸 Image suggestion: Trapizzino with meatball filling
Alt text: “Trapizzino pizza pocket filled with Italian meatballs in Rome”
Bonus: The Best Pizza in Rome
📍 Where to try it: Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti, Via della Madonna dei Monti, 110 Roma RM, Italy
After a 40-minute walk in 35°C sun, we queued up with 50 others to try the #1-rated pizza in Rome—and it did not disappoint. The base had flavor, crunch, and chew; toppings were gourmet quality: mozzarella, anchovies, grilled peppers, and tomato sauce.
Tip: Show up early or expect a wait—but it’s worth it.
Final Thoughts: Rome Is a Foodie’s Paradise
Rome isn’t just about ruins and cathedrals—it’s one of the best food cities in the world. You don’t need fancy restaurants to eat like royalty. Just grab a paper plate, stand at a counter, and taste the love in every bite.
From traditional pasta to inventive pizza pockets, these street foods are Rome on a plate—simple, soulful, and sensational.
